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!
“Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.” Luke 24:45 (NIV)
Laura, Sharon, PA:
Psalm 139:13-14 “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
NKJV 1 Corinthians 2:9
Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered the heart of man, the things God has prepared for those who love Him.
But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, “You are my God!” My future is in your hands. NLT
Psalm 31:14-18
Lindsay, Frisco
Exodus 34:12-14
“Take care, lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land to which you go, lest it become a snare in your midst. You shall tear down their altars and break their pillars and cut down their Asherim, for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” (ESV)
Sheryl, Rocky Mount, NC, 2 Chronicles 16:9a,(NIV) “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.”
Rosa, Sulphur Springs, TX. “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 NKJV
Puyallup, WA
“I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear; But now my eye sees You.” Job 42:5 NASB
Psalm 105:1-3a NIV
Oh give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonders. Glory in His holy name.
Lisa, Plano: As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. James 5:11 NIV
Debbie
Millen, GA
2 Corinthians 4: 13-15 NIV
13 It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, 14 because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. 15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
Becky Fayetteville AR
Philippians 1:9-10
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ
Tally, Mountain Home
March on, my soul; be strong.
Judges 5:21b NIV
Linda H., West Des Moines, Iowa
Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. I John 3:18 (NIV)
I’M LATE!!!
“A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.” Luke 6:40
March on, my soul; be strong! Judges 5:21b NIV
Katy, Pearland: Proverbs 2:1-2 (NAS)
“My son, if you will receive my words and treasure my commandments within you, make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding…”
Mandy
China Spring, TX
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer 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 12:1-2 NIV
Jan, Littleton, CO
“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)
Tami says,
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 73:26 NIV
Alece in Lawton OK
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalms 76:26 NIV
Mary, Jackson, TN
The Lord asked, “Is it right for you to be angry?”
Jonah 4:4 HCSB
Ephesians 6:13
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
(NKJV)
Holly C. Longview, TX
“May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.”
Ephesians 1:17 NKJV
(NIV) Ps. 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.”
Sheri, Ayden NC
Hebrews 4:15 KJV
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Amy, Perrysburg, OH
March on, my soul; be strong!
Judges 5:21b NIV
Kalyn – Binghamton, NY
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
2 Cor. 10:5 (NIV)
Carisa, SD
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16 NIV
James 5:11 ESV
Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and mericful.
Sharie, Chillicothe
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NASB
Psalm 46:10 (ESV)
Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations,I will be exalted in the earth!
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons (daughters)of God.”. Matt. 5:9. NIV
Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. -Galatians 1:10 NIV
Marcie, Concordia KS
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. Psalm 18:32 NIV
Carrie, Princeton, MN:
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Proverbs 15:1 NIV
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Melissa Waddy,KY
Jan from Pittsburgh, PA
The Lord God is my strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk, not to stand in terror, but to walk, and make spiritual progress upon my high places of trouble, suffering or responsibility.
Habakkuk 3:19 (Amplified)
Tyler, Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada
Search me, O God, adn know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends You,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
~ Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT)
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must belive that he exit and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 NIV
Michele, Anderson, SC
“The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live. Deuteronomy 30:6 NIV
Rachel – Bedford, Indiana
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3
Maureen, Cambridge, MA: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
Dawn, San Diego
Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21 NIV
Natasha, Ontario
Song of Solomon 8:6-8
Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy[a] unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love;rivers can not sweep it away.
Jackie, Centennial CO
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plas I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Becky,KY
Isaiah 54:5 (NIV)
For your Maker is your husband – the Lord Almighty is his name – the Holy One of Israiel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of all the earth.
Dianne, Kennesaw- “May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 (NIV)
Temple, TX
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3 NIV
Michelle
Loveland, CO
2 Samuel 7:18b (NIV)
Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family that you have brought me this far?