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!
Sharon, Houston TX
“Be joyful always; ray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess. 5:16-18) NIV
Brooke, Birmingham, AL
I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
NIV
Patti, Ft. Walton Beach, FL; “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” Ephesians 6:14-15, NIV
Julie, Chico. “But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and His love becomes complete in us-perfect love! (1 John 4:12) MSG Bible
Laura, Greenville:
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)
Susan \ Maple Grove, MN
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)
Kyle, Texas
Then he said to me,
“Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.”
Daniel 10:12
NKJV
Huntsville, AL
“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” Psalm 34:8 (ESV)
Sara, Houston
Therefore, if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.
Colossians 3:1-2 NASB
Laurie, Chester
Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. NIV
~Grace & Peace, San Diego, CA
“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.” Hebrews 11:30 (NKJV)
Isaiah 55:11 It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.
NLT
Beth, Dyersburg, TN
“As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the LORD finally brought about. The LORD is full of compassion and mercy.” James 5:11 NIV
Lorraine Banks, Tyler Texas
“LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure.” Psalm 16:5 NIV
Lindsey, Philadelphia, MS
Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:7-8
Jude 1:2 May mercy, peace, and love be lavished on you! NET
Jordan, Monroe, WA
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
Susan, Sheridan Arkansas
“Never Stop Praying” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (God’s Word Translation)
**I thought this was one of the most powerful short verses ever.
Melisa, Roanoke, VA
If I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so that I can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. – I Corinthians 13:2
Leeann, Powell
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not into thine own understanding.”
Proverbs 3:5 KJV
Pam, Longwood, FL. “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.”
Psalm 143:8 NIV
Carolyn, Santa Maria, CA
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 NIV
(Thank you Beth for the challenge of this verse in David, Seeking A Heart Like His)
Joanna, Arlington.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Ps 103:11-12 NIV
Becky, Morganton NC
Psalm 56:3,4 ESV
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?
Marissa-San Dimas
Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:15-17 NIV
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. John 12:46 NIV
Kathi, Jacksonville, Fl “I am not saying this because I am in need I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”-Philippians 4:11 NIV
Jane, Canton, Il
” To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”
Proverbs 21:3
Julie, Dallas, TX
2 Corinthians 4:7-8, 16: But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed…Therefore we do NOT lose heart.
Star, Jackson, TN: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you: the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)
“You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.”
Isaiah 26:3 NKJV
Heather G
Charlotte NC
Susan, Bradenton, FL
…but the LORD’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in Him.
Ps. 32:10 NIV
Stacy, Magee, MS Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:4-5 NIV
Christy, Summit, MS “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” Romans 11:36 NIV
Katherine, Shiremanstown, PA
For the Lord is the one who shaped the mountains, stirs up the winds, and reveals His thoughts to mankind. He turns the light of dawn into darkness and treads on the heights of the earth. The LORD God of Heaven’s Armies is His name. ~Amos 4:13 (NLT)
Joanne, Westerville
“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone
my hope comes from Him.
He alone is my rock and salvation
He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.”
Psalms 62: 5-6 NIV
Martha,Lynchburg,VA
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Philippians 4:8 KJV
Priscilla, Denton, TX: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV
Maria – New York, NY
James 5:11 (NIV)
11 As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
Kelli, Corpus Christi, TX
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
1Peter 4:8 NIV
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Jan Merz – Clarkston MI
As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, O God.
Psalm 42:1
(In gratitude for the birthday poster I received from my daughter, Kelsey.)
Teresa, Amarillo
Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.”
Mark 10:27, NLT
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for (God’s) wrath; for it is written, vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord. (Romans 12:19) NKJV
CarrieBeth, Conway, AR
“But if you’re content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself.”
Luke 14:11 (The Message)
Gail Firenze, Little Forest, Australia.
Missed my verse on the 15th Feb so playing catch up with Beth short but great suggestion.
The Lord is my light and my and my salvation, whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid. (Psalm 27:1) KJV
March on, my soul; be strong. (Judges 5:21) NIV
I know not supposed to comment except a scripture Joanne listed on a 1000 Gifts journal she was given: # 123 Beth Moore and #163 LPL weekends!
http://khphotography.net/blog/
joy to each of you!
danae | lafayette, in
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
— ephesians 5:15-16 [kjv]
Lindsay, Grapevine, TX: “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us.” 2 Peter 1:3 (NIV)
Leanne
Billings, MT
“Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.”
Proverbs 29:17 NIV