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
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalm 139:14 (NIV)
Karen Salvato, Lubbock, TX
1 Peter 1:13 (HCSB)
Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be serious and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Mary Soisson, Barboursville, VA
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
II Corinthians 12:9 KJV
Song of Ascents study was so special to me.
“I lift my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help come from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2
Paige, Plano, TX
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)
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
1 Peter 3:8
*ESV
He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24 ESV
Denise R.
Cedar Park, TX
Michelle
Hockley, TX
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
Brittney, San Angelo, TX
“Who pardons all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit; Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;” Psalm 103:3-4 NASB
Jeannine Hale
Eagan, MN
Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?
Or who may stand in His holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,
Nor sworn deceitfully.
He shall receive blessing from the Lord,
And righteousness from the God of his salvation.
Psalm 24:3-5 (NKJV)
Brandy, Ashland City, TN
Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. Ecclesastes 5:2 ESV
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Nevada, IOWA
Tangila, Pearland TX
O Lord, I will honor and praise your name, for you are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them. (Isaiah 25:1 NLT)
Maria Bennett Oxford, MS
Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:110 NIV
Kim, Louisville, KY
Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28-29, ESV
Bryn, Frisco, TX
Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:13 (NIV)
Chrissy Hilliard, Aurora, IL
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?” – Psalm 27:1 ESV
Debbie Z Vancouver, WA
Deuteronomy 30:6 NIV
The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live.
Hannah from Mt. Holly, NC
2 Corinthians 12:10 (NET) “Therefore I am content with weaknesses, with insults, with troubles, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.”
Lisa, Huntsville, Al:
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me. Ps. 51:12 NIV 84
Kristi from Lee’s Summit, MO
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.
Psalm 121:5-6 NIV
Jaclyn, Houston, TX. “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy,peace,patience,kindness,goodness,faithfulness,gentleness,self-control;against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Galatians 5:22-24 ESV
Amy G.
Carthage, mo
But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. (Ruth 1:16 NIV)
Katie
Kansas
Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the Lord will stand.
Proverbs 19:21
NASB
Jane W., Charlotte
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 God not chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised to those who love him?
James 2:2-5 NIV
Philippians 4:11b
For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Charlene Neuman
I love you, O LORD, my strength.
Psalm 18:1 (NIV)
Philippians 4:11b (NIV)
For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Sherri from Galena, OH-
Delight yourself in the Lord
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4 NIV
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Galations 5:16 NIV
Cheryl, Midlothian Va
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord
Col 3:23
Ambur, Fulton, MO ‘But Ruth replied “Don’t urge me to leave you or turn back from you. Where you go I will go and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.'” Ruth 1:16 NIV
J.J., Longmont, CO (NIV)
Jeremiah 29:11-14a
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. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord.
Colossaians 2:8 ESV “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”
Tracy A from Saskatoon, SK Canada:
“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
Valerie, Omaha. I am the way, the truth and the life. Nobody comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 NLT
melanie
edina, mn
“In the beginning God”
Genesis 1:1 NIV
I am glad I can have complete confidence in him.
2 Corinthians 7:16 niv
The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and His ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns His face against those who do evil. 1 Peter 3:12 NLT
Cara from Houston
2 Cor 3:17 NCV “The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
Lisa S
Kinston,NC
Ephesians 3:20 NASB
Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us
Anna Kristina from Wilmore
Romans 5:5 NASB
and hope does not disappoint,
because the love of God
has been poured out within our hearts
through the Holy Spirit
Who was given to us.
MaryClare Hill from Frisco, Texas
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; you works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalm 139;13-14 NIV
Heather Wilkinson
Springfield, VA
1Cor 10:13 (NIV)
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (Psalms 139:23, 24 NLT)
Angel in MS
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (Psalms 139:23, 24 NLT)
Christy, Summit, MS 39666; ” He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadows of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 NIV
Gerri from Des Moines, WA
May the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 NIV
Lesley, Clinton, MS
Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name.
Psalm 86:11 NASB
Paula, Brownwood, Tx
“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.
Matthew 5:9-10. MSG
ANN B, Lantana, TX
As a father has compassion on his children,so the Lord has compassion on his faithful followers. Psalm 103:13 NET