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!
Bonnie Kate, Taylors, SC
1 Corinthians 10:13 The Message
No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.
Nikol, Birmingham, AL:
“For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the LORD has chosen you to be his treasured possession.” – Deuteronomy 14:2 (NIV)
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.
Psalm 62:1 (NIV, not 2010 version)
Jenn, Manhattan (KS)
From the NIV – Isaiah 40:29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak
Betty
Seymour, TN
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Terry, Abilene, Kansas – Psalm 12:6 (Amp) – The words and promises of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times over.
Jennifer, Conyers, GA
1 Corinthians 13:2 (NLT) 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.
Jennifer, Roanoke VA
March on my soul, be strong! Judges 5:21 NIV
Amy
Whiteman AFB, MO
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.
James 4:10 NIV
Edna, O’Fallon, MO:
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17that the [woman] of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV
Tami, Johns Creek, GA
Isaiah 48:17 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.
NIV
Cindy, St. Pete Beach, (a little late)
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
Amanda M., Columbus, Ohio – Isaiah 26:3-4 NKJV
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, for in Yah, the LORD, is everlasting.”
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be blameless before Him, In love.
Ephesians 1:4 (NAS)
Krista, Birmingham
“…From everyone who has been given much, much will be required, and from the one who has been entrusted with much, even more will be asked” Luke 12:48 The NET
Dawn, Highland Village, TX
March on, my soul; be strong! Judges 5:21b NIV
Thanks Beth for the marching word!
” [Most] blessed is the man (or woman!) who believes in, trusts in , and relies on the Lord, and whose hope and confidence the Lord is . ”
Jeremiah 17:7 , AMP , from Serena D.
Laura Beth, Unicoi Tn.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Julia, Wellington
Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you, if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
John 11:40 NASB
Wendy, Oshkosh, WI
Charm is deceptive and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord is greatly praised Proverbs 31:30 NLT
Valerie, Louisville
Judges 5:21b March on, my soul; be strong! NIV
Cherry B., Conway, AR
Then the LORD said to me, “You have made your way around this hill country long enough; now turn north.
Deuteronomy 2:2-3 NIV
Jeannie, Vero Beach
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Jenni, Birmingham: “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin–” Romans 6:6
Mandy from Rockwall,Tx
If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea.
Isaiah 48:18 NIV
Melissa, Houston, TX – March on, my soul; be strong! Judges 5:21b (NIV)
Cheryl, Cleveland, GA
NIV 1 Corinthians 6:19 – 20
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with you body.”
Farrah, Jackson, MS
“If God is for us, WHO can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us ALL things? Who shall bring ANY charge against Gods elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died-more than that, who was raised-who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is INTERCEDING for us.” Romans 8:31-34 ESV
God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV
Kathie
Aiken, SC
Susan, Meredith, NH: “Am I now seeking the approval of man or of God? Or am I still trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”–Gal. 1:10, ESV
Whitney
Nashville, TN
Judges 5:21b (NIV) March on, my soul; be strong!
Central, SC:
3 You turn men back to dust,
saying, “Return to dust, O sons of men.”
4 For a thousand years in your sight
are like a day that has just gone by,
or like a watch in the night.
~ Psalm 90:3-4, NIV, 1984 Edition.
Lenna, York NE “let the Word of God dwell in you richly” ( Col 3:16) NKJV
Kim- Lovettsville
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom you should ask God who gives generously to all withuot finding fault. And it will be givn to you.
Lori B., Hazlehurst, Ms.
The things which you learned and receives and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Phil. 4:9 NKJ
Tina, Harrison,AR
Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:21 NKJV
“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.”
Romans 6:12
ESV
Danelle
Ames, IA
Lynne, New Milford – Isaiah 41:10 – 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. NIV
Lissa B, Greenville, SC
“You Lord give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you” Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
Allison Ruston, LA
It is God’s will that your good lives should silence those who foolishly condemn the gospel without knowing what it can do for them, having never experienced its power. 1 Peter 2:15 (Living Bible)
Kim, Richmond, Tx, “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
“so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” – Titus 3:7, NASB
Susannah, Waco/Austin
Prov. 4:26-27
“Ponder the path of your feet, then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left, turn your foot away from evil.”
(ESV)
Sandy, Cedarburg WI, The Sovereign Lord is my strength he makes my feet like the feet of a deer he enables me to go in the heights Habakkuk 3:19
Robyn. Lake Wylie SC
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Nicole, Bloomington, IL:
“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” Ephesians 1:18-19 NIV
Erin D, Dover, NH
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4
ps – sorry for posting this, but I didn’t know where else to ask: What do you recommend we do with a “failed attempt?” My last passage just didn’t settle into my brain AT ALL. Should I stick with it for this round, or just shrug it off and move on with my new passage up above? The first option seems like the more thorough and honest thing to do, the second while it seems more realistically achievable, also seems like cheating. 🙂
Stick with it, keep going back and reviewing it, but also continue with the current verse. Pray and ask God to help you to remember it. It pleases him that you desire to!
Jana: Crystal Springs, MS
If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14
‘Behold, we consider those blessed who have remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have see the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.’ James 5:11 ESV
hollie, Carrollton, TX
Kay!!
Decatur, Al
**Better late than never!** Yesterday was CaRAZYY, but here I am!!***
“…We also boast in our sufferings; knowing that suffering produces endurance; and endurance produces character; and character produces HOPE;… & HOPE DOESN’T disappoint us because God’s LOVE has been POURED into our hearts!!!”
Romans 5:3-5 NRSV