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.Ā 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.Ā 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
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27 (NIV)
Lisa, Fredericktown
But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court?
James 2:6, NIV
Kira, Ray, MI
Matthew 11:29 ESV
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Amy from Indiana
Be imitators of God, as beloved children
and walk in love, as Christ loved us
and gave himself up for us, a fragrant and offering and sacrifice to God
Ephesians 5:1-2 RSV
Cindy, Kearney NE
For we are Godās masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)
Brandi K, Cape Girardeau, MO
“For God will bring every deed into judgment including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil” Ecclesiastes 12:14 NIV
Heidi in Littleton, CO
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 NIV
Courtney H., Flowery Branch, GA
“At the time I have decided, My words will come true. You can trust what I say about the future. It may take a long time, but keep on waiting- it will happen!”
Habakkuk 2:2-3 (CEV)
Barb S Crown Point, IN
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of you mind.
Romans 12:2 NIV
Mary Margaret from Nashville, TN
“The LORD is with you, O mighty woman of valor.”
Judges 6:12 (ESV)
Marianne from Carrollton, Texas
Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus unto all generations for ever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20, 21 ASV)
Above all else guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Prov. 4:23
Tiffany, Chester:
Then to wait until His enemies should be made a stool beneath His feet. For by a single offering He has forever completely cleansed and perfected those who are consecrated and made holy. Hebrews 10:13-14, AMP
Kelley Mansfield, Sharpsburg, GA NIV
Psalm 37:4-5 Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do all this.
Marsha Gray, Jefferson, ME
I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.
Luke 5:32 NLT
Lorain
Rathdrum, ID
She sees that her trading is profitable,and her lamp does not go out at night.
Proverbs 31:18 NIV
suey c, houston mattthew 9 37 niv
the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers
Brenda from Southern Maryland
Go after a life of love as if your life depended on itābecause it does. Give yourselves to the gifts God gives you. Most of all, try to proclaim his truth.Ā
1 Corinthians 14:1 MSG
Ellen from Chattanooga, TN
The Lord has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does. He said, Don’t call everything a conspiracy like they do, and don’t live in dread of what frightens them. Make the Lord of Heaven’s armies holy in your life. He is the one you should fear. He is the one who should make you tremble. He will keep you safe.
Isaiah 8:11-14a NLT
Debbie, Conway Springs, KS
In HIs name the nations will put their hope.
Matthew 12:21
Susan, Greenville ,sc
But someone will say you have faith, I have deeds. Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that and shudder. James 2:18-19 NIV
Wendi
Kathleen, GA
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
James 3:16 (NIV)
Kiersten, Wake Forest, NC
For I hold you by your right hand-I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you. Though you are a lowly worm, O Jacob, don’t be afraid, people of Israel, for I will help you. I am the LORD, your Redeemer. I am the Holy One of Israel.’ You will be a new threshing instrument with many sharp teeth. Youw ill tear your enemies apart, making chaff of mountains. You will toss them into the air, and the wind will blow them all away; a whirlwind will scatter them. Then you will rejoice in the LORD. You will glory in the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 41:13-16 (NLT)
Shannon, Buda, TX
The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.
Psalm 103:6
Jennifer, Knoxville, TN:
but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found.
Psalm 37:36 NIV
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (NIV)
Linda
Mandeville, LA
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.
James 1:2 (NIV)
Melinda in San Antonio
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25
Sharice, Shelby
“Above all else, guard your heart for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23(NIV)
Wanda
North Canton, Ohio
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10 NIV
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
Habakkuk 3: 17-18. NIV
“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
Melissa
Midlothian, VA
Charlene, Houston
2 Timothy 2:15 NAS
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
Amy from North Plainfield, NJ
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. ~ Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV)
Kelly Aylward, Glenwood, MD ” We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf.
Hebrews 6:19-20 NIV
Stephanie Winder, GA
Job 23:14 ESV
For he will complete what he appoints for me,
and many such things are in his mind.
Mary, Westfield, NJ
“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”
Psalm 40:3-3 (NIV)
Kristi, Pensacola, FL:
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! That is what we are!
I John 3:1a NIV
Jessica, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is Godās will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Leigh, Woodway, Texas
Psalm 40:5 Ā (NIRV)
Lord my God,Ā Ā no one can compare with you.
You have done many miracles.
And you plan to do many more for us.
There are too many of themĀ for me to talk about.
Laura, Sabina, Oh
Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.
Psalm 4:8 KJV
Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Michelle from Highlands Ranch, CO
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9 NIV)
Kendra Husband, Charlotte, NC:
“…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
Wynell
Athens, GA
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
For I am convinced that neither death nor life,
neither angels nor demons,
neither the present nor the future,
nor any powers,
neither height nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation
will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39 NIV
Kim, Mabank TX “For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” NASB
Leanne Swanson, Billings, MT
“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.”
Deut. 6:23 ESV
Lori, Richmond, VA
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:13-14 NIV
Becky
Westerville, Ohio
“When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” I Cor. 2:1-2 NIV
Michelle, Alberta, Canada
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds.”
– Hebrews 10:24 NIV