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!
Sedrone, Tyler, Tx
He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me.
Psalm 18:19, NIV
Brittany, Gainesville, FL
According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. – Philippians 1:20 KJV
Taylor
College Station, Texas
Yet if you devote your heart to him and stretch out your hands to him, if you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, then, free of fault, you will lift up your face; you will stand firm and without fear. You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by. Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning. You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.
Job 11:13-18 [NIV]
Lena-Wilmore
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.
Psalm 19:1-2 (NIV)
Lisa from Waycross, Ga
Donna from Albany, Ga
Psalm 119:32
“I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free” NIV
Rhonda – McCalla, Alabama – “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 NIV
Janessa C.–Midland, TX–Galatians 5:16–Walk by the Spirit, and you will not satisfy the desires of the flesh.–NIV
Tara, Corpus Christi
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 NIV
Angela, Knoxville, TN
“I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36: 25-26 (NIV)
Michelle, Portage, IN : “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” Psalm 139: 23-24 NLT
Andrea, Carbondale Illnois- Mark 9:34b,38 NASB “If anywone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me…For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angles.
Lois, Abilene, KS
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
Eph. 4:30 NIV
Natalie
Little Rock, AR
“For God alone my soul waits in silence, from Him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly moved.”
Psalm 62:1-2
Fran Thomas Jackson, TN Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21 NIV
Moncks Corner
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:19 NKJV
Why can’t my mind memorize ALL of Scripture at once?!?!
Priscilla, Mesa, AZ
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 NIV
He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)
Denise Ferrell, Stillwater, Oklahoma NLT
James1:5 If you need wisdom, ask God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
Bonnie, Seattle,
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Phil 4:6 (NLT)
Heidi, Anchorage, AK
“Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
Psalm 141:3 NIV
Judy, Corpus Christi
“Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness[a] will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.” Isaiah 58:8 NIV
Louisville; Do not be anxious about 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. Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Erica, Houston
Isaiah 33:6 NIV
He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.
Jane, Gulfport – “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,” Romans 5:1 (NASB)
Katie
Atlanta, GA
1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Nancy, Newport News,VA
Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own. Jeremiah 33:3….The Message
Annette, Mount Pleasant, SC. Now may the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may overflow with Hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 HCSB
Topeka, Kansas
20 he said, “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.
21 He changes times and seasons;
he deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
22 He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.
23 I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors:
You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dream of the king.”
NIV Translation
Kari, Three Rivers, MI
This verse struck me because I am in tears right now due to not being able to remember my terms for my medical terminology mid-term test due this week. I am very downcast but….
Judges 5:21b (NIV) March on, my soul; be strong!
Ephesians 6:13-15
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your fee fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
Megan, San Angelo
Psalm 51:10 (NIV) Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within in me.
Jennifer, Kodak, TN
You did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, and by Him we cry “Abba, Father!”
Romans 8:15 (NIV-1984)
Allison Hein-Randolph, MN
Habakkuk 3:2 “Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.” NIV
Marla, Columbus OH
If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?
James 2:15-16 (ESV)
(continued from 2/15 memory verse) and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 1:19-20
Think of how we regard 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
Sherry, Dayton, NV~”Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
Lisa, Enterprise, AL
~ But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. — Isaiah 40:31
Americus, Georgia
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV
Stacie, O’Fallon, IL
Isaiah 61:10 (NKJV)
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD,
My soul shall be joyful in my God;
For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
He has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments,
And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Beverly ~ Rock Hill, SC
Romans 12:11, “Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically”. NLT
Heather from Conway, SC: “‘My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,’ says the Lord. ‘And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.'” (Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT)
Janet, Longmont,CO
“Because he loves me,” says the LORD,
“I will rescue him; I will protect him,
for he acknowledges my name. …”
Psalm 91:14 NIV
Kerri, Douglasville, GA
Judges 5:21b (NIV) March on, my soul; be strong!
Cindy, Yakima, Isaiah 49:16
See, I have written your name on the palm of my hand.
NIV
Kirsten, Heavener-“March on, my soul, with might!” Judges 5:21 ESV
Ashley
San Angelo, TX
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Bethany, Waco, 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)
Valerie, Louisville, Kentucky
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”
Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)
Doris, Canton, GA
2 Corinthians 4:18 So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. NIV