Hey, Everybody!
I’m so happy to spend these next few minutes with you. I like to remind you in a writing season like this that I am thinking about you constantly even when it appears from your side of the screen as if we’re less in touch. As I study and write workday in and workday out, you are the first group that comes to my mind. Teacher’s pets if I’ve ever had any. I’m chatting to you constantly right now as I peck away at the keyboard. You just can’t hear me. I’m smiling thinking about how those tables may turn in a little over a year for any of you that end up doing the Bible study. You’ll be talking back to me as we discuss various passages in your homework but I won’t be able to hear you either. What a weird and beautiful dynamic.
I had the biggest blast getting to see a whole bunch of you Siestas at our Eugene, Oregon Living Proof Live. I was shocked when I walked in that room right after the event and David Lowe (our good friend who subs for Rich when he’s out) already had you split into two groups for our picture-taking. It would be hard to over-blow how much I loved being in Oregon for our event. God brought together one of the most wonderful, enthusiastic, Jesus-seeking, gonna-get-a-word-or-else groups ever. One of my top ten favorite groups in all fifteen LPL years. I could have cried when it was over.
(I just happened to remember that I have a few pictures on my iPhone of various shots from this trip so I’ll pitch a few in here for those of you like me who love visuals.)
(In the above picture, we took that State-famous “O” for Oregon and made it into a few divine adjectives for an “Omnipotent,” and “Overflowing,” “Overcoming” and “Out-breaking” God.)
Try to wrap your mind around the fact that God incited 7300 women by His Spirit to attend that event. That was nearly twice what we would have expected in that part of the United States for a gathering of this kind. Travis, the praise team, and I knew within about 2 minutes that Jesus was planning to be there whether we came or not. We felt completely incidental to the whole thing. He has something huge stirring in the Northwest. I can’t quit thinking about it. I got a DM from my good friend, Louie Giglio, last Friday saying that he and Chris Tomlin and their team had just been to that part of the country and were blown away by what God was doing. We left feeling the same astonishment.
I got to spend a little more time in the area than I usually do because I couldn’t get a flight out on Saturday night. That meant several walks in several different parks.
This scene was walking distance from the Holiday Express where we stayed in Eugene. Your blog mama is in there but it’s kind of like “Where’s Waldo?”
Most of our team went to Mount Pisgah Arboretum on Saturday afternoon and, honestly, it was like we were caught in the hobbits’ glen in Lord of the Rings. If Frodo Baggins had stepped out from behind a tree with his short legs and long hairy feet, the whole scene would have been complete. The trees looked just like the ones that talked in the trilogy and they groaned and creaked in the wind like old men trying to get out of a low chair. It was crazy. I didn’t even bother taking pictures with my iPhone because it would have been a travesty but our friend David got some great ones with his grown-up camera. This one doesn’t even give a hint of the gorgeousness that was surrounding us in that park but I think it is especially gorgeous because I love this group of women so much. These are some of the hardest working girls you’ll ever find on earth. They are part of the LifeWay women’s event team that actually puts on Living Proof Live events. (As well as Priscilla Shirer Live and many others.) They don’t often come to the platform but trust me when I tell you that no one would serve on that platform if not for these women doing all the front work, sight inspections, training, praying, and city coordinating. Then, once the weekend arrives, they are busy behind every scene, down every hall, and all over the arena. I am nuts about them. There are at least a dozen others who weren’t assigned to our Oregon event over the weekend. I wish you could see them, too. They are all stellar women.
I could have stayed a solid week in Oregon. Or, if all my people had been there, a month. But Bibby gets cranky for the grandbabies after too many days away. I saw them right before I left for Oregon and the day after I got back. Thank you, thank you, thank you to my beloved Amanda and Curtis, who always make room for the grandparents in their hyper-busy pastoring lives. I happen to be typing this post about five feet away from this picture right here. Now, I ask you, who could stand to be far from those two for very long?? My point exactly.
Oh, one more thing about the trip. On the rare occasions when much of the team gets to stay an extra night after the event, there is considerable foolishness. With God-fearing people, especially of mixed company, off-color humor is out so we have to go with just plain stupid and it works for me every time. This is Travis with his good friends Clay (who played the mandolin for us at this LPL! We loved him!) and Seth (who we always love and get to have on the team most of the time).
I bet Travis wore those glasses for 15 minutes in the drugstore. (Yep, that’s where all this stuff was.) Long enough to where I found myself talking to him normally as if he didn’t look like an idiot. Of course, it might be a tad hypocritical for me to say he looked like such a thing since…
Tragically, that’s not plastic you’re seeing there below the glasses. That’s my real nose. (I made myself laugh.)
