Hey, my dear Siestas!
Knowing I had to pop out of bed this morning to post for SSMT, I actually dreamed about you guys last night! We were at the celebration on a break between sessions and it was wonderful, beautiful chaos in the halls and teeming joy in the hearts. Now, that’s the kind of dream I want to have. I so hope you are well and that God’s Word is alive on your tongue and thriving in your everyday experience. Remember, He sends forth His Word to accomplish something. It’s meant to have effect and I pray you’re feeling the vivid power of it. I can’t think of the last time my memory verses came to me with more pure conviction. I can feel the friction they’re causing internally and the jagged edges they’re sanding externally.
Our minds are already four Scriptures stronger than they were when we broke open 2011 and that, my darling sisters, is a great accomplishment all by itself! I noticed we dropped back well over a thousand on the last SSMT entry and that’s completely normal. There’s no condemnation here. The natural tendency will be to have less and less participants as we have more and more verses to memorize. But I want to encourage you to stick it out if you possibly can because we’re not restricted to normal. The Apostle Paul claimed in 1 Corinthians 3:3 under the inspiration of God that we are more than “mere men.” In 2 Corinthians 4:7, he said we are jars of clay encasing the unspeakable treasure of the knowledge of Jesus Christ and that, through this treasure we “show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” A long way from normal. I always thought normal was overrated anyway.
I stared at the calendar yesterday almost with disbelief as February peeled off the page and I turned to March. As I glared at the word “March”, I thought to myself, “Not a bad theme for the month.” March, as a matter of fact, is a very Biblical word. The thought caused me to smile and then to look up every single occurrence of the word in Scripture and, there in those verses, the Lord spoke a fresh word to me. Maybe you could use it, too. Here are a handful of “march” Scriptures with a few thoughts that spun around in my bleached blond head:
Joshua 6:4 –
“Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets.”
Perhaps it won’t surprise you that the word “march” makes regular appearances in this book of the Bible so, if you’re in the wilderness longing to cross that river of fear and enter a land of fruitfulness, you might venture a fresh look at it. Here’s what hit me about Joshua 6:4 –
Marching tends takes a heap longer than we expect and a different form than we might rationalize. Think how odd all that marching-around-in-circles must have been to some of those Israelites. On top of that, consider that God never instructed another group of people to take exactly that same approach again in the pages of Scripture. He told Abraham to do one thing. Moses, another. Joshua, another. David, still another. All were in keeping with His will and His character but the variance in prescribed acts of obedience reminds us that God is resistant to our relentless pursuit of formulas. God knows, if we could rationalize it, we’d institutionalize it. We’d have 2500 satellite locations of the “First Church of Seven Circles.”
In case I’m losing you, or the whole idea of marching through March is too much for you, I’ll speed up.
In 2 Samuel 15:22, David told one of his mighty men: “Go ahead, march on.”
Point? If God is saying go ahead, then GO.AHEAD.
I like that. Nice and simple. If go, then go.
Maybe what you need most of all this March is for God to march right through your wilderness and rain down showers upon it from the seas in His hands. Think of praying this segment today over the 30 days ahead.
Psalm 68:7-11
7 When You, God, went out before your people,
when You marched through the wilderness,
8 the earth shook, the heavens poured down rain,
before God, the One of Sinai,
before God, the God of Israel.
9 You gave abundant showers, O God;
You refreshed Your weary inheritance.
10 Your people settled in it,
and from Your bounty, God, You provided for the poor.
11 The Lord announces the word,
and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng.
(I love the part about refreshing the weary inheritance. Is that you, perchance?? It’s certainly been me at times over the last year. And how about V.11? Does that sound a little like Siestaville?? It blessed me to think maybe so.)
How about one more?
Isaiah 42:13 – The Lord will march out like a champion, like a warrior He will stir up His zeal; with a shout He will raise the battle cry and will triumph over His enemies.
And so, with all this March madness in mind for this month, could anybody use a really brief verse this go-round to help you catch up? Then I have just the March verse for you:
Judges 5:21b (NIV) March on, my soul; be strong!
Let’s hear it, Siestas! First name, city, verse, translation!
Beth, Houston. Think of how we regard as blessed those who have endured. You have heard of Job’s endurance and you have seen the Lord’s purpose, that the Lord is full of compassion and mercy. James 5:11 The NET Bible
Amen to that. March on, Sisters! Your God is for you!
I love you guys.
PS. For all you Houston-area girls, Kari Jobe is our guest worship-leader tonight at Bible study. Come help me welcome her. We only have two more Tuesday nights in this series and you don’t need any background whatsoever to receive from our subject matter tonight. We’d especially love to have you if you’ve never been before. Let someone on my sweet staff know you’re there for the first time. They’ll make sure you feel welcome. See you at 6:30!
Heather, Woodstock, GA
“‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.” Zech 4:6b (NIV)
Sherry, Cleveland,TN
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:29-30, NIV
Lyn, Greenville, SC: “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.” NIV
Christi, Cameron, NC
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Proverbs 3:27 NIV
Marcy, Elizabethtown, Ky: “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God.” 1 John 3:1 (NIV)
Charity – Durham, NC
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
Anne, Minneapolis
He who calls you is faithful; He will do it. 1 Thess 5:24 ESV
Colleen, Cape Town, South Africa.
