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!
Kathie, Kalamazoo MI
Matthew 11:28-29
Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls.
Patti Brownsburg, IN Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all you ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
Jill
League City, TX
Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:8-9 ESV
catherine, Spring, Texas:
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.
NIV 2 Timothy 1:7
MaryD (finally getting settled into our new HOME in Charlotte.)
Phil 4:6-7 ESV Do not be anxious about anything; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Holly N.Charleston, SC
You hem me in-behind and before;you have laid your hand upon me. Psalm 139:5 NIV
Robin – Thorndale, PA
I raise my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2 (HCSB)
Caitlin, Tulsa, OK
“This you know, my beloved brethren But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.”
James 1:19-20 (NASB)
Ashley, Kernersville NC, “Hallelujah! You who serve God, praise God! Just to speak his name is praise!” Psa 113:1 The Message
Laura, Mason, OH
Colossians 2: 6-7 (NIV)
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
Holly from Alpharetta, GA
“March on my soul; be strong” Judges 5:21b
I needed that one! Short yet powerful….thanks Beth
“Take My yoke on you and become like Me, for I am gentle and without pride…”
(Matthew 11:29) Bible in Basic English
Kristi, Telford, PA
“Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, that I may honor you.” Ps. 86:11 NLT
Holla, Milford, OH
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5 NIV
Lindsay, Dallas, TX
You wil keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.
Isaiah 26:3, NIV
“I have treasured Your word in my heart so that I may not sin against God.” Psalm 119:11
Holman Christian Study Bible
Sharon
Fort Worth, Texas
My help comes from the Lord
the Maker of Heaven and Earth
Ps 121:2 Holman
Betsy, Katy, TX For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. 🙂 NLT
Hope, Northport, AL
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NIV
Barbara, Fredericksburg, VA.. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 NIV
Brenda, Hilton Head, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:11-12 NIV
Mary, Pierre SD
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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. Philipians 4:6-7 (NIV)
Joy – Winters
1 Thess. 5:16-17 ESV
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Rebecca-Abilene, KS
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
2Timothy 1:7 NLT
If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared to do any good work. 2 Timothy 2:21 NIV
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 MSG
God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting his Yes within us. By His Spirit He has stamped us with His eternal pledge- a sure beginning of what He is destined to complete.
Diane, Montgomery, Al. “And they will no longer defile themsleves with their idols or with their detestable things, or with any of their transgressions, but I will deliver them from all their dewlling places in which they have sinned and will cleanse them. And they will be My people, and I will be their God.” Ezekiel 37:23 NIV
This is one of my prayer verses for a child who has walked away from the Lord. I’m encouraged!
Andrea
Palestine, TX.
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace. James 4:18 HCSB
Kimberly Mason, Tuscaloosa, AL:
“Though one maybe overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Ecclesiastes 4:12 NIV
Laura, Hoyt, KS “He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” Daniel 2:21 NIV
Jeanette, Mundelein, IL
“Lord, tell me your ways. Show me how to live. Guide me in your truth and teach me, my God, my Savior. I trust you all day long.”
Psalm 25:4-5(NCV)
Sorry James 3:18
Aimee, north aurora, IL
My dear brothers, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
Penny, Ball Ground, GA
If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared to do any good work. 2 Timothy 2:21 NIV
Carol, Taylors, SC Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV) “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where theives break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Kristin from Kentucky:
Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. Proverbs 21:9 NIV
Marcia, Portland, OR Deut 31:8 NIV “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you;he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Melinda, Independence, MO
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Katie, Owensboro, KY
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9, NKJV
1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3)
“That the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, that they may arise and tell them to their children” Psalm 77:6 (NASB)
Piedmont,OK; Joshua 1:9…”Haven’t I commanded you: Be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Jill, Danville, KY
Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)
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 glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Beth, Ypsilanti. “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brother of mine, you did for me.'” Matthew 25:40 9NIV)
Omaha,NE
Psalm 62:5 “I will find my rest in God alone. He is the One who gives me hope.” New International Reader’s Version.
Caitlin, McKinney, TX
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12 NIV
Lori, Wichita. “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.” (NIV)
Trudy, NC
The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.
Isaiah 32:17 (NIV)