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
Christy
Fayetteville, AR
O LORD Almighty, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven & earth.
Isaiah 37:16
NIV
Jennifer, Allendale MI
“God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.” Romans 1:9-10 NIV
Jan, Littleton CO
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Psalm 90:14 NI
Jenn, Lakeland fl:
Colossians 3:12 (NLT)
“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tender hearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Psalm 19:14 (NIV) “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Mary, Chandler
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Joshua 1:8 NIV84
Jennifer from El Dorado, 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
John 15:15 (ESV)
No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36( NIV)
Tiffany-Calimesa, Ca.
Nehemiah 4:14 (NLT) Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember The Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.
“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.” Then you will call upon me and come to pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)
Tina Cincinnati Ohio : Psalm 138:3 – On the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul. (NASB)
(Hope this isn’t a duplicate-cant remember if I posted or not)
Wendy, Wilson, NC
John 14:27 (NIV) Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Cheryl, Naperville
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV)
This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:8 NIV
Sara, California
A little late…
1 Timothy 1:9 [NKJV] who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
Sara, California
Correction: 2 Timothy 1:9 [NKJV] “who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,”
Amy G- Clovis CA
Rom. 8:3 NLT
The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. he sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we winners have. And in that body, God declared an end to sin”s control over us by giving his son as a sacrifice for our sins.
Donna, Fort Wayne, Indiana
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. (Galatians 2:20 NASB)
Christie, Gray Court, SC
Rejoice always! Pray constantly. Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
I Thess 5: 16,17,18 HCS
Magan, Lakeway, TX
“Be still and know that I am God.”
Psalm 46:10a (NIV)
Amy, St. Augustine, FL: “The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more,”. Romans 5:20. NIV
Amy-Fort Polk, LA
“No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.” Psalm 25:3 (NLT)
Shannon Kissimmee, Florida
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed of the renewing of your mind, Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Joni Leahy, Littleton CO
Gal. 6:17 ESV
“From now let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
Learn to be patient, so that you will please God and be given what he has promised.
Hebrews 10:36
CEV
Ann, Cataula, GA
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may be innocent and pure as God’s perfect children, who live in a world of corrupt and sinful people. You must shine among them like stars lighting up the sky,…
Philippians 2:14, 15
Alicia, New Market, AL “Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their evil ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways.” Ezekiel 33:11 (NIV)
Ryann, New Market, AL “Do not follow the crowd when they do what is wrong.” Exodus 23:2 (NLT)
Debra
Dallas, GA
“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.
He changes times and seasons;
He sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning…
Daniel 2:20-22 (NIV)
Ruth Larkin
Shawnee, KS
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)
Krista, Idaho
15 See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. 16 For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.
Deuteronomy 30:15-16 (NIV)
Kj, ks, esv phil 1:6 I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Katelyn, Tulsa OK.
“It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.” Proverbs 25:2 ESV
Charlsie from Austin, TX
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)
Stephanie
Martinez, GA
Pray without ceasing.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Romans 1:17, NIV
“For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” “
Sarah S., McKinney, TX
1 Peter 1:13 NIV
“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.”
Colossians 3:12-13 (NIV)
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.
Adele-Alys from Matthews, NC
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”The Message :Matthew 11:28-30
 (MSG)
Lacey, Grand Rapids, MI
(Starting to memorize James chapter 1)
“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:
Greetings.”
James 1:1 NIV
Crystal in Warren, PA
Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
Kathy
Saint Louis, MO
Luke 11:9-10
NIV
“So I say to you, ask and it will be given unto you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be open unto you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be open.”
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? I Corinthians 6:19 NASB
Inez Barnes
Hamburg AR
Isaiah 41:13 NIV
For I am the Lord your God who takes you by the right hand and says to you Do Not Fear I will help you
Tuscaloosa, AL
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 Corinthians 2:9 (KJV)
9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
Proverbs 3:27
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.
“Be completely humble, and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
Ephesians 4:2 NIV
Diane Jenkins of Washington, DC
You thru your commandments make me wiser than my enemies for your words are ever before me. Psalms 119:98 (Amplified Version)