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
1 Chronicles 16:11 NIV
Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always.
Leah Del Signore, Houston, TX
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
Romans 1:21-23 (NIV84)
Angie, Lee’s Summit, For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joint and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 NIV
“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only[a] God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:17 HCSB
Karen Tucson, Arizona
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Colossians 3:12 NIV
Hebrews13:8NIV
God is the same yesterday, and today and tomorrow
jill in palm coast, fl
This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.
Psalm 91;2 NLT
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
The earth and everything in it, the world and all it’s inhabitants, belong to the Lord. Psalm 24:1hcsb
Tanya, Kokomo, IN
“Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.”
Psalm 105:4 (NIV)
Kim, Yorktown, VA
For nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1:37 NIV
Heather
McDonough GA
“Search for the Lord and His strength; continually seek Him.” Psalm 105:4 (NLT)
Selina Barbourville, KY
For do I now persuade men or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. Galations 1:10 KJV
Kim D., Knoxville, Tenn.
“Create in me a pure heart, O God,and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10 NIV)
Laura, League City, TX:
But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.
Jeremiah 17:7
Sharon
Glennville GA
Colossians 3:12 NIV
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved,
clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness,
humility, gentleness and patience.
Linda Geho, Richmond, Va
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing
power is from God and not from us.
2 Cor. 4:7
Landry, Georgetown, TX
Proverbs 16:9 NIV 84
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.
Laura Gruner
San Antonio, TX
James 1:25-2:1 NASB
But one who look sintently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism.
“But be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; Consider what great things He has done for you.” 1 Samuel 12:24 NIV
Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man and said to him, “Have courage! Get up; He’s calling for you.” (Mark 10:49 HCSB)
Rene’ , Edmond, OK
Seek the LORD and the strength He gives!
Seek His presence continually!
Psalm 105:4 NET
Christina Brown
Louisville, KY
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
Katherine from The Woodlands, Texas
And I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Galatians 2:20 (HCSB)
Kate from Windsor, PA
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 hope and a future.
~Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Mary Ellen, Trenton GA, “Be JOYFUL always, PRAY continually, GIVE THANKS in all circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Claudia,
Brunswick, Ga.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
And make me willing to obey you.
Psalm 51:12
NLT
Angela Talley, Murfreesboro, TN
1 Corinthians 2:9 ESV
“But it is written, What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.
Natalie from Lynchburg, VA
“And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is”.
Ephesians 3:18 NLT
Dottie Lynchburg, VA
Colossians 3:12 NLT
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Danaye, Spencer, Indiana
“Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.”
– Psalm 105:4 NIV
~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
Saskatoon,Sk Canada
Christa from Peoria, AZ
Psalm 31:24
New King James Version (NKJV)
24 Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart,
All you who hope in the LORD.
Psalm 16:8
New Living Translation (NLT)
8 I know the LORD is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.
Krystle from Chattanooga, TN
Colossians 3:13 ESV “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.”
Jen Evans Seville Ohio
James 1:5 NIV If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Carter from Charlotte, NC – “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Col. 3:12,13 NLT
Shannon, Mandeville, “Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy”. Ps. 33:3 TNIV
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12 NIV
Carol, Chester, Ca.
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. Col. 3: 12-13 NIV
MiChal in College Station, TX
“(Love) Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
1 Corinthians 13:7 (The Message)
Jodi mueller, Wisconsin
NIV – Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience
Tracee, Morristown, TN
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 25:49 NIV
Debbie, Bolivar, MO
My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth (Psalms 121:2) NASB
Olivia, Tennessee
I will be careful to lead a blameless life- when will you come to me? I will walk in my house with a blameless heart. Psalm 10:2 NIV
Joy, Clyde, OH
Trust in Him at all times, O people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us.
Psalm 62:8 NASB
NKJV, Gal. 5:22 “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness”.
Jan Todd, Marion IA “Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.” 1 Peter 4:19 (NASB)
Barbara, New Orleans, LA
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
Janice: Jacksonville, FL
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you.Â
1 Peter 5:6-7 (HCSB)
Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back. Isaiah 38:17 NIV