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
Ellen
TN
For by Him all things are created, both in the heavens
and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things have been created by Him and for Him.
Col. 1:16 NASB
Jodi, Perth, Western Australia
2 Corinthians 7:1 NIRV
Dear friends, we have these promises from God. So let us make ourselves pure from everything that pollutes our bodies and spirits. Let us be completely holy. We want to honor God.
Carolyn, St. Catharines, ON
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)
Kathy: Madison, CT
“For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed- a righteouness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the goldlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness,” Romans 1: 17-18
Tiffany, Tyler, TX
Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.
1 John 3-18 (NLT)
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV)
Brea Rich from Ripley, MS
Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
Psalm 32:1-2 ESV
Elizabeth Gilbert AZ
He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:2-6 NLT
My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes, and say, “Here’s a good seat for you, but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “sit on the floor by my feet, have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you. Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong? James 2:1-7 NIV 84
Sharon from Van, TX
Fear the Lord, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing.
Psalm 34:9 NIV
Jule, Bowmansville, PA
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. Psalm 121:1-2 NKJ
Jennifer, Kodak, TN
Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
Psalm 34:5 NIV
whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel. Philippians 1:27
Shelli, Glen Allen
“He must become greater. I must become less.”
(John 3:30) NIV
Dallas, GA
But if anyone obeys his word, love for God [fn1] is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. 1 John 2:5 NIV
Amanda from Clinton, MS
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 NKJV
Amber Bowers; Houston, TX; Colossians 4:5 NIV “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.”
Terri, Papua New Guinea. “‘As the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you. Remain in My love.'” John 15:9, HCSB
Judith, Manhattan, KS
I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. Ezekiel 35:25 NIV
Behold, this is the joy of his way, and out of the soil others will spring. Job 8:19
Gill, Lancaster UK. 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
Jennifer, Fort Worth
“Incline my heart to Your testimonies, and not to covetousness.” Psalm 119:36 NKJV
Psalms 34:4 (NKJV)
I sought The Lord and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
Paula , Conway,SC
You were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.
– 1 Corinthians 6:20 (NRSV)
Lesley, Cypress, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” Col 4:5, ESV
Laura from Houston, TX
in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified,
Titus 2:7 NASB
Sarah Fort Worth, TX
“bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
Luke 6:28 HCSB
Mandee from Gilbert, AZ
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
James 4:7-8 NIV
Laura Plainfield,IN
Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it become more and more ungodly. 2 Timothy 2:16 NIV
Jane Mattox from Lubbock, Texas: ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh: Your sons and your daughters will prophesy, Your young men will see visions, and Your old men will dream dreams.’ Acts 2:17 NKJV
Tammy/Siloam NC —- 1 Peter 2:24 ; He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you(I)have been healed. (NIV)
Proverbs 4:23 NLT
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Ann from Indiana
Anita
Amarillo, Texas
Let us not grow weary in doing good for at the proper
time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9
NIV
Karen H., Stephenville, TX
Romans 12:6 (NASB)
So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
Linda, Olympia, Wa
“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 NKJV
Sheila, Bethesda. 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
Pam In Texas
My dear brothers, take note of this:
Everyone should be quick to listen,
slow to speak and slow to become angry.
James 1:19-20 (NIV)
Moreen, Sydney, Australia
…But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13, 14 ESV)
Lindsey, Nashville, TN: “Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
Peggy, Queen Creek, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 NASB
Shelly
Golden, CO
Avoid Godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 2 Timothy 2:16 NIV
Jeannette Z. Mission,Tx
Micah 7:7-8 (NIV)
7 But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
I wait for God my Savior;
my God will hear me.
8 Do not gloat over me, my enemy!
Though I have fallen, I will rise.
Though I sit in darkness,
the Lord will be my light.
Kat, Albany, NY
” …since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.”
1 Corinthians 14:12 NIV
gina
Johnstown, CO
Avoid Godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 2 Timothy 2:16 NIV
Laura Jackson, Humble, TX
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30 KJV
Deborah, Hartsville, SC “And He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear, And will trust in the LORD.”-Psalm 40:3 NASB
Staci
Corona
Esv
Psalm 90:14
Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. (Psalms 90:14 ESV)
Wendy – Cheyenne, WY.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12 NIV
Brianna from Huntsville, AL
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
Elaine, New Orleans, Louisiana. “You, Lord, are all I have, and you give me all I need. My future is in your hands.” Psalm 16:5 (TEV) OR LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. (NIV)