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
A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.
Prov. 14:30 NLT
Debbie-White Lake, MI
Romans 11:34-35
34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?” ESV
Dusti, Van Buren, Arkansas
Lindsay, Bend, OR “Brothers and sisters, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, you must not show favoritism” James 2:1 NIV
Hannah, New Albany, IN
“…strive to excel in building up the church.” 1 Corinthians 14:12 ESV
James 1:5 (ESV)
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
James 1:5 (ESV)
I know I am late, but here it is —
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. (Psalm 42:1) TNIV
Cathy, Chesapeake Beach, MD
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NIV84
Sonya
Aurora, Colorado
You are my God, and I give You thanks;
You are my God, and I praise You.
Psalm 188: 28 (the Voice)
Shannon- better late than never, from Bethesda, MD:
“Rejoice in the Lord always.
I will say it again: Rejoice!
Let your gentleness be evident to all.
The Lord is near.”
Philippians 4:4-5 NIV
Meagan, Bedford, Tx
No longer will they call you Deserted,
or name your land Desolate.
But you will be called Hephzibah
and your land Beulah;
for the Lord will take delight in you,
and your land will be married.
Isaiah 62:4 NIV
Kylie, Wichita, KS, Proverbs 31:22-24 (NIV)
She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
Sandy Jane
Long Beach, Ca.
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
Romans 10:10 NIV
Monika
Shamong, NJ
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom
2 Timothy 4:1 ESV
James 1:5-6 NIV
5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.
Kelly in Independence. Exodus 15:11 (NIV)Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you—majestic in holiness,awesome in glory, working wonders?
Lindsay, West Point, NE
…so is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11 NIV
Lindsay, Albuquerque, NM “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
Kelsie, Albuquerque, NM “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 NIV
Alysa, Albuquerque, NM “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in [fn] Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 NIV
Tara
Columbia, SC
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they many see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:16
NASB
Stephanie Fruhling Scottsdale,AZ
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NiV
Woodstock, GA
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”
Hebrews 11:6 NIV
Tanya, New Castle, IN
“Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains.” James 5:7 (NIV)
Marti, Libertyville, IL
“Be patient, then brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains.” James 5:7 (NIV)
Melisa, Waco, Texas
“All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3: 16-17
Christi, Clinton, UT-
“Behold,the Lord’s hand is not shortened that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy that it cannot hear.”
Isaiah 59:1
Erica, Denver, CO
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3, ESV
Bette, Bothell, WA
The Lord your God is in your midst,
a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 ESV
Anna Elkhart IN
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
John 15:14
Debra – Dahlgren, IL
Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
Proverbs 4:23 NIV
Eleanor
Memphis, TN
Exodus 14:13-14 ESV
Fear not, stand firm and see the salvation of The Lord which He will work for you today….the Lord will fight for you and you have only to be silent.
Lindsey from Edmond, Oklahoma
Ps139:11ESV
If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,”
Cynthia, Missouri
For God is my witness, how I yearn for you with all the affection of Christ Jesus.
Phillipians 1:8 ESV
Brenda from Alpharetta, GA
He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart. Ecclesiastes 5:20 NIV
Lynn, Pittsburgh, PA
“…make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and to attend to your own business and work with your hands…”
1 Thes. 4:11 NAS
April, Lake Charles, LA
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” ~ Matt. 11:28 (NASB)
Revelation 7:9 – “After this I looked and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands…”
ESV…Martha from Van Buren, Arkansas
Julie, Sugar Land, TX
“I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.” John 6:47 NIV
Sheri
Portland, Oregon
“You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.” James 5:5 NIV84
Still working through James!
Bobbie, Washougal, WA
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and all that is within me!
bless his holy name.
Psalm 103:1 ESV
Linda-Roanoke Va
Isaiah 43:4 GW
Since you are precious to me you are honored and I love you.I will exchange others for you. Nations will be the price I pay for your life
Dotti, Jackman, ME “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting: but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30
Tiffany from Jennings, LA: In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. Ephesians 3:12 NLT
Anne
Atlanta, GA
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3 NIV
Mona, Rome GA
“Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You.”
Psalm 25:21 (NASB)
Ginger- Camden SC
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition ,with thanskgiving, present your requests to God
And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
Tina from Chesapeake, VA – “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Psalm 19:21(NIV84)
Mary Beth Brannon
Athens, GA
The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.
Psalm 103:19
NASB
robin, scottsdale, az
Psalm 126:3 (NIV)
“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy!”
Debbie from Norman, ok
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. (Psalms 51:12 NLT)
Dora, Houston, TX: “Unless the Lord builds the houise, its builders labor in vain.”
–Psalm 127:1 (NIV)
Jean Midland Tx
Colossians 4:5-6 niv
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders ; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.