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!
Kathleen, Tallahassee, FL
“…If you will not believe,
you surely shall not last.”
Isaiah 7:8b (NASB)
Rachel ~ Nashville, TN
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)
Stacey, Monument
“And your ears will hear a word behind you, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left.” (NASB)
Debra from Coppell, TX
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil. 4:4-7 NIV
Sandy, Houston, TX
‘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)
Rachel, Bellingham, WA – “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.” Isaiah 43:10 NIV
Megan. Grants Pass
O satisfy us in the morning with Thy lovingkindness, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Psalm 90:14 (NASB)
Manon, from Pebble Beach, my verse is from 2 Timothy 1:7 “for God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” Amen to that, siestas!
Ruth, Okinawa, Japan:
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works so that no one can boast. Eph 2:8-9 NIV
Sue from Lawrenceville, Ga
Romans 15:13. NIV
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Glennell
Buda, Texas
Commit to the LORD whatever you, and your plans will succeed.
Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
Holly, League City, Texas
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Psalm 27:14 (NIV)
Carolyn, Northern California
“Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ‘All this I will give you,’ he said, ‘if you will bow down and worship me.'” Matthew 4:8-9 (NIV)
Tara, Monett MO
Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 NKJV
Rhonda, from Ridgeland, MS
Isaiah 54:1 (English Standard Version)
“Sing, O barren one, who did not bear;
break forth into singing and cry aloud,
you who have not been in labor!
For the children of the desolate one will be more
than the children of her who is married,” says the LORD.
Carissa Houston, TX John 10:28 “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
Jennifer Tacoma, Wa
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. -Romans 14:17 NIV
Judy, Spokane, WA
“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 NASV
Michelle
Spokane,WA
The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, And his tongue speaks justice.
Psalm 37:30 NASB
Robin – Conway, Arkansas: Romans 12:9-10 (NIV) Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Stephanie
Martinez, Ga
For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Psalm 100:5 KJV
Jeanne, Honolulu, HI
2 Corinthians 4:16 (New Century Version)
“So we do not give up. Our physical body is becoming older and weaker, but our spirit inside us is made new every day.”
Can I just say, I so need this reminder! Thank you, LORD!
Marilyn, Seattle
Answer us and save us by your power so the people you love will be rescued.
Ps. 60:5
NCV
Christy T.
Hawthorne, CA
“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’”
Matthew 6:31 (NIV)
Pam Honolulu, HI
“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”
Romans 8:32 (NKJ)
Valerie, Yuma
…correct, rebuke, and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.
2 Timothy 4:2, NIV
Ashley -Hungary,Proverbs 16:2 “All a person’s way’s seem right in his own opinion, but the Lord evaluates the motives.” [NET]
Deborah ~ Nashville, TN
So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.
-Romans 8:6 (NLT)
2 Timothy 2:23-26
Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
Julie, Sheffield, UK: I delight greatly in the Lord, my soul rejoices in my God, for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness. Isaiah 61:10 NKJV
Ashley Beth, Baton Rouge, LA
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13 NIV
Elizabeth, Chicago
I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” ~Psalm 91:2 ESV
Rhonda, Aptos, CA: 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.
2Cor 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new is come.” NIV
Jane, St. Louis
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”
Lamentations 3:22-24 (NIV)
Joey Lynn, Las Vegas
Hosea 11:4 (NIV)
I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them.
2 Timothy 2:23-26
Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
Christine, Phoenix. “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:1-2 (NIV).
Sharen, Geelong, Australia
“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
Jennie from Newberg, Oregon
John 17:23 (New Living Translation)
“…May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.”
Tiffany: Anaheim, CA
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.
In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
What can flesh do to me.”
Psalm 56:3-4 ESV
Glenna, Cumberland House, SK – “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?” Psalm 8:3-4 NIV
Hannah, Kopperl, TX, Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV)
Tammy, Zillah,WA
Do to others as you would like them to do to you.
Luke 6:31 NLT
Julie, Girdwood, AK (in honor of my birthday today)
6 From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you. Psalm 71:6 (NIV)
Karen, Dallas:
Once you were alienated from God
and were enemies in your minds
because of your evil behaviour.
But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight,
without blemish and free from accusation–
if you continue in your faith, established and firm,
not moved from the hope held out in the gospel.
This is the gospel that you have heard
and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven,
and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Colossians 1:21-23 NIV
Mary, Portland–“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. Strangers will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards. And you will be called priests of the LORD, you will be named ministers of our God. You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast. Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.”– Isaiah 61:1-7 (NIV)
Pamela Bishop California
1 Chronicles 16:24-25 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and he is to be in awe above all gods. ESV
Faith, Safford, AZ… “Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 New King James Version
Jana, Fresno.
In Him our hearts rejoice. For we trust in his holy name.
Ps 33:21 NIV