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
Galatians 5:1 I really need to hear this… Anyone else?
The Message
“Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you. “
Right here. I’ll take it! Thx.
Kathy, 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
Robin Downe, Tulsa, OK
“You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness. In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.” Psalm 18:28-29 NLT
Michelle, from Carthage, TX
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
John 1:12-13, ESV
This just brought tears to my eyes, thank you
Amanda Haugen, Trinidad CO
“The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
Exodus 14:14 (new living)
Bryn, Frisco, TX “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour”. 1 Peter 5:8, NIV
Kristi- Blair, WI
“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God” Colossians 1:9b-10 NIV
Olivia from San Rafael, Nicaragua:
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;Â but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. ~Proverbs 31:30
Carla, Lorida, Florida
This is the same mighty power that raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him at his
right hand in heaven.
Ephesians 1:20 NIV
Lethbridge, AB
It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening.
Psalm 92:2 NLT
Hanni, Indiana:
For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.
-Song of Songs 2:11-12
Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourself. Do what it says. James 1:22 NIV. Jan from Alabama
Shelli, Karalee & Katelyn; Royse City, TX: 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. Deut 7:9
Karen ~ Greer, SC: Psalm 103:2 (NLT)
“Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me.”
Hebrews 12:11 NIV
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteouness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Becca, St. Paul, MN, “Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” -Mark 5:36 NIV
Joyce, St. Louis, MO
With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ.
Eph. 1:9 NIV
Heather, Colorado Springs, CO
We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. James 3:2 NIV
Sarah, Colorado Springs
Deut. 6:5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. NIV
Kate – Houston, TX
The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called the Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.” – John 4:25-26 ESV
Tiffany, Summerville, SC “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV
Barbara, Prospect, KY: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7 NIV. (Stolen from Lindsee):)
Laura from Cartersville, GA
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
Celeste, Thompson’s Station, Tennessee:
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, FOR GOD IS OUR REFUGE.(emphasis mine)
Psalms 62:8 (NIV84)
Nicki
Nashville, TN
“Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift? The fruit of the womb his generous legacy?”
Psalm 127:3 MSG
Brooke Wood, Bulverde, TX
Jeremiah 29:11 (Good News Translation US)
“I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster,
plans to bring about the future you hope for.”
Margo from Littleton, CO
“But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.”
Isaia 53:5 ESV
Tina, Odessa
Lord, I have heard of your fame;
I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord.
Repeat them in our day,
in our time make them known;
in wrath remember mercy.
Habakkuk 3:2 (NIV)
Ashley. Memphis/Collierville TN
Psalm 119:92-93 (NLT)
If your instructions had not sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery. I will NEVER forget your commands, for by them you give me life!!
Michelle
Boynton Beach, FL
The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. Psalm 19:8-10 NIV
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 25:13, NIV)
Charlotte, England
“O Lord, you are my God;
I will exalt you; I will praise your name,
for you have done wonderful things,
plans formed of old, faithful and sure””
Isaiah 25:1, ESV
Kristie
Queen City, TX
“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it.” Psalm 139:6 NKJV
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. after he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty of heaven.” Hebrews 1:3 NIV
Jennifer L., North Charleston, SC:
We wait in hope for the Lord;
he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
Ps. 33: 20-21, NIV
Barbara from Lewisburg,KY.
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)
Kristi
Houston, TX
Proverbs 16:20 NLT
“Those who listen to instruction will prosper;
those who trust the LORD will be joyful.”
Lindsey, Nashville. As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30 (NIV)
Giovanna Kerr, NIV Hebrews 1:3-4
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaing all things by the His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the anglels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
Amanda Tracy, Durham, NC
“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” NIV Isaiah 65:24
“But He gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'”
James 4:6 ESV
Kim Emmerich
Dickinson, ND
Terri Frasure from South Lebanon, Ohio
“For to God we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” (2 Corinthians 2:15 HCSB)
Alexis, Salem OR
” Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you.”
Psalm 63:3 NLT
Brittany, Carrollton, TX: And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:3 NIV
Sabrina
Morristown, Tennessee
“Let my cry come right into your presence, God; provide me with the insight that comes only from your Word. Give my request your personal attention, rescue me on the terms of your promise. Put your hand out and steady me since I’ve chosen to live by your counsel. I’m homesick, God, for your salvation; I love it when you show yourself!”
Psalm 119:169-170, 173-174 (The Message)
This is my whole verse for March.
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20, NIV
John 14:1 NIV
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
Mary, Ardmore, AL
Psalm 92: 2-3 (NKJV)
To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning,
And Your faithfulness every night,
3 On an instrument of ten strings,
On the lute,
And on the harp,
With harmonious sound.
Nicole Turnquist, Selden, NY
But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities;
The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed.
All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way;
But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.
Isaiah 53:5-6 (NAS)
Rachelle from Ohio. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death- even on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name Philippians 2:8&9
Kim S., Mobile, AL
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes, not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary and what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NIV)