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
Kerry, Nederland Texas
And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Acts 20:35, New Living Translation
Connor, Madrid, Spain
James 1:2-4 NIV84
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Olda, Huntsville, AL
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.
God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places.
Habakkuk 3:17-19 (ESV)
Lori, Odessa, TX
Zephaniah 3:17 (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.
Kate
Abilene, TX
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters”
Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
Be at rest once more, o my soul, for The Lord has been good to you. Psalm 116:7 NIV84
Kathy, Bluffton SC
Search me, o God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalm 139: 23-24 NIV
Rita – Alva, Florida
“Oh Lord, I will exalt and praise your name, for you are my God. In perfect faithfulness, you have done wonderful things, planned long ago.”
Isaiah 25:1 NIV & NLT combined.
Stephanie, Richardson, TX
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
Col. 3:12 ESV
Karen: NYC
I hate those who cling to worthless idols; as for me, I trust in the LORD.
Psalm 31:6
NIV 1984
Michele, Rockmart, GA
12Therefore, as God?s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians3: 12-13
NIV
Holly, Ramona, CA
Luke 6:45 “The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks that which fills his heart.” (NASB)
Susan, Durango
I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord – the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2, NIV
Dianne, FL
Colossians 3:12-13
“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.”
Jerrianne, Lakewood Co
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 NIV
Jane Kay, Brandon, MS Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12 NIV
Debbie Zeman – Vancouver, WA
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Col. 3:12 NIV
Kathleen, Georgetown, TX
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV 84
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
John 3:16 NIV
For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son. That whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.
Jamy P.
Southlake, TX
Becky, St. Augustine, Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we
have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
2 Corinthians 5:1 NIV
Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. Psalms 27:14
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13 NIV
Anna, Alabama
But He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect
In weakness…For when I am weak then I am STRONG!!!
2 Corinthians 12:9-10, NIV
Thelisa Nutt, Mansfield, Tx.
“For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.” Ps 33:4 NIV
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 NIV
Allison Moldenhauer -Huntsville TX
James 2:4-9
New International Version (NIV84)
4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
5 Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?
8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.
Sam from Tampa, FL
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
-Colossians 4:6
Susan, Tucson, AZ. Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not condemn and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37 NIV
Dawn, Clever, MO
Ephesians 6:18
“Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”
Laura, Clay Center, KS
Colossians 3:12 (ESV)
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience,
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind
has conceived what God has prepared for
those who love him.” 1 Corin. 2:9 NIV
Ashley – Richmond, Va
I’ll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you. I’ll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that’s God-willed, not self-willed.
Ezekiel 36:26 (Msg)
Isaiah 53:4 (NIV): “Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted.”
Stacey from Omaha, NE
Proverbs 20:24 (MSG)The very steps we take come from God; otherwise how would we know where we’re going?
Emily (age 12)
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. (Philippians 2:5 NLT)
Ally (age 11)
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)
From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good,
and the work of a man’s hand comes back to him.
Proverbs 12:14 ESV
Lisa C, Washington, IN
Colossians 3:23 NIV
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”
“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” I Cor. 13:6 NIV
Gina Neamtu
Red Deer, AB
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”
Galatians 3:13 NIV
this was last weeks I missed sending in
He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.
Galatians 3:14 NIV
Liz Ruston, Louisiana
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7. NIV
Kathy from Chandler, 2 John 1:6 NIV “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.”
Beth S. from LaGrange, GA
Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.
Psalm 103:1-2 KJV
Heflin, al
Look to The Lord and his strength; seek his face always. I chronicles 16:11 (NIV)
Kathy from Chandler, 2 John 1:6 NIV “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. “
Anita, Lawrenceville
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Hebrews 13:20-21 ESV
Judy Pauley Norfolk, /va.
Colossians 3:12-13NET
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 forgive others,
Stann Frisco, TX
Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Michelle O* from Grandview, TX
Psalms 33:20-22 HCSB
We wait for Yahweh; He is our help and shield. For our hearts rejoice in Him because we trust in His holy name. May Your faithful love rest on us, Yahweh, for we put our hope in You.
Kathy, Jonesboro, AR
“If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.”
Psalm 130:3-4 NIV
Joyce Davidson, Big River, SK, Canada
“Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.”
Psalm 25:6 NIV84
Lisa, Kathleen, GA
Ephesians 4:29 NIV “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may be benefit those who listen.”