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
Karen, Knoxville, TN
“So we fix our eyes on not what is seen, but on what is unseen; for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)
Natalia, Castle Pines CO. “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” Proverbs 12:18 (NIV)
Shannon, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA
Isaiah 26:8 (NIV)
Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.
Sandra Bradley
Chiang Mai, Thailand
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
Tawni, Oregon
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2b&6b (NIV)
There is a time for everything & a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to plant & a time to uproot, a time to keep & a time to throw away.
AnnaMarie – Pittsburgh, PA
“This is what the Lord says: Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded, declares the Lord. They will return from the land of the enemy. So there is hope for your descendents declares the Lord. Your children will return to their own land.” (Jer 31: 16-17) NIV
Ty, Euless
This letter is from Simon Peter, a slave and Apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to you who share the same precious faith we have. This faith was given to you because of the justice and fairness of Jesus Christ, our God and Savior. 2 Peter 2:1 (NLT)
Maymee, Augusta
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7 NIV
Psalms 23:1 KJV
The LORD is my shepherd I shall not want.
Janet
Murphy, NC
James 2:9-10
Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
Kelly, Colorado Springs, CO
“I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart, I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” Psalm 9:1 NIV
Pam, Fairhope, AL
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8 (NKJV)
Michele, Naperville, IL
“The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior (Who saves)! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest (in silent satisfaction) and in His love He will be silent and make no mention of past sins, or even recall them; He will exult over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17 (AMP)
Ola, Woodbridge –
Don’t you yourselves know that you are God’s sanctuary and that the Spirit of God lives in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16 (HCSB)
You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. Psalm 119:114
Karen from Dallas, TX:
Psalm 57:2 I cry out to God Most High,
to God, who fulfills his purpose for me.
NIV (1984)
Allison Moldenhauer. Huntsville, TX
James 1:13-18
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
MaryJo, Indianapolis.
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
Shelly, Peachtree City, GA
“You are my witnesses – The LORD’S declaration – And My servants whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He. No God was formed before me and there will be non after Me. Isaiah 41:10 Holman
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
Candis, South Bend IN: O clap your hands all ye people: shout unto God with the voice of triumph. For the Lord most high is terrible; he is a great king over all the earth. Psalm 47:1-2 King James Version.
Lacie, Americus -So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV
Vicki – Wilmington NC
keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Jude 1:21 NKJV
Amy, Galion, OH
May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. 2Thess 3:16 HCSB
Laura, Poquoson, VA.
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
(Proverbs 4:23 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. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
Jer 29:11-13 (NKJV)
Elizabeth, Chesterfield, VA:
Dear friends, God is good. So I beg you to offer your bodies to him as a living sacrifice, pure and pleasing. That’s the most sensible way to serve God. Romans 12:1 (CEV)
Janice, Arcanum, OH
For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the LORD Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints, do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our LORD Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. Ephesians 1:15-17 NASB
Beckie, Florence, SC
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:4 NIV
Margie – Maseru, Lesotho – Joshua 1:8a “Do not let this book of the law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so htat you may be careful to do everything written
in it.” NIV
Kimberly, NC
Exodus 33:13 “If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with You . . . “
Kathi, Jacksonville, Fl “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.”-Ephesians 3:16 NIV
Jami
Shelby, NC
Psalm 23:5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. KJV
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Donna
Ponder, TX
Laura, Front Royal, VA
Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person. Colossians 4:6 HCSB
Kelley, Sharpsburg, GA 1 Sam 3:10 (NIV) The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times. “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
Michelle, Warsaw, Indiana
1 Corinthians 4:20. “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.”
Elizabeth, Clinton, MD
“Yet this I hold against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.”
Revelation 2:4-5a (NIV)
But you, O LORD, are a shield about me,
my glory, and the lifter of my head.
I cried aloud to the LORD,
and he answered me from his holy hill.
(Psalm 3:3-4 ESV)
“…. but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being MIXED WITH FAITH in those who heard it.” Hebrews 4:2b NKJV
Jer 29:11-13
11 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. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart NIV
(NIV)
Galatians 5:22-23
But the Holy Spirit practices this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things.
Debbie, PA
Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
I Thessalonians 5: 16 – 18 (NIV)
Becky, Vicksburg, MS
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and
healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24 NIV
Dallas, GA
If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:6-7
Amy Lee, Charleston SC
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Phillipians 4:19 NLT
I Peter 3:12 NAS
” For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous,
And His ears are attentive to their prayers.”
Megan Adkins, Houston, Tx
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11 NIV
Christy from Waco
Nehemiah 4:14b NAS
“Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses.”
Ila, Weatherford TX
But I will sing about your strength;
every morning I will sing aloud of your constant love.
You have been a refuge for me,
a shelter in my time of trouble.
Psalm 59:16 GNT