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
Lisa Stimpson. Munford, Tn.
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house,
And try me now in this,” says The Lord of hosts, If I will not open for you the windows
Of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room
enough to receive it. Malachi 3:10. NKJV
Michelle, Boynton Beach, FL
I will love You, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:1-3 NKJV
Tesa
Perry GA
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
James 1: 26
Jenna from Columbia, MO
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” James 1:26; NIV
Addison, Jackson, TN
Let my whole being bless the Lord ! Let everything inside me bless his holy name! (Psalms 103:1 CEB)
Nancy, Lufkin, TX. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
Beth, Robinson, TX
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”
James 1:12 NIV
Sarah, lambertville, Michigan
1Samuel 12:24
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.
Tori, Robinson, TX
“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 6:1 NLT
“As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
1 Peter 2:4-5
ESV
Angela Loven, York, Ne
Psalm 84:11 NIV
“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”
Stephanie-Amarillo, TX
Do everything without grumbling or arguing-Philippians 2:14 (NIV)
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. Jeremiah 29:11
Kira, Springfield, IL:
You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart. – 1 Peter 1:22 (NLT)
Shannon, Birmingham, AL
“So that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.” NASB
Winchester, KY
Above all else guard your heart
for it is the wellspring of life
Put away perversity from your mouth
keep corrupt talk from your lips
Let your eyes look straight ahead
fix your gaze directly before you
Make level paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm
Do not swerve to the right or the left
keep your foot from evil.
Proverbs 4:23-27
Katie, Madison, WI, “That our hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding -resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself in Whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:2-3 NASB
Carla Lee
Corryton, Tn.
Ps.38:9 NIV
“All my longings lie open before you, O Lord: my sighing is not hidden from you.”
Heather – concord, nh
Jude 1:24-26
“And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy. All glory to him, who alone is God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes, glory, majesty, power and authority belong to him, in the beginning, now, and forevermore. Amen.”
NLT
Marci, from Florence…
“Then, calling the crowd to join His disciples, He said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang onto your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?”
Mark 9:34-36, NLT
Cathy from Essex junction, Vermont
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 ESV
Muriel in Ontario – Ephesians 1:18 (NLT) I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.
For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. II Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
Angel Varney Dayton, Ohio
Psalm 126:3 NIV
The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with JOY!!
Shannon, Birmingham, AL
“So that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.”
1 Corinthians 2:5 – NASB
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ took hold of me.Phil. 3:12 NIV
Stephanie, Kansas City, Missouri
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. (Philippians 4:8 ESV)
Sarah, Greenwood, AR
“The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
2 Timothy 2:2 NASB
unsure if my verse posted because my computer went down right when I finished. Thus I will repost
For I know the plans I have for you,declares the Lord, plans to prospore you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Jane W.; Lincoln, NE; Romans 12:12 (ESV) Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Christy, Monroe, GA
“Sow for yourselves righteousness,reap the fruit of unfailing love,and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.” ~ Hosea 10:12
Ashley Sullens
Kings Mountain, NC
Genesis 15:1 (NAS)
After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great.”
Wanda
Osborn, Missouri
Psalm 63:3 (ESV)
Because Your steadfast love is better than life,
my lips will praise You.
Evansville, IN
“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.” I Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)
Traci
Vadnais Heights, MN.
Psalm 19:12 (NLT)
“How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?
Cleanse me from these hidden faults.
Keep your servant from deliberate sins.
Don’t let them control me.”
Debi from Merrimack, NH
“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children.” Ephesians 5:1 (NLT)
Holly, Carrollton, GA
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:14 (NIV)
Anne, michigan.
James 3.17 NLT But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.
Elaine, Baltimore
I am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out [freely], and will find pasture. The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).
John 10:9-10 Amplified
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of GOD, which HE promised beforehand through HIS prophets in the holy Scriptures.
Romans 1:1,2 ESV
Suzann Benson
Kingwood WV
Briana, Greenville SC
“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of water will flow from within them.”
John 7:38 NIV
Marilyn from Arlington, TX
Isaiah 55:2-3 (NLT)
Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good?
Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food. “Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.
Kim, Huntsville, AL James 1:4 – Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. NIV
The world and it’s desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
1 John 2:17
“For by grace you have been saved, through faith. And this not your own doing, it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV
Lisa, Marion KY,
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7, NIV
Rebecca
Kilgore, TX
“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ”
Phil. 3:8
Rhonda, Foley, AL 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
Staci – Fayetteville, NC
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)
Kim, Edmond, OK It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Gal. 5:1 NIV