Hey, my dear, dear Sisters. I thought about you so much while we had the privilege to serve in Washington State. We cherished every second we were there and God was so gracious and merciful to us. He could not have given us a more wonderful group of participants to kick off the 2011 Living Proof Live schedule. We lapped up every second with them. They were so full of praise and expectation for God to speak and so rowdy and fun. I would have brought every single one of them home with me to Texas if I could have.
I want you to know that you sowed very direct seed into that event. On Friday afternoon my notes were, for the most part, ready to go but I just sensed a desire to seek something more from God. I knew in my heart that it involved prayer so I got down on my knees again and prayed but I got back on my feet still not quite feeling the breakthrough that I was hoping for. The thought came to me, I believe by God Himself, to get on the blog and scroll through all the comments to the Tacoma Ticket Giveaway post and look for entries where Siestas had prayed specifically for the event. I hit a gold mine. I stopped at each one of them and actively agreed and received all that had been prayed. The breakthrough came! It was God’s good pleasure to raise up seed-throwers from spots all over the United States and Canada to sow into the Tacoma LPL harvest. I can’t express to you how deeply and profoundly it hit me. Sometimes I feel like I harass you guys half to death for prayer but we are so desperate for it. I knew this weekend that it is God’s way. Profit sharing. Oh, how I pray that we might be able to believe God for a 2 Corinthians 4:15 work as we partner together:
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
I think God particularly blesses our seed sowing when we have no direct involvement at the event or gathering. No personal gain except the glorious nod of God. I’m actively praying for Priscilla Shirer’s simulcast in several weeks even though I’ll be in Fresno. I don’t doubt she’s praying for us, too. I can’t wait to hear the report of all God is going to accomplish through that mighty servant of God as she teaches and as her brother, Anthony, leads worship. This is the will of God for us in Christ Jesus. One Lord. One Body. One Spirit. If the grace of God through Christ is “reaching more and more people,” our thanksgiving overflows to the glory of God!
The group in Tacoma exceeded our expectations in so many ways. Their outpouring for Japan moved us so deeply. Our wonderful brothers and sisters from Samaritan’s Purse were swamped. They were so overwhelmed at the break that we had to keep them open after the event and position them at exit doors They counted dollar bills all afternoon to the tune of $66,025.25. As soon as the horrific tragedy occurred, we asked Samaritan’s Purse if our offering for that LPL could go specifically to relief for Japan and they complied joyfully and set up an immediate fund. (Any of you are welcome to get on their website and also contribute if you feel led and aren’t already giving through another organization. No pressure. Just opportunity.) We are all stunned and heartbroken over the devastation in Japan. It’s just incomprehensible. The images are more than I can wrap my mind around. May “the Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in loyal love and faithfulness” show Himself in every possible and undeniable way. May one of those ways be the banding together of His Body around the world to be His hands and a healing balm within them. They need our help.
It’s time for Siesta Scripture Memory Team Verse 6! Ready, Sisters?? Stay with it! I’ll give you my sixth verse (it reminds me of you) then show you a small handful of pictures I took over the weekend on my iPhone.
Beth, Houston. My goal is that their hearts, having been knit together in love, may be encouraged, and that they may have all the riches of understanding of the knowledge of the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3 The NET Bible
OK, here’s some pictures from Tacoma if you want a peek before you chime in with your verse.
This was my one glimpse at The Mountain. We had rain most of the time and, mountain girl that I am, I just kept looking out of my hotel window for a glimpse of that famous sight. While I was studying, I felt a tugging at my heart and I jumped up in hopes that the clouds were lifting somewhat and sure enough, there that bad boy was. I was so happy, I cried.
This was the sunrise the next morning. I was always an early riser as a kid and, now that I am an adult, I know it nearly drove my mother crazy because she’d have preferred her Folgers by herself. (This helps explain to you why I was a coffee drinker by the ripe old age of six.) My dad used to take up for me and say, “The early bird gets the worm!” Well, when I caught a glimpse of that sunrise in Tacoma Saturday morning and fifteen minutes later it was pouring down rain, I knew my Daddy was right.
