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!
Lora
Mooresburg
Colossians 2:10 10 And you are in Him, made full and having come to fullness of life [in Christ you too are filled with the Godhead–Father, Son and Holy Spirit–and reach full spiritual stature]. And He is the Head of all rule and authority [of every angelic principality and power]. Amplified
Hi Very late here — but I’ve been working on my verses
from the passage of Ps 145: 1-7 Its Review Time
145:1 I will extol you, my God and King,
and bless your name forever and ever.
2 Every day I will bless you
and praise your name forever and ever.
3 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
and his greatness is unsearchable.
4 One generation shall commend your works to another,
and shall declare your mighty acts.
5 On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
6 They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds,
and I will declare your greatness.
7 They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness
and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.
Mary, Westfield, NJ “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4 (NIV)
Lenore, Grayson (GA) – I think I missed posting this on the 1st!!! “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” ~Psalm 143: 10 (NIV)
Wenatchee, WA
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
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”
Matthew 5:7
ESV
Lisa Day
Surprise, Arizona
Danay’e – Spencer, Indiana
“Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.”
– Psalm 84:12 (NIV)
Kendall from San Antonio:
“I know that you can do anything,
and no one can stop you.”
Job 42:2 NLT
Michelle
Okc
2 cor 12:9
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.
The Lord is my light and my salvation;whom shall I fear.
psalm 27:1 NIV
Becca, Grand Prairie
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:4 NIV
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28)
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3
my verse is Gal5: 24-25 NASB Now those who belong Christ JEsus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit!
ANd I desperatly need that this month!
My verse is Ps 63:1-2 God thoug art my God, I shall seek THee earnesly. My soul thirsts for THee, my flesh yearns for thee IN a dry and weary land where there is no water. Thus I have beheld thee in the sanctuary. To see THy power and Thy glory. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life My lips will praise thee
Lori
Bangor, Maine
With God rests my salvation and my glory; He is my Rock of unyielding strength and impenetrable hardness, and my refuge is in God! Trust in, lean on, rely on, and have confidence in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is a refuge for us (a fortress and a high tower). Selah (pause, and calmly think of that)!
Psalm 62:7-8
Amplified
Dustalyn, Murdock, NE, “Shout for joy, you heavens! Earth, rejoice! For the LORD has comforted His people, and will have compassion on His afflicted ones.” Isaiah 49:13 (HCSB)
Lisa Hawaii Acts 5:29 NKJV We ought to obey God rather than men.
Darien, Lenoir
I Corinthians 15:42,43 NIV
So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power;
Darcy, Lenoir
I Corinthians 15:42,43 NIV
So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power;
Jae, Lenoir
I Corinthians 15:42,43 NIV
So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power;
Psalm 121:5 HCSB
“The LORD protects you; the LORD is a shelter right by your side.”
Ivy Morrison
Willis, TX
Psalm 145:18-21 (New International Version, ©2011)
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.
20 The LORD watches over all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.
21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.
Let every creature praise his holy name
for ever and ever.
Tami says,”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.”
Romans 12:1 NIV
Kimberly
Fort Wayne, Indiana
NIV
Isaiah 49:1
Listen to me, you islands, hear this you distant nations, before I was born, the Lord called me; from my birth, he has made mention of my name.
Cresanna – Bible School Park, NY
Come, let us return to the LORD! He has torn us in pieces; now he will heal us. He has injured us; now he will bandage our wounds. Hosea 6:1, NLT
Ali, Verona, VA
“Let us come near to God with a sincere heart and a sure faith, because we have been made free from a guilty conscience and our bodies have been washed with pure water.”
Hebrews 10:22, NCV
For (as far as this world is concerned) you have died, and your new, real life is hidden with Christ in God.
Col. 3:3 (Amplified)
Susan, Oklahoma City, OK
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34 NIV
(reposting – couldn’t find original posting from 3/1)
Deuteronomy 4:29
29 But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Cheryl
Kemah, TX
Tiffany, Chesterfield:
The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true, they are righteous altogether. Psalm 19:7-9, NASB
Whitney Decatur, AL
I’m doing such a bad job posting my verses! AAAACK…..
Proverbs 16:20 “Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be happy.”
Ann, Faith, SD
Colossians 3:12-13
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and,(AI) if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
Reneé, Missouri City, TX
“For I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.”
Phillipians 1:19-20 NIV
Natalie, Kiowa, Colorado
“My flesh and my heart may fail’ but God is the stregth of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 NKJV
Karen, Chickasha OK, Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Col 4:6 NKJV
Joanna Howard – Virginia – “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” – Prov. 29:11
Tammy ~ Mobile, AL
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8
Rebecca, Stamford, TX “March on my soul; be strong!” Judges 5:21b (NIV)
Urbandale, IA
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 NLT
Sarah
Seattle
“You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.” Psalm 145.16 NKJV
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. Rev 21:4 NIV
Sharon, Los Angeles
“A new command I give you; love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
John 13:34 NIV
Before they call I will answer;
while they are still speaking,
I will hear,” says the Lord.
Isaiah 65:24
Lisa
Stillwater, OK
Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.
Psalm 119:97
Leslie
Stillwater, OK
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Romans 3:23
Kristen
Stillwater, OK
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
1 Thessalonians 5:19
Shannan
Stillwater, OK
The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
Psalm 126:3
Missy
Stillwater, OK
Jesi / North Richland Hills, Tx
Therefore, my brothers and sisters,[a] make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:10
And we know that in all things
God works for the good
of those who love him,
who have been called
according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
Mindy
Stillwater,OK
Samantha – Tupelo
Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.
Proverbs 17:28
NIV