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.
12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 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
Joanna Duck
Norman, Oklahoma
The Lord your God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save. He will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in His love. He will joy over thee with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 KJV
Stephanie Jo
Corvallis OR
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise woman who built her house on the ROCK.
Matthew 7:24 NIV
emphasis mine 🙂
Joy, Sutherland
“Blessed is the man who ensures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which The Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12, NKJV
Teresa from Walla Walla “When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on Him, He will lift you up and give you honor.” James 4:10 NLT
Kimberly, Amarillo Tx
“to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night,” Psalm 92:2 ESV
Lilburn, GA
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16 NASB)
Laura from Canton MI
Psalm 40:2
HCSB
He brought me up from a desolate pit,
out of the muddy clay,
and set my feet on a rock,
making my steps secure.
Vicki from Grapevine, TX,
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ~ Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Cathy, Dallas, Psalm 92:1-2
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and Your faithfulness by night.
Alyson from Lansing, MI, “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand,” Isaiah 41:40 NASB
Stacey Gaines
Corpus Christi, TX
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.
(Ephesians 1:17, NIV)
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! (Galatians 5:22, 23 NLT)
Carole, Imperial, CA: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 NIV
Natalie Curp, Blue Springs, MO
“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.” Ephesians 6:13, NLT
Rachel, Surprise, AZ
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” ~Psalm 51:12 (NIV)
Susan, Fort Worth, TX
Philemon 1:6 (NIV)
I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.
Kay,Tucson AZ Romans 8:28 (NIV) “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,who have been called according to his purpose.”
Kelly Snodgrass
Rogersville, TN
Psalm 24.1 NET
The LORD owns the earth and all it contains, the world and all who live in it.
Debra, San Antonio, TX.
I sought the Lord and He answered me;
He delivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:4 NIV
Freida, Chatham, La “The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.” Psalm 103:6 NIV
Jody from Traverse City, MI
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
~Psalm 91:1 (NIV)
Jessica from Clare, MI
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
~Psalm 91:1 (NIV)
Judy from Gladwin, MI
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
~Psalm 91:1 (NIV)
Cyndi Munson, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
“In your majesty, ride out to victory, defending truth, humility, and justice. Go forth to perform awe-inspiring deeds!” -Psalm 45:4, NLT
The Lord says, “Even now, come back to me with all your heart. Fast, cry, and be sad.”
Joel 2:12
NCV
Toni, Greer,SC “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:8-10, NIV
Peggy, Yorktown VA
Finally beloved whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. — Phil 6:8 NRSV
Eleanor
Memphis, TN
Joshua 1:8-9 ESV
This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Wendy
Harrodsburg, Kentucky
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
Hebrews 4:13 NIV
Sandra Rountree, Swainsboro, GA
You hem me in—behind and before;
You have laid your hand upon me.
Psalm 139:5 NIV
Jeanene- Newnan, GA
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”
1 Peter 2:24 NIV
Brenda – Hendersonville TN
D NOT fear, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name; you are Mine. Isa 43:1b NASB
Shawna ~ Boise, Idaho
Psalm 40:8 HCSB
I delight to do Your will, my God; Your instruction lives within me.
Leigh, Montgomery: 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
Susan, Wynne
13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (NASB)
Im not part of the scripture memory team, but I definitely could stand some new outfits, if you know what I’m sayin:) It’s time to trade in some of my old selfish tendencies for some garments of humility and selflessness.
Thank you for the inspiration and fun parellel Beth!! This post looks lovely on you:)
Ti-Leigh
Orlando, FL
Attend to me, and answer me;
I am restless in my complaint and I moan.
Psalm 55:2 ESV
Sharon, Lakeway TX
Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart,that I may fear your name.
Psalm 86:11
Susan B. – Chapin, SC
But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. Jude 1:20-21 NLT
Lisa Curtis
Jackson, MO
But You, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts up my head. Psalms 3:3
HCSB
For my son celebrating his 21st birthday in Panama City Beach on college spring break.
Tiffany F. ~ Murfreesboro, TN
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. (Isaiah 26:3 ESV)
Kristen, Marble, NC
I know the Lord is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.
Psalm 19:8 NLT
Romans 8:28
Susan Huffman Tx
As we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,who have been called according to his purpose.
Tammy, Pottsboro TX
1 Peter 5:5 NIV
Be self controlled and alert, your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
John 8:36
Kalonni, Van Meter, Iowa: “You, too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! James 5:8-9 NIV
Leanne
Sallis, MS
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. This Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Matthew 26:41 NIV
Angela
Littleton, CO
” I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe”.
Ephesians 1: 17-19 NIV
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;[a]
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)
Betsy Crawford, Chapin, SC
Becky, Temecula CA
John 11:28 NASB
“After she said this, she went away and called Mary her sister: saying secretly, The Teacher is here and is calling for you.”