My Dear Siestas,
I am writing you from an altitude of about 25,000 feet on my way home from Atlanta. I’m in the window seat and it’s a gorgeous day on our trek over Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi and I trust Louisiana and Texas, too. I’m sure I’ve told you before that I am one of those weirdos who actually loves traveling. As Melissa and I often say, our boots were made for walking. AJ is game, too, but two preschoolers have a way of coloring your present views toward air travel. Air Traffic Control is a breeze compared to Air Toddler Control. As for Keith, he prefers his size 13 D cowboy boot on the accelerator of a Ford pickup truck. I’m not a fan of the whole travel ordeal, mind you. A life thrown at the mercy of security lines, weather delays, mechanical difficulties, cancellations, and overbooking will take a toll on you. Sometimes my body feels so dog tired I can hardly fathom doing it all again but in no time I do. God gave me itchy feet.
You are one of two big things on my mind this morning as I make my way back to Houston. To say you completely blew me away with your Scripture memory commitments is an understatement almost too silly to say. My mind is spinning with what God might be up to. A few minutes ago I was looking ahead to the next portion of Scripture that I’ll write about in the James study. It’s James 1:19-21. (I know you are wondering how on earth I can only be that far in the writing process after all this time! It goes very slow because each portion has to be researched, mulled over, written, and self edited before I ever send it into LifeWay. The process takes a year to eighteen months of solid work.) As I read over the familiar portion, I fastened my gaze on the finishing words of James 1:21. It is the exhortation to all of us Christ-followers to humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. My eyes stung with tears.
God’s implanted Word has saved me from myself more times than I can count. I love it. No, I don’t always feel giddy about it nor do I always know what to do with it but the written Word of God hits me often enough in my daily exposure to keep me going back for more. I just do not know where I would be or, God help me, what my life would look like without my battered mind being interrupted and rewired by Scripture. Those words implanted deep into my belief system have convicted me, changed me and, at times, wrecked me. These thoughts are what led me to stop my research that very moment and write to you instead. I want you to know that you will never waste a moment of your life in God’s Word. (Unless you are trying to avoid actually doing what it says. There comes a time to shut the Book and go live the Book then go back to the Book so that You can again live the Book.) As you give yourself to the monumental, ongoing task of studying Scripture and hiding it in your heart through memorization, your life is altered. Unblocked and guarded, the words of God make it all the way into the marrow of your bones. Your way is made clearer, your thoughts brighter, your purpose stronger, and your glory to God greater.
I just want to tell those of you who have committed to a year of Scripture memory what I have a hunch you already know: you will not be sorry.
And that brings me to the second big thing on my mind, tied to you, the first, by way of the very same Scripture in James. I just left Passion 2011. It’s still going strong and will not end until tomorrow morning but my schedule was best suited to the first half of it. (I hate so much to miss Dr. Piper though.) If you’re not familiar with the Passion movement (Louie and Shelley Giglio, founders), I will never do justice to it here in this brief explanation so please google it and behold a mighty work of God. In a nutshell, however, it is perhaps the most powerful thing God is doing among college-age men and women across the globe. Do not believe the hype that Jesus has left the college campus. My whole family and I have had the mystifying privilege of being involved since the national conference began in the late 90’s. Even Keith adores it. Curtis serves as one of the community leaders and Amanda ministers right by his side. Every single time I stand in awe of God’s palpable presence in a secular arena packed with students but never more than this year. The event always attracts way over 10,000 people but this new year it sold out at a whopping 22,000 and about five minutes into the event, it was clear why. God.
No other reason.
He has as uncanny a way of showing Himself at these events and, in light of His innumerable mercies, we can guess why. There is no age demographic at greater risk than 18-25 year olds and He’s chasing them down like He’s got nothing to lose but a generation. Our embarrassingly secular culture (of which, in many ways, we are all a part) would be explanation enough for so many young adults walking away from the faith. Add to it the burgeoning disdain for Christianity and mockery of Christians on many college campuses and you’ve got yourself a boiling hotbed for disbelief. But our God is so faithful. We know He will retain a voice in the generations on the latter-day Kingdom calendar because Matthew 24 says that the testimony of Jesus Christ has to make it into every people group. Revelation 19 also tells us that He will return for a Bride refined and made ready. Jesus will indeed raise His Church to her feet but the closer and closer we get to His return, the stronger and stronger she must be. She will know a persecution and ultimately a suffering that 20th Century Westerners could never have imagined.
