Hey, Everybody! Welcome to Verse 3! One month down, only eleven more to go! I say that with a grin because I don’t want it to fly by. There are stressful aspects to what we’re doing here on our team because victory is labor intensive and demands focus and discipline. You can’t really cheat at your memory work. I mean, either we take the time for the constant repetition until it’s embedded underneath that skull of ours or we don’t. But, at the same time, it’s also rejuvenating, don’t you think? And fun? And, admit it, the team aspect of it is glorious.
In fact, I hope God is using this whole process to bring some of you back to life. I’m picturing all of us women like that valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37. Scattered in that broad dell of ours are skeletons of dead-tired, depleted girls from all over the United States and in at least a half dozen other countries. Thousands of us. The breath of God’s words falling on us, rattling our bones, wrapping us with new wine skins, filling our lungs, and beginning to raise us to our feet: a mighty army brandishing Swords. (Eph. 6:17) We use these swords to battle darkness and not one another. We are not Peter who, in an impulsive fury, left poor Malchus with one less ear in John 18:10. There they were, in the most critical moment in human history thus far and Jesus had to stop what He was doing and stick the man’s ear back on the side of his head. (Luke 22:51) Enough of this! Jesus commanded. The people around us who we are called to reach and serve in Christ’s name are not drawn to weapons and shredders but they are indeed drawn to courage and valiance and gracious strength. A well-trained soldier knows who his enemy is and who his enemy is not.
I’m looking forward to your verses! I am starting some memory work out of the one-chapter book of Jude today. I find this verse fascinating because the inspired penman really meant to write his audience about one thing when God sidetracked him to another. These dimensions of divine inspiration make my mind spin. I love thinking about it. Here goes mine:
Beth, Houston. Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. Jude 1:3 (ESV)
Contend for the faith. Lord, show us, teach us, equip us, fill us, and anoint us with holy affection, sound minds and doctrine to contend for the faith. Show us how to fight for our faith without wounding and scarring the people we were called to influence in the process. This can get tricky. Show us how it’s done.
I’m honored to serve you, Sisters, and to draw swords with you in this battle against the blackest darkness. Built up in Christ by the breath of the Spirit, focused and deliberate, we can be a mighty army.
OK, let’s have it. Your names, cities, verses, references, and translations.
Live and love well out there today, you hear?
Tags: Scripture Memory 2013
Lisa from Boonsboro, Md.
Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. NIV1984
Danielle Dallas, GA
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (NLT)
Debbie, Seymour,Tennessee, For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. Romans 12:3
Crystal, Omaha NE
The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. Psalm 28:7 (esv)
Hastings, FL
Romans 12:2 NKJV
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Caitlin
Demopolis, AL
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.
Romans 13:14 NASB
Jolinda from Yukon, OK
In all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight. Prov. 3:6 NIV
Kari – Lakeville, MN
The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14 (NIV)
Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.
Psalm 56:3 NKJV
Erin, Arkansas
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
2 Cor. 3:17, NIV
Dena S., Indianapolis, IN
James 2:19, NIV, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that–and shudder.”
Lisa, Lynnwood, WA
“Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind.” Psalm 26:2 NIV
Julie from Winston Salem, NC
I will give you thanks, for you answered me;
you have become my salvation.
Psalm 118:21 NIV
Margaret Ann from Pacific Junction, IA
Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. Even all the hairs on your head are numbered. So do not be afraid; you are more valuable than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31 NET
Rachel ~ Athens, GA
“Do not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-is not of the Father, but is of the world.”
1 John 2:15-16 NKJV
Brandy, Mooresville. Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But, now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people. Jude 1:3 NLT
“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.'”
Matthew 11:28
Proverbs 25:28 (NLV)
A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.
Misty; Midland TX
And He said to them, Be careful what you are hearing. The measure of thought and study you give to the truth you hear, will be the measure of virtue and knowledge that comes back to you-and more besides will be given to you who hear.
MARK 4:24 AMPLIFIED VERSION
Cindy
Chandler, OK
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body I live by faith in the son of God who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 NIV
Laura Gibbs, Waco, TX
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10 NLT
Linda Greene, NY
Do not let this book of the Law depart form your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8 NIV
Debbie, Calgary, AB.
“… For no word from God will ever fail. “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me according to your word.”
Luke 1:37,38 NIV
Janet from San Diego, CA
“Pray without ceasing!” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV
Proverbs 16:24
Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
NIV
Joretta, Waxahachie, TX
“For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, But My lovingkindness will not be removed from you, And My covenant of peace will not be shaken.” Says the Lord who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10, NRS
Lori DePriest
Katy, Texas
Romans 6:12
NIV
“Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey it’s evil desires.”
Carol Huff
Katy, Texas
Romans 6:12
NIV
“Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey it’s evil desires.”
Brandi K
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
“God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection.” Psalm 18:30 NLT
Lisa , Tunkhannock, PA NIV 2 Samuel 22:31 As for God, His way is perfect. The Word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.
Sheila~ Gardendale, AL
Revelation 1:17b-18 ESV
“Fear not, I am the first and the last and the living one. I died and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.
Kelly
Dauphin, PA
“I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father would give you (me) a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.”
Ephesians 1:17 HCSB
Amber from Manor, Texas: Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished! Luke 1:45 NIV
Sharon
Selma NC
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
Summer, Midlothian, TX – Philippians 4:8 KJV
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Galatians 6:10NIV Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Lisa, Cary, NC. “I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his spirit.: Eph 3:16 (NLT)
Staci, Bismarck, North Dakota, “The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses His people with peace.” Psalms 29:11 (NIV)
Ann Marie, Grand Rapids, MN
Be sober and alert. Your enemy, the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters all over the world are enduring the same kinds of suffering.
1 Peter 5:8-9 NET
Lindsay, Austin: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Col 3:2 NIV
Joy, Warrior, AL
Romans 8:4-6 ESV
In order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh, set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who walk according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
Julie from Lexington, KY
Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished. Luke 1:45, NIV
“blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her!” Luke 1:45 NIV
Nicole, Fairbanks AK:
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” –Ephesians 6:11-12 NIV
Theresa from Midlothian TX
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Him! Psalm 34:8 NKJV
Melissa Crutchfield
Bologna, Italy
“Then you shall see and be radiant;
your heart shall thrill and exult,
because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you,
the wealth of the nations shall come to you.”
Isaiah 60:5
Erica from Simpsonville, SC
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers.
Psalm 1:1 ESV
Anna Fowler, Seattle, WA
“and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.”(Colossians 2:10 NIV)
Whitney from Medora, IN
“The Lord they God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 KJV
Sadee
Celebration, Florida
“I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.” Psalm 57:2 ESV