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!
Lauren, Montgomery, AL
The Lord my God has opened my ear; and I was not disobedient nor did I turn back.
-Isaiah 50:5 (NASB)
Melissa
Black Creek, Ga
Colossians 4:2 NLT
“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.”
Melissa, Hampton Roads, VA:
“Rather [your beauty] should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
1 Peter 3:4 (TNIV)
So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me.”. Hebrews 13:6 NIV
Hilary
Hudsonville, MI
“The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel. The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever.”
Psalm 103:6-9 ESV
Deb, Becker It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. Deut 3:18 (ESV)
Amy B., Edmond OK
Psalm 63:3 (ESV)
“Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you”
Susan, Silverhill,AL, “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:10-12 NIV
Kim, Warsaw, Indiana
“…that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)”
– Ephesians 2:5 (NLT)
How great is our Lord? His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond our comprehension! Psalm 147:5 NLT
Jenell, Springfield, MO – I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing. 2 Timothy 4: 7, 8 ASV
nancy – LPM
houston
“March on, my soul; be strong!” Judges 5:21 NIV
Bambi-Houston, TX
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14 NIV
Shelly, Portland, OR
“But me, I’m not giving up. I’m sticking around to see what God will do. I’m waiting for God to make things right. I’m counting on God to listen to me.”
Micah 7:7 (The Message)
Candice; Blacksburg, VA
Also, let Christ’s peace control you. God has called you into this peace by bringing you into one body. Be thankful.
Colossians 3:15 (God’s Word Translation)
Amy Hopper Ardmore, Oklahoma
“We have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.”
1Timothy 4:10 ESV
Paula, Syracuse KS
March on, my soul; be strong! Judges 5:21b NIV
(Needed this! So fitting right now!)
Lorena – Walla Walla- “‘Shout for joy, O barren one, you who have borne no child;Break forth into joyful shouting and cry aloud, you who have not travailed;For the sons of the desolate one will be more numerous Than the sons of the married woman,’ says the Lord” Isaiah 54:1 (NASB)
Karen – Scottsdale, AZ “Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May Your glory shine over all the earth.” Ps. 57:11 NLT
Danielle, Corpus Christi
“But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation My God will hear me.”
Micah 7:7
NASB
Laura, Tracy, CA – 2 Corinthians 10:5 “Take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ”. NIV
Suzanne, Charlotte NC
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Psalm 34:8 ESV
Matthew 5:43-44, NIV:
You have heard it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy, ‘But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Annette, Richmond, TX
Eposi, Houston, TX
“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:10 (ESV)
So need the reminder of this verse, so I am re-memorizing it!
Lisa, Lynnwood, WA
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10 NIV
Charne – Standerton, South Africa; “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the sceptre of your kingdom.” Heb 1:8 NIV
Kalonni, Van Meter, Iowa: “May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.” Psalm 20:1 NIV
Jeannette, Ellicott City, MD
Continuing Ps 112:
They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord will take care of them.
They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly.
Psalm 112: 7,8 NLT
Lynette – Aurora, CO
Proverbs 10:19 – NLT
Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.
Melanie, Decatur, AL
Again, our group study of the book of Jonah has led me to my verse. We were reminded in the study that when we yield to God, one of the blessings we receive is the Presence of God. Like Moses, I don’t want to go thru the “wilderness” without the Presence of God. Neither do I want to spend time in the “belly of a fish”! So, I’ll claim these words of David as my prayer:
Psalm 51:10-12 KJV
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
And, if it’s ok to share, here’s a link to an older song by Keith Green that puts this verse to music (The reason I chose KJV):
http://www.youtube.com/watchv=BGPmMcDeRpM&feature=related
“and provide for those who grieve in Zion- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, a garmet of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.” Isaiah 61:3 NIV
Liz from ocean springs ms
So do not fear, for I am with you;do not be dismayed, for I am your God.I will strengthen you and help you;I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
-Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
Nancy, Columbia, For nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1:37 NIV
Tamara; Alabaster, Alabama: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13, NIV
Sarah, Montrose, CO
1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
BraydenandBodiesmama
Ruston, LA
Psalm 121
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Today’s NIV
Valerie, Pflugerville, TX:
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. ~ 2 Peter 1:3
Heather, Yankton, SD- Psalm 37:23 If the LORD delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm;
Amanda, LaSalle, ON Canada
2 The LORD is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him,
my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
Exodus 15:2 NIV
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead
James 2:26, NIV
Meggie, Winnipeg, Canada
“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.” 2 Peter 2:3 NLT
Tammy, Rowlett, TX
“Train up a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)
Michelle, Little Rock
“Who is wise? Let them realize these things.
Who is discerning? Let them understand.
The ways of the LORD are right;
the righteous walk in them,
but the rebellious stumble in them.” Hosea 14:9, NIV
Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.
(1 Timothy 4:12, NLT)
Lori, Pine Island, MN
“‘But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.'” Luke 22:26 NIV
Gina – Kingwood, Tx.
Deut. 31:8 (NASB)
“The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you;
He will be with you; He will not fail
you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Amy, Kernersville, But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you…Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
Barbie, Yankton, SD
Psalm37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord
And He delights in his way.
Heather, Beaumont, TX
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you where ever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Kadie, Tinley Park
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
Psalm 63:3-4 (NIV)