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.
Debbie, Thomasville, GA
“You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT)
ann from Sugar Land
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider oters better than yourselves.
Nancy, Girard, KS
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might.”
Ephesians 1: 18-19 NASV
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life; You stretch out Your hand against the anger of my enemies, with Your right hand You save me. Psalm 138:7
Heather, Columbia, MO
“Whom have I in heaven but You?
And earth has nothing I desire besides You.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 73:25-26 NIV
Laurice Ray, Atlanta, GA
Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.
Galations 6:9 ESV
Rachael, Hamilton, OH “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
Joanne, UK
Strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience, joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.
Colossians 1:11-12
Cindy
Flemingsburg, KY
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice.
Philippians 4:4 NIV
Becky, Dayton Ohio
1 John 3:18 NIV
Dear Children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
Judges 5:21b (NIV)
March on my soul be strong.
Katie from North Little Rock, AR
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
Shannon, Houston, TX. “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching in them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'” Romans 10:14-15 NIV
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits– Psalm 103:2
2 Thessalonians 3:16
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
Jessica
vermont
Amy, Dayton, OH: “And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in Him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love.” Ephesians 3:17 (NLT)
Katie, Houston, TX:
Yet this I call to mind and therefor have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:21-23 NIV
And from March 1st
Am I know trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10 NIV
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 to those who love him.
James 1:12
We all have our struggles, trials, valleys and points in life that seem overwhelming…..I keep this verse close to my heart and remind myself of this verse during these times. I am praying for those victims in Japan that they would be introduced to this verse through the power of people in prayer.
Clinton, TN
She opens her mouth with wisdom , and on her tongue is the law of kindness.
Prov 31:26 (NKJV)
Donita – Tucson, AZ
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.
Denise, Skiatook, OK 2 Samuel 22:4 HCSB I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I was saved from my enemies.
Susan, Sydney.’Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James1:2-4 NIV
Soozi, Houston. So then, dear brothers and sisters,be firm. Do not be moved! Always be outstanding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Cor. 15:58(NET)
Tracy, Seminole, Texas “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.”
Phil. 2:5
Psalm 27:8 (New American Standard Bible)
When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You,
“Your face, O LORD,I shall seek.”
Stephanie, Lititz, PA
“As for me, I look to the Lord for His help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me. Do not gloat over me, my enemies! For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord Himself will be my light.” Micah 7:7-8 NLT
jenny
white hall, ar
And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; 20 do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.
1 Thessalonians 5:14-22 (niv)
Julie Waco, TX
“For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” Matthew 12:34b NIV
Bobbie, Ft. Walton Beach, Florida
That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord.
James 1:7 (NIV)
(FYI: My verse alone without context is meaningless. I’m memorizing entire first chapter of James.)
Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
Matthew 22:37 (NIV)
Heather in Visalia, CA
Trust in the LORD with all you heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5
(experiencing a huge attack of the enemy)
Chicago suburb
Sow righteousness for yourselves,
reap the fruit of unfailing love,
and break up your unplowed ground;
for it is time to seek the LORD until he comes
and showers his righteousness on you.
Hosea 10:12 (NIV)
Leigh, Olathe, KS: “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the LORD, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and daughters, your wives and your homes.” Nehemiah 4:14, NIV
Heather, Birmingham, AL
Many are the plans in a man’s heart but is is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 19:21, NIV
Paula, Batavia, Ohio
It’s 3:16 day!!
For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NIV
I’m late with our verse this time because my grandfather went Home to the Lord on Sunday. I’m grateful we can seek refuge under God’s wing during the difficult times!
Ruth 2:12
“May the LORD reward your work, and your wages be full from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.”
Kate, Grapeland, Texas (NAS)
Donna, Lufkin, Texas (NIV)
Elaine, College Station, Texas (ESV)
Laura, College Station, Texas (NIV)
Mallory, Hamilton, OH. “Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we could ever dare to ask or hope.” Ephesians 3:20 New Living.
Betty, Ft. Worth “A prudent person sees trouble coming and ducks. A simpleton walks in blindly and is clobbered.” Prov. 27:12 MSG
Judy
(Poland)
“Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings.” (Psalm 17:8)
Lamentations 3:22 NASB The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail.
Beth, Huntsville, AL
2 Chronicles 14:11a (New Living Translation)
Then Asa cried out to the Lord his God, “O Lord, no one but you can help the powerless against the mighty! Help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in you alone.
Bethany, Atlanta, GA.
“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
Shawna in Alabama, “Remember my affliction and my wanderings, the wormwood and the gall. My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. 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 3:19-22 ESV
Leann (Alabama)
Psalm 141:3 “Set a guard over my mouth O’Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
Heather, McCalla “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.” Lamentations 3:25 (NKJV)
Shannon Costanzo, Kissimmee, Florida
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and leatn not on your(my)own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)
Deborah, Kennewick. “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:13 NIV
Darcy, Houston “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
I missed posting yesterday our internet was down!!
Annalee in Houston
Romans 12:9 (NLT)
Don’t just pretend to love others.
Really love them.
Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.
Amy
Kansas City
Psalm 95:8. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. NIV