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!
Janet, Richland, MS
For we know that our old self was crucified with him, so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin – because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
Romans 6:6-7
Wendy-Rome, GA
Since my youth O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.
Psalms 71:17-18 NIV
Marrissa, Orlando
Psalm 31:14-15a
But I trust in you, Lord; I say “You are my God. My times are in your hands”
NIV
Jodene, White Owl, SD
“Is not my word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock to pieces?” Jeremiah 23:29 NIV
NIV Romans 14:17
“The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”
Marcia, Salem, IN
“March on, my soul; be strong!” Judges 5:21b NIV
A short one sounds good for this month!
Nancy, Trussville, AL
But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. Jeremiah 17:7 NIV
Erin, Arab, AL.
I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garmnents of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10 (NIV)
Thank you, Beth, for encouraging me today!!
Perfect for me! Thanks so much!
Jo Ann, Philadelphia Area. Judges 5:21b March on, my soul; be strong! (NIV)
Melissa, Germantown
But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.
Psalm 71:14
NIV
Gretchen, Gahanna, OH–My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality. It is also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do about ourselves.
1 John 3:18-20 (The Message)
Jennifer, Cape Coral, FL
“Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. Remember the wonders He has done.”
1 Chronicles 16:10-12a
Dori Cook
Spring Hill, TN
“You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.” Isaiah 26:3 Amplified
Beth, you are right! These scriptures are more than just memory work to me. They have been my very life as each one has spoken directly into my heart and circumstances. I wouldn’t trade this for the whole world…as painful as it can be sometimes!! 🙂
Psalm 24:7-8 NIV Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. who is this King of Glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
II Cor. 11:3 (NIV)
But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.
Sarah
Fort Worth, TX
Isaiah 45:8 (English Standard Version)
“Shower, O heavens, from above,and let the clouds rain down righteousness;let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit;let the earth cause them both to sprout;I the LORD have created it.”
Keli, Yukon, Oklahoma
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV
Jennifer Dowis- Monroe, GA
Matthew 6:6 NIV “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Jana, San Angelo, TX – As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. Proverbs 27:17, New Living Translation
Debra; S.S.; “Therefore….whatever you do ~ do all to the glory of God” 1 Cor 10:31 NKJV
lifting up Mattison family son Chauncy killed in Afganistan 3rd tour leaves to mourn wife and 2 girls other family. This was an ultimate march; Gods peace and blessings to all our military.
Bonnie, Huntington, WV
James 1:12. NIV
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
Laura, Pleasant Hill, CA
Romans 15:13 NLV
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Yvonne
Louisville, KY
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Now mom’s verse:
Sadie
Nicholasville, KY
Romans 5:8 (HCSB)
But God proved His own love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.
Molly, Wilmington, DE:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3: 5-6 (NIV)
Martha, Nashville
The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 KJV
Kristi, Lenoir City
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)
Melanie, Sweetwater TN 🙂
Hebrews 12:28-29 NIV. “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
Deena from Amarillo, Texas
“Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV
Sarah, St. Paul, MN
“Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand- Shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven” Matthew 5:16 (The Message)
Charlene, Houston:
For behold, He who forms mountains and creates the wind and declares to man what are his thoughts, He who makes dawn into darkness and treads on the high places of the earth, the LORD God of hosts is His name!
AMOS 4:13 NAS
Robin, Irving, Tx. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight”. Proverbs 3:5-6
Valerie, Ashburn
“Be still, and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10 NIV
Chyrll, Memphis
For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. Hebrews 2:1 (NAS)
Hey Chyrll,
I am your neighbor. I live in Bartlett. Saw your name pop up. Just wanted to say “Hi” Where is your home church? I just love memorizing God’s Word!!
Melissa, Miles City, MT: Matthew: 7-7 Ask and it will be given to you; Seek and you will find; Knock and the door will be opened to you.
And
Psalm 27:4 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.(David’s words, my prayer for today and everyday).
Shaunta’- Montgomery, AL
because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth; – Col 1:5-6 NAS
So glad for hope in heaven! 🙂
Kelly, Houston
I believe that I shall look uponthe goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living!
Wait for the LORD;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the LORD!
Kelly Houston
Kelly, Houston
I believe that I shall look uponthe goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living!
Wait for the LORD;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the LORD! ESV
(I forgot my translation~ so sorry!)
Cathie – Jacksonville, Florida
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!!
Isaiah 42:13
(Thank you for this one!!)
Stacey, Shelbyville, Ky
“Give thanks IN all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thess 5:18 (NIV)
Kathryn – Great Falls, MT
“Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize” ~ 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 NIV
Beverly, Glasgow, KY
Loving YOUR verse today. Think I’ll take that one.
Judges 5:21b (NIV) March on, my soul; be strong!
Thanks!
Laney, Jacksonville, FL
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. Psalm 73:25
Charissa – West Chester, OH
I love you Lord; you are my strength. Psalm 18:1 NLT
NIV-sorry about that
Eva, Knoxville: “neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39 (NIV)
Peggy ~ Houston, TX
Psalm 61:1-3 NKJV
Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed;
Lead me to the ROCK that is HIGHER than I.
For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy.
Ephesians 5:16 NLT
Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days.
Nicole, Dallas,Tx ” 17 On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
–Mark 2:17, NIV
Laray, Crawford, GA
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. NIV
Psalm 34:18
Wait on the LORD;
Be of good courage,
and He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the LORD!
– – Psalm 27:14 (NIV) – –