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.
================
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.
===================
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.
==============
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 ~ Kenosha, WI
…yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
Habakkuk 3:18 ESV (Reading verses 17 and 19 with this)
Michele in North Oaks MN
Hebrews 10:37
For, in just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.
Amy in Noble, OK
Psalm 92:1-2 English Standard Version
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 at night.
Andrea Porter, Pottstown
Psalm 16:18 NIV
I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Sherry Youngblood Jay, OK
“For You, O Lord, have made me HAPPY by Your work. I will sing for joy because of what You have done.”
Psalm 92:4 NET Bible
Stephanie from Glenpool, Oklahoma
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14 NIV)
Sharon Ickes, North Plainfield, NJ
Isaiah 25:1 O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure.
Sue in Grapevine, TX
Philippians 4:8 ESV
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Leslie, Allen TX
But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:31
Kris Conant, Westbrook, Maine
Therefore,, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12 NIV
Amanda, Clinton, MO
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 3:13 NET
Leigh Graciano from Vista, Ca
Colossians 3:12-13 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, 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.
pamela t., Fairmont, NC
Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Susan, Littleton, CO
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Matthew 19:14
NIV
Kelly – Brentwood, CA
Draw near to the LORD, and He will draw near to you.
James 4:8a NKJV
I’d like to mention to you, Beth, that I love jackets (well shoes, boots, clothes, accessories…!!!!) also. What a wonderful visual I got from your post, though, is what I really wanted to share… He’s my Jesus Jacket! The best Jacket ever — wrapping me up in all His love and mercy (whew, thank goodness on so many levels of mercy!) And it’s a perfect fit, whether I’m my ideal weight/shape (rarely!), or a cushy pair-shape. It always fits and feels cozy and perfect.
I haven’t read all the posts, I would imagine I’m not the only one to have had such an epiphany from your posting about jackets – to have a “Jesus Jacket” come to mind.
Anyway, thank you, Beth! Of all my jackets, newer and the ones in the 5-10+ year club, I love my Jesus Jacket most of all.
Kelly from CO
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is Your way with those who love Your name. Keep steady my steps according to Your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. Psalm 119: 132-133
Phyllis and I are doing this together. She is in the process of moving from New Orleans to Cleveland, OH, so she was unable to post this time. I hope this can count as her post, too! We’ve chosen:
“Trust the LORD and His mighty power. Worship Him always.”
1 Chronicles 16:11 (NCV)
We could both use more trust in Him AND more of His power right now….
Mary
Woodway, TX
“This is my command-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:9, NLT
Claire, Bangkok
2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Debbie from Catheys Valley, CA
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”
(Proverbs 12:25 NIV)
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12 NIV
Susan Marie from Houston TX
LORD, You will establish peace for us,
for You have also done all our work for us.
Isaiah 26:12 HCSB
Christine from Laurel, MD
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV
Amy D., Thousand Oaks: Show me your ways Oh, Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my is in you all day long. Psalm 25: 4-5 (NIV)
Paula from Indiana says “For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand, it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the One who helps you.'” Isaiah 41:13, ESV
Nancy Virginia Beach, VA
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Col 3:12 NIV
Susan Knowles, Bradenton, FL
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Col. 3:12 NIV
Sharon Thomasb Brighton,Colorado
Colossians 3:12-13
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord has forgiven you.
Rebecca-Jacksonville, AL- Rejoice in The Lord always. I will say it again. Rejoice! Philippians 4:4
Tara
Greensboro, NC
Now I will break the yoke of bondage from your neck and tear off the chains of (Assyrian) oppression.
Nahum 1:13
NLT
Jennifer B, Plano, TX
Psalm 55:22 NIV
Cast your cares on the Lord
and he will sustain you;
he will never let
the righteous be shaken
TIllie, Spring Branch, TX
“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being.”
Revelation 4:11 (NIV)
Samantha from Texarkana, AR
But it is just as the Scriptures say, “What God has planned for people who love him is more than eyes have seen or ears have heard. It has never even entered our minds!” (1 Corinthians 2:9 CEV)
Dawn, West Monroe, LA
“to proclaim your love in the morning & Your faithfulness at night. Psalm 92:2 NIV
Joy, Altadena, CA
Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
Psalm 34:5 NLT
Cathy, Jackman, ME “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.”
Ps 92: 1&2 ESV
Sherie
The Woodlands, TX
For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Psalm 86:5 ESV
Brittany from Houston
Colossians 3:12-13 NIV
“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 one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Megan, St. Louis, MO
“The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” Psalm 138:8, ESV
Candi, Ft Bragg, NC. ‘To declare your lovingkindess in the evening and your faithfulness by night.’ Psalm 92:2. NASB
Amy from Tampa
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.”
Isaiah 40:8 NASB
Anna S.
Sullivan, MO
“Heal me, O Lord and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.” Jeremiah 17:14 (NIV)
Halleluja! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; His faithful love endures forever
-Psalms 106:1
Barbara Gallier, Beaumont, Texas, borrowed from an earlier post: “Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out.” Galatians 6:1-2 MSG
Kristy from Cedar Park, Texas: Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 NIV
Traci, Virginia
Romans 12:12 NIV
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Melanie from Griffin, GA
And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD’S hand waxed shirt? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.
Numbers 11:23. KJV
Brandy Reed; Raceland, LA
Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.-Math. 10:39 NIV
“All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.” Isaiah 54:13 NIV
Lois Solet, Schriever, LA