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
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 3:22-24
Sara Coll – Forest Lake, MN – “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.” (Lamentations 3:22, 23 NIV)
“Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake.” Romans 1:5 (NIV)
My soul finds rest in God alone, Ps 62:1
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NIV
Katie, Augusta, Ga: If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it. Gen 4:7 (NASB)
Tara, Hartford, IA
James 1:5-8 ESV
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;
8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe.”
Eph: 1:18-19a/NIV
Kate from Sterling, VA
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
Valerie, Taylors SC,
I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Philippians 4:12 NIV
Rachel, Rochester, NY – Psalm 103:17 (NIV) – “But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children.”
Yvonne
Louisville, KY
2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Sadie
Louisville, KY
Numbers 6:25
The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you.
Lacey Peyton
Morgantown, wv
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant and their faces will never be ashamed.
Psalm 34:5&6 (HCSB)
Peggy, Waynesboro, Ms
Psalms 67:1-2 KJV
“God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.”
Frances, Wilson,NC
I John 3:1
“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.”
Erin from Murfreesboro,TN
My dear brothers and sisters, take not 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
Teri S. Gadsden, AL
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my mind, be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psa 19:14 NIV
Ellie Michener, Trophy Club, Texas
“Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.”
Psalm 63:3
New Living Translation
Crystal
Tenaha, Tx
Be joyful 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)
Meghann, Lawton, OK
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:34 (NIV)
Marsha G., Jefferson, ME
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13 NIV
Natalie, Houston
May they all be one, as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You. May they also be one in Us, so the world may believe You sent Me. John 17:21 HCSB
Biffy, Greenwood, AR
“looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 ESV
Kristen Keeling from Covington, Ga.
“5 Now may the God of endurance and comfort give you unity with one another in accordance with Christ Jesus, 6 so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5-6 (NET)
Ande S, Corryton Tn
When thou passest thought the waters, I will be with thee;and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkway through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy one of Israel, thy Savior: I have Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
Isaiah 43:2-3
KJV
Carrie W.
Burnt Hills, NY
Give ear to my words, O Lord,
consider my sighing.
Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God,
for to you I pray.
In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice:
In the morning, I lay my requests before you
and wait in expectation.
Psalm 5: 1-3, NIV
Jennifer, Eugene, OR
“When You said, ‘Seek My face,’ my heart said to You, ‘Your face, Lord, I will seek.’”
“On the day I called, You answered me; You increased strength within me.”
~ Psalm 138:3 HCSB
Teena ~ Cypress, Texas
Barb, Philadelphia: Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)
“Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.
From Okeechobee. Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple. Luke 14: 23. NIV
Taylor from Moulton, Al
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)
Katherine, Atlanta GA
“Look among the nations! Observe!
Be astonished! Wonder!
Because I am doing something in your days—
You would not believe if you were told.
Habakkuk 1:5 NASB
Kristin – Jacksonville, AL
“And he brought us out from there, that he might bring us in and give us the land that he swore to give to our fathers. “(Deuteronomy 6:23 ESV)
Linda Peel Lexington, KY
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people,[a] in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 NRSV
Paige, Brownfield
3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 NET
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go!
Joshua 1:9 NIV
Gretchen, Kearney, MO
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things will be added unto you. Matthew 6:33 KJV
Heidi, Blairsville, Ga. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
1 Peter 2:9 KJV
Melissa from Denver:
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. (Psalm 143:8 NIV)
Laura from Mount Dora,
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 18:21 NKJV
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Psalm 91:4. NLT
The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. (Psalms 32:8 NLT)
Frisco Texas
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2 NIV
Brittney, San Angelo, TX “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 NASB
Kim from Huntington, WV 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. II Corinthians 12:9 NIV
Nancy, Rhinelander,Wi
I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High. Psalm 9:2 NIV
Sarah Bradfield, Euharlee, GA Acts 2:26-28 NIV
Therefore, my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body will rest in hope, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.
Susan, Springfield, VA
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NAS)
1. If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
2. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
3. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
Christy, Summit, MS; “Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.” Isaiah 58:8 NIV
Deb K. Sterling Hts, MI
Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished. Luke 1:45 NIV