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.
Beth, Mankato, MN
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 NIV
La paz les dejo; mi paz les doy. Yo no se la doy a ustedes como la da el mundo. No se angustien ni se acobarden. Juan 14:27 NVI
Michele-Lubbock
Psalms 119:27
Make me understand the of Thy precepts. So I will mediate on thy wonders.
Whitney, Nashville.
“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.”
-Isaiah 61:1 (NIV)
Amanda Carter, Sheridan, WY
“But thank be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s tirumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.” 2 Cor. 2:14 (TNIV)
Carol, Arlington
“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)
Robin, Greenwood MS “I’ll run the course you lay out for me if you’ll just show me how. God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course.” Ps 119: 32-33 Message
” Oh God, You have declared me perfect in your eyes, you have always cared for me in my distress, now hear me as I call again! Have mercy on me and hear my prayer”.
Psalm 4:1 LB
Katie B. San Antonio, TX
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
Philippians 2:5-7 (NIV)
Jean, Houston, “For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ”
2 Peter 1:8
Marilyn, Bradenton, FL
Isa 43:1 (ESV) But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
Proverbs 131:25
Amber
Sulphur, LA
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galations 5:22-23 (NASB)
Fonda Kaye, Biloxi.
You are my God, and I will praise you;
you are my God, and I will exalt you. Psalm 118:28NIV
Jenny, Tulsa: “Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.” 1 Cor 6:12 (NIV)
Bellaire, TX
“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)
Daphne Wiebe ~ Winnipeg, Canada
This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NLT
April, Magnolia, TX
“But it is good for me to draw near to GOD; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all Your works.” Psalm 73:28 NKJV
Becky
Fort Collins, CO
“It is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare your lovingkindness in the morning and Your faithfulness by night.” Psalms 92:1-2
Hollie
Mount Vernon
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17, NIV
This has been such a challenge! I can’t believe that we’re a fourth of the way through! I’m pressing on!
“Be still and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honred throughout the world.” NLV
Anna
San Diego
Christine, Longview
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me wil never die. Do you believe this?” ~John 11:25-26 (NIV)
Cortni, Coden, 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
Anna, Sullivan, MO
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
Lorraine – Modesto, CA
Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.
Deuteronomy 7:9
Rachel – Modesto, CA
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.
Romans 13:14 KJV
Washington DC
O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago. (Isaiah 25:1 NIV)
Beth, Oak Grove, Louisiana
“Seek the LORD, and His strength; seek His face evermore” (Psalm 105:4) KJV
Heidi in Whitefish, MT
“Do not let your hearts be troubled.
Trust in God, trust in me also.”
John 14:1 NIV
Megan Hughes, Edina, MN-
2 Peter 1:7…and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, LOVE. (NIV)
“This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (NIV) Psalm 118:24,
Natalie, Houston
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10 NIV
Please pray for me because I am feeling awfully defeated and can’t see how I can remember all these memory verses. Thanks.
Ali, Pelzer, SC
“Why are you sleeping? he asked them. Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”
Luke 22:46 NIV
Emily, Houston, TX
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Isaiah 26:3 NLT (from last night of Houston Bible Study — Thanks, Beth!)
Rhonda, Ridgeland, MS
Psalm 25:14Â (New International Version)
“The LORD confides in those who fear him; Â he makes his covenant known to them.”
Tammy Elrod
Mechanicsville, VA
I am the door. If anyone enters through me, he will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.
John 10:4 NET
Rose, Springdale AR
“Do not grow weary in doing what is right for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Gal 6:9
Carolyn, TX, “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands…” Isaiah 49:16. Thank you Lord for never forgetting me!
Hosea 11:4 (NIV)
“I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them.”
Jodi, Springfield, MO
Philippians 4:6 HCSB
“Do not worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thankgiving, let your requests be know to God.”
Kathy, Lake Jackson, Texas
“But this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his
mercies never come to an end.”
Lamentations 3:21-22 ESV
Judges 5:21b
“March on, my soul; be strong!”
Kristen, Hooksett, NH “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”. I Thes 5:16-18
Kristin
Clearwater, FL
“He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and prepares the way, so that I may show him the salvation of God.”
Psalm 50:23 NIV
PJ, Atlanta
Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
Shanda from Tyler, TX:
“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)
Amanda, Westfield, NC: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7, NASB
If my people,who are called by my name,will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV
Kelly, Forney, TX “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” II Timothy 1:7, NIV
Charlotte, Philadelphia
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised those who love him.
James 1:12 NIV
Diane, Gig Harbor, WA –
Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything—and I do mean everything—connected with that old way of life has to go. It’s rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you. Ephesians 4:21-24, The Message
Susie – Columbus, Ohio I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalms 139:14 (NIV)