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
that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, Titus 2:4 NASB
Lori, Flower Mound, TX
Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.
Psalm 141:3. NIV
Karla Dumal
Gulfport, MS
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 4:16 KJV
Heidi Narvon, PA
This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.
1 John 1:5 (NIV)
Roxie, Jerseyville, Illinois. Psalm 112:7-8 NLT
“They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly.”
Cheryl in Fairhope, AL – “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)
Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth I desire besides you.
Psalm 73:25
Leslie
Central Asia
Traci from Chandler, Az
1corinthians 13:6-7
6. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (NLT)
Jennifer Craven
Winston-Salem, NC
Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.
Deuteronomy 7:9 NIV
Linda, Johnstown, Pa.
2 Peter 1:4 (NIV)
“Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”
They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household.”
Acts 16:31 NIV
Jackie from Platte City, MO
Psalm 139:1-3 NIV
“You have searched me, Lord,and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.”
Cindy K, Rock Hill, SC
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
Col. 3:2-3 (NIV 2011)
Emily from Birmingham, AL …
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
Deborah, Markham, VA
“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes through Him.”
-Psalm 62:1 (NIV)
Diana from Broken Arrow, OK “My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139:15-16 NIV)
Angela A., Shelbyville, IN
21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21, NIV)
Vanessa, Houston “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28 (NIV)
Heather from McDonough, GA:
Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! Psalms 141:3 ESV
Beth, TN “May the Lord reward you for what you have done, and may you receive a full reward from the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.” HCSB
Laura Abbott, Georgetown, TX
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NASB
Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.
Sandy, Macon, MS- James 1:13-15 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. NIV
Laura, Houston: “And why worry about clothes? Look how the wild flowers grow; they do not work or make clothes for themselves.” Matthew 6:28 (TEV)
Mindy – McDonough, GA
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. -Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
Christine, St. Louis Park, MN Philippians 4:7 NIV And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:8 (KJV) 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:
Ephesians 2:9 (KJV) 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. Teresa, akron
Vicki Knott, Greenwood, SC
Lord, my God, I will praise you with all my heart, and I will honor your name forever. Psalm 86:12 (NCV)
Joelle, Abilene, TX
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved,
clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility,
gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
Jennifer M. Moore, OK~~ “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. The Lord works out everything for his own ends…” Proverbs 16:3-4a NIV
Debra – Dahlgren, IL
James 1:17 NIV
Every good and perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,
who does not change like shifting shadows.
Sylvia Georgetown TX
Because your life is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name, I will lift up my hands. I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
Ps 63:3-5 NIV
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD.
Trust him, and he will help you. Psalm 37:4-5 NLT
Melanie E. St. Augustine, FL. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15 NIV
Cassia from Spring, TX
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Col 3:12 NIV
Jamie Teagle, Atlanta, GA
‘For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!'”
Romans 8:15, ESV
Janice, Steinbach, MB- “The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His unfailing love.” Ps 33:5
Janet, Vine Grove, KY
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 NIV
Claire, Arab, AL
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Revelation 21:3-5a, ESV
Hannah Frazier
Lynchburg, VA
“Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”
Psalm 62:8
Kerry, Keller, No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Cor. 2:7 NLT
Kathy – Anahuac, TX
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you whereever you go. Joshua 1:9
NIV
Virginia from Nebraska
Psalm 103:6 (HCSB)
The Lord executes acts of righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.
Amanda from Huntington,
Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 (NLT)
Tori, Dickinson, ND
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.
Janice Burkburnett TX
2 Timothy 2:15 NIV
DO YOUR BEST TO PRESENT YOURSELF TO GOD AS ONE APPROVED;
A WORKER WHO DOES NOT NEED TO BE ASHAMED AND WHO CORRECTLY HANDLES THE WORD OF TRUTH.
Nancy- Versailles Ky
“From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb, I will ever praise you. ” Psalm 71:6 (NIV 84)
Josie
Salem, OR
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.”
Ephesians 6:10 (NASB)
Cindy Houston
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patiance.
Colossians 3:12 NIV
Beth, Morristown-
“But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:31 KJV
Misti from Rockwall, Texas
“Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.” Isaiah 46:9 NIV
AMEN!!!