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
Cara, Conway
Really late this time, we did some traveling over Spring Break and I know God kept his hand on us.
NIV
Psalm 143:8
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.
Autumn, Wetumpka. “He must become greater, I must become less.” John 3:30 NLT
Holly from Benton
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12 NIV
Dwan, Kings Mountain, NC
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13, NKJV
Karen S., Jacksonville FL
Psalm 13:6 NASB
I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me.
Debbie, Hookstown, PA
For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “do not fear, I will help you.”
Isiah 41:13 (NIV)
Charlene
Norcross,GA
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to seperate us from the live of God, which. Is in Christ Jesus our Lord
Romans 8:39 KJV
Hallie, from Edmond OK:
“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may receive a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:8-9, ESV
Jennifer Otisville, MI
Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until He comes and showers righteousness on you. NIV Hosea 10:12
Julia, Springfild, TN
1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)
For physical training is of some value, but Godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
Jill from Lexington Park, MD
Psalm 46:10, NIV
Be still, and know that I am God.
Pam, Columbus, GA. 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. Col. 3:12-13 The NET Bible
Proverbs 13:3 (NIV)
Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.
You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Psalm 139:5-6 NASB
Janet, Lenoir, NC
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.
James 3:9,10 NIV
Kristi, Telford, PA…
“Happy is the one who endures testing, because when he has proven to be genuine, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love Him.” James 1:9-12 ESV
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 NIV
Cindi Hueytown, AL
For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “do not fear, I will help you.”
Isiah 41:13 (NIV)
Kristin, Charlotte, NC
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
Elizabeth from Midland, Texas….
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.
Lori, Tupelo, MS
you were bought at a price. Therfore honor God with your bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:20 NIV
Joanna K, Salinas, CA
Romans 4:25 (NIV)
25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
Jariza, Alburtis PA
Ephesians 4:29, NIV
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.
Missy Jeanes, Lititz PA – “My dear brother and sisters, don’t let anyone fool you.”
James 1:16 (NIRV)
Your word is a lamp unto my feet, a light unto my path. Psalms 119:105
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; YOU ARE MINE.” ~Isaiah 43:1 (NIV)
Hollie R.
Granbury, TX
Rebecca, Phoenix, AZ
So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; (James 1:19 NKJV)
Tina, Hayden, ID
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. -Romans 5:1 ESV
Tammy, Merryville, La
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Romans 8:31 NKJV
2 Peter 1:5-8
New International Version (NIV)
Audrey Keys, Bristol, TN
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge”
II Peter 1:5-6 (NIV)
Karen from Lexington KY
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.
30 Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.
31 Do you now believe? Jesus replied.
John 16:30,31 NIV
Cheri
Louisville, KY
Liz, Nashua, NH
Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.
Proverbs 21:23, NIV
Andrea Dublin, OH
Psalm 50:14-15 “Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” NIV
Abby, St. Louis
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. (Col. 3:12-13 The NET Bible)
eva from htown
When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”
John 5:6
NIV
Julie from Fishers: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8. NIV
Julie Luttrull, Muskogee, OK, Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
Heather, Louisville, KY
” for freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
Galatians 5:1 (NRSV)
Andrea, Vivian, LA
Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse. Romans 12:14 (NET)
Indiana
“Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
II Corinthians 7:1 (NIV)
Natalie-Austin,TX
The earth is filled with your love oh Lord teach me your decrees.
Psalm 119:64 (NIV)
Jennifer, Houston, TX
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by 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
Lissa, Hamilton
“Surrender yourself to the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. Do not be preoccupied with an evildoer who succeeds in his own way when he carries out his schemes.”
– Psalm 37:7 (GW)
Proverbs 25:28 NIV
“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self control”
Michelle, New Market, Alabama
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Colossians 3:12
Terri – San Antonio
“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. what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the god of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4: 9-10
ESV
Holli
Bryan, Texas
“God has joined the two together, so no one should separate them.”
1 Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves, therfore, under the might hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your cares on Him, because He cares for you. NIV
Leanne Anderson
Cloquet, MN
“How long, o men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods!?” Psalm 4:2 NIV