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 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.”
But those who wait for the Lord ‘s help find renewed strength; they rise up as if they had eagles’ wings, they run without growing weary, they walk without getting tired.
Isaiah 40:31(NLT)
Abby – Oakland, TN
Kathy Carenza New Port Richey Florida
1 Chronicles 16:11 (ESV)
Seek the Lord and his strength;
seek his presence continually!
Emily from Tigerville, SC
“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” –1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (NIV)
“Be careful or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness, and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you like an unexpected trap. For it will come upon all those who live on earth. Be always on the watch and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:34-36 NIV
Katharine Jonesboro, AR
Anita Livingston, Odem, Texas
Acts 26:18 TEV You are to open their eyes and turn them from the darkness to the light and from the power of Satan to God, so that through their faith in me they will have their sins forgiven and receive their place among God’s chosen people.
Michelle Bentham – Watauga, TX
Eternal One: This is My covenant promise to them:[a] My Spirit, which rests on and moves in you, and My words, which I have placed within you, will continue to be spoken among you and move you to action. And not only you, but so it will be for your children and their children too. And so on through the generations for all time.” Isaiah 59:11 (VOICE)
Julie Payne, Muskogee, OK. For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. (Matthew 6:14 NIV)
RaeLeen, Greenwood:
But whoever listens to me will live securely and be free from the fear of danger.
Proverbs 1:33 (HCSB)
Julie, Hawaii
You are my servant, I have chosen you, and have not cast you away. Be not afraid, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you wit my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 43:9b,10
Janifer, Glen Burnie,MD
Proverbs 11:2 NIV
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Philippians 4:19 ASV
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Susanna Greenville, TX
Kathy, Missouri City, TX
James 2:7 (NIV)
Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?
Annie, Alabama
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
Melissa Albertson, Easley, SC, The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalms 27:1, NKJV
The Lord is my strength and my shield. I trust him with all my heart. Psalm 28:7, NLT
Sherry, Winston-Salem
Shout for joy, you heavens!
Earn rejoice!
Mountains break into joyful shouts!
For the Lord has comforted His people, and will have compassion on His afflicted ones.
Isaiah 49:13. HCSB
Stephanie, Shelbyville Romans 8:8-9
8 Those who are ruled by their sinful selves cannot please God.
9 But you are not ruled by your sinful selves. You are ruled by the Spirit, if that Spirit of God really lives in you. But whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Christ.
I Peter 1:8
“Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in Him and are filled with inexpressible and glorious joy.”
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10, NIV
Dionne from Cary, NC: He who guards his mouth keeps his life, but he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. Proverbs 13:3 Amp
Kristin, Austin, TX “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:17, NIV
Rebecca Stewart
Julian, NC
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
1 Peter 5:8 NIV
Christene from London, Canada
Philippians 3:13-14(MSG)
Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running and I am not turning back.
Heather from Florence, SC: “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NLT)
Jamie, Holly Springs, NC
Psalm 90:14, NIV
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Carrie C, The Woodlands, TX
Matthew 11:28 ESV
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Susan High, Inman, SC
He stilled the storm to a whisper,
the waves of the sea were hushed.
Psalm 107:29, NASB
Sabine Bagyura, Surrey, UK
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”
Kathy (Bear Creek, NC)
Psalm 104:1 (NIV)
Praise the Lord, my soul. Lord my God, you are very great: you are clothed with splendor and majesty.
Lizz, Brick NJ
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as The Lord forgave you, so also should you.
Col 3:12, 13. NASB
Erin, Alabaster, AL
2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV
“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…”
JoAnn Columbus, OH
Is. 40:31 (NIV)
but those who hope in the Lord will soar on wings like eagles: they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.
Christy Segars, Monroe, GA
“Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know what they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.” Ecc. 5:1,2 (NIV)
Psalm 16:11 NIV
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Lindsay, Albuquerque “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV)
Kelsie, Albuquerque “The Lord is righteous in all His ways, Gracious in all His works.” (Psalms 145:17 NKJV)
Alysa, Albuquerque “The Lord is righteous in all His ways, Gracious in all His works.” (Psalms 145:17 NKJV)
Dianne Stavropoulos, Atlanta, GA
“Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, let your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.”
“You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your body go into hell.”
Matthew 5:25-30
ESV
Jamye L., Greenbrier, AR
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Psalm 19:1, NIV
Proclaiming your love in the morning
and your faithfulness at night.
Psalm 92:2 niv
Cherry B., Conway, AR
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
1 John 4:18, NIV
Ronnie, Ostrander Ohio
Romans 12:12
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. ESV
Cynthia, Missouri
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation with me in the gospel from the first day until now.
Phill 1:3-5 NASB
Col. 3:12 NIV Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Melissa, Columbus, OH
Isaiah 40:29-30NIV Even youth grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Rebecca, Benton, AR
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)
Peggy from Mauriceville, Texas
Psalm 51:10 (NIV84)
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (steadfast=unwavering,dependable,firm)
Lorie, Centreville, VA
“The Lord your God is in your midst;
he is a warrior who can deliver.
He takes great delight in you;
he renews you by his love;
he shouts for joy over you.” Zephaniah 3:17
Raleigh, NC
I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
John 17:23
NIV
Matia, Fort Worth, TX
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13 ESV
Dana, Shawnee, KS
Deuteronomy 6:7 (NIV)
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.