I can’t believe I’m about to let this come out of my mouth but I had some of the best Mexican food on earth there in Tacoma. I was baffled. Someone had recommended “Masa” (on 6th Street) to us but Michelle and I looked at each other like, “Texans better not try it. We better leave that to the Tennesseans. They might not know better.” But, after the event, we were about to have a meltdown for hot sauce and decided to cave to the pressure. It was so good I couldn’t believe my own taste buds. We started with this unbelievable Bean and Queso dip then, because cheese enchiladas weren’t on the menu, I decided to get Vegetable Fajitas. I’ve never tried them before but I’ve been with Travis and Angela when they’ve ordered them. (And I looked with contempt upon them.) They were unbelievably good. Really fresh – chunky and grilled and topped with cheese. Side of rice and beans. Sara was our waitress and took such good care of us. She’s expecting little Christos in a few months and we loved getting to talk to her. We saw a couple of tables of women from the LPL event, too, and so loved getting to hug their necks.
As if the Mexican Food wasn’t good enough, there was a Stumptown coffee bar attached to it. Talk about the ultimate way to end a meal! I have become a fan of Stumptown through our dear Kelly Minter who considers it a friend that sticks closer than a brother. (My words, not hers.) Michelle has been ordering it for me for a year or so and it’s what I grind and fix about twice a day in my office at LPM. Darla was our barista at the coffee bar in Tacoma and, as I live and breathe, the woman was an artist. Look at this crema. That is not whipped cream. That is how she finished off a Latte with plain-old low fat milk. UNBELIEVABLE. I was so impressed. I wanted to ask her how she dealt with her pride but she seemed astonishingly humble for such a craft. Almost like she didn’t notice she was a rock star.
These were two of the most wonderful women we had at the Tacoma Dome. (Blood) sisters Roxana and Christine sat down nice and close to the front and gave God considerable glory in my earshot. They and their small group wore tiaras to the event so we were blessed to no end by every glimpse of them. That is, of course, Michelle in there with us.
This last picture is of a group of really young women that were having coffee at the Starbucks we went to several hours after Stumptown. (No coffee for me that late. I’m saying that because I know somebody’s going to get into my business. I got Blueberry water but I didn’t want to. I drank four sips.) One of these darling things is getting married next week and had a little veil on. They were so cute we could hardly stand it. Just as they were getting up to leave, one of them looked over at me with wide eyes and asked if we were we.
WHY DIDN’T YOU COME TO THE EVENT??? We asked.
Because we couldn’t afford it!
Then I said: NEVER let me hear you say that again!
We do anything possible to get our college girls tickets to LPL’s. For crying out loud, if somebody’s broke, it doesn’t matter what age they are, we try to get them tickets if they really want to go. LifeWay, too! They are tremendously tenderhearted and willing to do whatever they can to minister and disciple. Tons of tickets were given away to that event in Tacoma. You have no idea how much we’d like to do it for free.
This was my view from the airplane seat just as we were about to put our tray tables up and our seat backs forward for departure. I wanted you to see my cute rain boots peeking out from the bottom. I’ve had them for a couple of years and worn them about a thousand times but they were for such a time as Tacoma.
Well, I’ve rattled your ear off. You guys are important to me. I love you. I think of you everyday. Now, cough up your sixth verse!
Hold tight to Jesus in the ebb and flow of this temporal world. One sweet day this convulsing earth will be made new. The skies will tear open like a veil and every eye will see. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
danae | lafayette, in
with this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of His calling, and that by His power He may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. we pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
— 2 thessalonions 1:11-12
Becky – Beaverton, OR
And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who lives in you. Therefore brothers, we have an obligation – but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it
Romans 8:11-12 NIV
Kristine, La Crescent, MN: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has conceived the things God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Cor. 2:9 NIV
Tammy – Lexington, NC
Psalm 37:4 NIV Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Karen, Rochester, MN
“May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word.” Psalm 119:74 NLT
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10 NIV
Becky
Murfreesboro, TN
Holly, Spring Hill,TN
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3
Jen, Prairie Grove, AR
As water reflects the face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.
