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!
Kara, Aurora
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.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
Billie, Franklin,TN
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Lindsey, Charleston, SC: “Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into undeserved privelege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.” Romans 5:2, NLT
Brandie, Longmont CO:
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9, NIV
Ruth Anne, Dover, OH: Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12, NIV
Rowena and Beth, Elkins..using your suggestion..
Judges 5:21b (NIV) March on, my soul; be strong!
Moses answered the people. “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you. You need only to be still”.
Exodus 14:13-14
Kim, Lawrence, KS “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 NIV
Isaiah 41:10 (New International Version, ©2010)
10 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.
Nancy, Moberly, MO Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Eph. 3:20-21 (NIV)
Terri, Kirkland. “And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19, NIV.
Peggy, Mexico…
Marching on in Isaiah 61 but I really LOVE these MARCH verses! (so I may add Isaiah 42:13 from Beth’s list, I need this one and it speaks to me)
Review: Isaiah 61:1-3 and add verse 4
Isaiah 61:4(NIV)
They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.
additional from Beth M.:0) ??? version
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.
AMEN! “March on, my soul; be strong”
A good man out the good treasure f his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Luke 6:45 NKJV
Becky, Warren, RI
Psalm 37:4-5
Delight thyself also in th LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass
Tammy,
Lusby, MD
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.
Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)
King James Version…sorry! 🙂
Annie, Memphis,TN: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
Cathy
Jerusalem, Israel
Eph. 3:19 NIV
“and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
Jen W., El Segundo: “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” Philippians 1:6, NIV
Brittney, Olympia.
“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (NLT)
Deb, Windsor, CT:
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19, NIV
Ruth, Providence
“Yea, Thou art my rock and my fortress;
for Thy name’s sake lead me and guide me,
deliver me from the net which is hidden for me,
for Thou are my refuge” Psalm 31:3,4 (RSV)
Kjersten, Gig Harbor
“When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” John 10:4
Starla, Parsons, KS
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 NIV
Liz, Lexington KY
“For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. ”
Colossians 1:16-17 (NIV)
But now this is what the Lord says – He who created you, Oh Jacob, who formed you Oh Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour” Isaiah 43:1-3a
Karla, Broomfield, CO
For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! – 2 Corinthians 4:17 NLT
and because I didn’t have the opportunity to log in February 15th:
Let me again experience the joy of your deliverance! Sustain me by giving me the desire to obey! – Psalm 51:12 NET
Waupun, WI
Romans 12:9-13 (NIV)
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
(Sometimes you just can’t break up a good passage!)
Buffalo, Wy
“O my soul, march on with strength”
Judges 5:21 NASB
Heather – Liberty, TX
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.”
Hebrews 13:8 HCSB
Kathleen Marietta, GA
“Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises.”
James 5:13
HCSB
Jess, Auburn, AL.
“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.” Psalm 30:11-12, NIV
Linda Lexington, KY
March on, my soul; be strong!
Thanks Beth.
Judges 5:21b NIV
Kelley, Olive Branch, MS
7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure.[a] This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.
2 Corinthians 4:7-18 (New Living Translation)
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Galatians 5:25, NIV
Sharon, San Diego, CA
We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. Psalm 33:20 NIV
MarySue Auburndale, FL
“March on my soul, be strong!” Judges 5:21b, NIV
Lisa, Willimantic, CT
Judges 5:21b (NIV) March on, my soul; be strong!
Laura, Waynesboro, VA
“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
I Cor 13:6-7 NIV
Maggie Sand Springs, OK
I Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy, its does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in eveil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. NIV
Bonnie, Houston,
It (love) is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Cor 13:5 (NIV84)
Brandee, White House, TN “Turn my eyes from looking at what is worthless; give me life in Your ways.” Psalm 119:37 HCSB
Amy, Moncks Corner, SC. “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations,” Deuteronomy 7:9, ESV
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
Galatians 6:7-8 English Standard Version
Regina, Rock Hill, SC
I love you, Lord.
You give me strength. Psalm 18:1 NIRV
Pat S., Lago Vista, TX
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
Cheryl in Fairhope, AL – “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 NIV
Ellen, Santa Maria, CA
2 Timothy 1:7 NIV’10
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
Tara, Powder Springs, GA
“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
“You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you.” (Romans 8:9.)