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
Michele, Edmond, OK.
“Put on then as God’s chosen ones, holy & beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience, bearing with one another and if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” Col 3:12-13 ESV
Stephanie from Pickeringon, Ohio
“Therefore having such a hope, we use great boldness in our speech,” (2 Corinthians 3:12 NASB)
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1
Cindy from Sisters, Or
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.
Col 3:12-13
Ellen
Tennessee
Delight yourself in the Lord;
and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4 NASB
Esther, Alburquerque, Spain
Isaiah 48:17 This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:“I am the Lord your God,who teaches you what is best for you,who directs you in the way you should go. (NIV)
April, Diboll, TX
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
Acts 2:38-39(NIV)
Melody
Myrtle Beach, SC
1 Chronicles 16:11 NLT
Search for the Lord and for His strength; continually seek Him.
Lesley from Clinton, MS
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12 NIV
Anna – Mobile,AL
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 ESV
Terri from Winchester, VA
“She opens her mouth with wisdom. And on her tongue is the law of kindness.”
Proverbs 31:26. NKJV
Anne; Marion, Indiana
Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV) “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Sarah, Dallas
“The Lord your God is with you; His power gives you victory. The Lord will take delight in you, and in His love He will give you a new life. He will sing and be joyful over you.” Zeph. 3:17 GNT
Marti, Libertyville, IL
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Col 3:12 (NIV)
April, Greensboro, NC “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.” Psalm 145:18 NASB
Vanessa , Calgary
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eats its fruit. Proverbs 18:21
Kathleen Gunter, Wylie, TX
For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whosed hearts are fully committed to him.
2 Chronicles 16:9
For God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and of sound mind.” 1 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
Kathleen, Wylie TX
In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
Psalm 5:3
Sandra, Rock Hill, SC
Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits
Psalm 103:2 NIV
Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…
Zechariah 4:10 NLT
Karen, COnway AR
Janie Nichols from Warner Robins, GA
The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.
PS 145:9 NIV
Jennifer, San Antonio, TX
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
Isaiah 61:1 (NIV)
-for Breaking Free Bible study
Catherine P., Clarkston, MI Exodus 14:14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (NIV)
Adrienne TX
1 Chronicles 16:11 NIV
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
The person who trusts the Lord will be blessed.
Tilley Hawkins from Franklin, TN
“Seek the Lord and the strength He gives! Seek His presence continually!”
Psalm 105:4 (NET)
Perfect, Thanks Beth!!
Erin, Dumas–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
LuAnn, Winfield, IA
2 Tim 4:5 NIV(1984) But you keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
Chris, Yukon, Ok.
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 (NIV)
Abby, Van Alstyne–
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. (Galatians 5:24, 25 NLT)
Rachelle, Gardner, KS–“to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn” Isaiah 61:2, NIV
Meghan C. Sisters, OR.
“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”
Psalms 105:4 NIV
Bethany, Boerne, Tx. The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil. Proverbs 19: kjv
Shellie – Arlington, TX
For the spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
Jane, Van Buren, AR “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NAS)
Deanna – Safford, AZ
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)
Paola, Pinellas Park, Fl.
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9 NIV
Debbie, San Antonio, TX
Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.
Hosea 6:3 ESV
Stephanie, Canton NY
Colossians 3:12 The NET Bible
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience…
Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe he exists and rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Hebrews 11:6
“Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am
sending you.” John 20:21 (NIV)
Heidi McClure :: Locust Grove, GA
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!
Psalms 105:4 ESV
Tanya, Whitewater, KS
“For because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted (tested and tried), He is able [immediately] to run to the cry of (assist, relieve) those who are being tempted and tested and tried [and who therefore are being exposed to suffering].”
Hebrews 2:18, Amplified
Kayla of Morgantown, WV
Commit your activities to the Lord, and your plans will be achieved.
Proverbs 16:3 HCSB
Stacey, Albuquerque, NM-I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 3 John 1:4 KJV
Karen from Schererville, IN
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
1 Chronicles 16:11 NIV
Psalm 27:8 New Living Translation
My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”
Ann from Indiana
Leah from Bloomington…I will be glad and rejoice in Your love, O God, for You saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place. Ps. 31:7-8 NIV
Amy Dean, Jacksonville, FL: Lamentations 3:21-24 Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness! His mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore I will have hope in him!” (NLT)