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!
Cheryl, Ponder, Tx.
“After His suffering he showed many convincing proofs that He was alive, He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the Kingdom of God.” Acts 1:3 NIV
Jennifer, Houston
James 1:25, NIV
But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it-he will be blessed in what he does.
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
James 1:19-20 (ESV)
In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free. Psalm 118:5 NLT
When I am afraid I put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3 NIV
March on, my soul; be strong! Judges 5:21b NIV
Michelle, Sherman, TX
And it shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking I will hear.
Isaiah 65:24
Kimberly, Prosper, TX
Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
emi, white house
“Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. 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.” Deuteronomy 10:16-17 NIV
Nina, Moore OK
He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For you are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:3-4 NKJV
Kat, Albany, NY
“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; character, hope.”
Romans 5:3-4 NIV
Lara, Spring Hill, TN
Ps. 37.7: (NLT)
Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act.
Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.
Jen – Prairie Grove, Arkansas
I life my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2
Shelli, Houston: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 (NIV)
Lori
Odessa, TX
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12: 28-29
Johanna, Carlsbad CA
Matthew 6:33,34 (ESV)
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,
and all these things will be added to you.
Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.
Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Becky, Springfield
Judges 5:21b (NIV) March on, my soul; be strong!
“Keep me as the apple of your eye, hide me in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 17:8 NIV
Melany, Garrison, MO: But thou oh Lord art a shield for me; my glory and the lifter of mine head. To the Lord I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. Psalm 3:3-5
Bethany
Atlanta, GA
Proverbs 9:10. NIV
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Tammy, Clarksville, TN: “I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.” Job 42:2 NIV
Kristina, MN
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” ~ Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)
Rock Hill, SC
I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt; Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.
Psalm 81:10 NIV
Julie, Waco
“…all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” -Colossians 1:16-17 NASB
Memphis, TN
Proverbs 19:11
A person’s wisdom makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
Karen, Lutz, FL – “For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.” Romans 1:25 NASB
Mary, Spring
Judges 5:21b (NIV) March on, my soul; be strong!
Thanks for the suggestion 🙂 I’ve been picking ones that are a little long…
Debbie~ Madison, OH
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.”
Colossians 4:5
Susan Griffith; Holland, MI – “The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart.” Proverbs 17:3 NIV
1 Peter 1:13 “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” NIV
CStat, Texas- Aggie Phi Lamb 🙂
*Sally*
Kathy, Danvers
Isaiah 58:11 NIV
The LORD will guide you always;
He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
Magnolia, Texas.
“Rain and snow fall from the sky and don’t return without watering the ground. They cause the plants to sprout and grow, making seeds for the farmer and bread for the people. The same is true of the words I speak. They will not return to me empty. They make the thinks happen that I want to happen, and they succeed in doing what I send them to do.” Isaiah 55:10-11. NCV.
Edmond, OK
This is what the LORD says — your Redeemer, the Holy
One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you
what is best for you, who directs you in the way you
should go.” Isa. 48:17 (NIV)
Debbie, Atlanta:
Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:13 ESV
Piper
Hickory, NC
For God hath not given us(me) the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (kjv)
Carrie, Logan. “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, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21
Tracy
Charlotte, NC
1 Corinthians 6:20
“For you have been bought with a price; therefore glorify God in you body.” NASB
Anna
Sullivan, MO
“They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is the Lord of lords and King of kings–and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.” Revelation 17:14 NIV
Vanessa, Victoria, TX
“You are my hiding place;
You will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance” Psalm 32:7 NIV
Heather, Austin, “March on, my soul; be strong!” Judges 5:21B NIV
Gay,
Plain City, OH
Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Alyson, Tallahassee
Galatians 1:10 (NLT) – Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.
Deuteronomy 20:4
The Message
God, your God, is right there with you, fighting against your enemies, fighting to win.
Magnolia, Texas.
“Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:26-27. NIV.
Mindy, Broadview Heights, In your relationship with one another have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who being in very nature God,did not consider eqaulity with God something to be used to his advantage, rather he made himself nothing by taking the very natue of a servant, being made in human likeness. Philippians 23:5-7
Hilary, West Palm Beach, FL:
“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 (NIV)
Piper, Centennial CO
You will make known to me the path of life;In Your presence is fullness of joy;In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalm 16:11 NASB
Jen – Prairie Grove, Arkansas
I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2
Annette
Maplewood, MN
This is the one who came by water and blood – Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.
1 John 5:6
NIV
Miranda
Colorado Springs, CO
“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.” Phillipians 4:6-7
TNIV
Gina, Rochester, Michigan… I loved Beth’s choice this week!
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
Mable Houston,Tx
“But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” Colossians 3:14 KJV