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
Marcia A. – Huntsville, AL
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Lorna, Statesville, NC
Proverbs 25:15 NIV
Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
Terri from Mechanicsville, VA
So is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:11 (NIV)
Danna from Tallahassee, Florida
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
Lori – Waxhaw, NC: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” — Micah 6:8 (New King James Version)
Callie, Superior WI
 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12
NIV
Carmen, Summersville, WV “Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position” James 1:9 NIV
Amy from fairport ny
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV)
Maggie, Seattle, WA
“Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious.”
-Psalm 66:2 (NIV)
Kelly, Taylorville, IL …
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 NIV
Psalm 64:8 I have set The Lord always before me
Because he is at my right hand I will not be shaken. NIV
Carolyn, Rocksprings, TX
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom. As you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with graditude in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16 NIV
from Columbus, OH
Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:6 (NLT)
Susan from Knoxville, TN
“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.” Luke 24:49 The NET Bible
Staci, Dickinson, ND
Philippians 3:7-8 (NASB)
But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ.
Angie, Belleville. Col. 3:12 NIV
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Courtney from Lima, Ohio
I will lead blind Israel down a new path,
guiding them along an unfamiliar way.
I will brighten the darkness before them
and smooth out the road ahead of them.
Yes, I will indeed do these things;
I will not forsake them.
Isaiah 42:16 NLT
Kelley, La Verne, Ca. 1 Thess 2:8. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. ESV
Hilary, Columbus, GA
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
Danielle Rudolph, Birmingham, AL.
Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Proverbs 3:16 NIV
Jennifer from Richmond, Va
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.” NIV
Megan, Fort Smith, AR Psalm 139:5 (NLT) You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Mary Lou Menning, Young America, MN
Psalm 18:11-12 (NIV)
He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him—
the dark rain clouds of the sky.
Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced,
with hailstones and bolts of lightning.
Laura Dalton,GA
“But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, abs the ens everlasting life. For the wages if sin is death; but the gift of Godis eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:22-23 KJV
Donna Tyra
Martinez Ga
Romans 12:16 NKJV Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
Kortney, Des PLaines IL
He will cover you with His feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge;his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.-Psalm 91:4
Glory Hallelujah.
Misty, Midlothian, TX
“Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.” Psalm 107:19-20 (NIV)
Beth, Omaha NE, Colossians 3:12 NIV
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Cindy, Nashville, TN “For the flesh desires what is contray to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contray to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” Galaians 5:17 NIV
Kim B.Thatcher, AZ
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)
Shannon Mt. Olive, Al
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 NIV
Sarah from Pueblo West, CO
He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
John 15:2
NIV
Tonya, Quantico, VA
Colossians 3:13-14 NET “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, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as The Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others.”
Kat, Albany,NY
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with your whole heart.”
Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
Linda Gammon, Blue Springs, MO
Hebrews 4: 15-16 ESV
15. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
16. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
~Suzie
Fort Mill, SC
They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers. Revelation 17:14 (NIV)
Cindy, Madrid, Spain
“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)
Courtney, Chicora. “Therefore as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, 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
Veronica- Atlanta , Georgia
The Lord is fair in everything he does and full of kindness. Psalms 145:17(the living bible)
Karen, Knoxville, TN — “Therefore, as God’s chosen people holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
NIV Colossians 3:12
Robyn
The Woodlands, TX
Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Mark 14:38 (RSVCE)
Jen, Katy, TX
“Young lions lack food and go hungry, but those who seek the Lord will not lack any good thing.” Psalm 34:10
Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Jill, Watertown
And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
2 Corinthians 3:3
ESV
Kelly Gorbold, Longmont CO Romans 15:13 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.”
Cini Champaign, Il NIV Psalm 18b,19….the ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.
You came near when I called You, and You said, “Do not fear.”
Lamentations 3:57 (NIV)
Columbus, OH
I lift my eyes toward the mountains.
Where will my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2 HSCB