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
Kim; Poplar Bluff, MO. You came near when I called on you; you said, ‘Do not fear!’ Lamentations 3:57 (ESV)
Hartland, WI
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
1 John 4:7 NIV
Sarah B.
Portales, NM
Psalm 8:3-4 ESV
“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?”
Psalm 73:26 (HCSB)
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart,
my portion forever.
Margie
Hilton Head Island, SC
2 Corinthians 7:1
With promises like this to pull us on, dear friends, let’s make a clean break with everything that defiles or distracts us, both within and without. Let’s make our entire lives fit and holy temples for the worship of God.
NLT
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Laurie, Atlanta
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 each other. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:12,13 NIV
Melissa, Perry, GA
My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word.
Psalm 119:81
My choice was already made, but it does mention looking at yourself in the mirror 🙂
Kim, Warrensburg MO
James 1:22-27 (NLT)
22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.
26 If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. 27 Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.
Susan – Maynard MA
Psalm 92:2 – ESV
“to declare Your steadfast love in teh morning, and Your faithfulness by night.”
Selena- Albany, GA
He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. Daniel 2:22, NIV
(Memorizing this for the Bible study Daniel: Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy.)
Cindy, St. Louis, MO: ‘Restore to me the joy of your salvation and make me willing to obey You.’ Psalm 51:12 NLT
Trish from Saginaw, TX
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tender hearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Colossians 3:12 (NLT)
Jane, Milton, GA Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Col 3:12NIV
Tina in Ohio
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 KJV
Ryan, Sussex,WI
Matthew 6:21(niv) For where you’re treasure is,there your heart will be also.
Cassandra, Bridgeport Ohio.
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)
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities- his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
Romans 1 :20 NIV
Rachel San Diego, CA
Leslee in Columbia, SC
But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever. For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good. Psalm 52:8-9
Susan Lawrence (central IL) – Love each other like brothers and sisters. Give each other more honor than you want for yourselves. (Romans 12:10, NCV)
Dawn, Raleigh, NC, Isaiah 40:28 “Do you not know? Have you not heard? Yahweh is the everlasting God, the Creator of the whole earth. He never grows faint or weary; there is no limit to His understanding.” HCSB
Tracy Sidney Ohio
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 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 4:6-7 NLT
Pam,Alexander city,Al 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
Shiffra Vicksburg, MI
Exodus 20:20-21 NIV84 “Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. G-d has come to test you, so that the fear of G-d will be with you to keep you from sinning.” The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where G-d was.”
Debi, Alva,FL
Isaiah 25:1 (NIV)
Lord, you are my God;
I will exalt you and praise your name,
for in perfect faithfulness
you have done wonderful things,
things planned long ago.
Sheryl Blake- Niles, MI
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 NIV
Rebecca Alburn
Salem, OR
“…to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night.”
Psalm 92:2 NIV84
Elaine, Littleton, CO
“Husbands, love your wives as Christ loves the church and gave himself up for her, to make her holy, cleansing her by washing with water and through the word, and to present her to himself as the radiant church, without stain or wrinkle,or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies.” Ephesians 5:25 – 28 (NIV)
Colette, Mesa, AZ.
“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 NIV
Mansfield, TX
Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. ~ Heb 2:18 (NIV)
Becky, Roswell, GA
“They did not conquer the land with their swords; it was not their own strong arm that gave them victory. It was Your right hand and strong arm and the blinding light from Your face that helped them, for You loved them.”
Psalm 44:3, NLT
Kim- Hickory NC
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him
Nahum 1:7 ESV
Psalm 46:10 (NASB) “Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on earth.”
Crystal ~ Austin, AR
Truthful lips shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is [credited] but for a moment.
Proverbs 12:19 AMP
Janet Ronkonkoma, NY
He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; for by His wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your soul. 1Peter 2:24-25 NIV
Rosie, Tacoam WA
The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
The Lord turn His face toward you
and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26 NIV
Cindy, living in Cochem, Germany – Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22 (NIV)
Laura, Jefferson, ME
Psalm 25:8-9, ESV
8 Good and upright is the Lord;therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
9 He leads the humble in what is right,and teaches the humble his way.
Nicola from Calgary. John 14:26&27 Amp.
But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby )The Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name, (in My place to represent Me and act on My Behalf ) He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance ) everything I have told you.
Peace I leave with you; My own peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed, and do not permit yourselves to be fearful, intimidated, cowardly and unsettled.
Brandy, San Angelo, TX. “Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.” Proverbs 12:15 NLT
Kristi, Greenville, TX
“Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You.” Psalm 143:8, NKJV
You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
Trust in the LORD forever,
For in YAH, the LORD,
is everlasting strength. Is. 26:3-4
NASB
Kina, Chicago
Isaiah 55:8 ESV
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.
Wendi, Kennebunkport
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
I Peter 5:7 NIV
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.
-Psalm 94:19 NIV
Greenville, IN
Kate, Tulsa. “But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:!6 NIV
James 1:19-20 (NIV)
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
Laci, Albany, Ga
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Colossians 3:12. NIV
Indianapolis, Indiana
For nothing is impossible with God.(Luke 1:37 NIV84)
Jeanine,Toronto,Canada
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 NIV
dixie, santa monica, ca
Deut 2:7 HCSB
For the LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this immense wilderness. The LORD your God has been with you this past 40 year years and you have lacked nothing.