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, Lafayette, IN
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJV
Susan in Jonesboro, Arkansas
The LORD is my light and my salvation;
of whom shall I be afraid?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life;
of whom (or what) should I be afraid? HCSB
Rachel, Danville,PA : “Little children, you are from God, and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 ESV
Amy Brown: Columbus, OH “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 NASB
Kelly Snodgrass
Rogersville, TN
Judges 5.21b NIV
March on, my soul; be strong!
Matt. 7.14 MSG
The way to life – to God- is vigorous and requires total attention.
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”
-James 4:10 KJV
Libby, Texarkana: Who is the man who desires life And loves length of days that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil And your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous And His ears are open to their cry. The face of the LORD is against evildoers, To cut off the memory of them from the earth. Psalm 34:12-16 NASB
Tracey, Raleigh, NC
“A good man out of the good treasure of 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
Tami, Marlette
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.”
2 Timothy 2:15-16 NIV
Stephanie; Ogden, Utah; “This is what the Sovereign LORD says: None of my words will be delayed any longer; whatever I say will be fulfilled, declares the Sovereign LORD.” Ezekiel 12:28; NIV
Jennifer, San Antonio
Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way that you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.
1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT)
Johannah, Alexandria, LA
“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
Karen K. in Houston, TX — Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is the sustiner of my soul. Ps 54:4 (NASB)
“sustainer” (not “sustiner”!)
Rena, Tulsa. “But my righteous one will live by faith.
And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.” Hebrews 10:38-39 NIV (1984)
Fresno, CA “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Phil. 4:6,7 NIV
Angela – Frankfort, KY
…and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. (Isaiah 58:10 NIV)
Anita, Lehigh, In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free. Psalm 118:5 NLT
Beth- Pensacola, FL (just relocated from Prescott, AZ)
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8 ESV
That will be my verse for March 15!
” finally, sisters of siestaville, whatever is true….. 🙂
Marilyn, Albuquerque
Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil.4:6-7 NIV
Nell, Wichita Falls TX Chloe, Wichita Falls, TX Abbi, Wichita Falls, TX
Provers 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
New International Version
Jan Topeka,KS Psalm 26:2 The Message
Examine me, God, from head to foot, order your battery of tests. Make sure I’m fit inside and out
Audrey, Rockwall Tx
Proverbs 3:5a NIV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart.
Linda – Rockwell
KJV Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid.
I love this verse! The little girl I mentor just chose to memorize it today. She has had trouble falling asleep at night because of fear…there’s a clown under her bed. But, not anymore because the Lord is her strength and there is no need to be afraid!
I think I will go with your suggestion this time. It fits perfectly with what is going on in my life right now.
Judges 5:21b (NIV) March on, my soul; be strong!
Janet, from St. Louis
Celeste, Anaheim Hills, CA
“The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out-but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity.” 1 John 2:17 (The Message)
Beth
Louisville, Tn
“….out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured possession.”. Deuteronomy 14:12
Erika-Gadsden AL
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NIV
Chris, NFM, FL
Ephesians 1:13-14 NASB
“In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation-having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,who is given as a pledge of our inheritance”
Brittany, Denton, TX:
“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations. He will not cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he established justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope.”
-Isaiah 42:1-4
But the fruit of the spirit is love,joy,peace,patience,kindness,goodness,gentleness,faithfulness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
Renita, Woodstock
Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. NIV
Nancy, Arkansas ” For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:34 NKJ
Joy – Asheboro, NC
“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 NIV
Carrie
Prior Lake, MN
Taking the whole month for this one….
Titus 2:3-8 (NIV)
Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
Connie, Chariton,Isaiah 1:18 ” Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, ” Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.NKJV
Brandi, Auburn, GA: “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)
Debbie, Fisherville, KY.
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat it’s fruit.
Proverbs 18:21 NIV
Ann from Rockwall, TX
Jeremiah 29:11
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
Andrea Roberts from Mansfield, TX- ” A man’s wisdom gives him patience, it is to his glory to overlook and offense.” Proverbs 19:11 NIV
Birmingham. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. I Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
Saundra
Altus, OK
I have set the Lord always befor eme. Because He is at my right hand I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8 NIV
Mandy, Clarksville, TN
“But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” Psalm 86:15 NIV
Kit, Central Islip, NY
“For the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may observe it.” NASB
Bunny from Fithian, IL:
For to God we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.
2 Corinthians 2:15 HCSB
Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity…
Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV
Sheila, Austin
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philipians 4:13 New King James Version
Karen, Centralia, MO: Do not fear anything except the Lord almighty. He alone is the Holy One. If you fear Him you need fear nothing else. Isaiah 8:13 NLT
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
Isaiah 61:1 NIV
Memorizing the scripture Melissa mentioned in her last post because it spoke to me so much.
Anna Mitchell: Tyler Texas
Deuteronomy 10:17 (NIV)
“For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes.”
ALSO POSTING FOR MY DAUGHTER
Ella Grace (age 8): Tyler, Texas
Matthew 8:11 (ASV)
“And I say unto you, that many shall come from the east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.”
This is my first post. I wasn’t going to get involved w/ this b/c I was afraid to fail. Then I was convicted that the ultimate failure was not even trying! So now I need to catch up. I’ll post 4 this time to get started and try to catch up.
Psalm 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Psalm 139:24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 19:14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight,
LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
” all of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one anther,because God resist the proud, but gives grace to the humble..1peter 5;5 hcsb
Jill in Trussville, Alabama
Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
Psalm 20:7 NIV
Carolyn, Charlotte, NC
(NIV) Proverbs 3:5-6 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.