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
Marsha
Lee’s Summit, MO
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonian 5:16-18 NKJ
What joy for those you choose to bring near, those who live in your holy courts, what joys await us inside your holy temple. Psalm 65:4 NLT
Valerie
Austin, Texas
“Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you.”
Psalm 55:22
NIV
in Muscle Shoals, AL
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1 NIV
Joy, Caldwell.
“No lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.” Matthew 5:15 New Living Translation
Shoot! My computer didn’t keep up with my fingers…
Joy, Caldwell.
“No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.” Matthew 5:15 New Living Translation
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV
Jan, Littleton
Pursue The Lord and His strength; seek His face always!
Psalm 105:4 (CEB)
emi, white house: “The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” 1 Timothy 1:5 ESV
Anne, Frisco TX. Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 NIV
Becky, McKinney, Texas – “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The lie I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and have Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
Heidi, Littleton, CO
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20 NIV
Karen
Grandview, TX
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Jeannette, Lewiston, ID “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. II Corinthians 9:8 NIV
Frances, Greer.
“For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3 NASB
In Thailand:
Micah 4:5 NIV
All the nations may walk in the name of their gods, we will walk in the name of the LORD our God forever and ever.
….following Jesus on His mission of love!
Stephanie
Eatonton. GA
I Peter 1:13
Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
NASB
Jeannie, Atlanta, IN –
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. ”
Matthew 5:9-12 ESV
Renee Huntington, WV
For we are God’s masterpiece. He created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10
Tabitha, Milan MI. “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV
Heidi from Nampa, Idaho
Psalm 143:8 (NIV)
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.
Sherri Bennett, Huntington Beach, CA:
“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Gal. 1:10, ESV
Donna, Parker, CO.
For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You for I am
fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:13-14 NASB
Cathi, Morristown TN
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Eph 6:16-18 (NIV)
Kate, Tulsa
For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime!
Weeping may last through the night,
but joy comes with the morning.
Psalm 30:5 (NLT)
Learn to do right;
seek justice.
Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
plea the case of the widow.
Isaiah 1:17 (NIV)
Bobbie Lutz, College Station
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 3:3 (NIV)
Teresa from Walla Walla
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” I Corinthians 1:18 NIV
Michelle, Livermore, CA.
“Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.” Psalm 119:133 NIV
Amber, Norman, OK
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. James 1:2-3 (NASB)
Amy, North Yarmouth, ME
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
Doris, Whiteville, NC
Continuing the passage I chose in Jan.
Ephesians 5:18-19 ESV
“Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart”
Debbie, Gulfport, MS
The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7 NIV
Sarah Beth Cooper, Meridian, MS
“More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of Him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them filth, so that I may gain Christ.” – Philippians 3:8 HCSB
Kay, Plainview TX
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 (NIV)
Andrea, Wellington
“For I know the my Redeemer lives an at the last he will stand upon the earth.” Job 19:25 ESV
Fareen
Las Vegas,NV
But to the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like the flowering grass, he will pass away. For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and it’s flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away. Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will recieve the crown of life which The Lord has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished it brings forth death.
James 1:9-15 NASB
Becky in Brewer, Maine
“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint.” (Proverbs 17:27a, ESV)
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24 NIV
Saige, Shreveport, LA
The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. (1 Timothy 1:5 ESV)
Georgetown, This is how God showed his love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. I John 4:9, NIV
I memorized Psalm 25 for the month of January. What a blessing! Our church was in the midst of a battle and learning this Psalm was a huge comfort! Thank you for all you are doing in the name of our Lord!
Jacci from Denver
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us… Titus 3:3-5 (NIV)
Tangila, Pearland TX.
The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. (Psalms 91:14, 15 NLT)
Barb… Urbandale, IA. Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
James 5:10-11 (NIV84)
Luann Grand Junction CO
Philippians 3:8 NIV1984
What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.
Jeanifer Bartlett
Port Neches, TX
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline. 2Timothy 1:7 NIV
Michelle J, Dallas TX
27 yrs old
Phil 4:11
NIV
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19 NLT
Christina McClain Nampa, Idaho James 1:2. Consider it a great joy, my brothers whenever you experience various trials. HCSB
Karla~Sedro-Woolley~Matthew 18:3-4~HCSB
“I assure you, He said, unless you are converted and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child-this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”