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!
Previously “CindyfromOhio”
Cindy, Wapakoneta, Ohio: “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6: 27-28 (NIV)
Meredith: Houston, TX
Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”
James 4:13-17 NIV
Judi, Orillia, Canada
2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
“We demolish arguments
and every pretention that sets itself up
against the knowledge of God,
and we take captive every thought
to make it obedient to Christ”
Deena, Corona,CA
“Dear friend, guard Clear Thinking and Common Sense with your life; don’t for a minute lose sight of them. They’ll keep your soul alive and well, they’ll keep you fit and attractive. Proverbs 3:21-22 The Message
Marilyn, Fort Pierce, FL, Isaiah 55:8-11 8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.10 As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth:It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Megan-Kansas City, KS
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13 NIV
Jan, Marion IA “He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge, His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.” Psalm 91:4 NASB
Cheryl, Miller SD
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives
generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. ~James 1:5
Annette, VA New American Standard
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time. 1 Peter 5:6
Kelley, Gainesville, FL
Job 1:21 KJV
Naked I came out of my mothers womb and naked I shall return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; BLESSED be he name of the Lord!
April San Angelo, TX
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Isaiah 26:3 NLT
Kim B. – Orlando, Florida (NIV)
“For you, O God, tested us: you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let me ride over our heads; we went through the fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.”
Psalm 66:10-12
Becky, Charlotte
“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, endure forever- forsake not the works of Your own hands.”
Psalm 138:8 (AMP)
But how can they call o Him to save them unless they believe in Hm? And how can they believe in Him if they have never hear about Him? And How can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the scriptures say “how beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good-news”? Romans 10:14-15
Rebecca Robinson, Louisville,KY
Jen and Tyler, Easton, MA: “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.” Isaiah 41:10 NIV 1984
Shaley -Texas
1 Peter 1:13 “therefore prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Dale, Henderson, KY Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
Tracy, Spring, TX
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:2-3
Megan, Wolcott, IN
I have not yet reached my goal, and I am not perfect. But Christ has taken hold of me. So I keep on running and struggling to take hold of the prize. Philippians 3:12 CEV
Kelly, Springfield, Missouri. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. James 3:17 (ESV)
Hi Kelly! Just wondering if you were going to the Women of Joy conference in Branson this April? Would love to meet one of my Siestas in person!
I didn’t know about it, Dawn. When is it?
April 29th, 30th and May 1st. Look on the Women of Joy website. It is sold out but I have had several of my girls at church back out this year. If you are interested I would be glad to work it out for you and a friend or two. Price is $131 ea for conference fee and hotel for two nights for two people. If not, plan on going next year for sure. You will not be disapointed. [email protected]
Dawn Edgell, Pottsville, AR
Better a dry crust with peace than a house full of feasting with strife.
Proverbs 17:1 NIV
Cathy in Orofino, ID
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you.
JER 29:11&12NIV
And my God will supply your every need according to HIS glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:19 The Net Bible
Terry~ Eldersburg, MD
Thanks Beth,great one for March 1st and the things going on around us right now!
“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.”
Isaiah 42:13
Becky – Cynthiana – Psalm 33:22 May Your faithful love rest on us,Lord, for we put our hope in You. Holman
Kristy, Wake Forest, NC: “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place” Ephesians 6.14
Melissa, Spokane – Psalm 29:11 NASB
“The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace.”
lamentations 3:22-23 nlt
the unfailing love of the Lord never ends! by His mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. great is His faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day.
Christina, Longmont CO
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So you must never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord” 2 Timothy 1:7-8
Valerie, Queen Creek “Are you cheerful because you belong to Christ? Does His love comfort you? Is the Holy Spirit your companion? Has Christ been gentle and loving toward you? Then make my joy complete by agreeing with each other. Have the same love. Be one in spirit and purpose. Don’t do anything only to get ahead. Don’t do it because you are proud. Instead, be free of pride. Think of others as better than yourselves. None of you should look out just for your own good. You should also look out for the good of others.” Philippians 2:1-4 NIRV
Melanie from Louisville, KY
“In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and He answered by setting me free.” Psalm 118:5 NIV
“No weapon that is formed against (me) shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise up against me in judgment, thou shalt condemn”
Isaiah 54:17 KJV
Deidre
Hickory, NC
Deidre, I love the name “Raising Future Esthers”. Do you have daughters? That would be a good name for a girls Bible Study! Dawn
Kelly, Roby, TX – But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Psalms 1:2 KJV
The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV)
I beseech you therefore, of god, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1
Sheree, Phoenix “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” Luke 5:16 NIV
Ingrid, Redmond WA NLT
John 14:31 but I will do what the Father requires of Me, so that the world will know that I love the Father. Come let’s be going.
Vicki
Fort Wayne, IN
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
I Peter 4:8 NIV
Martha from North Dakota
1 Peter 2:9 ESV
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Brenda, Denton, Tx; “March on, my soul, be strong!”
Judges 5:21b NIV
If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
James 2:16-17 NIV 2011
Sulphur, Louisiana
I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him. Hosea 14:4 KJV
Sara, Greenville, SC – “…I told you, ‘You are my servant.’ I have chosen you and not rejected you. Don’t be afraid, for I am with you! Don’t be frightened, for I am your God! I strengthen you – yes, I help you – yes, I uphold you with my saving right hand.” Isaiah 41:9-10 (NET)
Sheila, from Tampa, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.” Phil 2:5-6
Ashley, Charlotte – “I, the Lord, am your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt; Open your mouth wide and I will fill it.” Psalm 81:10 (NASB)
Kim, Corning, NY: Psalm 112:7-8 (NIV): “He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.”
Kristen, Tuscaloosa, Alabama:
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 36:26 HCSB
Rachelle-McAlister, NM
“He is father to the fatherless; he gives justice to the widows, for he is holy. Psalm 68:5 NLT
Laurie, Columbus, OH
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV)
But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
Michelle, Frisco
Isaiah 43:18-19 NLT
18 But forget all that—
it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.
19 For I am about to do something new.
See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness.
I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.