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
Menomonee Falls, WI
For God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.
Romans 11:29
Karen, Wildwood, MO
“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)
James 4:7 NIV
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. (1 Corinthians 15:19 ESV)
Jacci, from Denver, CO
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling. He sets the lonely in families, He leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. Psalm 68:5-6 (NIV)
Sherry
Winston-Salem
For since He Himself was tested and has suffered, He is able to help those who are tested.
Hebrews 2:18
HCSB
Sharon Meekins
Charlotte, NC
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
I Peter 2:24 NIV
He himself bore our sins in His body on a tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed.
Vicki Knott, Greenwood, SC
Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 (The Message)
Dawn, West Monroe, LA
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 NIV
Lori L.
Oil City, PA
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement!
James 2:12-13(NIV)
Barbara, Fredericksburg, VA
Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins. James 4:17 NIV
Melanie Grace of Greenbrier, TN
Psalm 94:19 msg
When I was upset and beside myself,
You calmed me down and cheered me up.
Shelley, Fort Walton Beach, Fl
“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)
Valerie F, from Warrensburg, MO
My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
Psalm 62:7,NLT
Kim, from Duncan, SC:
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2 NIV
Dawn, Silver Spring, MD
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1. Cor. 15:58, NIV
Carol, Cashion, OK “And it will be said, ‘Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstacle out of the way of My people.’ For thus says the high and exalted One who lives forever, whose name is Holy ‘I dwell on a high and holy place, and also with the contrite and lowly of spirit, in order to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite'” Isaiah 57:14-15, NASBU
Susan Oak Ridge TN
A wife of noble {brave/mighty} character who can find? She is worth more than rubies.(10)
She sees that her trading is profitable and her lamp does not go out at night. (18)
Proverbs 31: 10&18 NIV
Fran, Jackson, TN
“for the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard.” Isaiah 52:12 NIV
Beth,
I’m not sure if you remember, but I met you at the Eugene airport on Sunday morning. After reading your post this morning about your time in Eugene, selfishly I was glad you did not get a flight out on Saturday evening! Sometimes divine appointments are in store and meeting you on Sunday was an absolute pleasure and I think a divine “opportunity”. Thank you for being so kind and talking with a complete stranger. It made my week to meet you and to see the amazing woman you are in person. The presence and power of God is so evident in your life, that being around you was such a treat. God is so good. Thank you again and have a wonderful week!
Charity Feeney
“Carefully consider the path for your feet, and all your ways will be established.” Prov 4:26 NIV
Ronnie, Ostrander Ohio
The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.
Deuteronomy 29:29 (ESV)
Cory Anna, Atlanta
“For this reason we have always prayed for you, ever since we heard about you. We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will, with all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives.”
Colossians 1:9 (GNT)
Jill P., Ames, IA
Psalm 90:14-17
“14 Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love,
so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.
15 Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery!
Replace the evil years with good.
16 Let us, your servants, see you work again;
let our children see your glory.
17 And may the Lord our God show us his approval
and make our efforts successful.”
Yes, make our efforts successful!
D’Shan Berry – Roswell, NM
“Even when you are old, I will take care of you,even when you have gray hair, I will carry you. I made you and I will support you; I will carry you and rescue you.”
Isaiah 46:4 NET
Sarah, Orlando
I John 3:18 “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” NIV
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 1 John 3:16 niv
Amber Moon, Lincolnton, NC
The Lord is my Shephard, I shall not be in want.
Psalm 23:1, NIV
Linda, Johnstown, Pa.
Job 38:12-13 (NIV)
Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn its place, that it might take the earth by the edges and shake the wicked out of it?
West Monroe, LA:
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.
John 15:9 NIV
Tammy from maryville
But He aaid to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
Elaine, Littleton,CO
Psalm 63:1 (NIV)
“O God, you are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.”
Susan from Beverly, MA
Ephesians 1:18-19 HCSB
I pray that the perception of your mind may be enlightened so you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength.
“In all your ways acknowledge him, and HE will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:6 NIV
Cynthia, Virginia
May the name of God
be praised forever and ever,
for wisdom and power belong to Him.
He changes the times and seasons;
He removes kings and establishes kings.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to those
who have understanding.
He reveals the deep and hidden things;
He knows what is in the darkness,
and light dwells with Him.
I offer thanks and praise to You,
God of my fathers,
because You have given me
wisdom and power.
And now You have let me know
what we asked of You,
for You have let us know
the king’s mystery. Daniel 2:20-23 (HSCB)
Carmela from Canton, OH
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
Psalm 34:8. NIV
Jenn
Lakeland FL
“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:8
Paige, Flowood, MS
Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise His holy name. Psalm 103:1 (NLT)
WAYNE, PA
I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart. And the peace that I give is a gift the world cannot give. So, do not be troubled or afraid. Jn 14:27 NLT
Courtney Head Little Rock AR
I Peter 5:8 NIV “Be self controlled and alert, your enemy the Devil, prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith because you know that your brothers throughout the world are under going the same kind of suffering.”
Kasey from Newnan, GA “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
Martha, Brevard, NC
“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
1 Thess. 5:16-18 NLT
Ashley, Fort Worth, Tx
Many are the plans of a man’s heart, but it is the Lords purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 19:21 NIV
Midland, TX
Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. James 1:9 (NIV)
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important then himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. ” Eph. 2 :3- 4
Lisa, Kathleen, GA
John 3:30, NLT
“He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.”
Susan, Houston, 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. Col. 2:8 ESV
Emma, Flowood, MS
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Exodus 14:14 (NIV)
Kosciusko, MS
“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
“Y todo lo que hagan, de palabra o de obra, haganlo en el nombre del Senor Jesus, dando gracias a Dios el Padre por medio de el.”
Colosenses 3:17