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
Katrina from Tahlequah, Oklahoma
So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.
Galatians 5:16 (NLT)
Ellen from Chattanooga, TN
Each time He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT
Christy T. – Dallas, TX
“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
Janifer, Glen Burnie, MD
Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
Lisa Mobley, San Antonio, TX
To those that use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.
Matthew 25:29 NLT
Cassia, Spring, TX
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do no let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galations 5:1 NIV
Chris
Canton, NC
“They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.”
Psalm 112:7
NIV
Tara from Lexington, KY Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make ever effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:2-3
Anne from Hot Springs, AR:
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.” (Deuteronomy 6:6 ESV)
Julie – Wickett, TX
The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.
Psalm 145:18 (NKJV)
Ellen, Albuquerque. Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler. Proverbs 6:5 (NIV)
Shelli, Glen Allen, VA
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.
(Romans 12:2) NIV
Bev Flynn Barberton, Ohio
And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare His ways.
Luke 1:76 ESV
Leigh, Montgomery: Do not love the world or anything in the world.If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 1 John 2:15 NIV
Jeanni, Westland
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7. KJV
Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Psalms 25:4-5 NIV
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
Kendra – Dallas, TX
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3 (NIV)
Imogene, Austin, TX
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” III John 1:4 NIV
Kristin V from Greenwood, IN: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NIV
Marilyn Wirsz, Odessa FL
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1st Thessalonians 5:16 niv
Cindy from KY
Ephesians 4:32 ESV
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Jaclyn, Palestine, TX NIV When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of Heaven. Nehemiah 1:4
Kristen from Mount Joy, PA
Psalm 62:5-6 Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. (NIV)
Joelle, Agawam.
Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what he had promised.
Genesis 21:1 NIV
Debbie Z Vancouver, WA
Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy. Hab 3:2 NIV
Leanne
Sallis, MS
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think according to the power at work within us.
Ephesians 3:20 ESV
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” 1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV
Cynthia, Benbrook, TX … but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “you shall be holy, for I am holy.”
Psalm 105:4
Look to The Lord and His strength; seek His face always!!
Stephanie – Atlanta GA
Colossians 3:17 (ESV): “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Susan Greenville, SC “Make me know your ways, O Lord; Teach me your paths Lead me in your truth and teach me. For you are the God of my salvation. For you I wait all the day.”(NASB)
Linda from Birmingham, AL
“All your sons will be taught by the Lord, and great will be your children’s peace.”
Isaiah 54:13 (NIV)
Psalm 91:1-2
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”
Kerry, Houston
Thy words were found and I ate them,
And Thy words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart;
For I have been called by Thy name,
O Lord God of Hosts.
– Jer. 15:16 (NASB)
Lindsey, Jenks, OK
“Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the HOPE that lies before us. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” ~Hebrews 6:18-19 NLT
Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: REJOICE!
Philippians 4:4 NIV
Jo Anne, Chicago, IL
Jill from Houma, LA
And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgement day for every idol word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.
Matthew 12:36-37 NLT
Lindsey, Tucson, AZ
“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.” -Psalm 91:14-15 NKJV
Heather Haan, O’fallon, MO
When worries threaten to overwhelm me, your soothing touch makes me happy.
Psalm 94:19
NET Bible
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31, 32 NIV)
Kim, Loma
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5,6 NIV
Alicia, Gulfport
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. (Psalms 139:3 NIV84)
Candice Lombard, Cape Town, South Africa
“For the Lord God is a sun and a shield: the Lord bestows favour and honour. No good thing does He withhold from those whose walk in blameless.”
– Psalm 84v11 (NIV)
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13(NIV)
Elaine – Brea, CA
But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.
John 1:12, ESV
kate | harrisonburg, va | “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:8, esv
“But whoever listens to ME will dwell safely and will be secure, without fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33 (NASB)
Donna
Tyler, TX
Psalm 118:24 NKJV
This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Kari in Katy, TX “therefore put away all filth unless and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” James 1:21