I saw about 22,000 reasons for high hopes in the last forty-eight hours. You see, Passion isn’t for the faint of heart. The schedule is packed and the sessions are refreshingly unrushed. About two seconds into the conference you lose that warm, fuzzy feeling that any god goes. If you’ve got an aversion to Jesus, you’ve got an aversion to Passion. The Word of God is preached and taught, read aloud and read in unison. The worship is…well…impossible to describe. Just go right ahead and anxiously anticipate the worship CD that will come out of it somewhere down the road. World missions and the needs of the downcast and suffering are kept at the forefront constantly and the 268 concept for the “Go-Center” is nothing less than genius. (Google all of this if this is news to you. You will be astounded and your faith will surge.)
Even this very moment, the Word of God is being implanted in those thousands upon thousands of young lives. Words that can save. Words that can sanctify. Words that can serve. Words that can send. Words that can be shared.
That’s the power of God. That’s the power of His Spirit. That’s the power of His Word.
That’s the power of Jesus.
Let’s keep saying it until every knee bows and every tongue confesses He is Lord.
I love Passion. I was introduced to it by some radical young people (well, they were my age back then) around 1998 while standing in line, with my nieces, at a store waiting to get some super-star’s autograph. I joined the 268 generation shortly after, hand wrote the declaration, and wallpapered my bedroom with it. I wanted that so much to be me & the way I lived my life…still do, but there’s nothing on my wall now. I was watching last night and actually had to catch my breath when they panned the audience…so many young people…amazing. Makes a lump arise in my throat when I think of it. I’m thrilled your family is so involved!
I have the amazing opportunity to work with college students in our church, many of which are at Passion right now! It is my prayer and my desire for them (and myself) that our hunger this year will be for the Word of God. I was able to catch Andy Stanley’s session on-line and was blessed beyond measure that he was talking about our appetite and how that so closely fits with my prayer for out students. I love to watch God at work and better yet to be a part of it. Oh how I pray that we will have a hunger and a passion for the great Word of our Lord!
As a student at Baylor in the early 1990’s, I remember going to Louie Giglio’s Monday night Bible study at the James street church right there on campus. What a privilege. My fundamental background didn’t know much about the Holy Spirit back then, but wow….going to those worship services touched my spirit and soul in such a way that I know it played a part later in my search for something more with God…beyond the legalism and “certain” way of doing things. I have the utmost respect and admiration for what the Giglios are doing in ministry right now. What a legacy.
My internet is really slow, but last night, it cooperated enough to allow me to listen to your talk at Passion. (I tried to hear Andy’s tonight, but the internet gave up again.) Enjoyed it so much, I listened to it twice, but I only remember one part…put away the electronics and spend more time with God. If that isn’t clear Holy Spirit inspiration, I don’t know what is! 🙂
Off to put away the electronics for a while. Keep blessing Him!
My husband and I (not married then) went to OneDay03 with a group of his friends and had an incredible time. I told him yesterday I am dreaming we can go to the one in Ft. Worth in April. With young children to leave overnight, it will probably just remain a dream. His response: “Do you know how old we will feel?” 🙂
Even today, God used the verse I’m memorizing to convict me of sin and remind me I can turn to him with it.
I was scanning through and was burdened by your comment. I will pray it works out for you to go…if I could I would keep your kids for you, but I live in SC so probably won’t work out haha! But my husband and I have taken a group every year since 2006 and it is absolutely life changing no matter your age! Also, I don’t know the ages of your kids, but there are lots of leaders who bring their children from weeks old to elementary age, but I would encourage you to go if at all possible!