Proverbs 27:19
NIV
Mary, Bolivar, MO — Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3 (NIV)
Beth, Columbus, Ohio
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strenth of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 73:26 ESV
“Romans 8:37-39
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neiether the present nor the future, not any powers neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Jen & Tyler, Easton, MA: “But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1, NIV 1984
Darlene – Logansport
For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
Isaiah 41:13 (KJV)
Marita – Maricopa, AZ
Philippians 4:4 (ESV)
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Psalm 67: 1-2
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, SO THAT your ways may be KNOWN on earth, your salvation among all nations.
NIV
Heather Joy
Birmingham, AL
It’s a long one this time (and I may work on it the rest of our year…) but it was too good to break it up:
Chrystie C, Piedmont SC
Romans 8:28-35,37-39 NIV
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. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present, not the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 Timothy 2:4 (Amplified Bible)
Who wishes all men to be saved and [increasingly] to perceive and recognize and discern and know precisely and correctly the [divine] Truth.
Pam.. Campbellsburg,In.
Dawn, Zionsville
Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10.
Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He exisited before anything was created and is supreme over all creation. Col. 1:15 NLT
Jill in Palm Coast, FL
Barbara, Warner Robins, Ga
Psalm 119:114, NCV
You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.
Suzanne, East Bernard, TX, “The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.”
2 Chronicles 16:9a NKJV
Beth, Dyersburg, TN
And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; The Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. James 5:15 NIV
Karen, Whitefish, MT
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
Isa. 26:3 (NIV)
Sara G, Oklahoma City, OK;
“How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.”
Psalm 119:9-11 NKJV
Jan, Loveland, CO
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.
Is 48:17 NIV
Valerie, Yuma
Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.
Proverbs 14:29, NIV
Cathi – Morristown, TN
“Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work.”
Proverbs 21:25 (NLT)
Candace
Jefferson City, TN
Psalm 32:6-7, NIV
“Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”
Colleen, Conroe:
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 100:5 (NIV 1984)
But I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you.”
Jeremiah 7:23 NIV
Melissa- Perry,GA
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God but the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strenght and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.
Psalm 18: 30-33 NIV (Long, but I need it!)
Heidi, McDonough, GA
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Phil. 3:13-14 (NIV)
Catherine, Puyallup, WA
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy”.
James 3:17 NKJV
P.S. Beth I was there at the LPL event in Tacoma. Thank you so much for your sweet, sweet love for us. So glad you were blessed by our mountain, coffee and mexican food.
Victoria, Fort Worth, For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. James 2:26
“I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.” (Philippians 3:8)
So wish I could comment on the pics, but . . . I’ll be good.
Karene, Yorba Linda, CA
Continuing Psalm 46 (and especially timely)
“Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
He lifts His voice, the earth melts.” (Ps. 46:6, NIV)
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness,humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Colossians 3:12-13
NIV version
Linda, Cypress, TX, “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
Laurie, New Hope VA
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)
Audra, Florence, SC Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the Lord. Hosea 10:12 KJV
Nise’, Michigan
“You have circled this mountain long enough! Now turn North.” Deuteronomy 2:3 NASB
Lori, Waxhaw, NC – Psalm 34:8 “Taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him”.
No surprise that God gave me this verse as I began a pure vegan fast for the Lenten season. He is truly good to equip when He calls.
Glenna, Cumberland House, SK “what is more, i consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish that I may gain Christ” Philippians 3:8 (NIV)
Erika, St. Maries: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 (NLT)
Beth, Fountain Inn, Hosea 6:3 NIV Let us acknowledge the LORD;
let us press on to acknowledge him.
As surely as the sun rises,
he will appear;
he will come to us like the winter rains,
like the spring rains that water the earth.”
Becky Warren, RI
“Be careful for nothing: but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 KJV
Maria, Whitmire, SC
I have been cricified with Christ; and 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 up for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.
Galatians 2:20-21 (NASB)
Diana, Seekonk, MA
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 2:38 NIV
Jeni, Southampton, UK
who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. ~Philippians 3:21 NIV
Liz, Overland Park, KS – Exodus 1:21 (NKJV) “And so it was, because the midwives feared God, that He provided households for them.”