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.
Gretchen, Thousand Oaks Psalm 81:9-10 NLT You must never have a foreign god; you must not bow down before a false god. For it was I, the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things.
Becky, Charlotte
“Lord, You have assigned me my portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.”
Psalm 16:5-6 (NIV)
Fresno, CA
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23 NIV
Jean, Gloucester
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritence in the saints and His incomparably great power for us who believe. Eph. 1:18,19 (NIV)
Dawn Holly Springs: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 NIV
Leigh
Houston
Psalm 94:19 The Living Bible
“Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer.”
Erin
Chippewa Falls WI
“Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.”
Psalm 116:7 NIV
Julie, Prescott, AZ
“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.” Acts 17:26-27 NIV
Adrienne, Jasper TN (and you’re right, Beth, Mexican food here in TN is a pretty dubious adventure…)
“They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful workds.” Psalm 145:5 NIV
Priscilla Shirer is one of my new favorite authors, though I know little about her. Still, when you said her brother’s name is Anthony, I thought, “Is Beth talking about Anthony Evans?!” I love Anthony Evans! He has such a marvelous ability to lead worship. His voice is so beautiful.
I Googled Priscilla and Anthony, of course, to see if they were related, and they are. So happy to see a family worshiping the Lord together. That’s a wonderful legacy and testimony.
Thanks for your posts, Beth. You give us so much to think on and pray about. I love that.
Kelly
Isa, East Lansing, MI
“I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.” Philemon 1:6 (NIV)
Trust in your money and down you go! Trust in God and flourish as a tree. Proverbs 11:28 – Living Bible – Linda R. Springfield, MO
I forgot today is Scripture memory day! Please do not post my last comment. So sorry!
Teresa, Austin, Tx.
Romans 14:13. (AMP)
Then let us no more criticize and blame and pass judgment on one another, but rather decide and endeavor never to put a stumbling block or an obstacle or a hindrance in the way of a brother.
“Therefore, since we are inheriting a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:28-29 NKJV
Delores, Shoreline
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in You.
Psalm 84:11-12 NIV
Rock Hill, SC
“Porque la paga del pecado es muerte, mientras que la dádiva de Dios es vida eterna en Cristo JesĂąs, nuestro Señor.” -Romanos 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” -Romans 6:23
Kathy, Austin Matthew 7:7 KJV
Ask and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you.
Barbara, North Olmsted
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Cor 13:4-8 NIV
Laura, Clay Center, KS
Galatians 5:22 (NIV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Kim, Warsaw IN
For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:6 (NLT)
I’m making a road in the desert and rivers in the badlands. Isaiah 43:19
Cindy, Lexington, Ky – 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
Janice, Arcanum, OH; Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance. Isaiah 55: NASB
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 NIV
Trudy, NC
Colossians 1:10 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. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul-not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.
Loved hearing the recap of Tacoma with fun pictures and stories. Thanks for sharing. The details make me feel like I was there. Japan was home to me for almost 4 years so I am esp. touched by the amt LPL and SP gathered for them at this event. Wow!
Jackie, Platte City, MO 2 translations of the same verse:
Psalm 27:8 (New Living Translation) My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”
Psalm 27:8 (New King James Version) When You said, “Seek My face,” My heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.”
Andrea, Tulsa. “All of 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.” 2 Corinthians 4:15, NIV
Borrowed yours. Fitting after last night’s meeting a believing congregation of Ukrainian immigrants right here in Tulsa, OK.
Erica; Ozark; Psalm 90:12 NLT
Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.
Sandra, Swainsboro, GA
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way, walk in it.” Isaiah 30:12 NIV
Holly, Beaumont, CA. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor 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.” NIV
Alicia – OKC
God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV
Lametations 3:37 (NLT)
Can anything happen without the Lords permission ?
Beth, just wanted to share with you that although I have not been online doing scrip memorization with you guys this time….my family,consisting of me and two sisters, and thirteen nieces, great nieces, and nieces-in-law are doing our own “Prescript for Learning the Scrips”. It has been so much fun! See! just what you started????
Melissa, Vevay IN …be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12b (NKJV)
Susan B.
Chapin, SC
Revelation 17:14 NIV
They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings – and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.
Tammy G. Greencastle, IN
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1
Cynthia, Greenwood,
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
Philipians 2:13 NLT
Susan, Meredith, NH: You have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my Strength, I will sing praises to You, for You, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love. –Ps. 59:16-17, ESV
Mandy, Cottondale, AL: I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. Philippians 1:20 NIV
Becky – Westerville, OH
Finishing up the passage in Romans 4:
“Yet he did not waver in unbelief regarding the promise of God but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God – being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised.”
Romans 4:20-21 NIV
Just curious – what mountain is that in Tacoma? – gorgeous!
Hi,
That is Mount Rainier about 14,000 feet. You don’t even see the top in that picture.
Bartlesville, OK
Hebrews 2:1, 2, & 3b We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Mark 14:38 (NIV)
Mary,
West Memphis, AR
Tami, DS, LA
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
1 Cor 13:2 NIV
Nancy, Sanger, TX
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
Freida, Chatham, LA, There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Psalm 46:4-5 NIV
Melanie, Lebanon, KS
Come close to God and He will come close to you. Recognize that you are sinners, get your soiled hands clean, realize that you have been disloyal wavering individuals with divided interests and purify your hearts of your spiritual adultery.
James 4:8 amp
“Keep your eyes open for God, watch for his works; be alert for signs of his presence.” Psalm 105:4 (The Message)
Forgot to say I’m from Jay, OK
Danielle-Missouri
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV
Gina
Kosciusko, MS
Refrain from anger and give up your rage;do not be agitated-it can only bring harm
Psalm 37:8