I thought I posted, but I guess I didn’t. 🙁
I was introduced to Passion by some radical young people (well, they were may age back then) around 1998 while waiting in line at a store with my nieces for some silly super-star’s autograph. I joined the 268 generation shortly after and hand wrote the declaration on large pieces of paper and wallpapered my room with it. I wanted to live my life by these standards…and though my walls are no longer pasted with the declaration, I still do. I watched last night and I had to catch my breath when they panned the audience…so many young people…a lump wells up in my throat just thinking of it. I am thrilled your family is so involved!
I am so excited about the number of women signing up to memorize – God is so good!!
Two of my three sons are on the way home now from Passion. I can not wait to hear from them. I know they were challenged. Thank you for being apart of this awesome ministry. Wow.
Please remove the website that is attached to my name. When I click on “Lorie” it took me to Henry Happenings. I DO NOT Know Henry. LOL Please help me with that. If necessary, do not even post my comment. Thank you so much.
beth, HELP!!! I do not know how to order the SEISTA SPIRALS! I know nothing about a browser or cut and paste! HELP PLEASE! LOVE YA! Denise
Denise, I found it by going to the main website lproof.org, and then clicking on Store, and then clicking on New Products. (Because I don’t know how to cut and paste into my browser either. My kids think I’m hopeless.) 🙂
Hey Denise! Here is the address for ordering those…It’s the 3rd item down on the list.
http://www.lproof.org/Store/collection_new.asp
Blessings,
Kim
I look for the day every knee shall bow and every tongue confess Jesus Christ is Lord!
My son and several friends are driving home from Atlanta as I write. He wants to make sure I hear all the speakers – I love what each and everyone of you are doing in the lives of the college students. I teach nursing on a college campus and LOVE my students – and love sharing God with them. They are a generation to be reckoned with!!
Wexford, PA
Jeremiah 15:16 NET
As your words came to me I drank them in, and they filled my heart with joy and happiness because I belong to you, O Lord, the God who rules over all.
As I read about college students needing ministry I was reminded of the refusal from churches in our area to take on a burden requested from a college administrator when my son and I met her for his initial interview last Summer. He mentioned being active in BSU and also going to the state capitol for Wesley Foundation at the university and she said, “I want us to have that here” (at the community college level). Would you pray and ponder that in your heart Siestas? How many secular schools have administrators who are wanted Jesus Christ taught-His life, death and resurrection-to their students and are willing to give a place to meet but their need isn’t being met?
Beth, don’t you just love how God has the perfect verse for each one of us and then He gives us so many opportunities to quote it to someone who needs to hear it. How great is our God. My daughter and 9 year old Granddaughter are doing this with me…what a joy.How greatful we are for you and your ministry.
Yes, I love that He has the perfect verse for each one of us. I thought that same thing when we passed about 7000 verses. He’s so perfect.
I just got home from passion myself! It was such an amazing week; the Holy Spirit was so present! My fiance and I just graduated from college and love getting to be a part of what the Lord is doing through the passion movement.
Mrs. Beth,
Thank you so much for the hope you gave me during your message. I also am a victim of sexual abuse and struggle SO much with destructive thought patterns. I had lost hope that I could ever have mental victory in the Lord. I know I have a long, hard fight ahead of me but I am now trying to trust in the Lord that victory is possible.
Your boldness in speaking about your past has been such a tool in my healing process. I know you are only able to do this through the Lord and am so thankful for your obedience and love for Him. Thank you!
Amen!! Amen!! Our son a high schoolsenior has been waiting for years to go.As he left Fri pm for a 15 hr bus ride I could see the excitement he had he is not one to get overly excited this was a momnet I will always remember…I can hardly wait till he is come to hear what Jesus is doing inside of him… I is praying about interning at our church next summer before he going off to college. I was able to watch the majority of the sessions..Praying for all of these college age students and all in attendance including us from our homes to be excited about our Jesus HE IS WORTHY TO BE PRAISED!!
