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
Annette, Richmond, TX John 1:5 ESV
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Natasha
Kitchener, ON, Canada
And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.
2 Corinthians 8:5 (NIV)
Elizabeth, Gainesville, GA
Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
Hebrews 12:12-13, NIV
Cynthia, Rockwell NC
If My people which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. II Chronicles 7:14(KJV)
Laura, Englewood, Co
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:11 NIV84
Tara
Greensboro, NC
Above all, fear the LORD and worship Him faithfully with all your heart; consider the great things He has done for you.
1 Samuel 12:24
HCSB
Melody, Jefferson ga
2 Cor. 10:5 (NIV)
We demolish arguments & every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, & we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Megan from Houston, TX “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumberance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, FIXING OUR EYES ON JESUS, the author and perfector of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 NASB
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…
1Peter 3:15 (NIV)
Jane, Milton, GA The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
Psalm 126:3 NIV
Carrie, Pueblo CO
“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NLT)
Tina, Gahanna Ohio:
You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3 New King James
hebrews 13:5 esv
keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
lesley, lincoln univ, pa
Colette, Mesa, AZ.
“You armed me with strength for battle,
you humbled my adversaries before me.”
Psalm 18:39 NIV
Indianapolis, Indiana
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12 NIV84)
Candace, Texas
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:29 NASB
Jennifer Janes – Texarkana, AR
Romans 4:20-21 (NLT)
Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever He promises.
Donna, Abilene
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
Linda, Delray Beach FL
Whoever has my commands and obeys them,
he is the one who loves me.
He who loves me will be loved by my Father,
and I too will love him and show myself to him.
John 14:21 (NIV)
Lila, Salem, Oregon
I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers! Isaiah 65:24 NLT
Barb, Medina
Toward the scorner He is scornful,
but to the humble He gives favor.
Prov 3:34 ESV
Jill, Fort Ashby, WV. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14 NIV
Melanie; Greenbrier, TN
I claim your rules as my permanent possession,
for they give me joy.
Psalm 119:111 (net)
Sallye San Angelo TX
Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people. Exodus 33:13 NKJV
Kristin, Belmont NC – “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalms 19:14 ESV
Amanda Burpo from Forney, TX
Keep your roots deep in Him and have your lives built on Him. Be strong in the faith, just as you were taught, and always be thankful.
Colossians 2:7 NCV
Renee, Camden
“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. Consider it pur joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
James 1:1-5 NIV
Andrea Overland Park, KS
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1 NIV)
Teri S, Great Mills, MD
“When there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is wise.”
Proverbs 10:19 HCSB
St. Louis
John 11:40 NIV. Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”
Whitney
Powellville, MD
When they kept questioning Him, He straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
John 8:7 NIV
Julie Payne, Muskogee, OK, ….And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, (Ephesians 3:17, 18 NIV)
Psalms 112:6-7 NIV
Surely the righteous will never be shaken;
they will be remembered forever.
They will have no fear of bad news;
their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
Spartanburg, SC
Melissa, Greensburg, KY. – “The Lord GOD(YHWH) has given Me the tongue of disciples, that I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.” – Isaiah 50:4, NAS
Elizabeth, Broomfield, CO
A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25 (NIV 1984)
You, LORD, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in You. Is. 26:3 Good News
Ginger
Wetumpka, AL
Bethany, Pittsburgh:
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19, NIV
Jennifer from Livingston, TN: “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 ESV
Sue, Wellington. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4. NIV84
Jennifer, Russellville, Arkansas
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the L ord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9 NLT)
Tina, Zalma, I command you – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 (NLT)
Carmen; Loveland, OH
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NIV
Sandra R., Swainsboro,GA
Accept instruction from His mouth
and lay up His words in your heart. Job 22:22NIV
Rene’, Cape Girardeau, MO This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:8 NIV
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.
2 Corinthians 9:8 NAS
Emily, Loveland, CO – “But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” (NKJV)
Ruth from Oran, Mo “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22 KJV
Dee Dee, Smyrna, GA. “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” Proverbs 10:19 (NLT)
Joanne, Tomball
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the L ord . “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT)
Rebekah; Sayre, PA
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
Psalm 32:8 NIV