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!
Jennifer- Almont, Michigan
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NIV
Toni, Gulfport, MS Judges 5:21b
March on, my soul, be strong!
Until I read this blog, I was giving up. I think I missed February all together. Thank you for the encouragement!
Connie, Reidville, SC
Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near.
Isaiah 55:6 (NKJV)
Jamie, Harrisonburg VA: “March on, my soul; be strong!” Judges 5:21b (NIV)
Cathy, Richmond, VA
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10 NIV
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Eph 4:32 NIV
Nicky
Taipei
2 Cor 10:5b
…and we take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ.
Tamela, Piedmont, SC – Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([a]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. Philippians 4:6 (Amplified Bible)
Psalm 62:4-6 (NET)
(continuing to memorize Psalm 62 . . . )
They spend all their time planning how to bring him down. They love to use deceit; they pronounce blessings with their mouths, but inwardly they utter curses.
Patiently wait for God alone, my soul! For he is the one who gives me confidence. He alone is my protector and deliverer. He is my refuge; I will not be upended.
Traci
Knoxville, TN
Kathy, Cochran, GA
Hear my cry to you, Lord. Let your word help me understand. Psalm 119:169 (NCV)
Evelyn
Bowie, MD
“But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, ‘Do not fear, only believe.'” (Mark 5:36, ESV)
Donna
Huntersville, NC
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, 1984
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.
1 Corinthians 14:33 KJV
Cindy, Oklahoma City
Galatins 3:26
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
NIV
Lisa, Morning View, KY
1 John 1:8-9
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (NIV)
jami
Shelby, NC
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”
Proverbs 16:3 NIV
Tammie, Pikeville
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9a (NIV)
Rachelle, Ogdensburg
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men
Col 3:23 NIV
March on, my soal; be strong!
Judges 5:21b NIV
Kerry
Cape Coral, FL
Proverbs 13:10 NIV
Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice
Susie, Ft Carson, CO
Ps 112:7 (NIV) He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. Psalms 112:7
Jayne, NC, 2 Corinthians 1:20, NIV – For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.
Cindy, Arkansas, “Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:12
Lara~
Pikeville, KY
“There are many plans in a man’s heart,
Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel–
That will stand.”
Proverbs 19:21
Sarah, Blairsville, GA. “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.” James 1:26, NIV
Kelly, Rockton, IL~ Luke 6:45 “The good man brings good things from the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45 NIV
Susan, Canton, Mi
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed; says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” Is 54:10 NIV
Carmen, Largo, FL “Who is a God like You, Who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:18-19 NIV
Loretta, Murrayville
Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NIV
Gwen, Kennesaw, GA
Then the woman came back to Jesus, went to her knees, and begged. “Master, help me.” Matthew 15:25 The Message
Also, my motto has always been “Why be normal?” Finally, someone else gets it – thanks Beth!
Kim – Lakeland, FL
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
Jamye L., Greenbrier, AR
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Hebrews 12:1-3
Sue, Orillia, Ontario
They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. Revelation 7:16 KJV
Lela, Livonia
Oh,satisfy us early with Your mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days! Psalms 90:14 NKJV
Diane, Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.
March on, my soul; be strong! Judges 5:21 NIV
Tracy, Edgewood
O Lord I give my life to you. I trust in you my God! Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat. No one who ever trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others. Psalm 25:1-3 (NLT)
Katrinna, Mandeville, LA, 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.”
Erin, Grand Rapids, MI
“If you can?” said Jesus, “Everything is possible for him who believes.” Mark 9:23(King James Version)
Show me your ways O LORD,teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:4-6 (NIV)
Pam in Texas using The Everyday Bible
“Be joyful because you have hope. Be patiend when trouble comes, and pray at all times.:
Romans 12:12
Belinda Smith, Jackson, LA
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
1 John 5:14 NKJV
Michelle: Sylacauga, AL: But by faith we eagerly await throught the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. Gal. 5:4 NIV.
Kimberly, South Dakota
Jeremiah 23:29 “Is not My word like fire?” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer which shatters a rock? (NASB)
Kathy, West Milton
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
Dannel
Holtwood PA
Romans 8:6-8
The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
Cathy, Houston.
1 Corinthians 11
1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. NIV, 2011
Hebrews 1:7 (NIV)
By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
Kathy Chattanooga TN
Gigi, San Antonio, TX Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. James 4:10 (NLT)
Tamara, Zeeland: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” NIV
Tylee, Zeeland: “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” John 14:15 NIV