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
Mary Jane Wilmington, DE
” Then the nations will know that I am The Lord, declares the Sovereign Lord, when I show myself holy through you before their eyes.” Ezekiel 36:23 b (NIV)
Rachel from Sedley, VA:
Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. (II Corinthians 12:9, NLT)
Valerie
Clinton, Me
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (NIV)
Becca, Camp Pendleton, CA
“Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.” ~ Deuteronomy 4:2 NIV
Cindy, Houston, TX
Colossians 3:14, 15. NIV
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Kim B. – Orlando, FL
Let the word of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Colossians 3:16
Thank you Beth, the verse you chose really spoke to me. Brought conviction/repentance b/c I do not excel in building others up in the church!!! I need to pray this verse and ask The LORD to change me and help me in living this. Problem is I have in desperation and selfishness been looking to be built up as I usually feel so low. I see that I need to be one to excel in the building up of others! Thank you very much. “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
Amy, Hood River, OR I was sad to have missed beth in Eugene! I wanted to cry when I saw the recap. I had a wonderful reason, tho… my sister had her first baby so I was needed elsewhere! Can you come again – maybe Portland next time?:)
Sorry so late but here is my verse:
Look, you will summon nations you did not previously know;
nations that did not previously know you will run to you,
because of the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel,
for he bestows honor on you. Isa 55.5, The NET
Bless you so much, Miss Beth, Lindsey and the LPM team!
Christina from Waukee, IA
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
John 8:36 ESV
Amy from Noble, OK
James 5:12 (ESV)
But above all brothers, do not swear by heaven or by earth or by any other oath – but let your “Yes” be “Yes” and your “no” be “no” – so that you may not fall under condemnation.
Tracie, Albuquerque, NM.
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalms 27:14 NIV
Lindsay Albion, IL “You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead.” (Deuteronomy 6:8 NASB)
Nicole, Littleton, CO (soon to be Severance, CO)
Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Alexia-Champaign, IL
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest
Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
Samantha from Texarkana, AR
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)
Bonnie from Dacusville, SC
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
Colossians 3:23. NIV84
Abbie, Katy, “Always rejoice, constantly pray, in everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 NET
Abby- St. Louis
Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. Romans 8:12 NIV
Matthew 11:28
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”
NASB
Betty, Wendell, NC
Deuteronomy 2:3 NIV
You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north.
Peg, Naperville, IL
“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 1:11-12 (NIV)
For he will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways;
Ps 91:11 (NIV)
Julie, Easley, SC
Rachelle, Cedar Park, TX: In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverb 16:9 NIV
Colossians 3:13-14 NIV. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. forgive as the LORD forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Leslie from Kansas City, MO
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has annointed me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners . . . Isaiah 61:1 (NIV)
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.”
Proverbs 29:25 NIV (84)
Pat
Crawfordsville, IN
Melanie, San Antonio, Tx
SSMT#9
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
Sara, Prairie Village, KS – “In his heart, a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (NIV).
Psalm 23:1 NLT
The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.”
Robin
Snohomish
Patti, Shalimar, FL, “Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” Psalm 25:5 NIV
Jennifer H.
Story City, IA
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” – Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
Dorian from Grimes, IA
” In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Jesus Christ. Therefore, to not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.” Romans 6:11-12 NIV
Yvonne, Riverside, CA
They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. ~Psalm 112:7 (NIV)~
Karon from Canton, NC
In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Ephesians 6:16 HCSB
Emma – Adelaide, South Australia
“My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the strength of my heart
And my portion forever.”
Psalm 73:26 NIV
Jeani Allen
Webster, Texas
Psalms 139:14 ( NLT)
“Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it”
Keri
Little Rock, AR
“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”
2 Timothy 2:22, ESV
Kalee, Fort Worth.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. I John 4:11 ESV
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.
1 Corinthians 6:19 NIV
Sarah from Lincoln, NE
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12 (NIV)
Ashlee, Roswell GA – “And we know that Gad causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28, NASB
I meant God (not Gad!)
Ephesians 2:10 NLT
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Tracy
Fort Mill, SC
Kristi from Clovis, California
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. (Psalms 51:10-12 ESV)
Eniola, Lagos Nigeria
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Proverbs 4:23 NIV
Dianne – Hartselle, AL
So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.
I Corinthians 14:12 ESV
Annie, Alabama
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
Ginny Wilson, Ooltewah, TN
“…she said, “This time I will praise The Lord.” So she named him Judah.
Genesis 29:35b. NIV
Nancy,Grand Haven, MI
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
Terry from Jasper, GA
Jeremiah 9: 23-24 NKJV
Thus says the Lord:
“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom.
Let not the mighty man glory in his might.
Nor let the rich man glory in his riches:
But let him who glories glory in this,
That he understands and knows Me,
That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and
righteousness in the earth.
For in these I delight.” says the Lord.
Joy from Newnan, GA
James 1:19-21 (ESV) Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your soul.