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
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalms 34:18 ESV
Leslie Crawley, Flagstaff, AZ
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone who loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”
I John 4:7-8, KJV
Changing verses to Beth’s due to perfect for circumstances right now.
Leslie Crawley, Flagstaff, AZ
“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
Kelly – Katy, TX
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1 ESV)
Adrianne S. – Atlanta, GA
“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 (NLT)
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1 NIV)
Katie Cincinnati, Ohio
Sabrina
Morristown, Tennessee
So you can know beyond the shadow of a doubt the reliability of what you were taught.
Luke 1:4 MSG
Indiana
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”
Titus 2:11-12. NIV
And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me can not be my disciple.
Luke 14:27 (NIV)
Lea from Granger, IN: “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” Col 3:15 (ESV)
Debbie, Norfolk, VA
Psalm 25:4-5
Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths;
guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. NIV
Ann, Morelia, Mexico “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him.” Psalm 103:11 NIV
If you remain in me and my word remains in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” John 15:7 NIV
The Lord bless you and keep you.
Numbers 6:24 NIV
Chandler, Arizona
Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28.18-20 (NIV)
He sent forth his word and healed them; He rescued them from the grave. Psalm 107: 20 NIV
Vivian
Birmingham, Alabama
Reverently respect God, your God, serve him, hold tight to him,
back up your promises with the authority of his name.
He’s your praise! He’s your God!
He did all these tremendous, these staggering things
that you saw with your own eyes.
Deuteronomy 10:20-21 The Message
Cindy
Virginia Beach, VA
“For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.” Philemon 1:7 NIV
Yanna, Bryan, Texas “If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,” Psalm 139:9 ESV
Donna, Albuquerque. 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
Jeannie, Nashville, Tn.
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 1:28. NIV
1 Corinthians 14:12 ESV
So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.
Louise. Atlanta. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church. 1cor14:12
Kathy Leamington Ontario Canada
“A man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.”
Prov 28:2
Marilyn Gadsden Al
The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to Him so we fasted and positioned our God about this and He answered our prayer Ezra 8:22-23 NIV
Romans 8:38 NIV
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future no any powers,
Gail
McDonough, Ga
But you Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
Psalms 3:3 (NIV)
Tonya
Searcy, AR
“Lord, all our success is because of what you have done, so give us peace.”
Isaiah 26:12 NCV
Marcy T.
Euless, TX.
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
Sarah, Eureka , CA.
I Corinthian 13:1-2 (NIV) If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
Tonya – Campbellton
Ps 62:5-8 KJV
5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.
7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
Kate from Sterling, VA
“Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.”
Psalm 25:4, ESV
Leah, Georgia, NIV, Psalm 16:8 I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Paulette
Nogalus Prairie
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
(So sorry for the late post. My sister-in-law went home to be with Jesus)
Tava, Wedowee, AL
For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV
Lacey, Hayden, CO
Psalm 69:30 ESV
I will praise the name of God with a song;
I will magnify Him with thanksgiving.
Cindy, Wisconsin
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
How faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Perrylove from Gallatin, TN “The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear?” Psalm 27:1 NIV
Letha. Mountain Home, Arkansas. Micah 6:8 (GNT)
No, the Lord has told us what is good. What he requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God.
Amber, Goshen, IN
But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
I Timothy 6:6-8, ESV
Carla, Houston, Tx.
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Rom. 12:9 (NIV)
Hanni indiana:
Praise the Lord; praise God our savior!
For each day he carries us in his arms. Interlude
Our God is a God who saves!
The Sovereign Lord rescues us from death. (Ps 68:19-20)
Jane, Houston, TX
Pray without ceasing.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV
Stephanie Shelbyville, Indiana
Do not banish me from your presence,
And don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
And make me willing to obey you.
Then I will teach your ways to rebels,
And they will return to you. (Psalm 51:11-13, NLT)
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 Cor.13:4-5 NIV
Millie W. from Huntsville, AL,
Psalm 46: 1-3
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Thought the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
Psalm 46: 1-3, KJV.
“We demolish arguments and every pretention that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
Crystal, Gridley, IL.
“We demolish arguments and every pretention that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
Crystal, Gridley, IL
Sharon, Florien: Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (HCSB)
Christy Fayetteville, AR
Every promise from God shall surely come true.
Luke 1:37 Living Bible
Arkansas girl here: Understand, therefore, that the LORD your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands. Deut 7:9 NLT
Psalm 23:1, 6 (NIV)
“(1) The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want.
(6) Surely good and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.