Hey Beth,
My family and I were at the Omni this weekend and saw all of those amazing college students there for the conference. When I heard you were there, I wanted to be one of them 🙂
I know that you brought great wisdom and insight to all in that audience in a way that was easily understood and applicable to the times we are living. It was great for our 12 and 7 year olds to see all of those college kids their celebrating Jesus on the first day of 2011!
Happy New Year.
Talk about Passion! As I scolled down to the end of this posting, of course I ran into the last posting and as of right now . . . 8,001 women have pledged to memorize the Word of God. Wouldn’t it be awesome if it got to 10,000!!!I am awed by God and thanks Gang at Living Proof. Indeed you are!
Love,
Mare in Port Angeles, WA.
God’s word implanted!!! and surely my battered mind has been and is being rewired to walk in the Light. I pray for all of us with you that we would humbly accept the word of God implanted in us for salvation.
Beth,
I just absolutely love reading anything you write. Your passion for Jesus is contagious and I’m so thankful that I’ve caught it! I gave my testimony at church this weekend and I included the first section of scripture that God ever spoke to me. Luke 6:46-49.
“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” NIV, 2010
This is an amazing community of women who are digging down deep and building their foundation on Solid Rock! Praise God! Praise Him. Oh you are right, He is perfect.
Thank you ladies for your prayers, as of today my MRI for my back and leg has been canceled by the insurance company, but I’m ok with that as God is greater and He will receive the Glory and Honor! He has the plan for me and I know it, moment by moment! Just wanted you who have prayed to know what’s going on! Blessings!
Betty Fulkerson, I can do everything through him who gives me strengh. Philippians 4:13 Thank you Jesus for giving me the strengh 2 years ago to fight for my life and win the battle, only through you, I love you.
Im a new Siesta and love reading everyones comments…so very encouraging!
Wow, what an amazing blog for me to get started on. God has truly blessed me today!! I was awakened @ 4:30 this morning and was unable to sleep. I got up and got on computer and pulled up this sight. I have never blogged before, and I read your last insert today, Beth. I saw your scripture memory. This is something I have been wanting to do and have been scared about starting. I have terrible memory skills. But God has lead me here with all you amazing ladies and I will do it!! I must have truly been your sister Beth, I think we have pretty much lived the same one. I soooo want Jesus to be in control of all my life, and I believe this is a good start.
Passion reminds me of the line in that beautiful song that says “I see a generation rising up to take their place” I live in south GA and love to see the excitement in the young college students that I know..They are so excited to get to drive up to Atlanta to be a part of passion. The greatest thing is that they dont leave it there….they bring it back with them. Thanks for your part in this event.
I am so excited about scripture memory. God’s Word is amazing! So amazing how God works. One of my great friends got me a new spiral for my bday not even knowing about scripture memory. Thank-you Beth for being so transparent and real and allowing God to use you to minister to so many women!! Sisters in Christ, Heather,Richton,MS
Thank you so much for your talks at Passion…especially JAW-that is what my husband calls being hit with a spiritual 2×4!The Lord used you and the other speakers to weave the most beautiful tapestry! All the talks flowed together beautifully and God rained on us in a way I have never experienced! I did the Esther study literally when it came out and I cried through your story of wanting to take your brother into the throne room to tell the king what he was to you. I cried because I had the same situation with my younger brother. He entered the presence of the King at Passion! PRAISE HIM! Thank you again!
Beth and of course siestas,
my daughter and I were involved in a roll over accident today. We are bruised and battered but otherwise have no serious injuries. My car, though, is probably totaled. Please pray. We are in Pecos Texas. There are going to be some interesing things with insurance company and the like. I live in California so, this will be challenging Can you all pray for me? The Lord had his hand on us. We walked away from the accident. The Lord amazes me!
Kelly – Praising Him alongside you for His hand of protection over you and your daughter. WOW! On this ‘day after the accident’ may you experience the Peace of the Lord and the Joy of the Lord in a whole new way. Praying that all the annoying details to come are taken care of quickly, in your favor, and by God’s good and perfect will. Rest and recover, Siesta.
