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
Dana, Atlanta.
“Praise the Lord. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in His commands. (7) He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” Psalm 112:1,7 NIV
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11NKJV
Lauren from Forney, TX
Open my eyes, that I might behold wonderful things from your law.
Psalm 119:18 ESV
The fear of The Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
Fools despise wisdom and knowledge.
Proverbs 1:7 (ESV)
Our kids are getting involved with this and this is the one
our daughter picked out 😉
PTL!
Beth Mellinger
Lancaster PA
“The faithful love of The Lord never fails! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT
Hi Beth,
So glad you too are memorizing with Beth!! I hope to see you soon. Miss you!
Mary
Pam in Alexander City , AL
So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from The Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident,yes well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with The Lord.
II Corinthians 5:6-8 NKJV.
“Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.”
Psalm 105:4 NIV
Gwendolyn– McKinney, TX
The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand. (Psalm 119:130, NLT)
Janine, Eureka, CA,
“And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].” Colossians 3:15, Amplified
nancy, houston
“For in him we live and move and have our being.” Acts 17:28 NIV
Nancy, North Little Rock, AR
I am the vine; your are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit: apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5 NIV84
Esther, currently living in Alburquerque, Spain
He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. Job 8:21 NIV
Forgot my city: San Ramon, CA (Go ‘9ers!)
Tiffany, ATL
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33 ESV
Cate from Annapolis, MD
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
James 1:5, ESV
Samantha, London, England.
1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Heb 4:16 NIV
Shannon, Warner Robins
“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3: 20-21 (NLT)
Jill
Springdale AR
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
Marsha C, Kannapolis, NC
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
Gina from Huntsville, AL
Luke 22:42 NIV
Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.
Ashley from CO. 1 Cor. 3:7 (ESV) “So neither he who plants and he who waters is anything, but only God gives the growth.”
Rachel, Thousand Oaks CA.
” We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” 2 Cor. 10:5 ESV
Patty, Ada, OK
“So, do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.” Hebrews 10:35-36 NIV
Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
“But, the fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
Janet, Longmont, CO (currently visiting my daughter Esther in Alburquerque, Spain)
“There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?” John 6:9 NKJV
Sherri, Marietta, Ga: Instead [your beauty] should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:4 NIV
isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you; surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” NAS
Liz, Summerton, SC
With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation! ~ Isaiah 12:3 NLT
Sue, Magalia, CA
Ephesians 1:13 HCSB
When you heard the message of truth, the gospel of salvation and believed in Him you were also sealed with the promise of the Holy Spirit.
Amy – Fulton, MO
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalms 37:4 (NIV)
This is not, He will give me what I want; but God will show me what He desires of me.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Ephesians 6:10-11
The Lord bless you and keep you. (Numbers 6:24, NIV)
Patty, Shelton, WA. 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
Psalm 91:2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” NIV
Ashley from Bean Station,Tn: .. To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations,forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:21 ESV
Valerie ~ Pflugerville, TX
“Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.”
Psalm 103:2, NLT
Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it Love makes up for practically anything. 1 Peter 4:8 (MSG)
Jennifer, Houston
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God…” Colossians 1:9-10 (NIV)
oops! forgot that I was supposed to do 11 & 12 too!
“…being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” Colossians 1:11-12 (NIV)
Kristi Hudgins
Bogota, Colombia:
to proclaim the year of the Lord ’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, (Isaiah 61:2 NIV)
Before they call I will answer;
While they are still speaking I will hear.
Isaiah 65:24 (NIV)
Psalm 25:4-5 NIV
Show me your ways, Lord. Teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truths and teach me.
For you are God my saviour,
And my hope is in you all day long.
Aimee, Saskatchewan, Canada
Jodi from Tyler, TX and 7 co-workers
Ephesians 5:1-2
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (ESV and other translations)
Annherst – Saline, MI
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8, NIV)
Nancy Bradshaw Melbourne, FL
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 NIV
Julie, hanford, ca …..no power in the sky above or in the earth below-indeed nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our lord. Hebrews 8:39 NLT
Ashley Taylor – Lawrenceville, GA
Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help. Hebrews 4:16 NET
Peggyann ~ Crestview ~ “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 TLB
Emily McAnear
Corona, California
“Lord you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.”
Isaiah 25:1
NIV
Tammy – Greenville – SC
Acts 11:15-16 15 “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
Shelley from San Angelo
This is to my Father’s glory,
that you bear much fruit,
showing yourselves to be my disciples.
John 15:8 NIV