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
Carolyn, Rockpsrings, TX
By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me– a prayer to the God of my life. Psalm 42;8 (NIV)
May the Lord give you the desire of your heart and make your plans succeed.
Psalm 20:4. NIV
Joy – Flowery Branch, Georgia
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. I Corinthians 13: 1-2 (ESV)
Kendra Green, College Station, TX
“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.”
Psalm 139:23-24 NLT
Beth,
I live in San Antonio and just took my first Beth Moore Bible Study, Daniel. I loved it and loved you with all your enthusiasm and humor! I am from Oregon, and found out you were going to be there last week-end and was so sad that I didn’t know it sooner so I could have gone to see and hear you in person. I’m thrilled that you thought the crowd was so special and so filled with the spirit! I was so happy to hear you also loved the beauty of Oregon as well!!!! I miss it’s beauty every day! I will watch your schedule and hope to come hear you in person one day. Thank you so much for helping me on my faith walk! Lynn Monroe
Jane Williams, Van Buren, AR, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full”. (ESV)
Terry
Washington, IL
May 1:
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Philippians 1:27 NIV
Tanya, Whitewater, KS
“And if I have prophetic powers (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), and understand all the secret truths and mysteries and possess all knowledge, and if I have [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but have not love (God’s love in me) I am nothing (a useless nobody).”
1 Corinthians 13:2, Amplified
Janice, Arkansas Romans 8:37 NASB
In all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.
Annette Hutcherson, Richmond, Va
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
Psalm 143:8 NIV
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.
Hebrews 12: 28-29 NIV
Courtney from Lima, OH
Psalm 46:5 NIV
God is within her, she will not fall;God will help her at break of day.
Vickie, Pella, Iowa
I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are discribed in this book.
Revelation 22:18-19(NIV)
Paola, Pinellas Park, Fl
I Peter 1:3 ISR98
Blessed be the Elohim and Father of our Master יהושע Messiah, who according to His great compassion has caused us to be born again to a living expectation through the resurrection of יהושע Messiah from the dead,
“But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Cor 6:11 NIV
Trust in The Lord, and do good; dwell in the land , and feed on His faithfulness.
Psalm 37:3
Deb, Pelzer, SC
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV) “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the LORD’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the LORD, who is Spirit.”
Maureen, St. Clair Shores,”God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you’ll have it all – life healed and whole”. (1 Peter 1:5 MSG)
Brandy, Roseburg OOOOregon!
Psalm 31:14,15a NIV “But I trust in you, O LORD, I say, “You are my God.” My TIMES are in your hands.”
I was at the live conference in Eugene Oregon, thank you so much for the lesson you gave and all the work your team does. I am in a season of fear, but “I trust in you, O LORD.”
Lauren, Asheville, NC
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 ESV
Kimber, idaho John 10: 10(niv) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Donalda Reimer, Osler, SK
Exodus 14:14 NIV
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Sandy, Ft. Gibson OK
All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.
Isaiah 54:13 ESV
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
KJV
Mandeville, LA
But He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our sins, the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5, NIV
Psalm 27:13-14 NIV
I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!
Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord!
Carolyn, Austin, TX:
Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:16-18
Teresa, Chadron NE
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 21:12 NIV
Cindy, Fort Worth, TX
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2 (NIV)
Rebecca
Owasso OK
Romans 12:2 NIV
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Jana from Austin:
But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength!
2 Timothy 4:17 NIV
Linda Bend, OR
Psalm 31:14-15 NIV
But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God,” My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies.
From the Eugene LPM.. Love it and the hand movements.
rhonda
Gilmer
Philemon 1:10 NKJV)
I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains,
Jean, Rubicon
“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
Chester, VA: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
Juanita Perry
Raleigh, NC
Ephesians 1:19-20 ESV
…”and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,…”
Monica, Hicksville, NY.
Isaiah 41:10. “Do not fear, for I am w/ you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold onto you w/ my righteous RIGHT hand.”
Isaiah 41:13. “For I, Yaweh your God, hold your RIGHT hand & say to you: Do not fear, I will help you.”
(HCSB)
Kerry, St. Louis, MO
Romans 5:21 NIV
“so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Terri, Pleasant Hope, MO
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5 (ESV)
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Karen D. from Martinsville, NJ
“And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness and hidden (riches) of secret places, so that you may know that it is I, the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name.”
Isaiah 45:3 NASB (except I used the word “riches” from the KJV, NLT instead of “wealth”)
Emily Mechanicsville, VA
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12
Deborah from Seward, Alaska
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.
Phillippians 2:14-16a NIV
Cheryl, Redlands, CA.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Amanda, Surrey BC, Canada “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances. I have learned the secret to be content in any and every situation. I know what it is to be in need. I know what it is to have plenty. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13
Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV)
Finally, 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 devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Julie, Alliance, NE
Finally, all of you, be like-minded,be sympathetic, love one another,be compassionate and humble.Do not repay evil with evil(N) or insult with insult.On the contrary, repay evil with blessing,because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.1 Peter 3:8-9 NIV
Luke 7:44-46
Amplified Bible (AMP)
44 Then turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, Do you see this woman? When I came into your house, you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
45 You gave Me no kiss, but she from the moment I came in has not ceased [[a]intermittently] to kiss My feet tenderly and caressingly.
46 You did not anoint My head with [b][cheap, ordinary] oil, but she has anointed My feet with[c][costly, rare] perfume.
Marie, Easley, SC
Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.
Matt. 6:33
Psalm 32:2 NLT “Yes what joy for those whose record the Lord had cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty.”