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
Kathi Sitek Detroit
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33
Vickie Heerema, Pella, Iowa
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
In quietness and in trust shall be your strength. Isaiah 30:15
Sharron Kay, Possum Kingdom Lake, TX
Psalm 139:6 NIV
“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.”
Brenda Lee’s Summit, MO Psalm 23:4-6 NIV84 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12 NIV)
Kim B.- Orlando, Fl
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 4:6 NIV)
Jennifer, Kodak, TN
The LORD said to Moses, “Is the LORD’S power limited? Now you shall see whether My word will come true for you or not.”
Numbers 11:23 NASB
Jenni, San Diego. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret— it only causes harm. (Psalms 37:5-8 NKJV)
Donna Money
McMinnville, TN
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting GOD, the Creater of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless.
Is 40:28-29 NRSV
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. (Hebrews 11:6 NLT)
Vilma Rancho Cucamonga,CA
Carrollton, TX
For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. (Hebrews 11:14-16 ESV)
Susie, Columbus, Ohio I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful I know that full well. Psalm 139:14 (NIV)
Gina, Cypress Tx
Proverbs 3:24 If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet
ESV
Mary, Frisco Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 (NLT)
Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You.
Psalm 9:10 NIV (84)
Pat
Crawfordsville, IN
James1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from up above,coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change
Heather G.
Fredericksburg, VA
Colossians 3:12 (NIV) Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Matthew 5:7 NIV
Charmaine McLeod,
Calgary, Alberta. Canada
Matthew 11: 28-30 ESV
“Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you
will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Crystal – Tenaha, TX
I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.
Job 19:25 NIV
Darcy, Pittsburgh
Philippians 4:13, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (NIV)
Deb, Littleton, Co:
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:6 NKJV
Jessica from Fort Worth, Texas
No one has seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. 1 John 4:12 ESV
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)
Brenda, Byhalia, MS
Psalm 103:13-14 (NIV)
13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
14 for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.
Nicole Bloomington, IL:
“Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation, for you I wait all the day long.” Psalm 25:5 ESV
From WV.
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. (Galatians 6:7 NKJV)
Kira, Ray,MI
COLOSSIANS 3:12 NIV
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Mitzi from Long Beach
Satisfy us in the morning with your faithful love so that we may shout for joy and be glad all our days.
Psalm 90:14 ESV
“Where can I go from your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go to the heavens,you are there; if I make my bed in the depths you are there.” Psalm 139:7-8 NIV
“Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord.”
Psalm 89:15
Donna from Cypress
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” – Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)
Lindsay, West Point, NE
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8 NIV
Kaylin from Searcy, AR
“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Romans 8:31 (NIV)
Becky, Fairfax, VA: 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
Alyssa M., Tom Bean, TX “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord.”
Psalm 89:15
Jules
Kearney, NE
Psalm 56:3 NIV
When I’m afraid, I will trust in you.
Janice, Bakersfield, CA
I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. Psalm 63:4 NIV
Erin B., League City, TX
“…Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.” 2 TIM 4:2b NLT
Nina Moore, OK
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. 2 Peter 1:3 NIV
Ashley Black, Memphis, TN
And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:14-15 ESV
W.Richland
Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Psalm 103:2-5 NIV
Andrea from Gardendale, AL
Psalm 27:14 – Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. NIV
Beth, Mansfield, Tx
The Lord your God is with you.He is a hero who saves you.He happily rejoices over you,renews you with his love,and celebrates over you with shouts of joy. (Zephaniah 3:17 GWT)
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh(works)in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20&21 KJV
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10 NIV)
Kelsie from Searcy, AR
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (NIV)
Barb of Crown Point. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 NASB
Although they knew God they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him but became futile in their thinking and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal god for images resembling mortal men, birds, animals, and creeping things. ESV Romans 1:21-23