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 Godās good pleasure to raise up seed-throwers from spots all over the United States and Canada to sow into the Tacoma LPL harvest. I canāt 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 Godās 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. Iām actively praying for Priscilla Shirerās simulcast in several weeks even though Iāll be in Fresno. I donāt doubt sheās praying for us, too. I canāt 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 āreaching more and more people,ā 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 Samaritanās 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 Samaritanās 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 arenāt already giving through another organization. No pressure. Just opportunity.) We are all stunned and heartbroken over the devastation in Japan. Itās just incomprehensible. The images are more than I can wrap my mind around. May āthe Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in loyal love and faithfulnessā 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.
Itās time for Siesta Scripture Memory Team Verse 6! Ready, Sisters?? Stay with it! Iāll 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, hereās 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, āThe early bird gets the worm!ā 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 canāt believe Iām 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 āMasaā (on 6th Street) to us but Michelle and I looked at each other like, āTexans better not try it. We better leave that to the Tennesseans. They might not know better.ā 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 couldnāt believe my own taste buds. We started with this unbelievable Bean and Queso dip then, because cheese enchiladas werenāt on the menu, I decided to get Vegetable Fajitas. Iāve never tried them before but Iāve been with Travis and Angela when theyāve ordered them. (And I looked with contempt upon them.) They were unbelievably good. Really fresh – chunky andĀ grilled and topped with cheese. Side of rice and beans. Sara was our waitress and took such good care of us. Sheās 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 wasnāt 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 itās 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 didnāt 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 DIDNāT YOU COME TO THE EVENT??? We asked.
Because we couldnāt afford it!
Then I said: NEVER let me hear you say that again!
We do anything possible to get our college girls tickets to LPLās. For crying out loud, if somebodyās broke, it doesnāt 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 weād 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, Iāve 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.
Betsy, Rome, GA:
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
John 15:4, New Living Translation
Sarah, Port St. Joe, FL
The Lord your God is among you, a warrior who saves.
He will rejoice over you with gladness.
He will bring you quietness with His love.
He will delight in you with shouts of joy.
Zephanian 3:17 (HCS)
(I think he likes us just a little bit…)
Celeste Monds Land O Lakes, FL Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger. NIV
Susan, Silverhill,AL: “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
Kara, Ponca City, Ok:
Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Eph 1:4 TM
just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, Eph 1:4 NKJV
Couldn’t make up my mind because I like the words:”without blame” and “made whole!”
Alisa Raleigh, NC
“My heart is confident in You, O God; no wonder I can sing Your praises!”
Ps. 57:7 NLT
Telisa, Ark City: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Cor. 10:5 NIV
Kristen; Herndon, VA –
As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103:12 (NIV)
Glennell, Buda, Tx
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For everything that is in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – comes not from the Father but from the world.
I John 2:15-16 (NIV)
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 ESV
Tarah – Rib Lake, WI
“Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:28-29 ESV
Natalie, Olive Branch “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NIV
Amy; Tacoma, WA
“You turned my wailing into dancing, you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy. That I may sing to you and not be silent. Oh Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.” Ps. 30:11-12 NIV
“That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith ; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,” Ephesians 3:16-18 NASB
I’ll be doing verses 19-21 next time
Susan,
England, U.K.
Sherry, Hillsboro, OR
I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Hebrews 8:10b (referenced from Jeremiah 31:33b)
Sarah – Peoria IL
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9 NIV
Suzanne, Cullman, Al
Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper – it only leads to harm. Psalm 37:8 NLT
St. Pete Beach
“Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands.” Psalm 119:66
Peggy ~~ Houston, TX
Romans 10:9-10 (NIV)
If you declare with your mouth, āJesus is Lord,ā and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
I spoke this to my brother on his death bed and fell apart when he squeezed my hand profusely in response. God is so BIG!
Psalm 19:14 (NIV) My prayer today and everyday…
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be pleasing in your sight O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Debra, Meadville, MS The Eternal God is your Refuge, and underneath are the Everlasting Arms. Deuteronomy 33:27
Megan from San Diego
Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Molly, Rochester, NY
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing”
Isaiah 43:18, NIV
Lala Ball Cooper from Ruston, LA, says:
“If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.” 1 John 1:6 KJV
Faith
Eau Claire, WI
Because of the LORDās great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, āThe LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.ā
Lamentations 3:33-34 NIV
Cindy, Fort Worth, TX
Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD your God. 1 Chronicles 22:19 NIV
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Phil. 4:6 NLT
Alta Indiana
“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
Roxanne, Greenwood, LA, Proverbs 31:24-31, KJV:
“She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of he hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.”
“Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.” Romans 8:5 NLT
Holy Spirit, control me!
Jeremiah 31:13 (New International Version, Ā©2011)
Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness;
I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.
Kim
Orange City
“Search me, O God, and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139:23-24 NIV
Cathy ~ Orofino, ID Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls. Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior! Hab3:17,18 NIV
Wow how I needed to hear this right now! I just miscarried at 12 weeks and I’m trying to “yet rejoice and be joyful”which is so hard. But I know God is my Savior and Lord and he is worthy of all my praise and rejoicing in who he is!
Annette Temple, Texas
“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.” James 1:2-4 NIV
Tina, Success:
Here goes Beth – coughing away š
I lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalms 121:1-2 NIV
Miquela, Knoxville, TN
“March on, my soul; be strong!” Judges 5:21b (NIV)
Andrea, Pottstown.
LOVE your incredibly adorable rain boots,if I find some here, I will have to make a purchase for myself. Thanks for sharing the picture. Loved your post, you just fire me up for praising our LORD! Last, but not least, my Bible verse.
“For nothing is impossible with God.”
Luke 1:37 NLT
Carolyn, Dover :
Deut 31:8 “The Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” NKJV
Melanie,Greenbrier,Tn
I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, And when you run, you will not stumble. Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life. (Proverbs 4:11-13 NKJV)
Kristi, Elba, AL: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Karessa, Peoria IL, “O Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant. Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, O Sovereign LORD have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever.” 2 Samuel 7:28-29 NIV
Sheena, Columbus Grove, OH
Then Jesus said, āCome to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28
Becky
Owasso, OK
Hebrews 10:35-39 NIV
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. For, in just a little while, “He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.”
Been through a firestorm from the Enemy as of late….so need this Word.
Caroline, Philadelphia.
I seek refuge in You, O LORD;
may I never be disappointed.
Psalm 71:1 (Tanakh)
Mary O
England, UK via Canton GA USA!!!!
What then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is FOR us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 NIV
Lisa, Marion IN
and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Eph. 6:15 (NIV) (Memorizing Eph. 6:10-17)
Beverly, Pearland, TX
Now the LORD is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the LORD is, there is freedom.
1 Corinthians 3:17 NIV
Amy; Middletown, DE
Revelation 17:14 NIV
“They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them beause he is Lord of Lords and King of Kings and with Him will be His called, chosen and faithful followers.”
Michelle, Clanton, AL
“O Lord, be gracious to us;
we long for you.
Be our strength every morning,
our salvation in time of distress.
Isaiah 33:2 NIV
Debbie R, Atlanta, TX
“Have I not commanded you?Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you whereever you go.”