Jennifer,
Thank you for your beautiful prayer. It touched my heart. I can see so clearly how the Lord’s hand was upon us and continued to cover us the remaining many miles home. He comforted my heart and mind and I had no fear getting back in the car! Praise the Lord! The rest of the trip home was completely blessed-once we finally got the rental. Pecos, TX is NOT the place to get stuck. But, it all worked out and we were able to rest while we were stuck. Just so you know, if you should ever get stuck in Pecos and are too far from Pizza Hut, Dairy Queen does deliver!
I AM HOME at last. Thank you again for the prayers.
Kelly
Mrs. Moore, I can not thank you enough for the two powerful messages you spoke on Monday. Finally something clicked in my head and I truly understand the power of my mind and heart. I also wanted to thank you for being such a great example for a young Christian woman like me.
Already reaping benefits from my SSMT verse (Psalm 90:12). The Lord is already showing me “how to number my days” by pointing out distractions & areas of my life that are draining my time & attention. Never thought I’d be able to do it, but I removed Facebook from my cell phone, & I feel FREE!!!! I suppose that may sound silly to some, but I think I was becoming an “addict”! I think I’m going to put my face in His book for a while, ’cause that’s where I can learn to have a “heart of wisdom” (there’s that memory verse again!).
I am 20 years old and i just got back home in North Carolina from Passion 2011 a few hours ago and it was phenomenal. It was my first experience there and i just wanted to testify as someone who was there, God is doing great things in the hearts of thousands of college students. He spoke great truths through you and the other speakers and i just wanted to personally thank you for allowing God to use you in the capacity He does. I had chills almost the entire time i was there from the moment i stepped in (and i have the, now even as i write this) and i was overcome by this sense that His plans for me and my generation are huge. It was crazy to think about the fact that, as one of the speakers told us, we are the next leaders of passion. We will grow to be influential speakers and worship leaders and i am just instilled with a hope that when all is going wrong in my life- God will still use me. All that to say Praise our Holy and precious father for He is alive and doing great works!
ps. i love your name because its the same as mine! therefore i feel a special kinship to you! lol
Back in the early 90’s my girls attended super summer and heard his message and it changed their lives. Both were living for the Lord but a greater passion lol came after that. We even had several from our group saved that weekend. Btw. Love my memory verse. My grown daughters are doing it with me. I gave them their memory verse book for Christmas!! Love to u all and for you allowing God to work through you for people like me:)
I really wasn’t going to do the memory verse thing. I wanted to, I really did, but I thought “Yeah, but you know you won’t do it. You’ll start out with good intentions but it’ll get lost in the mix.” But you mentioned something about discipline in one of your postings. That is when I knew that the verses alone were not the sole goal for me, but the call to discipline. To commit and follow through. I already have my verse memorized. It’s further than I thought I’d get. And you’re right. Reading through pages after pages after pages of scriptures was more breathtaking and encouraging than I would have ever guessed. Thanks!
I am in awe of our Lord this morning. Just read a couple pages of the scriptures. So meaningful after my day yesterday. So excited about learning the “Word”. Had 2 nephews at Passion and can’t wait to hear about that from them and to watch online.
Hey Beth! Couldn’t make it to Atlanta, but I have been watching Passion live from my computer – WOW! God really brought it this year!! When I tuned in to your session, I literally stared at the screen dumbfounded because I couldn’t believe how amazing God’s timing was! I had been reading Finding God’s Will by your very own pastor the night before. (I am at a crossroads in my vocational life trying desperately to discern which way I am being called to go.) In the back of the book, Pastor Matte lists 40 Scripture verses dealing with God’s will, and I was reading over them all for encouragement. One of them is Romans 12:1-2. Even cooler, it was also my second memory verse in the first SSMT (2009)! When I read over the familiar verse again that night, I was reminded of the connection between the “renewing of our minds” and discerning God’s will for our lives. And then, the next morning, I turned on the streaming video of Passion only to find you teaching on that very same verse! (Yet another Sacred Echo :)) God is so cool! He knew exactly what I needed!
