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
This is My commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:12-13 ESV
Lea from Granger, IN. Proverbs 25:11 ” a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver” ESV
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.
Isaiah 40:1 KJV
Corinne in Chehalis, Washington
Linda, Olympia, WA-Romans 6:13 NKJV “And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.”
Lorie, Columbia, SC
Now listen you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. James 5: 1-2 NIV
Julianna, Gulf Shores. “My words are Spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63
Susan M., Locust Grove VA
James 3:17
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.
NLT
Kara,Akron
I will praise the, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will she’s forth all thy marvellous works. Psalm 9:1 (KJV)
Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV)
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
Stacy Blalock from McDonough, GA
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,while we wait for the blessed hope-the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Titus 2:11-13 NIV
Troy, OH
Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, Matthew 5:23 NIV
Fran, Knoxville/Corryton, TN
O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee. Psalms 25:20 (KJV)
Jessie
Grayson, Ky
Phil. 4:7 KJV
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music from your heart to the Lord
Ephesians 5:19
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Danna – Tallahassee, FL
Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:27, 33-34 NIV
“Lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.” Ephesians 4:1 NLT
1. Sam.3:9 NIV
So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say,’Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening'”.
Lichelle Nanninga Austin
Romans 8:15 NIV
The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather , the Spirit your receied brought about your adoptions to sonsip an by hime we cry Abba Father.
Christine, Stephens City, VA Ephesians 2:10 KJV For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 KJV
Susan,Fairhope,AL- 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. (NIV)
Rebecca, Tacoma, WA
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
Jane, Houston,TX:
Philippians 4:6-7
Revised Standard Version (RSV)
6 Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Karlys, La Place, LA
Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;
bind them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
So you will find favor and good success
in the sight of God and man.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:3 to 6 ESV
Psalm 63:7 (NIV)
Because you are my help, I will sing in the shadow of your wings.
E’Von,Houston,
“God is our refuge and strength,
an ever- present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 NIV
Mary Anne S. Manvel, TX Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. NIV
Laura, Indianapolis “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Gal 5:16 ESV
Maria – Macomb, Michigan
Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Haley, Birmingham, AL
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with al my ways.
Psalm 139:3 (NIV)
Juanita
Ephesians 1:7-8 ESV
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight…
Cathy, Dallas:
2 Corinthians 12:9(NIV)
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Olivia, Tennessee
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemy before you saying, “Destroy him!” Deuteronomy 33:27 NIV
Carolyn, Orofino, Idaho
Jesus replied: “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40 NIV
Suzanne, Birmingham: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalms 18:2 NIV
Jennifer, Otisville, MI
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. EPH 4:32 NIV
Julie
McKinney, TX
Isaiah 50:7 (NASB) For the Lord God helps me. Therfore I am not disgraced; Therefore, I have set my face like flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed.
Deborah – Port St. Joe, FL
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
Malachi 3:10 NIV
Bonnie from Jacksonville, FL
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Becky from Norfolk, VA
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12 ESV
“The Lord is gracious and righteous, our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” Psalm 116:5-7 NIV
Stephanie – Imperial Beach, CA
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.
~2 Peter 1:3
Gail from Silverdale says: “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” Psalms 37:23-24 NLT
Juanita Perry
Raleigh, NC
Ephesians 1:7-8 ESV
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight…
She is not afraid of bad news, her heart is firm, trusting the Lord. Psalm 112:7 NIV
Kaylee Pritchett – Athens, Ga: “Oh how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!” Psalm 31:19 ESV
Sandra S. Tolson
from Winchester, KY
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might be increaseth strength.
Isaiah 40:29
*”he” increaseth…not “be” increaseth.
Gail, Cary, NC
“Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT)
Lindsay, Warrior, AL
“But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.” Psalm 13:5 (ESV)
Debbie from Gastonia, NC Prov 2:3-5 (NIV)
Indeed if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. – that’s what I WANT!!!!
Brooke – Ladson, SC
Matthew 11:28 NLT
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.