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!
Lindy, Scott
Hebrews 11:1(NIV) – Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Barbara, Vicksburg, MS March on, my soul; be strong! Judges 5:21B NIV
Debbie Laureen, New Port Richey,
“I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Psalm 91:2,NIV
Cheryl, Everett
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of wittnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Rom 12:1 NIV
i think you mean hebrews 12:1!! that was my memory verse a few weeks ago!
Pam, DeLeon Springs, Florida
“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”
Proverbs 25:28 (NIV)
Stephanie Lufkin, TX – “…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
Karen, Baldwin City, KS
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Colossians 3:12-13 (New Living Translation)
Jane, Lexington, NC
For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life?
Romans 5:10
Erin, Augusta, GA
“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:4 NIV
“He will have no fear of bad news, his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on
his foes.”
Psalm 112:7-8 NIV
Inez Barnes
Hamburg Ar
For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. Paslms 149:4 NIV
Kathryn from Louisville, KY
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalm 23:4 (NASB)
God bless you, sweet Kathryn, you are a mighty warrior. Jesus cares deeply for you. Spirit, come.
amber, winter park, fl
as for me, may i never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, & the worlds interest in me also died.
-galations 6:14 (nlt)
IJohn:24,25 Message
Stay with what you heard from the beginning, the origanal message. Let it sink into your life. If what you heard from the beginning lives deeply in you, you will live deeply in both Son and Father. This is exactly what Christ has promised; eternal life, real life!
Anita, Purcellville, VA
“Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.” Psalms 107:13-15 NIV
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2 (NIV)
Becky
Willowick, OH
Galations 5:22 (NIV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Gena, Houston
“Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 (NLT)
“March on, my soul; be strong!” Judges 5:21b NIV
Katie, SC
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.
He freed me from all my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
Psalm 34:4-5, NLT
Robin, NM, 2 Corinthians 4:1 The Message
Since God has so generously let us in on what He is doing, we’re not about to throw up our hands and walk off the job just because we run into occasional hard times.
Carol, Cashion “She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction].” Amplified
Brandy, Kingwood, TX
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Allison, Johnson City, TN; “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
Evie–Cedar Creek TX
Proverbs 9:10. NIV
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Jennifer, Montgomety, Pa: For you formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. i will give thanks to you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works and my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth, YOur eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me when as yet there was not one of them. Psalm 139:13-16 NAS
Ellen, Sevierville. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Jenny Hope williams, Pelham, Alabama
Galatians 5:17 (NIV 1984) For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.
Holy battlefield! God’s Word strikes down every temptation. Shield of faith in one hand, Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God, in the other hand. You WIN!!!
Alison , Spartanburg, SC
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. Psalm 62:5 NIV
Judith, West Columbia, Texas
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen”
Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)
Kelli, Moss Point, MS:
For my thoughts are not your thoughts
Nor are your ways my ways says the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth
So are my ways higher than yours
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9
Julie, Clarks Summit, PA
I had a rough patch… gonna keep working on the same verses, I am not giving up!!
And above all these things put on charity which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful!
Colossians 3:14-15 KJV
Beautiful verse! Keep investing your time in this hiding of God’s Word in your heart. It’s like planting good seed. You will reap a great harvest!
Laura Greensboro, NC
“Who is like you among the gods, O Lord- glorious in holiness, awesome in splendor, performing great wonders? You raised your right hand and the earth swallowed our enemies. With your unfailing love you lead the people you have redeemed. In your might, you guide them to your sacred home.” Exodus 15:11-13 NLT
Granger, IN (I need this reminder again,) “Do all you have to do without grumbling or arguing, so that you may be blameless and harmless, faultless children of God, living in a warped and diseased age, and shining like lights in a dark world.” -Phillips
Tammy, Greenville SC
March on, my soul; be strong.
Judges 5:12b NIV
Karen, Jefferson City, TN
Galatians 1:10, TNIV.
Am I now trying to win human approval, or God’s approval? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Hi Karen!! Hope you are well 🙂
“The Lord will fight for you. You only need to be still.” Exodus 14:14
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it–he will be blessed in what he does. James 1:22-25 (NIV)
Patty Swinford, Gadsden AL – For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. Eph. 2:6-7
Dee Dee, San Antonio, “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”, isaiah 46:4 (NIV)
Martie ~ Indianapolis, IN ~ NIV ~ Ps 73:23-24
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
you guide me with your counsel, and wfterward you will take me into glory.
Elizabeth -Arlington, VA
1 Cor 10:13, NIV (2010)
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond waht you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Carla, Pierre, SD
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2 NIV
Melanie, Amherst, MA
“By faith He kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that he who destroyed the firstborn would not touch them.” Hebrews 11: 28 (NASB)
Casey, Fort Pierce, FL
“Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
1 Peter 1:13-16
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
“When You, God, went out before Your people, when You marched through the wilderness, the earth shook, the heavens poured down rain, before God, the One of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel.
You gave abundant showers, O God; You refreshed Your weary inheritance. Your people settled in it, and from Your bounty, God, You provided for the poor.
The Lord announces the word, and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng.” Psalm 68:7-11 (thanks for the suggestion!)
Everything about this passage speaks to me, too! May God MARCH on and you hang on.
Tammy M FuquayVarina NC
better a dry crust of bread with peace than a house of feasting with strife. prov 17:1 niv
“May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.”
Psalm 33:22 NIV
Phala, Thomasville, AL
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Phil 2:13 (NLT)
Phala, Thomasville is a town I’ve been to many times. My grandmother lived there. God bless you as you memorize His Word!