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!
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. NIV
Karie, Phoenix
“For I know that plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “Plans to prosper for good and not disaster, to give you future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
AJ, Berkeley, CA: For in Him every one of God’s promises is a “Yes.”For this reason it is through him that we say the “Amen,” to the glory of God.
AJ, Berkeley, CA:
For in Him every one of God’s promises is a “Yes.” For this reason it is through him that we say the “Amen,” to the glory of God. (2 Cor 1:20)
Holly Belt, Spring Hill,TN
Daniel 2:21
He changes times and seasons;he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.
Kaitlyn Richmond VA
I think these verses are saying, yeah times get tough. but does that give us a reason to it around and pout all day long, during our self-thrown pity party? nope. we have to “march” through the trials and tribulations of life, knowing that God will provide. which yes means trust.
happy marching!
Michelle, Lansing
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them ont eh tablet of your heart.” Proverbs 3:3 NASB
Dawn, Lafayette, Louisiana
Psalm 62:5-8 NIV
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your
hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Teresa – Austin, TX
Psalm 121:1-2 NIV
I lift up my eyes to the hills– where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
I love how God marched before them. That hit me. He didn’t march with us…he led the way, pushed out the darkness….and now it’s safe to come through. 🙂
Lee Ann, Naperville, Illinois
Hebrews 4:12 NIV
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Brooke, Kathryn and Cole, Naperville, Illinois
Hebrews 4:12 NIV (abbreviated)
For the word of God is living and active.
Note from Mom… I only pray that they live this one out and seek him in His word!
Ashley Deer Park, TX
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;his love endures forever. Psalm 107:1 NIV
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4 vs 15 and 16,
Anna.
canada.
Ann – Greensboro, GA
Php 2:3 ESV Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
(good golly, ms. molly….i’m late…sorry)
Susan
Seymour TN
Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
Matthew 7:1 (NIV)
Angela, Corbin, KY
Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to You; He rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him.
Isaiah 30:18
The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
-1 John 2:17 NIV
Janet, Bradenton, FL
Fear not, for I have redeemed you;I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
Isaiah 43:1b NIV
Yoncalla, OR
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
Ephesions 5:18, NIV
Lorna, Statesville NC
Romans 12:1 NIV
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.
Sorry this is so late…
Ashley, El Dorado, AR
“Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. (13) Bear with each other, and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (14) And over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Colossians 3:12-14 NIV
Ronda, Asheville, NC- I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. Isaiah 45:2 NIV
Jean – Arlington, TX
Psalm 37:4-7 (NLT)
“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence as clear as the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.”
Lisa, Greer Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek”
Emily from Charlotte
Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.
Proverbs 16:32 NIV 1984
Nicole Z. Del Norte and Alyx Z. Del Norte – “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.” Psalm 25:9 We’re behind this time and memorizing the same verse! 🙂
“Search me, 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
1 Corinthians 6:19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
Adelina, Houston, TX:
“Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)
Genevieve, Orange, “Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice O earth; burst into song O mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.” Isaiah 49:13
Dawn London, UK
Find rest O my soul in God alone
My hope comes from him
He alone is my rock and my salvation
He is my fortress, I will not be shaken
My salvation and honour depend on God
He is my mighty rock,my refuge
Trust in Him at all times
Pour out your heart to him
For God is our refuge
Psalm 62 5-8
Amy, Easley, SC
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit,who is in you, whom you have received from God?You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20 NIV
Mari,Zionsville
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. NJKV
PS Sorry this is so late…I was on vacation without a computer!
Alana, Chillicothe, OH: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 NIV
Penny, Waxahachie, Texas
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
John 6:37 KJV
Teresa, Grand Prairie, TX
For our light affliction which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
2 Corinthians 4:17 KJV
Heather, Fredericksburg, VA, “The mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart” Matthew 12:34, HCSB
Phil 4:8
Finally, brothers, 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.
~Paula K, Muskegon, Michigan~
Suni, Roanoke, VA 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
Love it! Thanks Beth!
Lisa, Mechanicsville, VA
Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 (NIV)
Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live. Psalm 23:6
Psalm 85:5 NIV
“I will hear what GOD the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people and to his saints but let them not turn back to folly.”
Psalm 119-105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
NIV
Tina, Odessa
Lord, teach me your ways.
Lead me along a straight path.
There are many people who beat me down. Ps. 27:11 (NIRV)
Katie, Edmond, OK:
“Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long.” Psalm 25:5 NIV
Debbie, Fairfax 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)
So sorry I forgot to post my verse….my bad =)
Dawn, Clever, MO “For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will.” Ephesians 1:4-5 (NIV)
Richmond, VA
Proverbs 12:18 TNIV
The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
KaRetha
Denham Springs, LA
1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV
“However, as it is written: What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,and what no human mind has conceived
the things God has prepared for those who love him—”