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 Godās good pleasure to raise up seed-throwers from spots all over the United States and Canada to sow into the Tacoma LPL harvest. I canāt 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 Godās 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. Iām actively praying for Priscilla Shirerās simulcast in several weeks even though Iāll be in Fresno. I donāt doubt sheās praying for us, too. I canāt 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 āreaching more and more people,ā 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 Samaritanās 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 Samaritanās 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 arenāt already giving through another organization. No pressure. Just opportunity.) We are all stunned and heartbroken over the devastation in Japan. Itās just incomprehensible. The images are more than I can wrap my mind around. May āthe Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in loyal love and faithfulnessā 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.
Itās time for Siesta Scripture Memory Team Verse 6! Ready, Sisters?? Stay with it! Iāll 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, hereās 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, āThe early bird gets the worm!ā 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 canāt believe Iām 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 āMasaā (on 6th Street) to us but Michelle and I looked at each other like, āTexans better not try it. We better leave that to the Tennesseans. They might not know better.ā 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 couldnāt believe my own taste buds. We started with this unbelievable Bean and Queso dip then, because cheese enchiladas werenāt on the menu, I decided to get Vegetable Fajitas. Iāve never tried them before but Iāve been with Travis and Angela when theyāve ordered them. (And I looked with contempt upon them.) They were unbelievably good. Really fresh – chunky andĀ grilled and topped with cheese. Side of rice and beans. Sara was our waitress and took such good care of us. Sheās 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 wasnāt 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 itās 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 didnāt 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 DIDNāT YOU COME TO THE EVENT??? We asked.
Because we couldnāt afford it!
Then I said: NEVER let me hear you say that again!
We do anything possible to get our college girls tickets to LPLās. For crying out loud, if somebodyās broke, it doesnāt 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 weād 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, Iāve 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.
Kaitlyn from Gainesville, FL
Isaiah 54: 10
“‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the LORD who has compassion on you.”
NIV translation
Lindsey, Charleston, SC: “My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.” Psalm 63:5 NIV
Julie, Girdwood, AK
Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. Matthew 4:(end of)21-22 (NIV)
Suzanne, Tucson, AZ
“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirits that we are God’s children”
-Romans 8:15-16
Patti from Halfway, MO
I raise my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)
Ashley, Kernersville NC, “I am absolutely convinced that nothing- nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable- absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way Jesus our Master has embraced us. Romans 8:38-39 The Message
Anna, Milwaukee.
āāIf you canā?ā said Jesus. āEverything is possible for him who believes.ā Mark 9:23 NIV
Melissa: Detroit, MI James 3: 13-17 (Continuing from last time)
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such āwisdomā does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
Laura, Mason, OH
Psalm 4:8 (NIV)
“I will lie down and sleep in peace,
for you alone, O LORD,
make me dwell in safety.”
laura
burbank
Psalm 27:1 (NLT)
The Lord is my light and my salvation-so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?
Sondra, Christiansburg
The LORD your God is with you,
Ā Ā Ā he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
Ā Ā Ā he will quiet you with his love,
Ā Ā Ā he will rejoice over you with singing.ā.
Zepaniah 3:17 NIV
Tracey, Bear Creek, ” Donāt worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Philippians 4:6 NLT
Cheryl, Bonney Lake, WA (at the Tacoma LPL last wknd :):))
Set up road signs; put up guideposts. Take note of the highway, the road that you take. Jeremiah 31:21
I forgot (NIV)
Kristi, Gardner, KS (I need this reminder today):
James 1:2-4 (NLT) Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
Heather, Gadsden:
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, hear hears us.
Maxie, Montgomery,AL. “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10 NIV
Chelsea Enterprise, Oregon
Daniel 4:3 (NIV)
How great are His signs,
how mighty His wonders!
His kingdom is an eternal kingdom;
His dominion endures from generation to generation”
Erin, Albertville, AL
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you.” James 4:7-8 (NIV)
Pauline, Kearney,NE.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 NKVJ
Michelle – Austin
“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.”
Psalm 139:6 (NIV)
And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. Revelation 21:6 KJV
Jane, Gulfport – “through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:2 (NASB)
I’ve had to miss several events b/c I didn’t have the funds. Once I just decided to go and ask the ladies working the door if there were any extra tickets. Well, it happened that someone had donated an unused one moments before I walked up. No one who presses in to see Jesus will ever regret having done so.
Kim ~ Niceville, FL
“Everything is permissable for me” – but not everything is beneficial.
“Everything is permissable for me” – but I will not be mastered by anything.
1 Corinthians 6:12 (NIV)
Jennifer, Mansfield, Tx
“He makes the barren woman to be a homemaker and a joyful mother of spiritual children. Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)” Psalm 113:9 (AMP)
Patricia Clevenger – Midland TX
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”
Ephesians 4:1 NIV
Heather, Glencoe;
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 1 John 5:14(NIV)
Nicole – Henderson, Nebraska
Psalm 38:9 “All my longings lie open before you, Lord: my sighing is not hidden from you.” TNIV
Amy, Grand Rapids, MI
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
2 Peter 1:3 NIV
Philippians 4:6-7 :
“Do not be anxious about 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.”
Melissa, Locust Grove, GA. “Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”. 1 Peter 1:8-9. ESV
Debbie, Pittsburgh
“The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17 ESV
Judy~~ Anniston, Al
Be strong and of good courage, fear not or be afraid of them, for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee nor forsake thee. Deut 31:6 KJV
Anita, Lehigh, Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:7 NIV
Marie, Campton, KY
“Trust God from the bottom of your heart; donāt try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for Godās voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; Heās the One who will keep you on track.”
Psalm 3:5-6, Message
Sandra from West Asia
Phil 4:6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Stephanie, Fort Wayne. They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings – and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers. Rev 17:14 (NIV)
Merrie – Katy, Texas
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
Romans 3:23 NIV
Ronda, Kingman AZ.
Lord, teach me how you want me to live. Then I will follow your truth. Give me a heart that doesnāt want anything more than to worship you. Psalms 86:11 (NIRV)
Carolynn, Holland, MI “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 NIV
Kim, W. Richland
“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalm 46:10 NIV
Rena, Tulsa, OK. “Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that could defile the body and the spirit, and thus accomplish holiness out of reverence for God.” 2Corinthians 7:1 The NET Bible
Kay, Everett, Wa
And I will make an everlasting covenant with them. I will never stop doing good for them. I will put a desire in their hearts to worship me, and they will never leave me. Jeremiah 32:40 NLT Bible
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9. NIV
Brothers,understand what we are telling you: You can have forgiveness of your sins through Jesus. The law of Moses could not free you from your sins. But through Jesus everyone who believes is fre from all sins. Acts 13:38-39 NCV
Cheryl
NC
Yet those who wait for the LORD
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.
Isaiah 40:31 NASB
Julianne Wildwood, MO
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:1-3 NIV
Amen & amen.
Stacie L., Bulls Gap, TN. –
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)
Treasure – Grand Prairie, TX
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 ESV
Valdese, NC
(For we walk by faith, not by sight)
2 Corinthians 5:7