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.
Keeley, Tucson, Az
psalm 43:5
Why are you in despair , o my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.
Julie, Sheffield, UK Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8, NKJV
Emily, Elk Grove, CA
Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.
Isaiah 43:18-19 (The Message)
Alison – Richmond, VA
But thanks be to God, Who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
II Corinthians 2:14,15 (NIV)
Rhonda, Newnan, Ga.
Galatians 6:9 (New King James Version)
9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Denise, Davis, IL.-Ephesians 2:10 “It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives through Christ Jesus, and long ago He planned how we should spend these lives in helping others.”
Laura, Jefferson, ME
Psalm 1:1-2: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD,and in His law he meditates day and night.” NKJV
Spokane, Wa
Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
Colleen, Richmond, VA
God has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. NIV
Pam, Wadesboro NC
Isaiah 41:13 NKJV
For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand. Saying to you, “Fear not, I will help you”.
Eposi
Houston, TX
“Therefore be very careful how you live- not as unwise but as wise,
taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16 NET
Only be careful and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
Deut. 4:9 (NIV)
sorry I’m late…
Mara, Ridgefield, WA, NIV
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, Ephesians 3:20
Christa, Kansas City, MO: The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14, NIV
Melissa, Granbury TX, (nkjv)
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Kay Groce, Dallas, Texas
“Clap your hands all you people; shout to God with joy”.
Psalms 47-1
Esabelle
Louisville, Ky.
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
John 15:7
NASB
Autumn in Foster, KY
Continuing Philippians 1 memory work-
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart: for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.
God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ,
filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:6-11 (NIV)
Sarah, Waxahachie, Tx.
For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destory strongholds. We destory arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,
2 Cor. 10:4-5 (ESV)
Jennifer W Phoenix AZ
Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people
Colossians 3:23 NET Bible
Jennifer, Chattanooga
“He who covers over an offence promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” Proverbs 17:9
Terri – Puyallup, WA
“So be patient, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s return. Think of how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the ground and is patient for it until it receives the early and late rains. You also be patient and strengthen your hearts, for the Lord’s return is near.” James 5:7-8 NET Bible
Susan, Cleveland, Oklahoma
I seek You with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. Psalm 119:10 NIV
Debi, Alva, FL
Psalm 3:3 But you, O Lord, are a shield around me;
you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
New Living Translation
Amy, St. Louis
Psalm 130:5, 7 (NLT)
I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word.
O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord this is unfailing love. His redemption overflows.
Shanna
Petal, MS
“For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.” Psalm 27:5 NIV
Hebrews 11:6, NIV
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him, must first believe that He exists, and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
Tammy
Ingleside, TX
Annette, Mount Pleasant, SC, Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 HCSB
2 Corinthians 4:16 NASB
Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.
Destee, Ohio
I asked God to show me a verse that I will easily remember to help me through my struggle with prideful thoughts. Literally moments later through my Bible study God showed me the verse.
Ephesians 5:10 NLT
Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.
Isn’t that a beauty that packs a punch? 100 x’s today I asked “Does this thought please God?” Thank you Lord for some short verse too = )
I’m so excited that on March 15th I was in the city of Jerusalem, so I chose for my verse, Psalm 122:6-7 (NIV):
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.”
AMEN!
Judith, Orillia, Canada
Mary H- Homer, IL
Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)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.”
Melanie – San Antonio, TX
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.” 2 Peter 1: 5-7 (NIV)
“But God being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).” Ephesians 2:4-5 NASB
Jen W., El Segundo, Ephesians 4:2 (NIV), “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient bearing with one another in love.”
Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 NLT
Sharon, Barrington
“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
Molly Gainesville, GA
“Thus, I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and glory.” Psalm 63:2 NASB
I John 3:8 (ESV)
“The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.”
Joan, Portage
“Lazy hands mak a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.”
Proverbs 10:4-5 NIV
Working on procrastination, not doing well, hence not recording verse until today;)
May my meditation be sweet to Him; I will be glad in the Lord.
Psalm 104:34, NKJV
Patti, Kissimmee, FL
Stacy, Big Lake, MN:
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. This is why “itwas credited to him as righteousness.” Romans 4:20-23 NIV
Emily ,Portsmouth , England
Only be careful and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
Deut. 4:9 (NIV)
Erin D., Dover, NH
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
Philippians 2:5-7
judie,south bend am submitting verses for #5 and #6 have a hard time getting to this site. #5 Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Phil 4:4,5 #6 My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes,in undistured places of rest. Isa 32:18 NIV
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them. Psalm 34:7 NIV
Alissa, Spring, TX
If our heart condems us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.
1 John 3:20 NIV
Lana, Laurel, Nebraska-
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Eph. 4:2 (NIV)
Mary
Burke, VA
Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.
Jer 17:7
NIV
Amber-Vienna, WV
“For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. Psalm 62:1-2 ESV