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
Rachel, Fort Smith, AR
“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”
Psalm 105:4 (NIV)
Blair, Austin tx. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:18, 19 ESV)
Holly G, Littleton CO,
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. (Proverbs 10:19 NIV84)
Gwen, Muskogee, OK. Philippians 2:3 NIV. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves
Amy G (& Ally age 4)
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
Because of the Lord ’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”
(Lamentations 3:21-24 NIV)
Amy G (& Ally age 4)
Carthage, MO
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
Because of the Lord ’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”
(Lamentations 3:21-24 NIV)
Jody, Butler PA, Psalm 16:5-6 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. ESV
Tanya, Raleigh,NC
Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my Hope is in Him. Psalm 62:5 NLT
Heather, Hot Springs, AR, AMP, Psalm 25:3
“Yes, let none who trust and wait hopefully and look for you be put to shame or be disappointed; let them be ashamed who forsake the right or deal treacherously without cause.”
And He brought us out from there, so that He might bring us in.
Deuteronomy 6:23 ESV
Stephanie, Waynesboro, MS
Proverbs 31:10-12
10 A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
And lacks nothing of value
12 She brings him good, not harm,
All the days of her life.
NIV
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (Isaiah 26:3 NIV)
Stephanie – Mammoth Lakes, CA
Glenda
Pasadena TX
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)
Ellen
Cleveland, TN
Hebrews 1:3 KJV
Who being the brightness of His glory,
And the express image of His person,
And upholding all things by the word of His power,
When He had by Himself purged our sins,
Sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.
Reanna, Cyrepss, CA
Psalm 51:12 (NIV)
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.”
Jana, Lee’s Summit, MO
Brothers & sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 3:13-14 NIV
Ephesians 2:4 (NLT)
God is so rich in mercy.
Christa, Memphis, TN.
Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it. (1 Peter 3:9 NLT)
Debbie, Auckland – NZ
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Proverbs 31:8-9 NIV
Megan, St. Louis, MO
“The LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast desert. These forty years the LORD your God has been with you, and you have no lacked anything.” Deuteronomy 2:7, NIV
Tiffany Fling Kansas City, KS. Prov 4:21-22 NIV
Don’t lose site of my words. Let them penetrate deep within your heart,
for they bring life and radiant health to anyone who discovers their meaning.
Tiffany. Houston. “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self control” ESV
Michelle from Tulsa, OK
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2 NIV)
Shawna Ervin, Denver, CO
Fear not , for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
Isaiah 43:1b, NIV
Louise. Atlanta. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Col 4:6. NIV
Dusti , Van Buren, AR – “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:25-26 NIV
Morgan T
Hattiesburg, MS
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The urgent request of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect. James 5:16 (HCSB)
Tiffany-Dallas, GA
Romans 8:31-32
31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
NIV
Brenda from Byhalia, MS
Proverbs 3:5-6 AMP
5 Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
6 In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.
Kate from Tacoma, Washington
The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them. The Lord  protects all those who love him, but he destroys the wicked.Â
Psalms 145:18-20 NLT
“Ah, Lord God! Behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee.”. Jeremiah 32:17. King James
Woodbridge, CA
Lauren H Charlton NY
Psalm 139:14 NASB
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
Kathy, Houston, TX
The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
1 Thessalonians 5:24(NIV)
Philippians 4:8 (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.
Sabrina
Morristown, Tennessee
“Watch this: God’s eye is on those who respect Him, the ones who are looking for His love. He’s ready to come to their rescue in bad times; in lean times He keeps body and soul together.” Psalm 33:18-19 The Message
Lynda, Ocala, FL: The Lord will keep you from all harm- He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121:7-8 NIV
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.
Kathy
Chattanooga, TN
Tracy~Edgewood, Kentucky
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. ~2 Corinthians 9:8
Rachel,Winnipeg,”There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1 NAS
BethAnn, Enola, PA
Be joyful because you have hope, be patient when troubles come, and pray at all times.
~Romans 12:12
Marie, White Pine, TN
Show me your paths and teach me to follow; guide me by your truth and instruct me. You keep me safe, and I always trust you. (Psalms 25:4, 5 CEV)
Tami from Monroe, GA “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.
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
Gerrie, Roeland Park, KS
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
Idaho, James 4:8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
ESV
Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32 ESV
Ashleigh D. Lewistown, MT
“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are His. He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” Daniel 2:20-21 (NIV)
From Julie in Fishers,
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”
2 Corinthians 5:20
Candice Crespo, Covington LA
The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.
Exodus 14:14 NKJV
Gwen, Kennesaw,
Romans 15:13, “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.” (NIV)
Hayley Ava, Missouri
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NIV
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Angel in MS
I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength.
Philip 4:13 ceb version