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!
Cassandra, Mars Hill, NC “For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 HCSB
donna, mt. pleasant nc
Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:25-26 NASB
Sasha, Bellingham
“The Lord protects you; The Lord is a shelter right by your side.” Psalm 121:5 (HCSB)
Molly Ashland,KY
“Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” Proverbs 10:19 NLT
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”
1 Thesselonians 5:16-18
Jennifer, Grovetown Georgia
And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 NIV
Jane W, Charlotte
Psalm 31:20 NIV
In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues.
Kari, Colorado Springs
“Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure.” Psalm 16:5 NIV
“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
Fountain, CO
Kelsi, Eau Claire, WI: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2, NIV
(This choice was inspired by the book Finding God’s Will by Gregg Matte)
Karen, Lexington, KY. “And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” ~ Matthew 3:17 (NIV)
Celia, Athens, AL:
“If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.”
Ex. 33:13 NIV
Laura K, Spearfish, SD
(This is long, but I’m needing the reminder. I will be adding verses 5-8 on March 15.)
John 15: 1-4 (NIV)
Jesus teaches about the Vine and the branches:
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the Gardener.
2 He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
3 You are already clean because of the Word I have spoken to you.
4 Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.”
robin, scottsdale, AZ
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
I Peter 5:7-8 (NIV)
Kim, Salem, OR:
Judges 5:21b NIV – March on, my soul; be strong!
Marilyn, Peterborough Ontario Canada
Psalm 19:14 (New King James Version)
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer
Carolyn, Terrace Bc Canada
Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
Margie Allen,TX
Jesus answered, “It is written:’Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” Matthew 4:4 NIV
Lanna, Missouri
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12, NASB
Sarah, Colorado Springs
1 John 5:4
For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith. (Amplified version)
Lisa, Boerne, Tx
“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. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2
Jennifer, Highlands Ranch, CO
“Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” 1 Cor. 6:19-20 (NLT)
Amanda in Dover, TN
Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Nancilea, The Woodlands, TX
“The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46:7 (and 11)
Sharon, Riverside,Ca
For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe
in his dwelling, he will hide me in the shelter
of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
Psalm 27:5 NIV
Salina, Hindman, KY
“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.” Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
Rhonda, Sulphur, LA – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but to the interests of others.” -Philippians 2:3-4, NIV
Jean, Houston, “and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.”
2 Peter 1:7
Jocelyn, Huntsville, AL
Today I will bury my infant son, and I am claiming this verse:
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2, ESV
Jocelyn,
I am praying for you today, and agreeing with you in prayer over this verse.
God is with you!
-Tiffany
Prayers going up for you, dear sister! May you feel God’s comfort all around.
Jocelyn–love and prayers for you, I’m so sorry for your loss.
Kori, Duluth, MN:
“The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendents, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live.” Deut 30:6 NIV
Lala from Ruston, LA, says “This, then, is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5 KJV
Anna, Maumelle, AR
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 NIV
Sharon, Moore, SC
Romans 14:19 (NIV)
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
Dana – Bothell, WA
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galations 5:22-23
Lori ~ Port Arthur, Texas
The one thing I ask of the Lord- the thing I seek most- is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a rock. ~Psalm 27:4-5 (NLT)
Marina, Kansas City:
“Teach me Your way, Lord, that I may rely on Your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name” Psalm 86:11 NIV
Susan, Anodver,KS
“‘Daughter Zion, shout for joy and be glad, for I am coming to dwell among you’ – this is the Lord’s declaration.”
Zechariah 2:10 (HCSB)
Chrissy, Clemmons, NC:
“Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10, NKJ
Amanda – McKinney
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for mans anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. James 1:19-20 (NIV)
Stephanie, Sparta, TN
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.”
Ecclesiastes 3:11 NKJV
karen, cheney, WA
“He said to them,
‘Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'” -Mark 6:31- (NIV)
Lisa, Bend, OR
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
A stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name trust in You,
for you,Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Psalm 9:9-10 NIV
Linde, Dallas
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.”
Philippians 1:9-10 NIV
Cindy, Lexington, KY – The LORD GOD is my strength, And HE has made my feet like hinds feet, And makes me walk on my high places. Habakkuk 3:19 NASV
Jill; Plano, Texas
Judges 5:21 (New International Version, ©2010)
March on, my soul; be strong!
Shannon, Houston
“Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” – Psalm 73:25-26 NIV
PS – Beth, I needed to read your “If go, then go!” statement. Thanks.
Rachelle, Gardner, KS
“Christ has liberated us into freedom. Therefore stand firm and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
–Galatians 5:1, Holman Christian Standard Bible
Kuria, Malaysia:
Sing praise to the LORD, you saints of His,And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:4-5
(NKJV)
“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 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.’ The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”
Lamentations 3:21-26
“Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.”
Isaiah 40:26 (NIV)
Lori, League City, TX