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.
Jenn, Katy, TX
Philippians 3:8 NIV
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.
Kathy, Cumberland, RI – “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:19 NIV
Psalm 116:1
I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice and my prayers.
“I love you, O Lord, my strength.” Psalm 18:1 (MSG)
Lynn, Red Deer, AB Canada
Isaiah 33:6 NIV
He will be the sure foundation for your times,
a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;
the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure
Clyde, MO
“If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me”.
Mark 8:34 NRSV
Monique, Elizabethtown, KY – “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.” Romans 8:38-39 NIV
Leigh Ann, Macon, Ga.
Psalm 15:1, 3 NIV
LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?
…he who has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman
Cynthiana, KY
Yet he did not waver through 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
Hannah
Dayton
Habakuk 2:3, “For the vision is yet for the appointed time;It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail Though it tarries, wait for it. For it will certainly come, it will not delay.”
New American Standard
Sue, Abilene, Kansas – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NIV It’s a well-known verse, but much needed at this time in my life!
Cynthia, Russellville, AR
Ecclesiastes 7:9 NIV
“Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit,
for anger resides in the lap of fools.”
Terry, Abilene Kansas – “We are intimately linked in this harvest work. Anyone who accepts what you do, accepts me, the One who sent you. Anyone who accepts what I do accepts my Father, who sent me. Accepting a messenger of God is as good as being God’s messenger. Accepting someone’s help is as good as giving someone help. This is a large work I’ve called you into, but don’t be overwhelmed by it. It’s best to start small. Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty, for instance. The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true apprentice. You won’t lose out on a thing.” Matthew 10:40-42 (Message)
Lisa – Houston
The Prayer of Faith
“Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 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. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”
James 5:13-16 NIV
Carrie Hays, Houston, TX
“Live wisely among those who are not Christians, and make the most of every opportunity.” Colossians 4:5 NLT
Pat,Las Cruces,NM
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
Amy, Charleston, SC – “The Lord will fight for you and you shall hold your peace.” Exodus 14:14 NKJV
Judy, Oswego, NY
“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
I’m late!!! Oh NO! Well, here it is anyway. 🙂 Lauren, Apex, NC. “And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name…” Phil. 2:8-9, ESV
Late again! Life has just been crazy, but I’m finally here!
Psalm 119:105 NIV
Your word is a LAMP unto my feet;
And a LIGHT unto my path!
(Ok easy verse, but trying to memorize the spot!)
A comment about your encounter with the women who could not afford to come to the conference. Sadly, I have dealt with this problem for years. I help bring Christian events to my city, mainly simulcasts since we are not large enough to attract speakers in person.
I have prayed for a free simulcast since 2003 and God has answered by giving us 3 host churches (2700 free seats combined)coming together in unity to offer the Priscilla Shirer simulcast free. What a blessing God has given us.
In 2004, I attended the taping for The Patriarchs in Baltimore. At the end, I asked a lady from the church why there were so few of the church’s members there during the week of the taping. She told me it was because the most of the ladies could not afford the cost of the ticket. That was heart-breaking to me and I have never forgotten it. So when I plan events in which there is no alternative but to charge, I try to put together donors to buy down the cost and also to provide scholarship tickets.
Thanks, Beth and LifeWay for recognizing this need and providing free tickets to those who could not otherwise attend. I, like you, wish that these events could be free.
Cindy
Spokane, WA
March on, my soul; be strong! Judges 5:21b
Karis, Niverville, MB, Canada
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-21 NIV
Renee, Calgary, Canada
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jer 29:11 NIV
Courtney – Tyler, TX
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3 NIV
Debbie, Alpharetta, GA. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 NIV
Donna, Meridian, ID “With one sacrifice He made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” Hebrews 10:14 (NIV)
Shira
Knoxville, Tn
“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Romans 12:9 (NLT)
Jodie, Minneapolis, MN
Proverbs 31:26 (NIV) She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
Mandy, Idabel,
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. Phil 2:14-15 NIV
Vivian
Clovis, Ca
Colossians 3:17 ” Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)
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
Ah, LORD GOD: Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for you.
Jeremiah 32:17
NKJ Version
Amy
Norfolk, MA
Beki, Ball Ecclesiastes 7:9 NIV
“Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit,
for anger resides in the lap of fools.”
Kristina, Frisco
1 Corinthians 1:31 “let he who boasts, boast in the Lord”
“For every creature—animal or bird, reptile or fish—is tamed and has been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who are made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things should not be this way. Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening? Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water.”
James 3:7-12 (HCSB)
Amanda May
Olympia, WA
Connie-Midland,MI -To whom much is given, much is required. Luke 12:48
Kem,Memphis
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.
Trust in him at all times, O people, pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:1&8 (NIV)
And the God af all grace, who called youto his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen
1 Peter 5:10-11
Sue, Visalia, CA
“Trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:8 (NLT)
Terri, Florence, AL “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:19 NIV
Brandy, Aurora, CO
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.
These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glroy and honor-when Jesus Christ is revealed.
1 Peter 1:6-7 (NIV)
Allison- Marietta, GA
It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.
1 Timothy 1:15
Alexander City, AL
My comfort in suffering is this: your promise preserves my life. Ps. 119:50 NIV
Do not call to mind former things or ponder things of the past, behold I will do something new. Isaiah 43: 18-19
Sherri
Mechanicsville, VA
“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he.” Isaiah 43:10 NIV
Marcia, Mpls, MN
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
Psalm 62:1-2 NIV
Christy
Vidor, TX
Luke 9:23 NKJV
Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”
Kiri, Doncaster, England
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clother yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grivance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Colossians 3:12-14