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
The Lord will fight for you;
You need only be still.
Ex. 14:14 NIV
Emilie
North Carolina
Linda, Birmingham, Al
God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in time of trouble.
Psalm 46: 1. NIV
Sarah H.
Conroe, Texas
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
Jeremiah 33:3 NIV
Michelle Bordelon Prairieville, LA
Proverbs 2:1-5 ESV
My son, if you recieve my words and treaure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
Ryan Sussex, WI
“Delight yourself in The Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalms 37:4 NIV
Sarah, Edmond OK
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV
Julie, Sugar Land, TX
“We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death.” 1 John 3:14 NIV
Shay
Dallas, Texas
The mind if a sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the spirit is life and peace.
Romans 8:6
NIV
Kelly Lewis, Houston, Texas
For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift – not from works, so that no one can boast.
Eph 2:8-9 HCSB
Amber Alewine – Houston, TX
in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.
Ephesians 3:12 (ESV)
Kerre-Chattanooga TN. To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred in me forever. But you Lord my God, brought my life up from the pit. Jonah 2:6 NIV
Mary, Three Rivers, MI
Psalm 62: 5-6 NIV
“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock & my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.”
Janet, North Vancouver, BC: You have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3 NRSV
Cortni Hoover, Mobile, AL, “See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Hebrews 12:15 NIV
Teresa,Akron IN. Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint. KJV
Julie/Deer Park/I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his spirit in your inner being Ephesians 3:16 NIV
Carole La Junta Colorado
NIV
Thessalonians 5:16
Be joyful always.
Jean Garrison, Palm Bay, FL
They will rebuild the ancient ruins, repairing cities destroyed long ago. They will revive them, though they have been deserted for many generations. (Isaiah 61:4 NLT)
Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
Psalms 91:3 KJV
Stephanie King ~ Richardson, TX
And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives – words, actions, whatever – be done in the name of Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way. Colossians 3:16-17 MSG
Jill from Houma, LA
For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.
Luke 21:15 (NIV)
LASB version
Galatians 5:22,23
” But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phil. 4:13, NIV
Megan, Monroe, LA
Proverbs 23:13-14 (NIV84) Do not withhold discipline from a child; punish him with the rod and he will not die. Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death.
Cristi, Florida
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.
Psalm 28:7 NIV
Ashley
Huntsville, AL
Romans 5:5b ESV
God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Laura from Green Cove Springs, FL
Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb! Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him. Psalm 126:4-6 ESV
Kim
Murfreesboro TN
John 15:2 “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”
Laura Hagedorn of Wausau, WI.
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:15–16 (NIV)
Houston, Tx
NKJV
Thus saith the Lord, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters; Remember ye not the former things of old. Behold I will do a new thing; now it will shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and a river in the desert. –
Isaiah 43:18-19
And be found in him, not having mine on righteousness which is of the law, but that which is through the Faith of Christ, the righteousness of God by Faith. Philippians 3:9 KJV
Stephanie Johnson Buda, TX
Phil 1:8 (ESV)
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Xan
Cullman
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
(NKJV)
From Greenville, TX
Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live;
do not let my hopes be dashed. Uphold me, and I will be delivered;
I will always have regard for your decrees. (Psalm 119:116, 117 NIV)
Lori from Vivian, LA
He makes me to lie down in green pasture; He leads me beside the still waters.
Psalm 23:2
Tina, Odessa, TX
Heb 13:16 (NRSV)
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Charlotte Gadsden, Alabama
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in You,” Isaiah 26:3 NIV
Lisa from Arlington, Texas; Joshua 1:8
“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from 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.” NIV
Meg, Toronto.
There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1, ESV).
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
Trish from California, MD
Suzanne Loveland Co.When you produce much fruit, you are my disciples. This brings great glory to my father. John 15:8NLT
Megan, Northlake, TX
if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. (Romans 12:8 NIV)
Debbi, Littleton, CO
This is my command- Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 (NLT)
“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. (Proverbs 30:5 NIV)
Joy from Richland, WA: ‘But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.’ John 14:26, NIV
Vicki
Smithwick/Marble Falls, TX
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
2 Cor. 4:6 (ESV)
Paulette from Ramstein
The fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Prov 9:10 NKJV
Casey, San Antonio. “I will cry to God Most High, to God who accomplishes all things for me.” Psalm 57:2 NASB
Darinda, Trenton TX- I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Romans 12:1
King James Version
For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 NIV