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
Crystal Clark Omaha, NE
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. I Thessalonians 5:18 (esv)
Katie from Kentucky
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. (Proverbs 11:2 NIV)
Dori Cook
Spring Hill, TN
“But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God and made Him my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works.” Psalm 73:28 Amplified
Karen, Clarksville, “He will put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in Him.” Psalm 40:3 NIV
Nia Stivers from Bridgeport, AL
“You will call to Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you”–Jeremiah 29:12 HCSB
Pam, Springfield, MO
“Search for The Lord and for his strength; continually seek him.” Psalm 105:4 (NLT)
Diane, Corbin, KY
Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. (Romans 8:33 ESV)
Michelle, New Richmond: Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. Revelation 19:11 ESV
Prov 3:3-4. NIV. Let love and faithfulness never leave you, bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a goid name in the sight of God and man.
Valerie, Little Elm
“Abraham (Valerie) never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever He promises.”
Romans 4:20-21 NLT
Holly Novak, Amarillo, TX “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” Psalm 37:7 NIV
I was there Beth in Eugene and as usual you always inspire me. Thank you for that. I had the pleasure of meeting you when I first became a Christian when you came to Seattle Washington and you truly helped me be the person I am today. I am in a Bible Study group and love it. We are right now doing your James and I am thrilled to do it. Thank you for a fantastic week-end. Gayle Lloyd
Bev Lee from Alberta, Canada
The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The LORD is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.
— Psalm 118:6-7 (ESV)
Amy, Fulton, MO
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV
Melina, OKC, OK
“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
—Isaiah 41:13(NKJV)
Cathi, The Woodlands, TX.
When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, your consolations delight my soul. Psalm 94:19 NASB
Katie Melton from Loganville, GA
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need”
Hebrews 4:16 ESV
Carrie, Atlanta, GA. But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” Psalm 31:14 ESV
Susan- Berryville, VA
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
Cheri, Savage, MN Isaiah 54:13 ESV
All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)
Gay
Round Rock, Tx
I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see Him with my own eyes – I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!
Job 19:25-27 NIV
Brenda Lee’s Summit, MO “And I myself will be a wall of fire around it”, declares the Lord,”and I will be it’s glory within”. Zechariah 2:5 NIV84
Terri Sims, Orange TX
” Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6, 7 ESV
Tara, Eustis
Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
Shera- Lynchburg, VA
DEUTERONOMY 6:23
but He brought us from there in order to lead us in and give us the land that He swore to our fathers. HCSB
Mary, Frisco, “Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding.” Proverbs 3:13 ( NLT)
Barbara, Tomball, TX
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace
1 Cor 14:33 NKJV
kerry
sheridan, wy
Is.60:9
names of God Bible
“Certainly the coast lands wait with hope for me.
the ships from Tarshish are the first to bring your children
from far away. Their silver and gold come with them to honor
the name of Yahweh your Elohim, Qedosh Yisrael, because He has honored you.
Katie from Mount Dora, FL
When it snows, she ha no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in Scarlett.
Proverbs 31:21 (NIV)
Gwen, Waynesboro, Ms , Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. (Ephesians 3:20 NLT)
Lindsey, Nacogdoches, TX. ‘Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.’ Philippians 4:8 NASB
Vicki
Murfreesboro, TN
Philippians 1:27a (NIV)
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ….”
Lori, Flower Mound, TX
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
Colossians 3:23, NIV
Darcy, Pittsburgh
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” Psalm 94:19, NIV
Cindy from Nevada, Ia
“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.”
1 Corinthians 16:13,14 NLT
Molly, Cypress, TX
We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.
1 Thessalonians 2:8, NIV
“Everyone who exhales himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exhaled.”
Luke 18:14
“My soul is quiet and waits for God alone. My hope comes from Him.”
Psalm 62:5 NLV
Kim, Grove City, OH
Deut. 6:23 ESV
And He brought us out from there, that He might bring us in and give us the land that He swore to give to our fathers.
Susan in Decatur, IL
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV
Ali, Clearwater, FL
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10 NIV
Kerry Cotten, Jackson, TN
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us
Heb 12:1 NLT
Carol Hulin, Belleville, ON
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Ps 46:1 NIV
Dixie, Santa Monica, California
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:1 ESV
Sharron Kay Fires, Possum Kingdom Lake, TX
Psalm 139:9&10 NIV “if I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”
Ann
Ft Lauderdale, FL
“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.”
Genesis 50:20
NKJV
Vickie A.
Spokane, WA
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good
deeds, and praise your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16 NIV
” He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal of the Holy Spirit”
Titus 3:5 NIV
Arlington, TX
Psalm 100:1-3 NIV
1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Worship the Lord with gladness, come before Him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.