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!
Jodi, Loganville: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” Matt. 26:41, NIV
Kimberly–Zionsville, Indiana–Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. Romans 8:5 NIV
Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint and I know I will not be put to shame. Isaiah 50:7 NIV
Barb, Kentwood MI:
The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.
Zep 3:17 NIV1984
Thank you Barb for this verse. It touched a special place in me as a woman who is not feeling so “quiet” right now. Thank you for the reminder and have a blessed day.
Tracy in WI
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Ps 139.16 NIV
Marla – Yakima, Washington
When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.
Kristi, League City, TX. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Ephesians 6:10, NIV.
Sheila, Appleton, NY
Deuteronomy 8:10 (NIV)
When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you.
Karen, Columbia,MO
1 Peter 5:10, NLT
In His kindness God called you to His eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ. After you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation.
Angie, Clarkston Michigan: “Everything is permissible for me” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me” -but I will not be mastered by anything. ~1 Cor 6:12 (NIV)
p.s. Wish I could come to Bible study tonight. I LOVE Kari Jobe! xoxo
Chrissy, Detroit Lakes, MN: “He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.” -Psalm 107:29 (NIV)
Nanette, Houston, Lamentations 3: 21-23 (NIV)
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great mercy we are not consumed for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Ashley, Grand Junction, CO
The one thing I ask of the Lord–
the thing I seek most–
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
delighting in the Lord’s perfections
and meditating in his Temple.
Psalm 27:4, NLT
Teresa – Naples,Florida
Isaiah 43:2 NASB
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you And through the rivers, they will not overflow you When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched Nor will the flame burn you.
Terry, Louisa, VA
I love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.
Psalm 18:1-3 NIV
Jill Zettel, Gulfport, MS – “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV
Rachel
Fullerton, CA
2 Cor. 2:14 (ESV)
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.”
Jessica, Winston Salem, NC
“I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty. Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 6:18-7:1
Crevolyn, Gainesville, GA “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)
Anna, Houston, TX
“Whom have I in Heaven but You? And I desire nothing on Earth but You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever.”
Ps. 73:25-26 (HCSB)
Jessica
Vermont
Isaiah 53:6
All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has gone our own way; But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.
Sabrina, Redding. “Whoever has my comands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.” John 14:21 (NIV)
Cheri, Savage, MN
John 4: 13-14 NIV
Jesus answered, ” Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
Leigh
Houston
Proverbs 14:26 Holman Christian Standard Bible
“In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence and his children have a refuge”.
Sandra, Florida. “March on, my soul; be strong!” Judges 5:21b (NIV)
Good Morning Beth and all here,
Here goes my first verse – I’m 2 months behind.
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27 NKJV
Hope that’s close enough. 🙂
Lina in Lompoc, CA: “O my soul, march on in strength!” Judges 5:21b, NKJV
Shelly, Lakeville, MN
“Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.” Romans 8:8 NIV
Decatur, Alabama: “I want to know Christ-yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” Philippians 3:10 NIV
Betty, Soddy Daisy, TN
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,”
Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
Debbie, Walpole, MA
NIV James 1:19
“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.
Leslie, Wisner, La.
“Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.
Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word.”
Psalm 119:36-37 NIV
(Loved the March..uh…march!)
Debbie, Sevierville
Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
Hebrews 11:14
Rachel
Fullerton, CA
2 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV)
“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.”
Terrie, Birmingham
In God have I put my trust, I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
Psalm 56:11 KJV
Denise,Ocean Springs I can do all things through Christ who strenghthens me. Philippians 4:13 NKJ
Angie, Kansas City, MO: Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 NIV
Lawan – Lawton, OK –
I John 4:4 NIV – You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 42:5 (NIV)
Beth, Houston
2 CHRONICLES 7:14 NIV
IF MY PEOPLE WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME, WILL HUMBLE THEMSELVES AND PRAY AND SEEK MY FACE AND TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAY, THEN I WILL HEAR FROM HEAVEN AND I WILL FORGIVE THEIR SIN AND WILL HEAL THEIR LAND.
LOIS A, CRYSTAL SPRINGS, MS
Bailey, Knoxville, TN.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29
Nancy-Canyon,Tx
Philippians 2:5-7 (ESV)
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
Barbara, Arcadia, CA
Whom have I in hdeaven 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
Kim, Louisville, KY
Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.
3 John 2 (NASB)
Humble yourselves therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:6
Rosie, Tacoma
Real religion the kind that passes muster
before God the Father, is this: Reach out
to the homeless and the loveless in their
plight, and guard against corruption from
the godless world.
James 1:27 The Message
North Palm Beach, FL
Psalm 40:5 ESV
“You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wonderous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.”
Denise – Key Largo
Galatians 6:9 Amplified Version
And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.
Linda
McCalla, AL
“but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
Hebrews 7:24-25 NIV
Casey, Ooltwah, TN – “Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.” (Psalm 34:5, NLT)