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!
Jami -Heath, TX: The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. I Peter 4:7 (NIV)
Cacy~Evans, GA
“O Lord, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in time of distress.”
Jeremiah 16:19
Micah 7:7-8 Message Bible
But me, I’m not giving up. I’m sticking around to see what God will do. I’m waiting for God to make things right. I’m counting on God to listen to me. Don’t, enemy, crow over me. I’m down but I’m not out. I’m sitting in the dark now but God is my light.
Ann from Indina
Colleen – Conroe, TX
Deuteronomy 10:21 (NASB)
He is your praise and He is your God, who has done these great and awesome things for you which your eyes have seen.
Brittany
Lynchburg VA
March on, my soul; be strong!
Judges 5:21b NIV
Kathy – Anahuac, TX
Galatians 5:26 We will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more important things to do with our lives. Each of is our original. The Message
Kari, Las Vegas
The Lord shall reign for ever and ever.
Exodus 15:18 KJV
Katie – Crawford, Tx “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)
Marie, Post Falls, Idaho –
“But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” – 1 Timothy 6:11
Kelli – Kalispell, MT
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 NKJV
Linda, Sonora, KY
“Find rest,O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.” Psalm 62:5 (NIV)
Judges 5:21b (NIV) March on, my soul; be strong!
Sharon (New Port Richey)
Cheryl, Port Angeles, WA — Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3 NIV
Jill, Lexington, KY
” The fruit of righteousness will be peace, the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.” Isaiah 32:17
Amy- Gainesville, GA
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Col 4:5-6 NIV
Kay, Arkansas, “But emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.” Phil 2:7 NASB
Lori, Smyrna, TN
But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (KJV)
Karla, Poulsbo WA
“As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides with the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. John 15:4 NAS
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5
Margee, Chattanooga – “March on, my soul; be strong!”
Judges 5:21b NIV
Wilmette, Il.
Instead of shame and dishonor you will enjoy a double share of honor.
You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.
Isaiah 61:7 NLT
Jana Tampa, Fl:March on, my soul; be strong! Judges 5:21b(NIV)
Hayley – Seymour, TX
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my hear and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:26 NIV
A Cord of Three Strands, Christy, Cheryl, Karen, Jay, OK
March on, my soul; be strong!
Judges 5:21 NIV
PAULA WICHITA FALLS PROVERBS 15:1 (NAS)
A GENTLE ANSWER TURNS AWAY WRATH, BUT A HARSH WORD STIRS UP ANGER.
Melinda Lanier, Eclectic, AL
1 Listen to my words, LORD,
consider my lament.
2 Hear my cry for help,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.
3 In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait expectantly.
Psalm 5:1-3
Kathy, Delaware, OH
Psalm 62:6 He alone is my rock and my salvation: He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.(NIV)
Amanda, Sheridan, WY
“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” Ps. 32:7 NIV (I am in the process of Celebrate Recovery and this speaks volumes to me!)
I completely forgot yesterday was the 1st! Hope this still counts 😉 Sarah Noah, Canoga Park, CA: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
Kate, Arvada. “The seed that fell among the thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.” Luke 8:14 NIV
Malinn – Houston
“Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there by any hurtful way in me. And lead me in the everlasting way.” Ps. 139:23,24 NASB
Lauren – Phnom Penh Cambodia
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is in the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV)
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.
Romans 8:14 (NIV)
Christi in Atlanta
Laura, Denver, NC
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
(I really needed that one this month, Beth!)
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Joy, Springfield: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.” Psalm 28:7 NIV
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” Psalm 34:18 NIV
Andra, Snelling. “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgement, you shall condemn.” Isaiah 54:17 NKJ
Sheri
Portland, Oregon
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Laura, Plainfield, IN
Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.
1 John 3:18 NLT
Sharee, Sugar Land, Texas
Clap your hands all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. How awesome is the Lord Most High, the great King over all the earth.
Psalm 47:1-2 NIV
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 NLT
Christy, Clay Center, KS
Raines, Albany, Georgia: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess 5:16-18 NIV
Andrea, Long Beach, Ca
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” James 5:7 NIV
Kosciusko, MS
Proverbs 4:23, NLT
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”
Sarah, Waco TX
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 NIV
I am not sure if it is okay to hop on the wagon on week 5, but I feel God’s urging me to memorize scripture and I feel I can use a little accountability, so here I go!
Angel in McLoud, Oklahoma~ Jeremiah 23:29
“Does not my word burn like a fire?” asks the LORD. “Is it not like a mighty hammer that smashes rock to pieces?”
Thanks!!!
Ebony, Philadelphia
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 NIV
“The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”
Exodus 34:6 ESV
Blenna
Radford, VA
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Phillipians 4:6 NIV