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!
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4: 6,7
Laura~Saskatchewan,Canada
(Continuing from SSMT verse#4)
“This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”
2 Corinthians 9:12-15(NIV)
Loyce, Deer Park. “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” 2 Cor 4:7 (NIV)
Barb, Evansville Deuteronomy 6 4-5 NCV
Listen, people of Israel! The Lord our God is the only Lord. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.
Chantel
Austin, TX
Psalm 63:7-8 Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.
8 I cling to you;
your right hand upholds me
…pray continually… I Thess. 5:17
Jennifer, Colorado Springs, CO: Judges5:21b TNIV “March on, my soul; be strong!”
Katera, Kentwood, LA
The wicked are not so,
but are like the chaff that the wind drives away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
for the LORD knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
Psalm 1:4-6 ESV
Melissa Clovis, CA “so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:10, ESV)
Maureen, St. Clair Shores, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross.” (Hebrews 12: 2a NIV)
Michelle Mckeehan, Prosper, tx
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
Psalm139:23-24
Katie – Lincoln, NE – I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:4 NLT
The Lord knows the days of the upright, and their inheritance shall be forever. They shall not be ashamed in the evil time, and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
(Psalm 37:18-19, NKJV)
Karis
Niverville, MB, Canada
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 NIV
“Those who know your name will trust in you, for you LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
Psalm 9:10 (NIV)
Kelli, Bowling Green, KY
Julie R, Hurst,TX. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. NIV Micah 6:8
RuthAnn, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” James 3:17-18 KJV
Jan, Albuquerque, NM Judges 5:21b (NIV) March on, my soul; be strong! (Thanks for an easy one!!! and ties in to my last one beautifully!!)
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
Diane, Hemet
Psalm 62:2 NIV
My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Sheron – Rockwall, TX
“For I know the plans I have for you”, says the Lord.
“They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you
a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
Brittany, Parker CO
Psalm 23 NIV
The Lord is my Shepard, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Symmie, Corpus Christi
(NAS)
Psalm 62:5-6
My soul, wait in silence for
God only
For my hope is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation
My Stronghold; I shall not be
Shaken.
Heather, Sedalia, Alberta: He who answers before listening- that is his folly and his shame.
Proverbs 18:13, NIV
March on, my soul; be strong!
Judges 5:21
(NIV)
Melanie, Omaha
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
John 8:36
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.
Jessica, North Bend, WA
“Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.” Prov. 16:3 ESV
But seek first the kingdom of GOD and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.
Matthew 6:33
(NKJV)
Shannon from Charlottesville, VA
Romans 8:28 amplified bible
We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.
Siobhan, Austin, AR “I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD.” Ps 27:13-14 ESV
Stacia, Keizer, OR
“But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat and no better if we do”. 1 Cor 8:8 NIV
Kathryn, Glendale AZ, “God will strengthen you with his own great power so that you will not give up when troubles comes, but you will be patient..’ Colossians 1:11 NCV
Psalm 51:10-12
“Create in me a pure heart, O God,and renew a steadfast spirit within me.Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” (NIV)
Joyce~Bison, SD
March on, my soul; be strong!” -Judges 5:21b (NIV)
Christy, Talking Rock, Georgia.
“I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God. Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God’s great mystery.”
Colossians 2:2 (The Message)
Kenslea Ray, Birmingham:
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 ESV
Kristine/Mouse, Janesville WI – Guide me in Your Truth and teach me, fo ryou are My God,My Savior, and my Hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:5 NIV
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners…” – Isaiah 61:1
Mary, Anacortes, WA
For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous;
With favor You will surround him as with a shield.
Psalm 5:12 NKJ
Ashley, Lubbock, Texas
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV
Cindy, Tucson, AZ
“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.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Nicole
Blue Springs, MO
1 John 5:11-13
11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
Marsi, Santa Barbara:
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 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.” II Corinthians 10:3-5, NIV
Christine, Westminster, CO
In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength…
Isaiah 30:15 (NIV)
Angie, Delaware: “But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress. O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love.” Psalm 59:16-17 (NLT)
fOR I AM CONVINCED THAT NEITHER DEATH NOR LIFE, NEITHER ANGELS, NOR DEMONS, NEITHER THE PRESENT NOR THE FUTURE, NOR ANY POWERS, NEITHER HEIGHT NOR DEPTH, NOR ANYTYHING ELSE IN ALL CREATION, WILL BE ABLE TO SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD THAT IS IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD. ROMANS 8:38:39
Elizabeth
Wilmette, IL
2 Chronicles 16:9 NIV
For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
Lorraine M. Surrey, BC
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” I John 4:18 NKJV
MAC – OLYMPIA – POSTING TWO VERSES TO GET CAUGHT UP!!
1.) BLESSED BE THE LORD, WHO HAS GIVEN REST TO HIS PEOPLE ISRAEL, ACCORDING TO ALL THAT HE PROMISED, NOT ONE WORD HAS FAILED OF ALL HIS GOOD PROMISE WHICH HE PROMISED THROUGH MOSES HIS SERVANT.
1 KINGS 8:56 – AMPLIFIED BIBLE
2.) LORD YOUR WORD IS FOREVER; IT IS FIRMLY FIXED IN HEAVEN.
AMEN!!!!
PSALM 119:89 – HOLMAN CHRISTIAN STANDARD BIBLE