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.)
12Â Therefore, as Godâs chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Â 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, âGod opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.â
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.â
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
To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen I Peter 5:11 NIV
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
Beth, Story City, IA
“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, NET
Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her! Luke 1:45 (NIV)
Debbie,
Thank you for this scripture. I needed it more than you will ever know. I could hug your neck right now. Oh, LORD, thank you for Debbie and her heart to write this reminder of your promise to me now, when I need it more than ever.
Shannon from Starkville, MS
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
1 Chronicles 16:11 NIV
2 Peter 1:3-4 NIV
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very greet and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
Ginger, Phoenix, AZ
“If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn; if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”
Psalm 139:8-10, NIV1984
Jessie
Grayson, Ky.
Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarded of them that diligently seek him. KJV
Rachel H, Alabama
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever. (Psalm 30:11, 12 NIV)
Jeannie from Atlanta, IN – Matthew 5:21-24 ESV
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
Cheryl – Concord, NC
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” Matthew 5.7 ESV
Colossians 3:23-24
“I pray that you will be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.” Philemon 1:6 NIV
Angie,Markham ON
What good is it, my brothers and sisters,
if someone claims to have faith but does
Not have works! Can this kind of faith save him?
James 2:14 NET
Isaiah 55:7 RSV
“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the Lord, and He will have compassion on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”
Suzanne Morton, Decatur, Texas
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion,kindness,humility,gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12 NIV
acta 27:25 niv
so keep up your courage [men] for i have faith in God that it will happen just as He said!
Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your hart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Amy from Feeding Hills, MA
Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. ~ Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV)
Megan JOY Burdzy – Calgary, AB, Canada – The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. – Psalm 28:7 (NLT)
Patty, Granite Bay, CA Colossians 3:12 NIV “Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Stacy – Hinckley, England
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”
Psalm 91v1-2 NIV
Psalm 37:7-8 NIV
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret – it only leads to evil.
Erika from Gadsden,Al
“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take delight in you, he will quiet you with his love;he will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
Vicki, Corpus Christi
Matthew 11:28-30 Msg
âAre you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion?
Come to me. Get away with me and youâll recover your life. Iâll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with meâwatch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I wonât lay anything heavy or
ill-fitting (old Jackets?)on you. Keep company with me and youâll learn to live freely and lightly.â
And the tongue is a fire! The tongue represents the world of wrongdoing among the parts of our bodies. It pollutes the entire body and sets fire to the course of human existence â and is set on fire by hell. James 3:6 NET
Cris from Mooresville, IN
Psalm 37:4
English Standard Version (ESV)
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
John 14:3 NAS
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself;
that where I am, there you may be also.”
Martha
Dickinson, ND
For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
1 Corinthians 1:25 NIV
Ange from Louisville KY
To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning and Your faithfulness by night. Ps. 92:2 NASB
Sabrina~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 NET
Beautiful. Thank you.
Ginny Wilson, Ooltewah, TN
“Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”
James 1:21 NIV
Kadie- Tinley Park, IL
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 (TNIV)
O God . . . I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.â
– Psalm 57:1 (NIV)
Kara C, Aurora, IL
Romans 15:1-3a (NIV)
We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himselfâŠ
Richelle, Kingston, TN
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Isaiah 41:13 NIV
Kim Beechem from Center, TX:
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:17 (NIV)
Ow! Good one! I have to add this to my “potential future MV” list. Thanks for posting it Kim in Center, TX. đ
Tracy
Andice, TX
“Finally, brethren,
Whatever things are true,
Whatever things are noble,
Whatever things are just,
Whatever things are pure,
Whatever things are lovely,
Whatever things are of good report,
If there is any virtue
And if there is anything praiseworthy-
Meditate on these things,”
Philippians 4:8 NKJV
linda, colorado springs.
“if you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer”
matthew 21:22 (niv)
Sarah Sloop, OKC, OK This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Please, Lord, please save us. Please, Lord, please give us success. (Psalms 118:24, 25 NLT)
DACIA, WARRENSBURG
Psalm 33:20-22 (NIV)
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.
May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
even as we put our hope in you.
Debbie from Spartanburg SC
We live by faith, not by sight. NIV 2Corinthians 5:7
Connie, Longmont, CO
O taste and see that the Lord is good;
How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
Psalm 35:8 (NASB)
Sharon, Barrington
“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.”
Jeremiah 31:3 ESV
“Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and to his Bride has made herself already; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure– for the fine linens is the righteous deeds of the saints.” Revelation 19:7-8 ESV
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)
Wiggins
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life John 3:16 (NIV)
Michelle, West Des Moines, IA
A joyful heart is the health of the body.
Proverbs 17:22a NAB
Rhonda
Gilmer
Philemon 7 (NKJV)
For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.
Tiffany from Georgetown, Tx–“For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” –John 6:40 NIV
Teresa – Edmond, OK
Therefore, as Godâs chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
“You know me from inside and out, you hold me together, you never fail to stand me talk in your prescience so I can look you in the eye. “. Psalm 41.12. (Message)
Chris
Canton, NC
“Do not judge or you too will be judged.”
Matthew 7:1
NIV
Colleen ~ Frisco, TX
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Romans 12:11, NIV
Mitzi, Lepanto, AR
Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
James 1:23-24 NIV