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!
Jennifer, Cincinnati
1 Peter 4:7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded & self-controlled so that you can pray. NIV
Shirley, Ashville, AL:
Philippians 2:14-15 (NLT) Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.
Kristy Dorminy
Alpharetta, GA
Psalm 121:5-6
“The Lord protects you; the Lord is a shelter right by your side. The sun will not strike you by day, or the moon by night.”
Kathy Green, White House, TN
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Stephanie Houston, TX
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness” Proverbs 31:25-26 NLT
Stacyjo – Spokane, WA
Psalms 145:15-17 NIV
The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in the proper time.
You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.
Ashley, Nashville, TN
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 TNIV
Nicole, Stuttgart: “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)
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
Katie, Dayton OH.
“For by one sacrifice he has made perfect those who are being made holy.” Hebrews 10:14 (NIV)
Jennifer, Oreland, PA
“March on, my soul; be strong!” Judges 5:21b NIV
Rachel, Alpharetta, GA
My dear brothers, take note of this:
Everyone should be quick to listen,
slow to speak and slow to become angry,
for man’s anger does not bring about
the righteous life that God desires.
James 1:19, 20, NIV
Heather, Fort Mill SC
“He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge, the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.”
Isaiah 33:6, NIV
“Above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life.”
Proverbs 4:23, NIV
Amber, Drexel MO
That is why it depends on faith, kin order that the promise may rest on grace and lbe guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, mwho is the father of us all
Romans 4:16 (ESV)
Delta from Lakeland, Florida
March on, my soul; BE STRONG!
Judges 5:21b
Immediately, the boils father exclaimed, ” I don believe! Help me overcome my unbelief!”. mark 9:24 niv
”But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
SJ from South Mississippi ~
1 Corinthians 5:6-7 ~ Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new leavened batch—as you really are. (NIV 2010)
Andrea~ Cartersville,GA
Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. Psalm 34:5 NIV
Dana, San Angelo, Tx
Don’t lose your courage or be afraid. Don’t panic or be frightened, because the Lord your God goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies and to save you.
Deut. 20:3-4
I need courage in currently difficult times.
Karin, Kingsburg CA; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Amber, Drexel MO
Here it is without the typos!! (apologies)
“That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring- not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,
Romans 4:16 (ESV)
Stacy, Birmingham, AL. But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed. -Isaiah 53:5 (NASB)
Christa, Kansas City, MO:
An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. Proverbs 12:25 NIV
Kathy Dow, IL
Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6
Kendall-Huntsville, AL
Your testimonies also are my delight, they are my counselors.
Psalm 119:24 (NASB)
(9)And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, (10)so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.
Phillipians 1:9-10
Jewel — Denver, PA
Deuteronomy 6:4-7 (NKJV)
Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
Denise, Skiatook, OK March on, my soul;be strong! Judges 5:21b NIV
Then Samuel got a big stone. He set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer. He said, “The LORD has helped us every step of the way.” 1 Sam. 7:12
christina, Plano, Psalm 90:14, NIV–
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Rita, Birmingham
I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you. ISAIAH 44:22 NIV
Michelle Lutz FL. 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
Sarah, Abilene, TX:NIV
“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 also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3,4
Kristine, La Crescent, MN: Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise.
Phil. 4:8, Contemporary English Version
Stacie, Cedar Rapids IA
Philippians 4:19
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. NIV
Rachel, Fort Smith, AR: “God can do anything, you know–far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.” Eph. 3:20 (The Message)
Cathy-Colorado Springs
One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
Psalm 27:4 NIV
Chrissy
San Tan Valley, Arizona
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that 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 ESV
Sallie, Rocky Point
“Work willing at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” Colossians 3:23 NLT
Denise, Myrtle Creek, OR
Ephesians 3:19
to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, that you may be filled with ALL the fullness of God. NKJV
Joni Princeton, WV
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God not from us. We are hard presssed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed.– 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 NIV
“Teach me your way, O Lord,
and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.”
Psalm 86:11, NIV
Jan
Hawkinsville, GA
Psalm 5:11 (NIV)
But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
Let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
That those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Sent from a borrowed iPad in a very important meeting but I am on break and I am telling everyone what I am doing!
Dawn – Orland Park, IL
“I prayed to the LORD, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 (NLT)
Mary Beth, Atlanta, TX – “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)
Laura Holt, Hunstsville, AL
“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” ~ Ephesians 1:18-19 (NIV)
Cindy Martin
Somerville, TN
James 5:16 (NIV)
16…The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Tashi, Houston. “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in humility that comes from wisdom.” James 3:13, NIV
Judges 5:21b (NIV) March on, my soul; be strong!