Trust, for me, has been a problem. Psalm 143:8-11 has been wonderful! I lift up my soul to the Lord, and I trust that His good spirit will lead me on level ground!
“The message of the cross seems foolish to those who are lost and dying. But, it is God’s power to us who are being saved”. I Corinthians 1:18 NIV
Woke up at 1:45am and couldn’t sleep. Laid there 2 hours thinking and praying. God brought you and your girls to mind so I prayed for all of you, thanking Him for the dream come true you have with Amanda and Melissa being such amazing Jesus-girls!! No greater joy than to see them walking in the truth, I’m sure. They are amazing and your relationship with them is a beacon of hope!
Not sure how to make sure our verse got posted. Tried finding it but um, that was hard to do. I know it’s between 4700 and 7000 somewhere. I’m so excited to be part of the SSMT this year. I love being just one of the girls!
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we have told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NIV)
Roxanne, Glendora, CA
Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Hebrews 11:6 NIV
I was so blessed to be able to be at Passion 2011 this year. (My first time). There are no words to explain this event. GOD WAS PRESENT!! I was so amazed at the number of young adults that gathered all to worship our Savoir!! My heart and very being was overflowing in the faithfulness of my Lord. Once again He showed His everlasting love, He is reaching out to us everyday, if only we open our hearts to Him. I am in constant awe of Him. Beth, I am so greatful for your ministry!! Your breakout session was right on time. Not only do these young people need to hear on a continual basis that GOD LOVES THEM, with a love that passes all of there understanding, so do some of the older people like me. The way you explained that He laughs in delight of us, touched my heart in a new way. GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME!! Thank you Jesus!!
Could you explain the persecution that you said is coming upon the church? I’d like to know more!
It took many years for me to realize that the Word of God was not just print on a page but it is ALIVE. I love how you can see a verse that you’ve seen time and time again, but it can jump off the page and in your face when you need that particular word. I love everything about it.
Just found out about the SSMT! I’m so excited!
Star, Spring,Tx: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 NIV
I was so blessed by you at Passion. I m a 43 year old woman who has been committed to college girls for the past 4 years. God just dropped the most precious young women from the College of William and Mary into my life and I do believe that serving them has changed my life. Before going to Passion I was studying the scripture asking God to show me His focus for the next season as I am also a mom of a 14, 12, and 8 year old. He lead me to 1 Corinthian 2:9-10. My prayer became, Expand my vision, sharpen the clarity of your voice, and blow my mind, Lord because I love you and want to know the deep things of you. I have been praying that prayer since the middle of December. I cannot tell you how floored I was when you used the same verse and then said, Let Him blow your mind.” Well, He did! I felt so loved by God. I wanted to share that with you. Thank you for serving and being a vessel for truth in this world. By the way, John Piper spent time with the leaders and charged us to memorizing big chunks of scripture. Can’t wait to see what God is about to do. Love you!
Can I just say I am really looking forward to your study on James! No pressure just excited.
“If you are pleased with me, then teach me your ways so that I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.”
Exodus 33:13
I know that this is probably an unnecessary comment but I seriously almost fell off my chair at work when I saw that 8300 women were in on the memory verse challenge. I just had to clap my hands…this is gonna be good. Yea GOD!!!!!
Beth –
Was so blessed to watch at least Andy Stanley’s message via live stream and will likely invest in the recording of Passion. I only heard of Passion through this Blog and then, in my Bible Study this morning, a friend had her two college-aged daughters WITH her doing our study with us. Afterwards I asked them if they had heard of Passion and they both knew well of it! One, a Naval Academy Midshipman(shipwoman?!) said several of her friends were able to attend. She wasn’t aware you can get the recordings soon as downloads, so she was glad I let her know about the site. Anyway, listening to these two young ladies’ answers to our BS questions showed their commitment to and love of the Lord. It really is so exciting – I sit in awe at their maturity in Him. THANKS for pointing us to Christ yet again through the Passion movement. Our God is truly an Awesome God!