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
Peggy Magers, Wakarusa IN
Psalm 91:1-2 “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Christina, Lancaster, CA
2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV)
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.
Nicole in Tahoka, Texas
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32 NIV)
The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Hebrews 13:6 NIV
Houston
NIV
Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for
they will inherit the earth.
Amy from Everett, WA
I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
John 14:27 (NLT)
Kathy, Aiea, Hawaii:
Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Prov. 3:3 NIV84
Heather
McDonough GA
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV)
Veronica-Atlanta, Georgia
The Lord God is my strength and he will make my feet like hinds feet and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. Habakkuk 3:19
Jamie brentwood, tn
Jesus told them, ‘ I assure you, even if you had faith as small as a mustard seed you could say to this mountain, move from here to there and it would move. Nothing would be impossible” -Matthew 17:20(nlt)
DeAnne W. Bothell, WA
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. Rom. 8:6 NIV
Kerry, Keller, “For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. Deuteronomy 4:24 NKJV
Lonnie, Omaha Nebraska:
Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. (Romans 12:10 NLT)
Toni Reno
Jay, Ok.
Hebrews 10:23
English Standard Version (ESV)
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
Pam, Apple Valley, MN
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.
1 Corinthians 14:33 NIV
Alexis, Salem OR
” I am sick at heart. How long o Lord until you restore me?”
Psalm 6:3 NLT
Caitlin Long
Demopolis, AL
Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
1 Corinthians 16:13 NASB
Sheila Gibe
Jay, Ok
Hebrews 10:23
English Standard Version (ESV)
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
Sarah P. Martinsburg WV ” Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devils schemes.” Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV)
Stephenville, Tx.
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20 ESV)
Kelly S. Enid OK
They will live in prosperity, and their children will inherit the land
Psalm 25:13 NLT
Taryn from Corinth, TX
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
Melissa, Fort Worth, TX-“The Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” Philippians 4:23 (NASB)
Libby, Springfield, MO
Psalm 121: 5,6 (NIV)
The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
Shannon, Starkville, MS
He who dwells in the in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to The Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalms 91:1, 2 ESV
Shelly Wilson, Ft. Worth, TX
Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
1. 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. 2. 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 God. 3. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Kristen Keeling from Covington, Ga
“How blessed are those who live in your temple and praise you continually! (Selah) How blesse are those who find their strength in you, and long to travel the roads that lead to your temple!” Psalm 84:4-5 (NET)
Joni, Port Neches. “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?” James 2:5 (NIV84)
Sandy, Glendale Oregon 🙂
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men…That according as it is written, he that glorieth, let him glory in the LORD.
1 Corinthians 1:25, 31 (KJV)
Lori L from Montrose, CO
Do you wanted to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts.
James 3:13 MSG
Jennifer, Dry Ridge, KY
“Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust Him and He will help you.”
Psalm 37:5. NLT
Stann
Frisco, TX
But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:20-21 (NAS)
Maria -Macomb,MI
2Peter 3:9 (NIV 1984)
9The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Phyllis, Irvine, CA
“For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him,”
Colossians 2:5-6 (NIV)
Kelley from Houston, TX
“We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God’s purpose prevails.”
Proverbs 19:21 (MSG)
Karin Smith
Pittsburgh, PA
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Ephesians 6:11 (NIV)
SSMT #9: If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, Psalm 139:9 NLT
Mary, Shreveport
The very day I call for help, the tide of battle turns. My enemies flee! This one thing I know: God is for me. Psalms 56:9. TLB
Cami, Murray, KY
For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.
Philippians 2:13 NIV
Phyllis
Gilmer, Tx
NIV
Genesis 18:14
Is anything too hard for the Lord?
Terri from Winchester, Virginia
“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercession s, and giving thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.”
1Timothy 2:1-2
Tiffany, Dallas-GA
Psalm 18:19 (NIV)
He brought me out into a spacious place. He rescued me because he delighted in me.
Melissa Davis
Grand junction, CO
“Praise be to the LORD, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.” Psalms 68:19 NIV
Ann, Lexington, TN: Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes rufuge in him. Psalm 34:8 NIV
Woodbridge, CA
“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the one who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”. Deuteronomy 31:6. NKJV
Stephanie King – Richardson, TX
May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.
Psalm 119:76 NIV
Molly M from Stafford, Texas
Psalm 127:3 “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord. The fruit of the womb is a reward.” (NKJV)
Angie, Lees Summit, Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29 NIV
Clancie Speck, Elizabethtown, KY
For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with] one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favor upon favor and gift {heaped} upon gift.
John 1:16 (AMP)
Emily Furda, Windber PA, Psalm 119:45 (NIV) “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.”