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.
I am a day late so sorry!
I had a death in my family on Feb 14th, so I am trying to catch up with my verses. I missed three! Aaaugh!
Feb 15th
Above all love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins. I Peter 4:8 (NIV)
March 1st
Forget about what’s happened, dont keep going over old history. Be alert. Be present. I am about to do something brand new. Isaiah 43: 18
I am sorry about your loss.
Nancy, Sorry you lost someone on the 14th.
Very encouraging verses. Thank you.
Fairbanks, AK- 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Katie, Madison, WI
“This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.” Ephesians 5:32-33 NASB
My last verse for March 15 and now I am back on track.
What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness? Not at all. Let God be true and every man a liar. Romans 3:3-4
Hannah, Kopperl, TX, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” Matthew 5:3, NIV
Ashley, Oil City, LA. “Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” 1 Timothy 6.6-8 ESV.
Julie, Marietta, GA “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. Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
Margee, Chattanooga, TN
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 NIV
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty.
Psalm 84:1 NIV
Lesia from Elizabethtown, Kentucky
“Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;”
Psalm 46:2 NKJV
Natalie, Trussville, AL: ” Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom because justice without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” James 2:12-13 (NIV)
I think I’m late…but I don’t get news of the post until almost 24 hours after it’s posted…ugh! Here goes:
Hannah, Lebanon, IN
“Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea – the LORD on high is mighty.” –Psalm 93:4, NIV
No worries Hannah! The RSS feed sends out at different times during the day when a post goes up.
I can’t believe I almost forgot to post again. I have been memorizing!
Miracle Quelle Atlanta, GA
We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth. Col 1:3-6 NASB
Megan, Prattville, Al: “Do all things without grumbling or questioning that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world…” Philippians 2: 14-15(ESV)
Jill in Trussville, Alabama
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and
my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Psalm 91:-12 NIV
Amy, St. Louis, Waiting for a miracle…
“God can do anything, you know – far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, His Spirit deeply and gently within us.”
Ephesians 3:20
the message
2 Timothy 1:7
God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and self-discipline.
Lisa,
New York
Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 NASB
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. NIV
Rachelle, Ogdensburg
Colossians 3:24
…Since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving., NIV
PSALM 1:3-4
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.
Stephanie, Elkins: And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NIV
Robin, Irving, TX, “Who, being in the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage, rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” Philippians 2:6-7 NIV, 2011 (enjoying memorizing in the new translation-this verse makes soo much more sense now!).
Jer. 29:11 NIV “For I know the plans I ahve for you,” declares teh Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Beth and Tori Brabham, Waco, TX
“The Lord is my light and my salvation–whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life–of whom shall I be afraid?”
Psalm 27:1 NIV
Bonnie Dancer, Camas Valley, OR; Numbers 23:19 NKJV
God is not a man that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and wil He not make it good?
Manon, Pebble Beach, CA, “Above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity, keep corrupt talke from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swever to the right or the left, keep your feet from evil.” Proverb 4:23 NIV
“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”
Philippians 4:6-7 New International Version
Lynn
Rochelle, GA
Karen-Cookeville,TN. Psalm 9:10 KJV
And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou,Lord,hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
Wendy~ Fl. Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth an teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Psalm 25:4-5 NIV
Stephanie, Newport Beach, CA
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock. Isaiah 26:3-4 ESV
Jeremiah 31:17 “There is hope for your future, declares the Lord, and your children shall come back to their own country.” ESV
Donna – Spanaway Wa.
Susan, Virginia:
Psalm 91:7-8 (NLT)
7 Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
8 Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.
Christina, Hanover, MD
A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9 NKJV
Lisa from Greenville, SC. Isaiah 48:17b NIV “I am the Lord your God who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should do.”
Victoria, Conway,AR
“But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” Psalm 3:3 (ESV)
Autumn-Rose Titone, Castle Rock, CO “Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.” Galatians 1:10 NLT
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” Rev. 12:11 NKJV
Beverly, Vicksburg, MS
II Timothy 1:7 NKJV
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Stephanie, Virginia
The LORD your God is in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV
I’m late to this party!! I thought is was the 15th today…Jesus calm my heart please!
Laura, Denver, CO
Let perseverance finish it’s work in you so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:4 NIV
Taryn from Elizabethtown, Kentucky
Jean 3:16 in French
“Oui, Dieu a tant aimĂ© le monde qu’il a donnĂ© son Fils, son unique, pour que tous ceux qui placent leur confiance en lui Ă©chappent Ă la perdition et qu’ils aient la vie Ă©ternelle.”
julie, kentucky, the lines have fallen for me in pleasant places. indeed i have a beautiful inheritance. psalm 16:6
Robin, Alexandria, VA
Psalm 116: 1-2 (NLT)
“I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!”
Michelle, Prosper, TX
“He alone is your God, the only one who is worthy of your praise, the one who has done these mighty miracles that you have seen with your own eyes”.
Deuteronomy 10:21Â (New Living Translation)
rachel, lafayette, ind.
jeremiah 15:16
when your words came, i ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for i bear your name, o LORD God Almighty.
Helen, Broxton, GA
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NIV
Matthew 6:33-34 ESV
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Sue in Grapevine, TX
Janet, Fuquay Varina, NC NIV
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 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 8:37-39
Deut. 20:4 NIV
For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to give you victory.