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.
Lin Troy, Jer 17:7 But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. (NIV 84)
Brigid – Johannesburg – South Africa
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5 (NIV)
Jeremiah 23:29 NIV
Is not my word like fire, “declares the LORD,” and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?
Ann from Indiana
Kristy Shelby, NC “A man’s wisdom gives him patience, it is his glory to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:11
Jess, Auburn, AL
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6: 10&11, 14-17, NIV
Cassandra, Mars Hill, NC “But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us!” Romans 5:8 HCSB
Orange,TX
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Be atrong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Tracy Carden, Whitesburg, TN
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
Amber J, Denton TX
Psalm 39:1 NET
I decided, “I wil watch what I say and make sure i do not sin with my tongue. I will put a muzzule over my mouth whil in the presence of an evil man.”
Linda, Olathe, KS Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV) Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Jillian, Olathe, KS James 1:17 (NIV) Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows
“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zeph. 3:17 (NIV)
Anne, Cedarburg, WI Colossians 1:9-10 The Message: “Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work.”
Jenny – San Antonio, TX
“In him [Jesus] and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” Ephesians 3:12 NIV. Yay!!! Thank you Jesus!
Proverbs 16:24 KJV
Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.
Christy, Pennsylvania
James 2:1 My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? New Living Translation
I am God, & there is no other; I am God, & there is none like me. Isaiah 46:9
Hannah, Perry, MI
God proves to be good to the [woman] who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks.
Lamentations 3:25, The Message
Dena’ Davis, Hindman, Ky ” But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 King James
Suzanne, Summerfield,Fl. Ps.18:30 As for God His way is perfect: The Word of the LORD is proven: He is a shield to all who trust in Him. NKJV
Janet from Montgomery, NY
1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Jennifer, Wilmington DE
“and do not give the devil a foothold.” – Eph 4:27 (NIV)
and because it’s so short, the cross-referenced verse:
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will FLEE from you.” – James 4:7 (NIV)
Amazing that all I need to do to get the enemy running away from him is to resist – no shouting or swinging of my purse – just RESISTING! 🙂
Eileen, Rice, WA
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and When you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you, When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Isaiah 43:2 NIV
Diana from Hawkins, TX [but posting from San Antonio while on vacation :)]
Isaiah 2:17 NKJV
“The loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be brought low; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.”
~Hallelujah!~
Charissa – West Chester, OH
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3 NIV
Jane, Port Orchard,Wa.
Ps.46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Karen H., Stephenville, TX
Psalm 73:25-26 (NASB)
Whom have I in heaven but You?
And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Cathy, Mountain Grove, MO “I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me & I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away & withers; such branches are thrown in the fire & burned. If you remain in me & my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given you.”
John 15:5-7 NIV
Debbie in Alexandria, VA
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7, NIV
Lori — Magnolia, AR
“Give your burdens to the LORD, and He will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.”
Psalm 55:22, NLT
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
Philippians 2:3
Leslie, Princeton, NJ
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
Karen from Richmond, VA.
When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.
When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought me joy.
-Psalm 94:18-19 NIV
Kosciusko, MS
1 Peter 5:6-7, NLT
“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”
Kari, Kokomo, IN
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:9-10 NIV
Penney
Caribou, ME
“He who does not slander with his tongue,
Nor does evil to his neighbor,
Nor takes up a reproach against his friend;”
Psalm 15:3 NASB
Leighanne – Athens, GA
“But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3, NLT
Julie, Lexington, KY
How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of the messenger who brings good news,
the good news of peace and salvation,
the news that the God of Israel reigns!
Isaiah 52:7 (New Living Translation)
Portland, OR
“I said, you are my servant; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:9-10 NIV
Ashley, Huddleston, VA: “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you…” 2 Chronicles 20:17 NIV
Jennifer Madison,Oh
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Ephesians 4:2 NIV
Pat, Green Bank, WV
19:You know the insults I receive, and my shame and dishonor; my foes are all known to you.
20a:Insults have broken my heart, so that I am in Despair.
18:Draw near to me, redeem me, set me free because of my enemies. Psalm 69:19-20a;18.The Holy Bible,NRSV,p.503.
Helen, Dunmore, WV
(Jesus said) This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
John 15:12, KJV.
Linda, Blue Springs, MO
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”
Romans 12:9-13 ESV
Allyson, Winnsboro SC: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” – Romans 12:12 (NIV)
Rene Claremore OK – Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely – be content with your pay.” Luke 3:14 NIV
Carolee, Bothell…Psalm 51:10, NIV. “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Kari, Gatesville, Romans 3:22-25 (NIV):
22) This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24) and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25) God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood – to be received by faith……
Dixie, in Trophy Club, Texas
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever. (tomorrow)
Hebrews 13:8
New American Standard
Bev, Louisville, KY
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father.”
Philippians 2:10-11, NIV
Cindy
Jackson Hole, Wy
Luke 12:32 HCSB; Don’t be afraid, little flock, because your Father delights to give you the kingdom.