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
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
Colossians 3:15 (NIV)
Dana
Clarksville, TN
Psalm 92:4 Amplified
For You, O Lord, have made me glad by Your
works; at the deeds of Your hands I joyfully sing.
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:17 NIV
Sandra Bradley, Chiang Mai, Thailand
For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: in returning to me and resting in me you shall be saved; in quietness and in trusting confidence shall be your strength. Isaiah 30:15
Gwyn Tidwell, Haslet, Texas
“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13b-14 (NIV84)
Nicole from Lewisville TX
A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach and be patient with difficult people.
1 Timothy 2:24 (NLT)
Janet Cazares
Orange, TX
“I have refined you, but not as silver is refined. Rather, I have refined you in the furnace of suffering.”
Isaiah 48:10 (NLT)
Melissa, Boston MA
“Therefore as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentelness 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
Melissa
Anna, Tx
“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfullness, gentleness, self control; against such things there is no law.”
-Galatians 22&23
ESV
Kim from Euless, TX
Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. (Ephesians 6:10 ASV)
Dulcena Pineville, Ky
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12 NIV)
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteoughness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:13-15 NRSV
Reeder, Auburn. Col. 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (NIV)
Troy, OH
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Proverbs 31:25 NIV
Sharon, McKinney, TX
John 5:19 NIV
“Jesus gave them this answer: ‘I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son does also.'”
Terri, Pleasant Hope, MO
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:15-16 (NIV1984)
“For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing.”
Phil. 2:13,14 (NISB)
Michelle Alosa Concord, NH
Colossians 3:12 NIV
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Coral Jacksonville, Florida
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
Proverbs 31:25 NLT
Carrie, Jupiter, Fl KJV
Colossians 3:2-3
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
Sandy, Dodge City, KS
Sandy, Dodge City, KS
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34 NIV
Barb from Richardson, TX
Matthew 5:16 NIV In the same way let your light shine before
others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify
your Father in heaven.
Kaye, Savannah, 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: Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindess and tender mercies. Psalm 103:1-4, NKJV
Caitlin, McKinney, TX
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'” Matthew 16:24, NIV 1984
Lacey
Morgantown, WV
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.”
-Isa. 41:10 (HCSB)
Marsha Gray, Jefferson, ME
Col 3:12 NIV
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Melissa, Denver:
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, (Colossians 3:12 NET)
k.joy from Lancaster, PA
Be self controlled and alert. For your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8
NLT
Nancy, Dallas
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (NIV)
Santa Rosa Beach, FL
“Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversations and godliness”
2 Peter 3:11 KJV
Deborah, Hartsville, SC “The earth has yielded its produce; God, our God, blesses us.”-Psalm 67:6 NASB
Kathy
Dow IL
Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all
generations.
Psalms 90:1 NIV
It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; (v.2) to declare Your steadfast love in the morning, and Your faithfulness by night. Psalm 92:1-4 ESV
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NKJV
Cathy, Lincoln,NE
“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 one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Col. 3:12-13, NIV
Colossians 3:12 NIV
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Paulette P. Mays
Elmer, La
Keller, TX
Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)
“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
Jennifer, Cypress, TX
Proverbs 2:4-5 ESV
“if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.”
Cindy, Lakeland, FL.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 NIV)
Kelly in Katy, TX
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. (1 Corinthians 16:13, 14 ESV)
Albuquerque, NM
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”. KJV
Anna Beth Barnes, Hamburg Arkansas
Phillipians 4:8 (NIV)
Finally, brothers, 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.
Jennifer from Sulphur, Louisiana
Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.
Luke 1:45 NIV84
Heidi, Georgia; I will say unto the Lord, O my hope, and my fortress:he is my God, in him will I trust. Psalm 91:2 GNV
Proverbs 4: 23 – 27 (NIV)
Above all else guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.
Shannon, Buda, TX
Psalm 103:3 NIV
Who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.
March 15, 2013
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom,and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. 1 Corinthians 1:25 NIV
Kerry Buell, St. Louis, MO
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
Hebrews 6:10
NIV
Lisa M, Davidsville, PA
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.
Zephaniah 3:17 ESV
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Philippians 4:4 KJV