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.)
12Â Therefore, as Godâs chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Â 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, âGod opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.â
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.â
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
Erin- Denison, TX
“We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul- not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy.”
Colossians 1:11 (MSG)
Michelle, St. Louis, MO
For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One), (2 Corinthians 10:4, 5 AMP)
Lori L – Montrose, CO
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12 NIV
Cheryl, Redlands, CA:
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (NIV)
“Hear O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all you soul and with all you strength.”
Jennifer, Sherwood, AR- “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thesselonians 5:18 (NIV)
Freida, Chatham, LA “The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.” Psalm 103:6 NIV
Jeanni, Westland
Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.
Psalm 120:2 KJV
Livia
Wick
Isaiah 43:10
New International Version – UK (NIVUK)
âYou are my witnesses,â declares the Lord,
âand my servant whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor will there be one after me.
And, in Hungarian:
ĂzsaiĂĄs 43:10
Hungarian New Translation (NT-HU)
Ti vagytok a tanĂșim – Ăgy szĂłl az Ăr -, Ă©s szolgĂĄim, akiket kivĂĄlasztottam, hogy megismerjetek, higgyetek bennem, Ă©s megĂ©rtsĂ©tek, hogy csak Ă©n vagyok. ElĆttem nem lett isten, Ă©s utĂĄnam sem lesz.
Carmen Greenville Mi
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothes 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
Deb, Indiana Matt 26:41 NIV
“Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
“In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility towards one another, because ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5 NIV
Delanie, Fenton, “The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him” II Chron 16:9 NIV
Kathi
Kingwood, Tx
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” -1 John 4:10 NIV
Debbie, Folly Beach: Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:12 NIV
Muriel,Ontario Eph. 1:20 (NLT)
This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.
Turkesshia Moore, Greensboro
Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. Romans 4:18 KJV
Jaclyn, Round Rock, TX
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV
Kate from Sterling, VA
Strength and dignity are her clothing.
and she laughs at the time to come.
Proverbs 31:25, ESV
Karen, Centralia, MO: Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord. Lam 3:40
Becky Morganton, NC
âTherefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing.”
Matthew 6:25 ESV
Cindy, Largo FL
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” 2 Corinthians 4:17 NIV
Beverly, Prosper, TX
Isaiah 32:7
The fruit of righteousness will be peace;
The effect of righteousness will be quietness & confidence forever. (NIV)
Peggy Stewart, Flushin Michigan, Isaiah 30 18
For this reason the Lord is ready to show you mercy; He sits on His throne, ready to have compassion on you. Indeed, the Lord is a just God, all wo wait for Him in faith will be blessed.
Isaiah 30:18 NET
Terry – Louisa, VA
Hebrews 4:14-16 NIV ’84
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Leah from St.Thomas, ON, Canada
Jeremiah 17:14 (NIV)
Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the One I praise.
Kristina from Duluth, MN “It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.” Psalm 18:32 NIV
Heather W, Nederland, TX
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalms 19:14 NLT)
Karen, Raymond: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.”
Ezekiel 36:26 NKJV
Luke 5:16, New King James Version:
So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.
Jolene, omaha: Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. (Colossians 3:15 NASB)
Ann, Ventura, CA
“The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”
~Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
Zakia. Clarksville, TN
“And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5 (NET)
Jeri, Stillwater, Ok. The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)
Joyce Grimes, Pace, Fl
I am at rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. (Psalms 62:1 HCSB)
âDo not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22
Cindy
Salt Lake City
John15:12NIV
My command is this:love each other as I have loved you.
Barb, Phoenix, AZ
“Wait for The Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.
Psalms 27:14 NASB
Jen Sherman, Plano, Texas Psalm 92:4 for you oh Lord have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.
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
Pattie Self, San Angelo, Texas
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 NIV
Denise – Asheville, NC
Still working on Ezekiel 37:4-9:
Then he said to me, âProphesy to these bones and say to them, âDry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath[a] enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.ââ
So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. 8 I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them.
Then he said to me, âProphesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, âThis is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.ââ
Sorry I’m late this time!
“Commit your way to The Lord; trust in Him
And he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noon day sun.” Psalms 37:5-6
This is from Holly in Ridgecrest, CA
San Angelo, TX
For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Ephesians 5: 8-10 (NLT)
gina
Johnstown, CO
The Lord their God will save them on that day as the flock of His people. They will sparkle in His land like jewels in a crown. Zechariah 9:16 NIV
Joy from Iowa~”God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. And remember, no one who wants to do wrong should ever say, “God is tempting me”. God is never tempted to do wrong, and He never tempts anyone else either.” James 1:12-13 NLT
Amanda E
Rockwall, TX
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:34 (NIV)
Jamie in Mason OH
But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.
Rom 8:37 NASB
Emma from Olathe, KS
Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. (Proverbs 27:1 ESV)
Brittany Norfolk, NE
Do you not know that your bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
1 Corinthians 6:19 NIV
Dora, Houston, Tx: “Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.”
–Psalm 34:5 (NIV)