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!
Beth, Gig Harbor
But when Jesus heard this He answered….Do not be afraid any longer, only believe…
Luke 9:50 (NASB)
You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, His generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus.
Phillippians 4:19 The Message
Jenny, Tulsa, OK
“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 wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
“For the Lord, your God, is the God of gods, the Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who has no favorites, accepts no bribes.”
Deuteronomy 10: 17 (NAB)
Galatians 5:13-14 NIV
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But not free to induldge the sinful nature; rather serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command “love your neighbor as yourself.”
Rachel, Orlando,
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.” James 3:9-10 NIV
Alisa Raleigh, NC Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” EVS
Lindsey, Avon Park, FL
“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, NIV).”
Marsha – Lees Summit, MO
Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge Him. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth. Hosea 6:3 NIV
Julie- Cincinnati, OH –
Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT)
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words and slander as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
This verse is especially dear to me this week after our 2nd miscarriage in 6 months …
Isaiah 43: 2-3a (NIV)
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the LORD your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I just prayed for you, dear sweet one. May our God wrap you up tight in his arms.
Thank you! The Lord is with us and we know it but it still is hard. We will make it through together!
My heart goes out to you Heather!
Thank you!
Teri, Indianapolis, IN
Judges 5:21b (NIV) March on, my soul; be strong!
Dawn, Overland Park KS:
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Proverbs 19:21
Leah; Perkins, OK
“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Phillipians 4:19 (NASB)
Darlene T., Pittsburgh, PA – Zephaniah 3:17 – 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. (NIV)
Rhonda, Tampa
Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; I wait for You all day long. Psalms 25:5 HCSB
Erica, Amman Jordan
“Is this not the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter-when you see the naked to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”
-Isaiah 58:6-7 (NIV)
Sharon Nixa, Mo.
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life; neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow…not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. Romans 8:38 NLT
Tiffany, ATL
My Soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him.
~ Psalms 62:5
Isaiah 25:1 (NIV)
O LORD, you are my God;
I will exalt you and praise your name,
for in perfect faithfulness
you have done marvelous things,
things planned long ago.
Donna Benjamin
Tuscaloosa, AL
(R.I.P. John Vincent Mauro–March 6,1992-April 2,2010)
“With Jesus help, let us continually offer our sacrifice of praise to God by proclaiming the glory of His name”.
Hebrews 13:15 NLT
Cheryl, Vancouver, BC
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 (NIV 2010)
Jean, Maryville, TN
Psalm 77:10-12
Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most Hight.” I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.
Kerri ~ Greenville, MS
Jeanne, Santa Rosa, CA: Psalm 143:8 (NIV)
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 lift up my soul.
Cheryl, Louisville, KY
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6 NIV
Holly Mc Tyler, Texas
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your way my ways, declares the Lord. As the Heavens are higher than the Earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV
Sue C. Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ ” Matthew 4:10 NIV
Abby, Indianapolis
“But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.”
Psalm 73:28 (NLT)
Stacey -Morocco,in
2 Chronicles 16:9 (The Message)
God is always on the alert, constantly on the lookout for people who are totally committed to him. You were foolish to go for human help when you could have had God’s help. Now you’re in trouble—one round of war after another.”
“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young mean stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Isiah 40:30-31 (NIV)
Absarokee, Mt.
KJV Psalms 118:17
I shall die, but live
and declare the works of the Lord.
Carol, Gig Harbor,
“Share with Gods people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13 NIV
Sandy~
Keller, TX
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.”(NIV)
“God steps out like He means business. You can see He’s primed for action. He shouts, announcing His arrival; He takes charge and His enemies fall into line.”(Message)
Kerri ~ Greenville, MS
“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and make me willing to obey You.”
Psalm 51:12 (NLT)
Hilda, Pearland
I Cor. 13:12 NASB
For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.
Linda in Boulder, Colorado
There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. John 1:6-7 RSV
Jennifer J. – Texarkana, AR
“Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.”
Philippians 4:13 (MSG)
Paula, Russell, KY
It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your face, for You loved them.
You are my King and my God, who decrees victories for Jacob. Through You we push back our enemies; through Your Name we trample our foes. Psalm 44:3-5 NIV
Meredith, Gridley
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petiton, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7. (NIV)
Psalm 18:9-10 The Message
9/he lowers the sky. He steps down; under his feet an abyss opens up. 10/ He’s riding a winged creature, swift on wind-wings”
Ronda, Marion, Indiana:
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. Rom 12:3 NIV
Kelly, Charlotte, NC
Romans 8:6 (Contemporary English Version)
If our minds are ruled by our desires, we will die. But if our minds are ruled by the Spirit, we will have life and peace.
Catherine, Lee’s Summit, MO
James 1:9-10
The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.
Kim, Atlanta
“Because of your great compassion…You gave your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold your manna from their mouths, and you gave them water for their thirst.” – Nehemiah 9:19a, 20)
Translation:NIV
Amarillo Tx
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you
should go;I will counsel you and watch over you.
Psalms 32:8 (NIV)
Mt. Vernon, MO
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise. (KJV)
Erin, Lubbock
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words and slander as well as all types of evil behavior Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” -Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT
Alexis, Corvallis, OR:
“I am under vows to you, O God; I will present my thank offerings to you. For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.” Psalm 56:12-13 (NIV)
Amy; Waco, TX; 2 Timothy 2:11-13 (NIV): “Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we also live with him; If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us. If we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.”