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
Sandra, Chiang Mai, Thailand
He brought me out into a spacious place, a broad clearing; He rescued me because He delights in me. Psalm 18:19 NET
Amy, Miamisburg, OH
“Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord; his going out is as sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.”
Hosea 6:3 ESV
Psalm 20:4 NIV
May the Lord give you the desire of your heart and make your plans succeed.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, Ephesians2:8 ESV
Debra, Many, La
“The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 (HCSB)
Jessica, Carlsbad, CA “Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willing, not grudgingly and not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve The Lord.” 1 Peter 5:2 (NLT)
Anne; Marion, IN
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:1b-2 (NIV)
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Matthew 5:8 (NRSV)
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Matthew 5:7 (NRSV)
Kathy, Houston
Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
John 14:13 ESV
Beth, London, U.K. “Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” (Joshua 21:45, NIV)
Carrie, Cary NC: I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 1st Timothy 2:1 (NLT)
Donna G
Eldorado, Texas
Psalm 143:8,10 (NIV-’84)
8..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 life up my soul.
10..Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
Kim, Redlands, CA
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
Joelle, Agawam
Matthew 11:28 (NLT) Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; Proverbs 3:5 NIV
Susan Marie from Houston, TX
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
Judy Pauley
Norfolk, Va.
Ps. 17:8 NIV Keep me as the apple of your eye, hide me in the shadow of your wings.
Annabel, Whitewater, KS
I am warned by them [the directions of the LORD]. When I obey them, I am greatly rewarded. Psalms 19:11 NIrV
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 ESV
Candy from St Louis Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1, 2 ESV)
Pam, Chiangmai 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. Eph. 3:16-17
Lisa
Forsyth, IL
” I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. ” Isaiah 42:16 NIV
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Proverbs 9:10 NKJV
Robin, Oak Harbor, Washington
Ephesians 6:18b NIV
With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people
Michelle, Austin – “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Philippians 1:27 NIV
Lanita W, Houston, TX
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Psalms 119:105 KJV
Southlake, TX
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV
Mindy – McDonough, GA
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
Proverbs 13:12 NIV
Diana- Indpls – Psalm 50:15 ESV
and call upon me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”
Ruth from Oran, Mo. “God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalms 46:1 KJV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6 NIV)
Trish-Pamplico,SC
Sandra Borgen, Lidgerwood, ND “And this is His commandment, That we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.” 1 John 3:23 KJV
Ps. 92:12-15 NIV
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The LORD is upright, he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”
Stephanie, Hamilton GA. Ps 29:2 (ESV) Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.
Psalm 59:16-17 NIV
But I will sing of Your strength
in the morning, I will sing of Your love;
for You are my fortress,
my Refuge in times of trouble.
O my Strength, I sing praise to You;
You, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.
Timi, Neenah WI:
“O Lord God of hosts,who is mighty as you are, O Lord, with your faithfulness all around you?You rule the raging of the sea;when its waves rise, You still them.” Psalm 89:8-9 ESV
Chella from Texas
“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”- Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT
Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation-but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
-Romans 8:12-14, NIV
*This might be a “four-weeker”; just not a good place to cut it off. 🙂
Sharon from North Plainfield, NJ
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. ~ Hebrews 10:23 (NKJV)
Edna, O’Fallon, MO:
He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, he who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
Psalm 121:3-4, ESV
continuing with psaml 71
Nancy, Versailles Ky
Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.
Psalm 71:9 NIV
Chandel in Thailand
I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. Luke 10:19.
Seems fitting for where I am. I have battled fear since I moved here last Aug. I know God is in this, and that I will overcome the lie of the enemy.
Katie Davila, Tomball, TX:
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Matthew 5:9-11 (ESV)
Elena, Elma, New York
Psalm 25:4 NLT
Show me the right path O Lord. Point out the road for me to follow.
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. Proverbs 29:25 NIV
I/we r trying to catch up to session 4 or 5, on Tabernacles, and this time, I’m including my husband.
I learned too late that this was ‘happening’, so a dear couple, bought the books & tapes for us, refusing any $$, and like the manna, all we gotta do is pick up on the tapes & study. The CD player is in bedroom, & I feared hubster would fade away on the bed, but NO, he sat thru 2 tapes, and teary-eyed getting off the bed, wanted to talk about it!!! He turns 82 in June, my dear. We are not newbys, but thru you, God is giving some newness into our lives. Mind you, we just got through gardening, and heard your lesson comparing WORK & CARE in Eden to priestly duties. Hubby very proud to be tending the garden.
THANKYOU! You are a gifted teacher!
Karen from Powell, Ohio
Isaiah 41:10 NIV
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.
Janna, Frisco, TX
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4 NIV
Gena Texarkana, AR.
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.
Matthew 21:22 (NIV)