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!
Tammy, Marlton “Do not be afraid, nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV
Julia, Ottawa, ON
The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.
– Psalm 25:14-15 (NIV)
Dianne – Hartselle, AL
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
Valerie from McKinney, TX
These things I have spoken to you that in Me you may have peace.
John 16:33 NAS
Janey – Bogalusa
Ps 119:101 “I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy Word.” KJV
Ellen, Naperville. March on, my soul; be strong! Judges 5:21b NIV
Hi Beth, how’s everything in Houston?
I’m AmyLynn from Chicago and here’s my verse:
Hebrews 11:8 (NIV)
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive his inheritance,obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going
I’m praying for you and the team!
Love,
AmyLynn
Teri, Opelousas, LA: “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.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Suzy, Orlando
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
James 1:19 NIV
Tampa, FL
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Amy, Colorado Springs, CO:
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – I Thess. 5:16-18, ESV.
Sarah, St. Peters, MO
But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, “You are my God!” My future is in your hands.
Psalm 31:14-15a (NLT)
Heather in Visalia, CA
2/15/2011 Verse, because I missed it…
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in HIM!
Nahum 1:7 (Double Double wrapper at In n Out!)
3/1/11 Verse:
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.
Revelation 3:20
(Hamburger/Cheeseburger wrapper at In n Out)
Beth! Can you tell your last post inspired me to memorize the verses from the In n Out items! Ha! See you in Fresno, come HUG my neck!) 😀
Proverbs 18:32-33
He clothes me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, and sets me securely on the heights.
Lynn, St Michael, MN
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. 1 Timothy 4:4-5 (ESV)
Lori in Pelham, NH “Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.” Psalm 139:5 KJV
Do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promises, as some understand slowness.
2 Peter 3:8-9
Melissa H.
Asheville, NC
“The Lord is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds.” Psalm 145:17 NAS
Jean, Fairfax….”But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Cor. 12:9 NIV
Joanne, Grand Prairie, TX
Psalm 91:2 for last period and Psalm 91:3 for this period. Both are in the (AMP).
I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I (confidently) trust!
For (then) He will deliver you from the snare of the folwer and from the deadly pestilence.
Emily, Seattle
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NKJ
Alissa from Spring, TX
For [you] are God’s masterpiece. He has created [you] anew in Christ Jesus, so [you] can do the good things he planned for [you] long ago.
Ephesians 2:10 nlt
Thank you, Alissa! I couldn’t decide on what verse to use this time. God led me to your verse. Perfect. Just what I needed.
Psalm 27:5-6 NIV
“For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock”.
Lisa Macomb, Michigan
“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him; for He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust.”
Psalm 103:13-14
Maria Dickerson
Whitmire, SC
I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Philippians 3:10-11 (NIV)
Cindi Hueytown, Alabama
NIV
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Janine, Minneapolis, Mn
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.
Nahum 1:7
MARK 5:36 NIV
DO NOT BE AFRAID; ONLY BELIEVE.
STACY,
CHAPIN SC
Pam – Hatton, MO
Psalm 73:26 New International Version
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
God is sheer being itself – Spirit. Those who worship Him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.”
John 4:24
Message Bible
Laurie T.
Richmond, Maine
Amy Johnson, Lakeland, Florida I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV: Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Shari, Westland, MI
They will be my people, and I will be their God.
I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me
for their own good and the good of their children after them.
Jeremiah 32:38-39 (NIV)
Ruth, Coeur d Alene, ID
Blessed be the Lord—
day after day he carries us along.
He’s our Savior, our God, oh yes!
He’s God-for-us, he’s God-who-saves-us.
Psalm 68:19-20 The Message
Nikki, Wasilla, AK
Col 3:23 – 24 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. ESV
Margo
Laramie, WY
Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
my verse is from Isaiah 40:28-29 NIV (sorry)
Brenda – Derby,KS
Ephesians 6:10-11
Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devils schemes.
Tammy, Dallas
I lift up my eyes to the mountains, where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2
He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was was blind but now I see. John 9:25 (NIV)
Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
James 5:16 (NASB)
Courtney, Chicora. NASB BIBLE PSALM 68:7-11 OH GOD, WHEN THOU DIDST GO FORTH BEFORE THY PEOPLE, WHEN THOU DIDST MARCH THROUGH THE WILDERNESS, THE EARTH QUAKED; THE HEAVENS ALSO DROPPED RAIN AT THE PRESENCE OF GOD; SINAI ITSELF QUAKED AT THE PRESENCE OF GOD, THE GOD OF ISRAEL. THOU DIDST SHED ABROAD A PLENTIFUL RAIN, O GOD; THOU DIDST CONFIRM THINE INHERITANCE, WHEN IT WAS PARCHED. THY CREATURES SETTLED IN IT; THOU DIDST PROVIDE IN THY GOODNESS FOR THE POOR, O GOD. THE LORD GIVES THE COMMAND; THE WOMEN WHO PROCLAIM THE GOOD TIDINGS ARE A GREAT HOST:
karen, farmington, ar
“Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand. What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”” Matthew 15:10-11 NIV
Ashley, Chesapeake. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV)
Jackie from Michigan – Provers 31:18-19 NKJV – She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.
Brook, Santa Monica
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
1 Corinthians 13.12 niv
Hebrews 10:35-36 NIV
So do not throw away your confidence;
it will be richly rewarded.
You need to persevere
So that when you have done the will of God,
You will receive what He has promised.
Paulette P. Mays
Elmer, La.
Brandy, Burleson, TX
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. Eph. 4:29 NIV
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Philippians 3:12 NIV
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – I Thess. 5:16-18, ESV.
Kristi, Lubbock TX:
“Those who sow in tears,
will reap with songs of joy.
He who goes out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with him.”
–Psalm 126:5-6
Susan, Alabama: “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Proverbs 14:30 NIV