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
Hayley- Alicante, Spain
Romans 12:11-12 (NLT)
“Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.”
Galatians 5:6b NIV
The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways.
Isaiah 55:8 (NIV)
Erika, Hampden, MA
Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things which your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons,
Deuteronomy 4:9 NAS
Kristine from Welland, Ontario. “God can do anything, you know – far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.” Eph 3:20(The message)
Lyn Steriti
Littleton, NH
So shall My word be that goes out from My mouth;
it shall not return to Me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
Is. 55:11 ESV
Jenna L, Saline, Mi
” And therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts himself up that he may have mercy on you and show loving kindness to you.”
Isaiah 30:18a
Tammy Mashburn, Spartanburg SC…”For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.” Psalms 91:11-12NLT
Brandie, Ohio
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (Galatians 5:22 ESV)
Judy-Taylors, SC “The Lord and King is the Holy One of Israel. He says, “You will find peace and rest when you turn away from your sins and depend on me. You will receive the strength you need when you stay calm and trust in me. But you do not want to do what I tell you to. (Isaiah 30:15 NIRV)”
Brenda Wilken
Eureka, Missouri
I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I have put my hope in your word.
Psalm 119:147
Jane, Cuba, Missouri
Psalms 77:11 NIV
I will remember the deeds of the Lord,
yes I will remember your miracles of long ago.
Karen, Greenfield, OH
2 Cor. 1: 20-22 NIV
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are
YES in Christ. And so through him the Amen is now spoken
by us to the Glory of God. Now it is God who makes both
us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his
seal of ownership on us, and put his spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
Roseville, MN
Proverbs 21 : 23 AMP
He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from clamity.
Holly, Missouri City, Texas
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
–Matthew 5:6 (NIV)
Debbie, Folly Beach, SC
Most of all, let love guide your life, for then the whole church will stay together in perfect harmony.
Alicia,
League City, 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
Brooke,French Lick, IN
The Prudent see danger and hide from it, the simple keep going and suffer for it. Proverbs 25:12 NIV
Amy in Hermann,
Philippians 2:14
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life.
Maryjo from Chandler, Arizona
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV
Sheila from Florida
Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.
Jeremiah 15:16, NKJV
Elizabeth – Moore, OK
Galations 5:25-26 (ESV)
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Deanna Collins – Frisco, Tx
2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV)
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Natalie, Nashville, TN
Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God.
Mathew 5:7-8 NIV
Debbie, Folly Beach, SC Colossians 3:14 Living Bible
Most of all, let love guide your life, for then the whole church will stay together in perfect harmony.
(forgot to add reference)
Kim, Yorktown, VA
They worshiped the LORD, but they also served their own gods in accordance with the customs of the nations from which they had been brought. 2 Kings 17:33 NIV
Cacey from Livonia
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16 NIV
Pamela, Round Rock,
Psalm 3:3. ESV
But You, O Lord, are a Shield about me,
my Glory and the Lifter of my head.
Matthews, NC
I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.”
Psalm 94:18-19 NLT
Linda, Richmond, VA
I will restore you and the years that the swarming locust has eaten.
Joel 2:25, NIV
Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord, and he heard me; he delivered me from all my fears. KJV
Courtney, Chicora. 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)
Jane, Little Rock, AR
For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, that you do not strike your foot against a stone. Psalm 91:11-12 NASB
Ashley from Huddleston, VA – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord you God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV
Linda Smith, Little Rock,AR
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and godly in the present age. Titus 2:11-12 NASBU
Matthew 11: 28-29 (NIV)
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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.
Kelly, Charlotte, NC
God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?
Numbers 23:19 NIV
Diane, Wedgefield, SC – Now the Lord is the Spirit,and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17, NIV 1984
Ellen from Syracuse, NY:
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” –1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV
Elske, the Netherlands:
“For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead.” Psalm 86:13 NIV.
Tracy
Lake St. Louis, MO
Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Luke 9:23, NIV
Judy – Baldwyn, MS
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29 NIV
Casey, Ooltewah, TN Psalm 34:4 “I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” (NLT)
Carrie Leonard, San Luis Potosí Mexico
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2 NIV)
Nancy, Newport News
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1: 2-3 NIV
Pam Smith
Smithfield, NC
“Your salvation requires you to turn back to me and stop your silly efforts to save yourself. Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on me. ”
Isaiah 30:15 (The Message)
Karen, Norfolk, VA: You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Psalm 139:3 (NIV)
Bryan, TX. “Your salvation requires you to turn back to Me and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves. Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on Me.” Isaiah 30:15 The Message
Aleen, New Port Richey, FL
Psalm 143:8 ESV
Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,
For in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go,
For to you I lift up my soul.
Sandy, Macon, MS Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love Eph 1:3-4 (ESV)