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
Natalie, Clemmons
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. Ephesians 6:12, NIV
Rachel, Clemmons
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. Ephesians 6:12, NIV
Chrissy, Clemmons,NC
The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant. Psalm 25:14, NKJV
Psalm 138:8 (NLT) —
As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength.
Ruth, Shawnee, KS
Pam, Spring, TX
The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.
Proverbs 22:9 NIV
John 3:14-16
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, Even so must the Son of Man be lifted up.
That whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish But have everlasting life.
NKJV
“Then I saw that there is more gain in wisdom than in folly, as there is more gain in light than in darkness.”
Ecclesiastes 2:13 (ESV)
Carolina Quintero – Buford, GA
“For everthing that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scripturs we might have hope” Romans 15:4 NIV84
Martha, Clearwater,FL
For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.
James 2 :10 NIV
Abbotsford, BC Canada
“For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.” Romans 6:9 NIV
Tami, Brighton, CO:
Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right and teaches the humble in his way. Ps. 25:8 & 9 (ESV)
Mimi, Alpharetta, GA:
The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
Melanie, Armuchee, GA
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)
Jamie-Moore, OK
Colossians 1:16 NIV
For by Him all things were created: things in Heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him.
Courtney Cherest
LaPlata, MD
1Peter 4:7-17 (ESV)
7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.
16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers….”. Psalm 1:1 (NLT)
Melissa
Waco, TX
Kirby from Parsons, KS
“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” James 2:26 NIV
Annie
Dallas, TX
“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.”
Romans 8:11
NIV
Missy Jeanes, Lititz PA
“My dear brothers and sisters, pay attention to what I say. Everyone should be quick to listen. But they should be slow to speak. They should be slow to get angry.”
James 1:19 (NIRV)
“My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth.”
– Psalm 121:2 NIV
Danaye
Spencer, IN
Dearest Beth……..I watch you every Wed. AM……you have touched my heart and my life.
Please Please Please consider coming to South Bend Indiana for a conference. We are the home of the University of Notre Dame and have beautiful facilities … I would love to give you a tour of campus. May God continue to Bless you as you so richly bless others.
Thank you!!
Marci. Chas., SC
-“for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peacefull and quiet lives in all godliness and kindness.”. 1 Tim. 2:2
Theresa in Tenaha, Texas
My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NIV
Tina, Cincinnati, OH – Psalm 34:8- Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. (NIV)
I never know where to leave the memory verse! Sure hope you have record of the verses entered twice a month since January!
“Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”
Psalm 51:2
Amber, La Junta, CO
Psalm 59:16 (NIV)
But I will sing of yourstrength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.
Jessica McGurn, Dickinson, ND
Colossians 3:13-14 (NIV) Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Amy Leonardtown, MD
Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3 (NIV)
Katie, Biloxi
Two verses, because I missed my verse for May 1.
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:2 NIV)
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (Colossians 4:2 NIV)
Kristin Cho; Northville, MI
Romans 8:9 NIV
“You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.”
Amen
Pray continually
1 thessalonians 5:17 niv
Rachel, Dallas
“everyone who is called by My name, whom I created for My glory, whom I formed and made.”
Isaiah 43:7, ESV
Ann, from San Antonio, TX
De cierto, de cierto os digo: El que oye mi palabra, y cree al que me envió, tiene vida eterna; y no vendrá a condenación, mas ha pasado de muerte a vida.
Juan 5:24 (RVR 1960)
Sabine Bagyura, Surrey, UK
“And therefore the LORD (earnestly) waits (expecting, looking & longing) to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up that He may have mercy on you & show loving-kindness to you”
Isaiah 30:18 (AMP/Part 1)
Rhonda, Houston
But You, o Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. Psalm 3:3 ESV
jamie, Brentwood, Tn
Psalm 119:114: “You’re my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your Word to renew me” (MSG).
Ruth, SC
“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”. Ephesians 6:16 NIV
Melissa, Nicholasville, KY
“…don’t exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.” Ephesians 6:4 (MSG)
Katharine Jonesboro, Ar
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing so that you may be blameless and pure, Children of God without fault in a warped and crooked gerneration. Then you will shine amoung them like Stars in the Sky!.” Philippians 2:14:15
Sheri
Milwaukee, WI
“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”
James 2:26 NIV
Melissa – Black Creek, Ga
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV)
Mary, Spring, TX
“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”
John 17:17 (NIV)
Portland,TN –
James 2:12 – “Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,” NIV
Sarah from Pueblo West, CO
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23
NIV
Esther from Jonesborough TN
Be not quick in your spirit to become angry for anger lodges in the heart of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:9
Wynell, Athens GA
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
Those who fear The Lord are secure; He will be a refuge for their children. Fear of The Lord is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death. Prov. 14:26-27, NLT
Philippians 4:6
New International Version (NIV)
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Carin, Greenville, KY
Everything is possible for him who believes. Mark 9:23 NIV
Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, “Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land.”
Deuteronomy 15:11