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.
Lori, Acworth, Ga
You are my God and I will give you thanks!
You are my God and I will praise you! Psalm 118:28 (NET)
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Psalm 90:14 NIV
LeAnne,Malawi: Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. Psalm 63:4 ESV
Karen, Orillia Ontario Canada, “The Lord your God is with you; He is mighty to save. He will take delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
Donna, Huntersville, NC
Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.
Eph. 3:20, NLT
Jennifer, Cleveland “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” NIV
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” ~2 Peter 3:9
Nikki L’, Wichita
I sought (inquired of) the Lord and required Him [of necessity and on the authority of His Word], and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:4 Amplified
Lisa from Waycross, GA
Donna from Albany, GA
“Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”
Romans 4:20-21 (NIV)
Elaine, O’Fallon, MO Esther 4:14
For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humble with your God. Micah: 6:8
For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.
Eph 2:10
NRSV
Beth, Ashville, Ohio
“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)-
Renee, Austin, Texas. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.
Ephesians 4:29
Natalie, Indialantic FL – ”
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose – Romans 8:28
Vicki, Wilmington
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8 NKJV
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. Psalm 118: 8-9 NIV
Leanne, Georgetown TN
Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you;
therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.
For the LORD is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him! Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)
Thou has dealt well with Thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word. Teach me good discernment and knowledge for I believe in Thy commandments. Psalm 119:65-66
(better late than never!)
Michelle, Moundridge, KS
Now to Him who is able to do, immeasureably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21, NIV
Katie, Owensboro, KY
“Let us hold firmly to the hope we have confessed, because we can trust God to do what he promised.”
Hebrews 10:23, NCV
Pat, Olathe, KS: Isaiah 41:10 (NASB) Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Habbakuk 3:18
I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Mary Jane, Troy KS and Cindy, King City, MO:
“Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.” 2 Timothy 2:23-24 NIV
“The entire law is summed up in a single command: Love your neighbor as yourself” (Gal. 5:14 NIV).
Liane, Fredericksburg, VA:
“The LORD is my shepeherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads beside still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His
name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever.” Psalm 23 (NKJV)
Casey, Columbus, MS
When pride comes, then comes disgrace. With humility comes wisdom. Prov 11:2 NET Bible
Jennifer, Monroe, GA
O GOD, let the secrets of my heart be uncovered, and let my wandering thoughts be tested: See if there is any way of sorrow in me, and be my guide in the eternal way.
Psalm 139:23-24 BBE
Linda H., West Des Moines, Iowa
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
Lauren, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
“Humble yourselves, therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that at the proper time, He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:6
Casey Fayetteville AR. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14
Shelli, Richmond “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
Hate to be late but look at my verse reference, guess that was meant to be.
Carmen, Winnipeg. “Joyful are people of integrity, who follow instructions of the Lord.” Ps. 119:1, NLT
Debbie, Hattiesburg, MS:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
Let you gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.”
Philippians 4:4-5 (NKJV)
O Lord you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise, you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down you are familiar with all my ways. Before the words get on my tongue you know them Lord. YOu are all around me, in front and in back and you have your hand on me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me too lofty for me to attain Psalm 139:1-6
“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.”
Revelation 17:14 NIV
Joni, Cincinnati Deuteronomy 12:22(NLT) Be careful to obey all the commands I give you; show love to the LORD your God by walking in his ways and clinging to him.
Deborah J., Clearwater, FL
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. (1 Peter 3:8-9, NIV)
Marci, Amsterdam
1 Thessalonians 1:4-5a
For we know brothers and sisters, loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. NIV 2010
Melissa, Lino Lakes ~ 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
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Becky – Cynthiana
Habakkuk 3:2 – O Lord, now I have heard your report, and I worship you in awe for the fearful things you are going to do. In this time of our deep need, begin again to help us, as you did in years gone by. Show us your power to save us. In your wrath, remember mercy. The Living Bible
Nancy, Moberly, MO. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. Psalm 145:13b (NIV)
Cheryl, Black Mountain
1 Thessalonians 5:16 , NIV
Be joyful always.
Rachael, South Riding, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,” (to be continued next time!) Romans 8:38 NIV
Janet, Winnipeg, Manitoba “For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37 NIV
Kelley Taylor, Tampa, FL- 2 Corinithians 1:3-4 (NIV) Praise be to the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
Cindy, Wapakoneta, Ohio– “So I did as he told me and found the potter working at his wheel. But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over.” Jeremiah 18: 3-4 NLT
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfaded beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”. 1 Peter 3:3-4 NIV
Callee, Houston. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others”. Phil. 2: 3-4 NIV