Hey, all of you lovely things! It’s nearly Spring and we’re all the way to verse 6! You are doing fabulously, Sisters. We are still THOUSANDS strong on this Scripture memory team. Thousands of Swords drawn and in the hands of women who want to love and not hate, build up and not destroy, rejoice because our God is faithful and not throw ourselves in the nearest ditch because life is hard. And, boy, is it.
I think God has given me something that could be a tad fun to do this time around. Since we started off the week here on the blog talking about clothes, what do you say we end it that way? For those of you who want to come alongside this theme with me, I’m throwing out three different Scriptures about clothing ourselves. You are still welcome to do your own selections as always but, just in case some of you were still in decision-mode and this sounded fitting (pardon the pun), come along with me into the closet of Scripture and let’s come out some well-dressed women of God! I’m offering the first two selections to you in two different versions so you can choose which one resonates most.
Colossians 3:12-13 (NIV) — (As you can see, this one includes two Scriptures. You’d only need to choose one of these for Verse 6 but I thought just maybe somebody could use a fresh, strong exhortation to forgive as you’ve been forgiven. I don’t know about you but that verse is never wasted on me. If you’d like, you could do the first verse for #6 and the second verse for #7.)
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
12Â Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13Â bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others.
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Now for the second set of verses on clothing ourselves. Sometimes we need to clothe ourselves in humility before we try clothing ourselves to no avail with compassion. Our pride is usually reason #1 that we don’t feel compassionate. At least it has been for me.
1 Peter 5:5 (NIV)
In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
1 Peter 5:5 (The NET Bible)
In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
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And you’ve just GOT to love Luke 24:49 in view of our clothing theme this week! Here’s the third selection out of the closet of Scripture, straight from the mouth of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Luke 24:49 NIV
 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.
Luke 24:49 The NET Bible
And look, I am sending you what my Father promised. But stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Power from on high! Bless His most holy Name.
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So there you have it! Three gorgeous jackets to wear. Which one do you need to wrap around you most right now? Do you need to be clothed with compassion? Humility? Power?? He’s got you covered. But just like we do each morning, we’ve got to get dressed on purpose.
Here’s what I’ve been thinking about in view of our clothing theme. Remember all those jackets in my 5+ Year Club? Several of them I’d had for ten solid years and I’m still wearing them. When it comes to tangible clothing, that can be good stewardship. But sometimes we can do the same kind of thing spiritually and emotionally and it’s not pretty. We can keep wearing the same old jacket…
…of anger
…or of bitterness
…or of negativity
…or of chronic disappointment
…or of sensuality
…or of desperation
and we’re so used to wearing it that we throw it on automatically, without giving a thought to the fact that we really could have a whole new wardrobe. It might be time we changed the way we dressed. And this whole new incredibly expensive wardrobe of compassion, humility, and anointing has already been paid for. And it’s in your size and mine.
Yep. I’m in the mood for some new clothes.
Beth, Houston. Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others. Colossians 3:12-13 The NET Bible
OK, Sisters! Let’s have it! What are you memorizing this time around???
PS. LifeWay Women’s All Access Blog did the funniest thing. They dug into the Living Proof Live archives and pulled out pictures of every single one of those jackets in Monday’s post. Some of you might get a kick out of it. Here’s the link: The Proof Is In The Jacket.
Tags: Scripture Memory 2013
Camille, San Antonio, tx
“O Israel, hope in the Lord ! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption.” Psalms 130:7 (esv)
Yolanda Hawkins, Queen City Texas
Isaiah 41:10 NIV
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Denise in Piedmont, SC
“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3: 17 NIV
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you.
Isaiah 26:3
NLT
Lori, Friendswood, TX
“Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.”
1 Cor. 13: 8 (NIV)
Lynn in Frankfurt, Gemany
Mark 5:34 (NIV)
He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”
Vicki Surprise, AZ
I want to do what pleases you, my God.
Your law dominates my thoughts.
Psalm 40:8 NET
Jennifer–Houston, TX
“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.” Colossians 1:21-24 (NIV)
Kim from Bloomington, IL
Put on the full armor of God, that you may stand firm against the schemes of he devil.
