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!
Karna – Clarkston, WA
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
Jennifer, Jonesboro, Ark.
Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. “Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:18-19 (NASB)
Lis, London: 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)
Karen, Rochester, MN
2 Samuel 7:28 NIV
“Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your word is trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant.”
Denise, Orange City
Philippians 4:5b-7 ESV
The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be mad known to God. And let the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Debra, Meadville, Miss. 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.
– Proverbs 14:10 ESV {Can you tell I’m “Wising Up”?}
Michele, Minneapolis
2 Thessalonians 3:3
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. (NIV)
Though the Lord is on high, He looks upon the lowly, but the proud He knows from afar. Psalm 138:6 NIV
Ann; Austin
“And if the spirit of Him Who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who lives in you.” Romans 8:11 (NIV)
Meredith Sloan
Greer, SC
“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.”
Isaiah 42:13
love the “March” thing 🙂
Megan in Nolensville, TN
Jude 1:24-25 “To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy-to the only God, our savior be glory, majesty, power, and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forever more, Amen.” NIV
Kait, Pittsburgh
“For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.” John 10:17-18 (ESV)
Julia, Whidbey Island, Wa: “being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised.”
Rom 4:21 NIV
Dawn, Mt. Olive, NC
Good morning!!! Verse #5
“Delight ourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
Psalm 37:4 NIV
Have a truly blessed day:)
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
2 Corinthians 4: 17 (NIV)
I dearly love this verse – and I needed to read it just now!
Joy Georgetown, Tx – 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. Psalm 44:3 NIV
NOT GIVING UP!!!
1Th 5:16 Rejoice evermore.
1Th 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
1Th 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Robyn, Wichita, “I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which He is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us~yes! The many good things He has done, according to His compassion and many kindnesses.” Isaiah 63:7 NIV
Kim
Orange City
The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
NIV
Amy, Hood River, OR
From the west, men will fear the name of the LORD, and from the rising of the sun, they will revere his glory. For he will come like a pent-up flood that the breath of the LORD drives along. Isa 59:19, NIV
Vicki
Murfreesboro,TN
1 Corinthians 10:23a,31 (NIV)
“Everything is permissable-but not everything is beneficial. So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Chris
Canton, NC
“And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Chris Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19 NIV
Cindy, Pueblo, CO, Thus Says the Lord to his anointed…I will go before you and level the exalted places I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut thru the bars of iron, I will give you treasures in darkness and the hoards in secret places, That you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who call you by your name. Is 45:1-3 ESV
Melody, Colorado Springs, CO
“Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not int he earthquake;”
> 1 Kings 19:11 (NKJV)
Erin – Springfield, MO
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galations 5:22 ESV
Melanie, Portland, Oregon: “You are precious in My Eyes, and honored, and I love you.” Isaiah 43:4 ESV.
Betty
Atlanta, MO
“An we urge you brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 2 Thessalonians 5:14-18
Vickie, Louisville, “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.” Isaiah 25:1 NIV
Lisa, Plano, TX: Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare. Psalm 40:5 NIV
Erin, Minneapolis, MN
“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” – 1 Thess 5:24
Linda, Bartelso, IL; Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2Corinthians 3:17 HCSB
Heidi – Lancaster, PA
You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees. Psalm 119:68 (NIV)
Beth, Huntsville, AL
Psalm 86:15 (NET)
But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and merciful God. You are patient and demonstrate great loyal love and faithfulness.
Peggy, Cheyenne
I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:13-14
Sherri, Topeka,KS
Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. How long will you assault me? Would all of you throw me down— this leaning wall, this tottering fence? Surely they intend to topple me from my lofty place; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless,but in their hearts they curse.
Psalm 62:1-4
Kate, Charlottesville
Isaiah 30:15 NIV
“…In repentance and rest is (my) salvation, in quietness and trust is (my) strength…”.
Tanya, Killen – “Turn my eyes away from what is worthless! Revive me with our word!” Psalms 119:37 (NET)
Michelle, Concord, NC~
Luke 9:23-26, ESV
And he said to me “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whold world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”
Barbara, Prospect, KY: “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV.
Kim ~ Niceville, FL
Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD; may your love and your truth always protect me.
Psalm 40:11 (NIV)
Nancy, Springdale AR
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13, NIV
Jennifer, Columbia, Romans 8:26-27, NIV:
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
I actually live in North Charleston; I haven’t lived in Columbia in six years. 🙂 Don’t know where that came from…
Wendi from Sulphur, LA
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13 NKJV
Julie
Ft. Wayne, IN
” O Lord save us; O Lord, grant us success.”
Psalm 118:25 NIV
Holly, Glendale, AZ:
Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them they would be too many to declare.
Psalm 40:5 NIV
madeleine corrales, Though the mountains be shaken and the hills removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10 NIV
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.
1 Peter 4:10 (NLT)
Natalie, Olive Branch “And don’t be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God’s place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there. God, not your marital status, defines your life.” 1 Corinthians 7:17 (The Message)
Ali C., Dublin, CA- I say to myself, “The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!”
Lamentations 3:24 (NLT)