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!
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16 (NAS)
Erika, Chester VA
Linda Bulverde, Tx
“In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for Me wholeheartedly, you will find Me.”
Jer. 29:12,13 (NLT)
I am so late!! My reader didn’t switch me to the new blog site. Please forgive…
Amanda, Waco TX
I Samuel 15:22- Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. (ESV)
If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace. Romans 8:6 NLT
Lisa, Spring, TX
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Colossians 1:9, NIV
Nicole
Prairieville, LA
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.”
Psalm 94:19 NIV
Erin, Austin
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God-what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 NRSV
TJ, Myrtle Beach, SC
‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. ‘ Jeremiah 33:3, NIV
Abbie – Franklin, TN
“Finally, brothers (or siestas):), whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.
Phillipians 4:8 NIV
I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in me and I in him, he bears much fruit, fir apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NASB Jeanne – keller tx
Deb, Lancaster “I will praise you forever for what you have done; in. Your name I will hope, for your name is good. In will praise you in the presence of your saints.” Psalm 52:9
Brenda Greenville sc
Zeph. 3:17 NIV
The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.
Donna, Franklin, TN
Started working outside the home…can’t catch up or get ahead…but I’m trying…better late than never!
Judges 5:21b (NIV) March on, my soul; be strong!
Jariza, Alburtis, Pa 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. NKJV
Becki Larson, Battle Creek, MI
1 Chronicles 28:9 (NIV)
acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Pam Lebanon, In. “You therefore, must endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ,” “But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” 2 Timothy 2:3, 2 Timothy 4:5 NKJV
“And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ, so that when He returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from Him in shame.” 1 John 2:28
Kathryn, Birmingham, Alabama
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 NIV
Nicole, Ocean Springs, MS – “Sow righteousness for yourselves, 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 his righteousness on you.” ~Hosea 10:12 (NIV)
Alana, Ocean Springs, MS – “We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly til the end the confidence we had a first.” ~Hebrews 3:14 (NIV)
Stacia Deen from Avon Park, Florida: For God has not given us a spirit of cowardice, but of power, and of love, and of wise discretion. 2 Timothy 1:7 (Darby’s Translation)
Katie C., Texas City, Texas
“Search me, O God, and 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
Revis, Leander, TX Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Phil 2:3-4 NIV
Janice; Springville, AL
John 14:1-3 NKJV
Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. I will come again and receive you to myslef; that where I am there you may be also.
Bethaney, Frankfurt, Germany, “Don’t be afraid, because I am with you. Don’t be intimidated; I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will support you with my victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, God’s Word Translation).
Kristi, Bartlesville: “So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.” 2 Corinthians 5:9 NIV
Pattie–Texas
Joshua 1:9: in the NLT:
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Psalm 34:5 AMP
They looked to Him and were radiant; their faces shall never blush for shame or be confused.
Lino Lakes, MN
Bobbie, Ft. Walton Beach, Florida
But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
James 1:6 (NIV)
Hanover, WV
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV), The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
Diane, Cary NC and Naperville IL
Continuing with Ephesians 3:20-21
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, for ever and ever Amen.
Jami Holland
Spring Lake, NC
“March on, my soul; be strong!” Judges 5:21b
NIV
Kendra, West Frankfort, IL I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints. Ephesian 1:18 NIV
Daniela, Abingdon, MD
O my soul, march on in strength!
Judges 5:21 NKJV
Linda from Fort Wayne, Indiana
“I can do everything through Him who give me strength.”
Phil. 4;13 NIV
Claming this verse, as I don’t want to fall behind on this memorization pledge! Review, review, review!
Lahni-cynthiana,KY
James 1:19(NIV)
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
Cheryl, Rockford, MI
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
Virginia – North Carolina
In everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus – 1 Thes 5:18 (NASB)
I forgot to post my Feb 15th verse so here goes…
DeAnn, Rome GA – And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV
Now for my March 1st
DeAnn, Rome, GA- I love you Lord, you are my strength. THe Lord is my rock, my fortress and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. Psalms 18:1-2 NLT
Elizabeth, Rocky Mount, NC.
Isaiah 45:3 (NIV):
“I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.”
Christen – Birmingham, AL
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Colossians 3:12
Ephesians 6:17 Take up the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit which is the Word of God.
Pam, Greensboro, NC. “Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey it’s evil desires.” Romans 6:12
Kim, Searcy, Ar. “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:4 NIV.
Cindy
Union Grove, WI
Your Kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.
Psalm 145:13
NIV
Isaiah 54:10 (NIV) “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace removed” says the Lord who has compassion on you.
Tammy, Sugar Land, TX
“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.'” John 6:35 (NIV)
Debbie R, Atlanta, TX “If we live by the spirit, let us also walkk by the spirit.” Gal. 5:25 NAS
Andrea- Florence, Ky: Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. – James 1:12