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!
Cindy, Laguna Niguel. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Ephesians 5:3 NIV
Trisha Morton, Monument, CO: “And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.” 2 Thessalonians 3:13 (NIV)
Fort Collins: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Parker, CO
“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Psalm 37:4 NIV
Brandi, Roseburg, Psalm 40:8
I desire to do Your Will, O my God, your law is within my heart.
Amanda, Conway
“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”
Romans 8:6 NIV
Marci, Wichita “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1, NIV
Cindi
Orange, TX
For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
NIV
Heidi from Whitefish, MT
“March on, my soul; be strong!”
Judges 5:21b NIV
Emily, McKenzie,TN
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14
Fran, Stedman
“Be joyful always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Sandra, Burnaby BC
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23-24
Susan, Beverly
2 Peter 1:3
As we know Jesus better, his divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life. He has called us to receive his own glory and goodness. New Living Translation
rachel r., lafayette indiana
so be careful how you live. don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. – epheseians 5:15-17 (nlt)
Lauren, Huntsville: But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:4-7 (NKJV)
Jessica, Fort Worth: “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7, NIV
Elizabeth, Atlanta
Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
Ephesians 5:17
Set your minds on things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your liffe is hidden with Christ in God. Col. 3:2-3 NAS
Ellen, Missouri
“March on my soul, be strong.” Judges 5:21 NIV
Romona, East Alton
Bless the Lord, O My Soul, and all that is within me, Bless His Holy Name!
Bless the Lord, O My Soul, and forget not all His benefits, who forgives all your inquitiy, who heals all your diseases. Psalm 103: 1 – 3 (ESV)
Becky, Jacksonville, FL
(S)He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor.
Proverbs 21:21 – NIV
“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15 NASB
Mankato
Nancy,
James 1:26
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. NIV
Blessed is th man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
Psalm 1:1 (NIV)
Barbara, Winnipeg
An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.
Proverbs 12:25 NIV
Karen, San Antonio, Texas “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”. Matthew 6:21 NIV
Tracy- Waterloo, Ontario, CAN.
“Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire more than you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and portion forever.” NRSV Psalm 73 vs. 25-26
Courtney, Tyler
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15 NIV
Joni Nacogdoches, Tx
Philippians 2:3 (New International Version, ©2011)
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge.
Ps 144:2
NIV
Susan
Elizabethtown, PA
Jerre, Anacortes, WA: ” Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds; because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”
James 1:2-3 NIV
Meghan, Ardmore, OK. March on, my soul; be strong! Judges 5:21b NIV
Toni, Sugar Hill, GA
Hebrews 6:19-20a NIV “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf.
Rebecca, Houston
“Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious-the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.”
Philippians 4:8
The Message
Carol, Lubbock, TX
“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”
Isaiah 46:4 NIV
Jenn
Allison Park, PA
1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 stand up under it.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Col. 3:12 (NIV)
Jodi, Rancho Santa Margarita, California
“What comes out of the mouth gets its start in the heart.”
Matthew 15:18 (Message)
“Be completely humble and gentle;
be patient, bearing one another in love.”
Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)
Linda Ft. Collins, CO
Laura, Nebraska.
How can I repay the Lord for all His acts of kindness to me? I will celebrate my deliverance, and call on the name of the Lord.
Psalm 116:12-13 NET
Stephanie, Milwaukie, OR
The Lord announces the word, and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng. Psalm 68:11 NIV
Thanks Mama Beth for the verse inspiration! Keepin’ with my theme!! Praise God for unity of spirit!
Leigh Gray
Carmi, Il.
“I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”
Acts 20:24 NIV
Katie, Durham, NC : “With God we shall do valiantly, it is He who will tread down our foes.” Psalm 108:13, ESV
brooke, atlanta
how blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! but his delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law he meditates day and night.
psalm 1:1-2, nasb
Sherri, Ayden, Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Eph. 6:10-11 ESV
Courtney, Prosper, TX: Anxiety weighs the heart down, but a kind word cheers it up. Proverbs 12:25 NIV
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Luke 12:34 NIV
Heather, SD
Colleen, Lyndonville, NY:
Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to The Lord, who had spoken to her. She said. “you are the God who sees me”. Gen 16:13 NLT
Peggy Fletcher, Peace River, Alberta, Canada
Psalm 37:5
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.
ESV
Pamela, Missouri
“…sent to strengthen [my husband and children], to encourage [them] in [their] faith, and to keep [them] from being shaken by the troubles [they will] go through.” ~ 1 Thes 3:2&3 (personalized)