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!
In fact Marching on is exactly what I need to hear!
“March on my soul, be strong!” Judges 5:21B, NIV
“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 SIGH
Sharon, Hamburg
But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive in Christ even though we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV)
Amen!!!! What a great truth from the Bible!!
Cathy
Pierceton, Indiana
Post from our vacation location
Col. 3:6-7
Because of these sins the anger of God is coming.
You used to do these things when your life was still a part of this world.
Esther – Lehigh, FL Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Psalm 46:10&11 NIV
Kelly~Hermiston, OR
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 NKJV
Jackie from Platte City, MO
March 1st verse: Revelation 17:14 NIV
They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”
Philippians 2:3-4 (New Living Translation)
3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
Sharon in Inman, SC
Trish L. West Linn, OR
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline”. (NIV)
Terra from Owasso, Oklahoma
James 1:22, 27 NLT
22) But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 27) Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.
Kristen, Indianapolis, IN
Jesus wept. John 11:35 NIV
(I know it’s short, but so profound – when asked – I need to know exactly where to find this verse) 🙂
Nicole, Oxford MS “Be kiind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 NIV
Casey Fayetteville, AR
Delight yourself also in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:4-5 NKJV
Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Charlie, Mississippi
2 Peter 1:3-9 (NIV)
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these, he has given us his very great and precious promises so that through them you may escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
For this reason, make every effort to add to your faith, goodness; to goodness, knowledge; to knowledge, self-control; to self-control, perseverance; to perseverance, godliness; to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.
For if you possess these things in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
Karin, Johannesburg, Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint. NIV
Lindsey
McKinney, TX
For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from him comes my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.
Psalm 62:1-2 (ESV)
“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV
Susan, Atlanta, GA
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21 NIV
Cassie, Keystone Heights, Fl
Being my birthday, I have the right to change my mind and use Beth’s verse. It really spoke to this March gal. My other verse can wait =)
March on, my soul; be strong! Judges 5:21b NIV
Kari, Fulton
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
I Peter 2:9
God has spoken this verse to my heart numerous times in the last few weeks!!
Paula, Las Vegas, NV (soon to be Muncie, IN). Trust in the Lord your God with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (TNIV)
Dawn, NC “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:31 NIV
Tami, Columbus, Ohio
Proverbs 13:3
He who guards his lips, guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin. (NIV)
Carmen, Greensboro, NC
Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, just as it is well with your soul.
3 John 2, New Revised Standard
Martha, Indianpolis. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil. Matthew 7:34, New American Bible, Saint Joseph Edition
Karen, Gallatin, TN: Psalm 84:10 “For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” NASB
Pam
La Grange, KY
“March on, my soul; be strong!”
Judges 5:21
NIV
Di, Cowpens SC
“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.”
Psalm 84:10 NIV
Chris, Sugar Land, TX
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.
James 1:19 (NIV)
Linda, Dallas, TX
Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. -Phillipians 4:13 The Message
Another of you lovely ladies posted this – a classic verse stated in a new way to me! Only he makes me who I am. 🙂
Jordan, Dallas:
“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth. Keep watch over the door of my lips.!” -Psalm 141:3, ESV
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body, you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
Colossians 3:15
NIV
Jill
Laramie, WY
“He only is my rock and salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.
On god my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.”
Psalm 62: 6-7
ASB
Lauren, Malvern, PA.
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV)
Amanda, Mountain View
This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel says; In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.
Isaiah 30:15 (NIV)
Beth, Columbus, OH
“March on, my soul, with might!” Judges 5:21b ESV
I needed this reminder right now in my life! Thank you Beth!
Isa, East Lansing, MI
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” Psalm 55:22 (NIV)
Kara, Ponca City,Ok: Ephesians 1:11…In Him also we have obtained an inheritance [we have become God’s inheritance], being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will…NKJV
Robin, Landing, NJ
“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” Philippians 4:4-6 KJV
Diane, Lumpkin, GA
Psalm 73:25-26 NIV
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.
Leigh-Anne Hendrick
Bemus Point, NY
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the LORD.”
Isaiah 55:8 NIV
Lisha, Wetumpka, AL
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.”
Hebrews 10:35-36 (NIV)
Patti, Colorado
Any my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
Rachel, Alexandria
Be very careful how you live. Do not live like those who are not wise. But live wisely. Use every chance you have for doing good, because these are evil times.
Ephesians 5:15-16
Laura, Littleton CO
Philippians 1:9-10
May your love 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.
Susan, Callaway, VA: “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is helpful. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything builds up.
I Corinthians 10:23 (HCSB)
Allyson, Winnsboro, SC: “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” — 1 John 3:18 (NIV)
Philippians 1:9
“And this is my prayer:that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.” NIV
Lorraine, Smithfield, NC
Is. 40:8
The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God endures forever.”
Habakkuk 3:19
The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He will make me as surefooted as a deer and bring me safely over the mountains.
Melissa G., Concord, CA