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!
Judy, Tyler, TX , Judges 5:21b (NIV) “March on, my soul; be strong!”
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, 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.
Isaiah 55:10-11 NIV
Jill, Austin, TX
You, in Your great compassion, did not forsake them in the wilderness.
Nehemiah 9:19 NASB
Cheryl, Ohio, March on, my soul; BE STRONG! Judges 5:21b NIV
I’m with you, Beth, thanks!
Mar Jo, The Woodlands, TX March on, my soul; be strong! Judges 5:21b
Jackie Cypress, TX
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27 NIV
Anne, Simpsonville, SC
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12;12 NIV
5.If you remain in me and my words remain im you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given you John 15:7 NIV Ginny South Point, Ohio
Sierra, Vandalia, MO
I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. Wait for the LORD ; Be strong and let your heart take courage ; Yes, wait for the LORD.
Psalm 27:13-14 NASB
Missi, Bargersville: “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior, my God will hear me.” Micah 7:7
Jill, Spring, TX. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble…He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God'”–Psalm 46:1,10
Dawn, Dubuque, IA
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Proverbs 31:25 NIV
Danielle, Sevierville, TN
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.” 1 Corinthians 6:12 NIV
Kelly
Cumming, GA
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
~NIV
Hebrews 12:14
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. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Jessica, Saint Cloud
Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and named it Ebenezer saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:12 (NASB)
Lauren T.
Valencia, CA
1 Cor. 13:13b (The Message)-
Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly.
Phil 4:8 (The Message)-
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.
Liz – Mascoutah, IL
The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all He has made. ~Psalm 155:13 (NIV)
San Antonio, TX This tired, worn out mama is going to go with your suggestion:
Judges 5:21b (NIV) March on, my soul; be strong!
candifer, sd “God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him. when I got my act together, he gave me a fresh start. now I’m alert to God’s ways; I don’t take God for granted. every day I review the ways he works; I try not to miss a trick. I feel put back together, and I’m watching my step. God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes.” psalm 18:20-24 the message
Christa from Woodstock, Ga says:
“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 a hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”(Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV)
(This verse has touched my heart this week and I hope it is a reminder to us all that when we get discouraged not to loose heart! Have a blessed week everyone.)
Kathy, Broken Arrow, OK
The LORD is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart exults,
And with my song I shall thank Him.
Psalm 28:7 (New American Standard Bible)
Erica, Huntington, Indiana, “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NIV
Psalm 19:14 (NIV) May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Teresa Cincinnati, Ohio
“Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
-Isaiah 41:10 NASU Version
Tracy from Jackson MS “It is for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 (NASB)
April
Oviedo
Deuteronomy 31:8
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.
NIV
Stephanie
Rome, GA
“Do not be afraid, for I’m with you. Don’t be discouraged for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand”
Julie, Chattanooga
Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.
Becky, Vicksburg, MS
For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. Psalm 48:14 (NIV).
“Call upon Me in teh day of trouble and I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.”
Psalm 50:15 NKJV
Susan – San Antonio
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.
1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV
Joy, Pella, IA “…You gave abundant showers O God; You refreshed your weary inheritance. Your people settled in it, and from your bounty, God, You provided for the poor. The Lord announces the Word and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng.” Ps.68:9-11
Jeannette, Land O Lakes, FL A funny one!
“If you wake your friend in the early morning
by shouting “Rise and shine!”
It will sound to him
more like a curse than a blessing. ”
Proverbs 27:14 NIV
Stephanie Parker,Co
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Joshua 1:8 NIV
Leanne, Georgetown,TN
“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:20-21 (NIV)
Cindy, Lexington NC
I Corinthians 15:33
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
Bridget, Cadillac, MI. Daniel 2:21
He (God) changes times and seasons, He sets up kings and deposes them, He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. NIV
Mary, Seymour:
Philippians 4:8 NASB
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
Eva – Colfax, NC “If you will humble yourselves under the mighty hand of GOD, in His good time He will lift you up.” 1 Peter 5:6 TLB
Annie, Alaska. Psalm 27.13 NIV
I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
The Lord watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but He frustrates the ways of the wicked. Psalms 146: 9
Paige, Flatwoods, Let praise flow from my lips, for you have taught me your decrees. Psalm 119:171 NLT
Kathy, Princeton,TX.
My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Psalms 62:7
Rissa, Boaz: “Instead, speaking the truth in love we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” Ephesians 4:15 NIV
Heather, Leawood, Kansas. March on, my soul; be strong! Judges 5:21b (NIV).
Karen, Clarksville “(For my determined purpose is) that I may know Him (that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His person more strongly and more clearly), and that I may in the same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection (which it exerts over believers), and that I may so share in His sufferings as to be continually transformed (in spirit into His likeness even) to His death, (in the hope).” Philippians 3:10 Amplified Bible
Becky, Biloxi. Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6. NIV 84
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Sandy,
Your post caught my eye! My grandmother lives near you. She lives in Nolanville. She is 85 years old. My sisters and I are coming to see her in mid-April. We are going to share the gospel with her as we are unsure of her salvation. We are prayerful that God will prepare her heart!! Would you mind me asking you what church you attend, or if there is a good, solid church that you are aware of in Nolanville? We would love to be able to point her that direction or make contact for her if she is desiring that!
Thank you so much!
Heather (Lewiston, Idaho)
Boni, Manassas, VA. “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ” 2 Cor. 4:16-17 (NIV)