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!
Theresa, Columbia, SC.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1Thessalonians 5:16-18 NASB
Lisa, Steinbach
Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Lisa S. McKinney, TX.
Psalm 119:81 niv
My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word.
Pamela,Mechanicsville,VA.
“Be still and know that I am God;” Psalm46:10 NIV
Cynthai, Massanutten, VA
“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)
Sharon
South Charleston, Ohio
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. ~ Psalm 62:1-2 (NIV)
I love this one!
Sarah (Albuquerque, NM)
“This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.”
James 1:19-20 (NASB)
Luke 1:45 (NIV)
Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!
Karen, NC
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
Hebrews 12:11
NIV
Jennie
Los Angeles
Leigh,Montgomery: Enter with the password:”Thank you!” Make yourselves at home, talking praise. Thank him. Worship him. Psalm 100:4 The Message
Anna,Montgomery: So don’t be impressed with those who get rich and pile on fame and fortune. They can’t take it with them; fame and fortune all get left behind. Psalm 49:16-17 The Message
Carrie, Fort Mill, SC
“These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.” Revelation 17:14 NASB
Judy, Ridgecrest, CA
“who among the gods is like you, O LORD? Who is like you- majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?
Exodus 15:11 NIV
Peggy- Idaho
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (NIV)
Lindsey, Fuquay-Varina, NC
“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)
We can make our own plans, but the LORD determines our steps.
Proverbs 16:9
Rene, Claremore OK: Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2 (NIV)
People with their minds set on you,
you keep completely whole,
Steady on their feet,
because they keep at it and don’t quit.
Depend on God and keep at it
because in the Lord God you have a sure thing.
Isaiah 26:3 The Message
Melinda, Aledo, TX (I’d felt led to this verse before I even read this post – it fits the “march” theme nicely, don’t you think?) :o)
Dean
Barbourville, Ky
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs,that it may benefit those who listen.
NIV- Ephesians 4:29
Deut. 4:9 (NLT) “But watch out! Be very careful never to forget what you have seen the Lord do for you. Do not let these things escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and children’s children.”
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness,faithfulness,gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galations 5:22-23 NKJ
“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,…” Acts 2:46 NIV
Traci
Frozen Tundra, MT
Judges 5:21b (NIV) March on, my soul; be strong!
Just the verse we needed today. We’ve been fighting a couple of feet of snow, subzero temps, deathly windchill and lots of baby calves being born in this awful weather. Gets pretty discouraging, but we need to just keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Cathy, Brighton, CO 2 King 6:16 “Don’t be afraid” the prohpet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (NIV)
Brandy, San Angelo, TX “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” Proverbs 27:17 King James Version
Yolanda, Kansas
Let them give glory to the LORD
and proclaim his praise in the islands. Isaiah 42:12 NIV
…**My Sister-in-law has been gravely ill with ARDS since Friday a.m. and yesterday she had a turn around, and we are in the Pacific Islands on vacation/holiday. This is very fitting!! Thanks Marilyn for sharing this with me**
Angie
Orlando, FL
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9 NIV
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4 NIV
Megan, Maple Valley, “March on, my soul; be strong!” Judges 5:21b NIV 🙂
Shannon, Orange County, CA: (continuing from last month)–
“He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” –Jeremiah 17:8, NIV
Cassie, Mansfield TX: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7
Katie G
Knoxville, TN
Phil. 1:20 ESV
“as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.”
Kimberly, Aiken, SC, Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. NIV
Robyn Wright of Topeka, KS
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
Leigh Anne, Sylacauga Alabama
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3:22-24 NIV
Meagan Austell, GA
Hebrews 13:6 NIV
So we say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?”
Carrie, Chicago
Exodus 15:13 NIV
In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.
Jill, Fort Ashby, WV:
March on, my soul; be strong!
Judges 5:21b (NIV)
Isaiah 26:3 The Message
People with their minds set on you,
you keep completely whole,
Steady on their feet,
because they keep at it and don’t quit.
Depend on God and keep at it
because in the Lord God you have a sure thing.
Shelly
Amarillo, TX
Psalm 59:16 But as for me, I will sing about your power.
Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love.
For you have been my refuge,
a place of safety when I am in distress. NIV
Misti Belleville MI “Everything is permissible for me – but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me – but I will not be mastered by anything.” 1 Corinthians 6:12 NIV
Cary – Celina, TX
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26 (NIV)
James 1: 12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (ESV)
Corinne in Chehalis, Washington
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. In light of some difficult situations I’ve encountered recently, this statement is definitely something I needed. I will pray and claim this scripture…Judges 5:21b (NIV) March on, my soul; be strong!…so that I may continue to run the race that God has prepared for me.
Kate, Hillsboro, OR
I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. Job 42:2 (NIV)
Roni – Demopolis, Alabama For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men. 2 Corinthians 8:21 NIV
Steph, Ontario Canada
March on, my soul; be strong!
Judges 5:21b
I needed that! Thanks, Beth. 🙂
Jill in Palm Coast
The Lord our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable for all that he has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions.
Deut. 29:29 NLT
Betty Murphrey, Wendell, NC
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NET)
For though we live as human beings, we do not wage war according to human standards, for the weapons of our warfare are not human weapons, but are made powerful by God for tearing down strongholds. We tear down arguments and every arrogant obstacle that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to make it obey Christ.
Amber, Warsaw, IN
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16 NIV
Karen H., Stephenville, TX
Psalm 138:3 (NASB)
On the day I called, You answered me;
You made me bold with strength in my soul.