Well, I could talk on and on but, the fact is, we have Scriptures to do today, Sisters! I love mine this time around. Remember how we talked about the importance of choosing one to memorize that really means something to us personally? This one’s really speaking to me right now. Lately I’ve been especially aware of the contrasts in the Christian public square between those who build up the Body of Christ and those who tear it down. If we’re going to be builders in a world tearing apart, we’re going to have to be deliberate. We’ll also have to accept the materials we’re working with. We’ll never have a flawless body of believers to edify. Not this side of our completed state. As my friend Carlos Whittaker says, we’re all crazier than we think we are. It’s a mess out there. Oh, for crying out loud, I’m a mess in here. But we do have a flawless Savior and we are indeed God’s chosen people, loved and planned for and accounted for in the Kingdom agenda. We’ve got to decide how we want to treat one another on this thorny journey. This verse says it well.
Beth, Houston. So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. 1 Corinthians 14:12 ESV
There He says it: don’t just take a stab at it. Strive to excel in it.
Oh, Sisters, I love you so much. I truly do. I’ll talk to you soon!
Tags: Scripture Memory 2013
Alicia, OKC
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17
NIV
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Cor 4:16-18 NIV
Julia Stevens Hill — Anniston, Alabama
Leviticus 26:11-12 (HCSB)
I will place My residence among you,
and I will not reject you.
I will walk among you and be your God,
and you will be My people.
Sandy E.; Kansas City, Missouri; “Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times.” Romans 12:12 GNT
Galatians 5:25-26
“If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another”
Katharine, Royal Oak MI
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 ESV
Connor, Madrid, Spain
2 Corinthians 12:9 NASB
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Nicki
Nashville, TN
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.”
Isaiah 30:21 NIV
Kathleen, Georgetown, TX
Romans 12:2 NIV 84
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is- his good,pleasing and perfect will.
Peggyann ~ Crestview, Florida
“The LORD does NOT look
At the things people look at.
People look at the
Outward appearance.
But the LORD
Looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7B
Carolyn, Williamston, MI: “So the Lord must wait for you to come to Him so He can show you His love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for His help.”
Isaiah 30:18, NLT
Karen from Indianapolis.
We can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit. Romans 5:5 MSG
Melissa, Scarborough, ME: “A good man brings good out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Luke 6:45 NIV
Anne from Hot Springs, AR:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
Romans 8:26 NIV
Jenn, Frederick, CO
Debbie, Sevierville
2nd Corint 4:6. It started when God said “Light up the darkness!” And our lives filled up with light, as we saw and understood God in The face of Christ, all bright and beautiful.
Message Bible
DaWanna
Orange, Texas
Psalms 37:3 NLT
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Melissa, Grayson, GA
For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.
Romans 6:14 NIV
Patrice, Elm Grove, WI
Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.
Matthew 5:48 The Message
Michelle, Houston, “Start children off the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6 NIV
Debbie, Alpharetta, GA. “But He brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land that He promised on oath to our forefathers.” Deut. 6:23 NIV
Shaci- Aztec,New Mexico
Ephesians 4:26-27 NIV
” “In your anger do not sin” : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
Connie, Shorewood, IL
Do not be conformed any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 NIV
Peggy, Cheyenne, WY
“In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body.”
James 3:5-6a (NLT)
Jana, San Angelo, TX
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21 NIV
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Carolyn
Kearney, Nebraska
James 1:5 NASB
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Lyn Steriti
Littleton NH
I will say to the Lord, my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust!
Psalm 91:2 NASB
Holly, Glendale, AZ:
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43: 18-19 NIV
Lori, Friendswood, TX
“In his name the nations will put their hope.”
Matt. 12:21 (NIV)
Durant, OK
Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8NIV
Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. Ps. 119:111 NIV
As for God, his way is perfect, the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him.
2 Samuel 22:31 NIV
Beth, Omaha, NE-
Colossians 3:1-2
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Lori R., Knoxville, IOWA
Colossians 2:15, ESV
He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.
Tracy from Aurora, CO
Zephaniah 3:17=For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. (NLT)
in Muscle Shoals
Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Colossians 3:11
Charlotte, Houston Holding on to our ever-faithful Father…
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
1 Peter 5:10 (ESV)
Dorinda, O’Fallon, MO- “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18 NIV
Janet, Edmond, OK
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 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. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:6-9 KJV
Trina
Midland, Texas
James 3:17, 18 NIV
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
Christine, St. Louis Park, MN Romans 8:5 NIV Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
Chris M, Seattle, WA
Psalm 1:1-2 NIV
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
Heather S., Louisville KY
18 And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]! Isaiah 30:18 Amplified Bible (AMP)
If anyone among you thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue. But deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. James 1:26 NKJ
Olivia, Madison, MS:
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV)
Christina McClain, Nampa, ID HCSB James 1:8 An indecisive man is unstable in all his ways.
Sarah Miller. New Palestine, In
And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.
Isaiah 58:10 NIV
12 So now, my beloved, obey as you have always done, not only when I am with you, but even more so when I can’t be. Continue to work out your salvation, with great fear and trembling, 13 because God is energizing you so that you will desire and do what always pleases Him.
Phil 2: 12-13, The Voice
Kathy, Fresno, CA
Psalm 16:2 NIV
I said to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from You I have no good thing.”