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
Shannon- Bethesda, MD: “Wait for the lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 (NIV)
Alison Quinlan Bourne England ‘Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.’ Hebrews 11:1 NIV
Rebecca Mitterholzer, Tacoma, WA –
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
…You do not get things because you do not ask for them.
James 4:2 NLV
Sarah
Appleton, WI
Matthew 18:5
And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me.
NLT
Peggy – Bangor, Maine
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Krista~Gunter, TX
“When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who hold his tongue is wise.” Proverbs 10:19 NIV
Sherry Smith in Marietta GA
Psalm 92:4
New English Translation (NET)
4 For you, O Lord, have made me happy by your work.
I will sing for joy because of what you have done.
Psalm 5:12 NKLJ
You,O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield.
1 peter 5:6 esv “humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
Michaelene Beall
Loganville, GA
Isaiah 41:13 The Message
I, your God, have a firm grip on you and I’m not letting go. I’m telling you, ‘Don’t panic. I’m right here to help you.’
Sandy-Long Beach, CA.
Your word is a lamp for my feet,
A light on my path.
Psalm 119:105 NIV
Bette, Bothell 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
Julie, Broken Arrow, OK
Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:31 (NLT)
Nancilea, The Woodlands, TX
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Col. 3:13 NIV
Sarah, Sydney,Australia
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience”. Colossians 3:12 NIV
Karie-Phoenix,AZ
But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken from her.”
Luke 10:41-42 NLT
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:2 NLT
Daniel 2:20-23 (NLT)
Praise be to the name of God forever and ever;
Wisdom and power are His.
He changes times and seasons;
He sets up kings and disposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.
He reveals deep and hidden things;
He knows what lies in darkness
though He is surrounded by light.
I thank and praise You, O God of my fathers;
You have given me hope
You have made known to me what I asked of You.
You have revealed Light and Life.
Peggy from Homer, IL
Luke 1:37 NIV
For no word from God will ever fail.
Proverbs 22:6
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Jennifer Janes – Texarkana, AR
Psalm 105:4 (NLT)
Search for the Lord and for his strength;
continually seek him.
Amanda, Surrey BC, Canada, “So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline.” Colossians 3:12 The Message
Sarah, Truman, MN
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12-13 (NIV)
Cheryl Wright, Everett, Wa. I posted my fifth verse instead of my sixth one! Sorry, Psalm 23: 5 ” you prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows.” Niv
Lisa Christopher
Olympia, WA
“It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.” (Psalm 19:6, NIV)
Ashley G., Orlando:
This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have success.
Joshua 1:8 NASB
Beth, Toronto: 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 NIV)
Nancy
Dyersburg, TN
It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High
to declare your stedfast love in the morning and your faithfulness by night.
Psalm 92:1-2 ESV
Melisa-Waco, Texas
“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Put away perversity from your mouth, Keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.
Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm
Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”
Proverbs 4: 23-27 (NIV)
Here goes my last two scriptures. I got behind while in Mexico with no internet!
2Â Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Â Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:2-3 NIV
29Â Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30Â And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Â Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Â Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:29-32 NIV
Marilyn, Harvey, Iowa
Luke 24:49 NET
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.
Kelly from Sherman, TX: “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 NIV
To obey is better than to sacrafice
1 Thessalonions 5:16
Becky, Seminole,FL Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience
Pray continually
1 Thessalonions 15:17
“Only let us live up to what we have already obtained” Phil.3:16 Niv
Be joyful allways
1 Thesolonians 5:16
Liz, Geismar, LA
“They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.”
Isaiah 61:4, NIV ’84
Vicki, Wilmington NC
Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name.
Psalm 86:11 NKJV
Susan from BEverly, MA
Jeremiah 1:12 The Amplified
Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am alert and active, watching over my word to perform it.
Jeannette Z. from Mission, TX
Habakkuk 1:5 (NIRV)
The Lord replies,
“Look at the nations. Watch them.
Be totally amazed at what you see.
I am going to do something in your days
that you would never believe.
You would not believe it
even if someone told you about it.
Cindy, Summersville, WV. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14 (NIV)
Terra – Qwasso, Oklahoma:
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8 NLT
Terry from Jasper, GA
Psalm 87:7 (AMP)
The singers as well as the players on instruments shall say, All my springs (my sources of life and joy) are in you (city of our God).
Susan H. , Lady Lake, FL
Psalm 96:2 Sing to the LORD, bless His name; tell of His salvation from day to day. NIV
Stephanie Beattie, Sugar Grove, IL
“We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.” (Proverbs 16:1 NLT)
She will have no fear of bad news; her heart is steadfast, trusting in The Lord. Her heart is secure, she will have no fear; in the end she will look in triumph on her foes.
Psalm 112:7-8 (NIV – with pronouns changed to feminine!)
Valerie, Fultondale, AL
“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 NIV
Jessy from Houston, Tx
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
~James 1:19-20
Sandy from Hygiene Colorado Proverbs 16:7 “When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes his enemies live at peace with him.” (NIV)
Julie, Houston, TX. “Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him will all their heart.” Psalm 119:2 (NIV).