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!
Nitsa, Eugene, OR.
“I will go before you and make the rough places smooth; I will shatter the doors of bronze, and cut through their iron bars. And I will give you the treasures of darkness. And hidden wealth of secret places. In order that you may know that it is I, the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name.” Isaiah 45:2-3 NAS
Jessica, Carlsbad, CA “I remember the days of the old; I ponder on all of your works and think about all that you have done.” Psalm 143:5 (NLT)
Melia
Loganville, GA
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16 NIV
I praise you for I am fearfulLy and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14 NIV
Katherine, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Susan
Corinth, TX
6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to GOD. 7And the peace of GOD, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
Yvonne, Riverside/Fairfield, CA
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
~2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT)~
Cindy, Colorado Springs
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. – Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV
Amy- Vacaville, CA
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29 NIV
Kelly, Redding,CA Psalm 139:3-“You comprehend my path and my lying down. And are acquainted with all my ways.” NKJV
Phil 2:3-4 (niv)
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Debbie, Phoenix – The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. Isaiah 50:4 NIV
Charlotte, Seymour, TX “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” Lamentations 3:24, ESV
Linda, Carolina Beach, NC
“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.”
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (NIV)
Mary
Burke, VA
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Phil 2:12-13 ESV
Dionne Edmonds
Pittsburgh, pa
“Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves but our competence comes from God.”
-2 Cor. 3:5
Megan, Milwaukee:
“But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” Micah 7:7 NIV
Melissa, Granbury Jeremiah 29:11 (nkjv)
For I know the thoughts that I, think towards you, says the Lord, Thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope
Nancy, Copperas Cove // But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. James 3v.17
Psalm 68:9-10 (New International Version, ©2011)
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.
Sarah, Waxahachie, TX – Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.
Matt. 6:34 MSG
Laura, Jefferson, Maine
Philippians 4:8, KJV: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Monica Ciampa
NY.
“Is not my Word like fire{that consumes all that cannot endure the test}? says the Lord, & like a hammer that breaks in pieces the rock {of most stubborn resistance}?”
Jeremiah 23:29 AMPLIFIED
Karen, Silver Creek, GA: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old has gone, the new has come! 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 5:17, 21 (NIV)
Tina, Chesapeake, VA:
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. I Timothy 4:8(NIV)
Amber, Plainfield, IL
Proverbs 10:19
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
“No weapon forged against you will prevail.” Is 54:17 (NIV)
Tracy- Moberly, MO.
Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord.
Psalms 119:1, NLT
Barb from Lino Lakes, MN
Phil. 4:4-9
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: REJOICE!
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, 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…9(b) And the peace of God will be with you..
B.J. from Owatonna, MN
” IF it be possible, so much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all ”
> Rom 12:18
Teri from Owatonna, MN
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness…..2 Peter 1:3
Christina, Hanover, MD
And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.
He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him. Daniel 2:21 & 22 NKJV
Carol, Tacoma, Washington
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
Brenda
Bainbridge GA
1Peter 5:8 (NIV)
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Becca from Milwaukee, WI
“The human mind plans the way, but the LORD directs the steps.”
Proverbs 16.9 NIV
Lorna Beth
Chicago, IL
John 1:12-14 (NIV 1984)
12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Dagmar, Tyler Texas
I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Psalm 91:2 NIV
Joan, Portage
“Sow your seed in the morning and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well” Eccleesiastes 11:6 NIV
So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom
Luke 12:23
Carla, Coweta “Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” James 1:17 NLT
Nikki, Wichita. There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! 1John 4:18a Amplified
P.S. I’m not late, the blog was down last night:)
I liked Becca’s verse from Milwaukee, WI. It fits me at this moment.
“The human mind plans the way, but the LORD directs the steps.”
Proverbs 16.9 NIV
Kylee, Fountain Hills, AZ “So I say to you; Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Luke 11:9-10 NIV
Rhonda Lima, OH
Ps. 139:3 (NASB)
“You scrutinize my path and my lying down, and are intimately acquainted with all my ways.”
Katie, Dallas, TX Jeremiah 46:3 (NIV)
Prepare your shields, both large and small,and march out for battle!
Karen, Aurora IN
God’s angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray. Psalm 34:7 The Message
Think about that. Isn’t that awesome!
Janice, Tulsa. Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. Psalm 62:5-6 NIV
Judy, Greenville, MS –
Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved!
Romans 10:13 NIV
Michelle,Magnolia,TX
Isaiah 48:17-18 NIV
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.
18:If only you had paid attention to my commands,
your peace would have been like a river,
your well-being like the waves of the sea.”
Marsha, Lexington Park,MD,
Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Philippians 2:4 NIV
Proverbs 1:32-33
For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster. [ESV]
Doris
Trussville, Alabama