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
Amy, Austin, Texas
Psalms 37:3-4 “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” NIV
Schel, Bayou Vista – “May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of God our Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all of his holy ones” – 1 Thessalonians 3:13 NIV
Shannon, Springdale AR
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4 (NLT)
Karen, Powell, Ohio
Isaiah 40:29 (NIV)
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Donna, Albuquerque, “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 NET
Jan, Athens, Ga. “So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God has picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completly as the Lord forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, WEAR LOVE. It’s your basic, all purpose garment. Never be without it.” Col 3: 12-14 MSG
Allison From Chicago IL
Isaiah 61:2b-3 (NIV)
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.
Pam, Houston
One who breaks open the way will go up before them; they will break through the gate and go out. Their king will pass through before them, the Lord at their head. Micah 2:13, NIV
Colossians 3:12-13
New International Version (NIV)
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.
Candy from St Louis
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Sue from Norwood, Ma
As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Col 3:12 nrsv
Haley
Conway, AR
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 benefit those who listen.
Andria from Virginia
Jer. 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.
Niv
Karin Smith
Pittsburgh, PA
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12 NIV
Jeri May. Salt Lake City, Utah
Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 NLT
Gwen Burdine jacksonville beach fl. “For god gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self control.” 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV
Judy of Marietta, GA says: “What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions?” James 2:14 NLT
Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12 NIV
Wendy
Vero Beach
“…and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”
Ephesians 6:15 (NIV)
Fynette Cape Coral, FL
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8
Jennifer, OKC
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all righteousness.
1 John 1:9 NIV
Have no words to thank you for your love and dedication. God blessyou.
Nancy, NW Arkansas
The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still
Exodus 14:14. NIV
Brenda Hayden, Auburn, Washington
1 Peter 2:9, ESV
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you, out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Stacey from Boulder, Colorado…
We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.
1 Corinthians 12:2 NIV
Barb, Urbandale, IA: And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:15-16 NIV84
Susan Shelbyville, KY
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!
Psalm 105:4 ESV
Sue Magee
Hazel Green, AL
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12
Sherri, Spotsylvania,VA
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit” Romans 8:5 NRSV
Sally, Bellaire, Tx. Colossians 3:12 NIV. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Caroline, Rio, WI
“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
Susan, Tallahassee, Fla.
Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Matthew 10:39 NIV
1 Peter 4:7-8 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. ESV
Kristen Keeling from Covington, Georgia:
“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.”
Romans 15:1-2 (NIV)
Jennifer; Chattanooga
The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:5b-7 NIV
Cynthia, Benbrook, TX Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. (the Message)
Melanie LeClair, Odessa, FL
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)
Faye – Ocala –“Give thanks in ALL circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”
I Thessalonians 5:18. NLT
When Pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdoem. Proverbs 11:2 NIV
Kathi Jacksonville, Fl “being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”-Romans 4:21 NIV
Linda
Greene, NY
Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brother (sister) this should not be.
James 3:10
Bonaire GA
I Timothy 2:9-10 “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But which becometh women professing godliness with good works.”
Brenda Adams, Hilton Head, SC
“To declare Your steadfast love in the morning and Your faithfulness by night”
Psalms 92:1-4 ESV ( part 2)
Yvonne
Fresno,CA
Taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8 NIV
Lauren Frisco, TX
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance & the encouragement of the Scriptires we might have hope.
Romans 15:4 (NIV)
Jenni, Birmingham, AL
“I am doing something new; it’s springing up-can’t you see it?
I am making a road in the desert, rivers in the wasteland.”
Isaiah 43:19, CJB
Vicki K.
Houston
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Kelli, Apex NC
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,
Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily
entangles. And let us run with endurance the race marked of for us,
Hebrews 12:1 NIV
Suzanne in Tenaha, TX
Psalm 63:4 NIV
I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
Melissa, Kentucky
“I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.” Psalm 34:1 (NLT)