Ephesians 6:11 NASB
Kelly Wiggins, Fowler , CA
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but He rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
Exodus 20:12 (NIV)
Oops….wrong reference- should be Exodus 20:8-11. Got ahead of myself.
Jennifer from Leesburg, GA:
“Let the Word of God dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom.” Colossians 3:16 NASB95
Holly, Charlotte NC
“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.”
Ephesians 1:18 NIV
Collierville TN
I do not count my life as value or precious to myself. If only I may finish the course and the ministry I received from The Lord Jesus Christ, to testify to the gospel, of the Grace of God.
Act 20:24
Amber, Huntington, IN: Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others. Colossians 3:12-13 NET
Melissa, Greensburg, KY. – “For the Lord GOD helps Me, Therefore, I am not disgraced; Therefore, I have set My face like a flint, And I know that I shall not be ashamed.” – Isaiah 50:7, NAS
Nelda Adkins, Houston, TX
Colossians 3:12-13 (NIV)
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Cheryl from Canada
Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wildernes and rivers in the desert.
Isa 43:18,19
Audrey from Fayetteville, AR
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.”
Colossians 3:12-13 NIV
Rebecca R., Raleigh, NC “LORD, You have assigned me my portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” Psalm 16:5-6 NIV
Jacci, Denver, CO
For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.
2 Corinthians 7:10 (NASB)
Lindsey H.
Gulfport, MS
“I lift my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth”
Psalm 121:1-2
NIV
Joanne Hill Orange, Texas
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 84)
Amanda from Albuquerque, NM
“Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.” (Philippians 2:14-15 NLT)
Kristina, Huntsville, Al
“To declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night.” Ps 92:2 ESV
Shannon, Columbia, SC
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:12-13 (NIV)
Abby Oak Ridge
“The Lord is my shepherd;I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures;he leads me beside the still waters.He restores my soul;he leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”
Psalm 23:1-3
NKJV
Gwen, Waynesboro, MS: Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12 NIV)
Isaiah 43:2-3a (NIV’84)
“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. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”
Valerie ~ Oklahoma
The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”
Psalm 126:3 NIV
Susan, Houston, For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 2 Cor. 10:3
Rosalie Cincinnati
“The Lord taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.” Psalm 118: 7
Cari, Alexandria, LA
“You have enclosed me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me.”
Psalm 139: 5 NASB
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34: 17, 18 NIV Pam in San Diego
Cathy
Lebanon, OH
James 1:7-8 “That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” NIV
Psalms 139:23 NIV Search me, O God and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Alicia, OKC
“Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:12-13 NIV
Sonya Dickerson, Chesterfield, VA
“I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.” Daniel 2:23 (NIV)
Kristin from Kentucky:
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. Unless The Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” Psalm 127:1 esv
Marsha C, Kannapolis, NC
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” Psalm 51:10-12 ESV
Tanya, Raleigh, NC
Luke 24:49 NIV
I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.
Julie, Madison, Ga
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by his love; He will exult over you with loud singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 ESV
Ally, Houston, TX
“Lord, I have heard of your fame;
I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord.
Renew them in our day,
in our time make them known;
in wrath remember mercy.”
Habakkuk 3:2 NIV
Jami Valley Grande,AL. 12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, Colossians 3:12 NIV
Angel in MS
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. (Zephaniah 3:17 ESV)
DaWanna Landry
Orange, Texas
“Take delight in the Lord and he will give you your heart desires ”
Psalms 37:4 NLT
Laura Hagedorn, Wausau, WI. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. Psalm 18:18-19 NIV
Connie
Greene, IA
Stand and watch, but do not fight the battle. There, you will watch the Eternal save you, “Connie”. Do not fear or worry. Tomorrow, face the army and trust that the Eternal is with you.
2 Chronicles 20:17 (Voice)
Stephanie, Westerville, OH
“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)
Pat C
S Burlington,VT
My soul thirsts for God,the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
Ps. 42:2. NIV
Sandy, Lexington, KY
“Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humiility, gentleness, and patience. Colossions 3:12 (NIV)