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
Darla, Pittsburgh (I changed the pronoun; I didn’t think yinz would mind :-))
“Because she loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue her; I will protect her, for she acknowledges My name. She will call on Me, and I will answer her; I will be with her in trouble, I will deliver her and honor her. With long life I will satisfy her and show her my salvation.”
Psalm 91:14-16 NIV Amen!
Pamela from Round Rock:
You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.
You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of
blessing on my head. (Psalms 139:4, 5 NLT)
Orlando, FL
“Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, “Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.”
Revelation 21: 9 NKJV
(I am memorizing a whole passage so some of the verses seem random)
Erin from Detroit
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, (Philippians 3:20 ESV)
And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. John 20:12 esv
Jaime Turner from Nederland, Texas
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving The Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” ~Romans 12:11-13 (NIV)
Sahar, Catharpin, VA
I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For He is the living God and He endures forever; His kingdom will not be destroyed, His dominion will never end. Daniel 6:26 NIV
Monica
Cheyenne, WY
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 17:22 ESV
Britney– Concord, NC
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.-Philippians 1:27a [NIV]
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 ESV
Tammy, Lawrenceville Revelation 21:4-5 NKJV And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain for the former things have passed away. Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”
Debbie Gentry, Poplarville , MS
Jude 1:20 ( NIV)
But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.
Mia from Burlington, VT
“I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.” Psalm 118:17 NIV
Kaci; Moultrie, GA
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:1 NKJV
Michele-Lubbock
Psalms 91:11
“For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep
thee in all thy way.”
KJV
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
This is so hard when “good people” are screwing good people.
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Romans 12:9 NIV
“Commit to The Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed.” -Proverbs 16:3 NIV
Suzy, San Antonio, Ps. 3:3 ERV Thou, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory and the lifter of my head.
Sarah Wilkesboro NC
But he brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land that was promised on oath to our forefathers.
Deuteronomy 6:23 niv
Rebecca, Corpus Christi, TX
“When you bow down before The Lord and admit your dependence on Him, He will lift you up and give you honor.” James 4:10 NLT
Caron, The Woodlands, TX
And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 ESV
Sally, St. Paul, MN, “He will cover you with his feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:4 (NIV)
Lori, Plano, TX
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 NIV
Lisa
Van Buren, AR
… In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for His own glory.
Isaiah 61:3
NLT
Michelle, King George VA “Put your minds on the Master, great and awesome, and then fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.” Nehemiah 4:14 The Message
Kim
New Pirt Richey, FL
Proverbs 3:15-18 ESV
(Wisdom) “She is more precious than jewels,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her;
those who hold her fast are called blessed.”
Hannah, Miramar Beach, FL “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13 NIV
Melinda Moyer
Wichita, KS
“Discipline your children, and they will give you peace;
they will bring you the delights you desire.”
– Proverbs 29:17
Melissa Denham Springs,la ” so it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church” 1 Corinthians 14:12 NIV
Katelyn P
Arlington, TX
“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.”
Isaiah41:13 NIV
Cindy, Mount Gilead, Ohio
Micah 6:8 Amp.
The Lord has showed me what is good. And what does the Lord require of me? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with my God.
Marie, Albuquerque, NM: Isaiah 48:17 This is what The Lord says, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am The Lord your God who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. (NIV)
Castle Pines, Colorado
I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.
Phillipians 4:13 (NIV)
Alicia, Gulfport
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, (Psalm 139:9 NIV)
(I’m memorizing Psalm 139 this year!)
Mary, Lilburn
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 NIV
Sherie
The Woodlands, TX
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1John3:1 NIV
Marie Franse, Albuquerque, NM: Isaiah 48:17 This is what The Lord says, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am The Lord your God who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. (NIV)
Kate
Lafayette, Indiana
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” NIV
Barb, Prescott Valley, AZ
Psalm 63:7 (NIV)
“Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.”
Phil 4:7 NLT
Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.
His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Vicki, Grapevine, TX
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. ~ 1 Peter 4:8
Diera – Austin, TX
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”
Ephesians 1:7 NIV
Shannon Pate
Little Rock, Arkansas
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield. The Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”
Psalm 84:11 ESV
Chelsia, Waverly MN
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. ” Romans 8:1 (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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
Kathy Schettler
Boerne, tx
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:17, 18 ESV)
Cheryl, Houston “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end” Prov 29:11 NIV
Sara from Virginia – “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, NIV)
Carmela, Forney TX: To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (Ephesians 1:6 KJV)