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!
Kelly, Waco:
Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. Proverbs 16:32, NIV
Kim, Great Bend, KS:
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” -Romans 12:12 (NIV)
Emily from Washington DC … “Do not be anxious about anything, but in EVERYTHING, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 NASB
Pam H, Naperville, IL
“so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,” Eph. 3:17 NIV
(working my way through this prayer!)
Ginger,Trussville: Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge to us. Psalm 62:8 (NASB)
Pauline, Kearney, NE
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving make your requests known to God and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 6-7 NKJV
Nancy, Girard, KS
“Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34 NASB
Sherri, Frisco, Tx
“And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.” James 5:15
Kaitlyn from Gainesville, FL
Romans 8: 38-39
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
NIV translation
Pam Midland, TX
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves ; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” ~Phillipians 2:3-4
Jerri, Cookeville,TN
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 NIV
Nicole, Huntsville AL: There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
Teri- Corpus Christi, TX
Ephesians 5:8-10 (NIV)
(8)For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light
(9) (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)
(10) and find out what pleases the Lord.
Linda, Longview: For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. I John 2:16-17 NIV
Caprice from Indiana: “I am leaving you a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” – John 15:27(NLT)
Adrian from Pearland, Tx.
16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit; 20 do not despise prophetic utterances . 21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil.
1 Thess 5:16-22 (NASB)
Tiffany
Enterprise, AL
“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
I think I may have forgotten to list my verse here last time. I am keeping them in my Iphone app and my Siesta spiral and I don’t think I always remember to log in here. Hope that’s ok!
Kate – Overland Park, KS
Isaiah 49:25 NASB
Surely, thus says the Lord, “Even the captives of the mighty man will be taken away and the prey of the tyrant will be rescued; For I will contend with the one who contends with you, and I will save your sons.”
Kathy, College Station You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are – no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought. Matt 5:5 The Message
Kalispell, MT “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago”. Ephesians 2:10 NLT
Andi, Lincoln NE
Do not judge or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Mt.7:1-2 NIV
Audrey, Ohio
Luke 24:45 TNIV
Then (Jesus) opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.
Molly D.
Somerset, KY
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.
~Psalm 143:8
NIV
Deut 2:3 NASB You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north.
Lynn, Roseville,Ca
This is the word of the Lord to Zerubabbel saying “not by might, not by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord of hosts. Zechariah 4:6 NASB
Sherry Nowata, OK
Judges 5:21b (NIV) March on, my soul; be strong!
“In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5 NIV
Cindy, Summerville, SC
Psalm 71:14 (NIV)
But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.
Rebecca Franklin Madison,Ms “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
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift from God. Eph 2:8 (NIV)
Sherri Smith, Las Vegas
Jude 20-21 (NASB)
But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.
Melissa, Decatur, TX: “For in him we live and move and have our being.” Acts 17:28a NIV
Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, no knowing who will get it.
Sorry…NIV translation 🙂
Sue from Forney
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not
be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (NIV)
Miranda, Fort Payne, AL
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift from God. Eph 2:8 (NIV)
Jayme; Marietta, Georgia:
Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 / NIV
Kristi. Conway. Arkansas Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.Matthew 5:1-2(NIV)
Lynn, Lubbock. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands,so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. Psalm 91:11-12 (NIV)
tasha, mission, tx, Hebrews 4:15 NIV We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathesize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are- yet He did not sin.
Aquilla, Tx
Colossians 4:2 ESV
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”
Sharon, Lititz, PA
Psalms 68:34 NIV
Proclaim the power of God,
whose majesty is over Israel,
whose power is in the skies.
Kristin, Fresno, CA –
‘I lift my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip – he who watches over you will not slumber indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.’ Psalm 121:1-4 NIV
Amy, Washington D.C. “In his presence, a scroll of rememberance was written to record the names of those who feared him, and loved to think about him.” Malachi 3:16 NLT
Julie B. – Wentzville, MO
“If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.” ~ 1 Cor. 13:1-3
NLT
Mildred Fayetteville AR
If you need wisdom ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
James 1:5 NLT
Suzanne; Pasadena, Tx
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3 NKJV
melody,Perry MO NIV
Whatever you do , work at it with all your heart,as working for the Lord, not for men. Colossians 3:23
Amy, Louisville, Tn, Prov 3:5, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. NIV
Janet, Lenoir, NC. “For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” Romans 8:13-14 NIV
Rachel; La Mesa, CA
Eph 3:16 NIV…that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with the power through His Spirit in the inner man.