I have 2 verses this time.
The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior.
He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephanaiah 3:17 NASB & NIV.
Though the fig tree does not bud & there are no grapes on the vines; though the olive crop fails & the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen & no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour. Habbakuk 3:17-18 NIV.
Naomi- Elmwood, WI
Psalms 37:23-24 (NLT)
The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.
Even though I made a mistake, I am marching on……. Thanks Beth
Deb, Pelzer, SC
Psalm 119:55 “In the night I remember Your name, O LORD, and I will keep Your law.” (NIV)
Psalm 119:18
Open my eyes that I man see wonderful things in your law.
Emma from Olathe, KS
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10 ESV
Nancy, Sioux City
Judges 5:21b (NIV) March on, my soul; be strong!
(Thanks, Beth! I came to the table with nothing this morning and this was just what I needed!)
Jackie; Sherwood, Oregon
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph. 2:10 (NIV)
Katrina from Tulare, CA: “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.” James 5:16b-18
NIV 🙂
Linda, Northport, Al
Isaiah 50:7
Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. NIV
Linda
Wichita, KS
Isaiah 48:17, “This is what the Lord says – your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: ‘I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.'”
Matthew 6:34
“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
(NIV)
Kelley, Round Rock, TX
For the LORD will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught.
Prov 3:26 (NKJV)
Tammy G, Greencastle, IN
I run in the path of Your commands, for You have set my heart free. Psalm 119:32
Vicki, Paducah, Ky The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.
Proverbs 10:11 NIV
I just have to say–I needed those marching words today!!
Karene, Yorba Linda, CA
Continuing Psalm 46:
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
Psalm 46:4–5 (NIV)
Anne, Sherwood, OR: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Psalm 19:1 NIV
Angie and Lily (4 1/2 year old daughter), Goshen, IN, “Let them praise His name with dancing and make music to Him with timbrel and harp. For the LORD takes delight in His people; He crowns the humble with victory.” -Ps. 14:3-4
*I have to comment on this one–Lily wanted a verse about ballet (her favorite thing), but I told her we probably couldn’t find one on that, but I’d look for one on dancing. She gave 100% approval on this one because it not only talked about dancing, but also about harps (which the mermaids in Peter Pan are using), and crowns (which every TRUE princess would LOVE). It’s the perfect verse for a 4 year old—and her mama! : )
Sorry, forgot that the above reference for Ps. 149:3-4 is in the NIV translation. Thanks!
Debbie, Cheyenne, WY – Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 NASB
Mitzi
Kannapolis
It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your face, for You loved them.
Psalm 44:3
Diane, Gig Harbor, WA – “And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, i will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
Oops, NASB actually
Samantha, Newnan, GA:
Psalm 3:3 (KJV)
But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
Kaila, Springfield, MO
“Observe therefore all the commands I am giving you today, so that you may have the strength to go in and take over the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess”
Deuteronomy 11:8 (NIV)
Joshua 1:9 (New International Version)
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.”
Pittsburgh, PA
Philippians 4:12 NIV
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Cindy
Jackson Hole, Wy
Psalm 25:8,9 MSG: God is fair and just;He corrects the misdirected,sends them in the right direction. He gives the rejects his hand, and leads them step by step.
LOVE THAT!
Katie, Atlanta, GA:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
Janalese, Angier. If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 NIV
Tatia, Elkridge, MD:
“For the LORD your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the Great God, the mighty and awesome God, who shows no partiality and cannot be bribed.” Deut. 10:17 (NLT)
Blaine, Magnolia, TX.
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 (NIV).
Kerry, Houston:
“But I trust in you, LORD; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hands.” Psalm 31:14-15a (NIV)
Denise, Madison, Al. Love is patient,love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast. 1 Cor 13:4 NIV
Cynthia – Richmond, VA
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139:23-24 NIV
Toni, Liberty,Tx The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everthing I have said to you. John 14:26 NIV
Cindy,DIberville, MS, For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
John 1:17 (NIV)
Elaine, New Orleans, LA ~ Malachi 1:5 NIV
You will see it with your own eyes and say, “Great is the Lord – even beyond the borders of Israel.”
Dedra, Madison, AL:
“O Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant.” 2 Samuel 7:28 NIV
Sister Lynn
Tucson AZ
“What else have I in heaven but You? Apart from You I want nothing on earth.” Ps 73:25 (The Grail Psalter)
Kathryn, Atmore, AL – “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)
Shelli, Glen Allen, “O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in times of distress” Isaiah 33:2 NIV
Kerry, Apple Creek, Ohio
Matthew 7:13-14 (MSG)
Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life – to God! – is vigorous and requires total attention.
Becky
Richmond, KY
ISAIAH 43:18-19 (NIV)
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”
Gayle, Salinas Make allowance for each others faults and forgive anyone who has offended you. Remember the Lord forgave you so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 NLT
Gretchen, Madison, MS
“It teaches us to say NO to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” Titus 2:12 NIV