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!
Kay, Everett. I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart. Psalm 40:8
NLT Bible
“When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.”
Proverbs 10 :19 NIV.
Ann, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Isaiah 40:28 (ESV)-
“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.”
Barrett, Plano
In his great power, God becomes like clothing to me; he binds me like the neck of my garment.
Job 30:18
NLT
Janice
Halifax, Nova Scotia
March on, my soul; be strong!
Judges 5:21B NIV
Karen, Fruit Heights, Utah
Psalm 119:114 NLT
You are my refuge and my shield;
your word is my source of hope.
Tracy B. Atlanta, GA
Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
Romans 8:33-34 NKJV
Kristl, Hagerstown: We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV
Susanne, El Paso, TX
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
Philippians 2:3 NIV (1984)
Sue – Pasadena, TX – “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 NASB
Susan from Vilonia, AR
“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:24 NKJ
Sarah
Lufkin
New Living Translation
Psalm 91:1-2
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord:He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;He is my God, and I trust him.
Ginger, Columbus,Ga: “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18 NIV
Missy from Arkadelphia: So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith. Galatians 6:9-10 The Message
Psalm 34:1
I will bless the Lord at ALL times:His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
The Lord protects you. The Lord is right by your side. Psalm 121:5
LOVE this!! Thanks Beth!
“O my soul, march on with strength!” Judges 5:21 (Amplified version)
Suzie
Ft. Mill, SC
Lea Ann, Norman. He says, “Be still and know that I am God. I will be honored among the nations. I will will be honored in the earth.” ~Psalm 46:10 NIV
Toni, Beaumont TX: “Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.” KJV
Rita, Cantonment, FL
‘Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do no cast me away from Your presence and do not take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.’
Psalms 51:10-12 NASB
Tiffany
Pella, IA
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:8 NIV
Kim, Nashville, TN
“I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.
Isaiah 48:17 (NIV)
Marilyn~Rochester Hills, Michigan
“Come near to God and He will come near to you.”
James 4:8 NIV
Linda, Holts Summit, MO
I had my verse all picked out but the Lord lead me to this one.
The Lord your God is with you; He is might to save. He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
Melanie, Lebanon, KS
But He gives us more and more grace. That is why He says, “God sets Himself against the proud and haughty, but gives grace continually to the lowly (those who are humble enough to receive it).
James 4:6 AMP
(Sorry…I didn’t have computer access yesterday, got on as soon as I could this morning!)
Janet, Fuquay Varina, NC, Col 1: 9-11 NIV
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God and being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in His inheritance of the saints of the kingdom of light. Colossians 1:9-11
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.
Jill H. – Aurora, IL – Ephesians 3:17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, NIV
from Houston “Find rest, o my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 62:5 -6 NIV
Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything.
Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done
Philippians 4:6 (NLT)
Jeanine
Athens, NY
Judges 5:21b (NIV)
“March on my soul; be strong!”
Shanna, Petal, MS
“One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.”
Psalm 27:4 NIV
Holli, Smiths Station.
“casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:7, NKJV
Hayley Cagle, Florence, SC
“I know the plans I have for you,” Says the Lord, “plans for good and not disaster, to give you a futre and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
This verse makes me think so much of my 4 wonderful children. 🙂
Deanna, Frisco: Romans 6:22 – But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. (NIV)
Jayna H – (11 yrs. old) Aurora, IL – Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. NIV
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
Suzanne, Birmingham: “March on, my soul; be strong!”
Judges 5:21b NIV
Daniel 3:17-18
If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
Rio Rancho, NM
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised.
Hebrews 10:35-36 (NIV)
Ola Mae, Cedar Park, TX
Psalm 121:1-8 Holman Christian Standard Bible
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. He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. Indeed, the Protector of Israel
does not slumber or sleep. The LORD protects you; the LORD is a shelter right by your side. The sun will not strike you by day, or the moon by night. The LORD will protect you from all harm; He will protect your life. The LORD will protect your coming and going both now and forever.
Cheryl-Tylertown,Ms. (nas) Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a witness to all the nation, and then the end will come.
Sorry that should be “nations” I haven’t had my coffee yet this morning. 🙂 This was the verse David Platt preached from yesterday at the Advance the Church Conference. If you leave the “s” out of nations you miss the whole point. Its ALL people groups.
Hannah – Lebanon, IN
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9, NIV
Rhonda
Gilmer
Psalm 90:16-17 (New King James Version)
Let Your work appear to Your servants, and Your glory to their children. And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.
Maurene from Redding, CA
“Whoever who has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by the Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”
John 14:21 NIV
Julie, Weatherford, TX
O Lord of hosts, how blesses is the man who trusts in you. Psalm 84:12 NASB
Kristi in Abilene, TX.
“My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.” Psalm 62:7 NIV
I feel convicted to keep working on this one before I move on.
Melissa, Houston “And my God will supply your every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NET
Sylvia V. Jersey Village, TX
James 5:11 (NIV)
As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
Amy- Clovis, Ca
But HE knows the way I take;
When he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
My feet have closely followed his steps;
I have kept to his way without turning aside.
Job 23:10-11 NIV