Hey, Sweet Things!
I’m writing this post to you on Saturday night from the seat of a gigantic United Airlines plane on my connect flight from DC back to Houston. The Living Proof Live team and I had the tremendous privilege of serving in Providence, Rhode Island and God worked in such a distinct way that I will remember it for many years. I hope forever. God is doing something different this year at LPL. I don’t quite know how to define it but I have been flat-on-my-face grateful that He is not only still in it but stirring the pot. Not one of us on the team wants to be there a moment longer than Jesus is. We don’t even want Him to make an obligatory “appearance” because He loves us and feels sorry for us after we’ve scheduled all of this. We want the event to be proactively Jesus for His own sake and for His own glory and because it is a delight to Him and because He looks forward to it. Nothing less than that and, if it’s not that, we want Him to move us each elsewhere.
It’s so strange. We began this year looking back to the previous 15 but, by our 3rd event, it was like we all fixed our faces forward as if nothing in the world mattered but what was in front of us. No “yesterday’s plan.” No “yesterday’s work.” This is today. Something is up. Something new to us. There is something liberating and also a little frightening about just saying to Him, “Do what You want, God. Anything You want. We’re in it with You or we’re not in it at all. All bets are off.” Anyway, I’m not sure why I went off on all of that. God just really has my eyebrows high on my forehead right now wondering what He’s doing.
I have a group of about 30 of you Siestas fresh on my mind because we met up quickly after the event for our group picture. These were your northeastern sisters and the cutest things you can imagine. Well, just like all of you are. All ages and types, with this one glorious bond: the lively love of Jesus Christ. I am so crazy about you guys. I cannot fathom the grace of God to have stirred up a community of encouragement in Christ where relationships really do seem to have some substance to them. It’s an anomaly that still isn’t wasted on me.
You have marked my journey of faith. You’ve encouraged me and made me want to keep running my race energetically and earnestly. You’ve helped me get back up even at times when you didn’t know I was down. You have been a harbor of joy, peace, and laughter in an online Christian world that can be astonishingly fractured. You are a corner of courageous gentleness in a culture that has lost its manners.
And, good grief, you guys have impacted my Scripture memory life so dramatically that I hardly have words. After every Living Proof Live when we meet up for our (clandestine) Siesta picture, I always ask, “Will I be seeing any of you in January at our SSMT celebration?” Invariably there are those who answer with infectious enthusiasm, “YES!” It makes me so happy. The previous celebrations have been like a family reunion on steroids. I hope so much you’re staying up with your Scripture memory, saving your money, and planning to head to Houston that weekend. We aren’t really a beautiful city but we’re a happy one and a hospitable one, I believe I can confidently say. And we can offer you Tex Mex at virtually every four way stop. I mean, what more could you want, people?
The verse I’ve chosen this time around is one God seemed to lift from the page of my early morning Scripture reading last Monday. I continued to say it and pray it throughout the week and referenced it several times this weekend in Providence. It’s easy to memorize and it puts a concept in a nutshell that is as vital as breath to us in this believing life we’re living. Here it is:
Beth, Houston. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV
God is using it to remind me that this thing isn’t about incessant chatter and nonstop Twitter noise and learning to speak fluent Christianese. It’s not tantamount to Bible banter and doctrinal debates and holy hair-splitting. It’s not about getting together at church and threatening week after week to live changed lives and think renewed thoughts. It’s not about getting all lathered up and sweaty-headed at events over theories of effective, influential, and abundant lives. This Christ thing to which we’ve been called is about actually doing it and through an unction not remotely our own.
When the Holy Spirit comes, He comes with power.
Where the Holy Spirit goes, He goes with power.
Whom the Holy Spirit infiltrates, He infuses with power.
Our lives were meant to be powerful. Less talk. More demonstration. Through things like a love that we know good and well is utterly beyond us and a faith that emerges in tact from a minefield soaked in blood and strewn with flesh. We were meant to be able to do what we can’t, like who we don’t, bless who we’d curse. We were promised strength in weakness and extravagant grace in our deprivation.
We were meant to wonder what has derailed or gone awry when a season of our lives persists in powerlessness for weeks on end. We were promised more than this. We’re not meant to write our own personalized chapters in a revised standard version of The Emperor’s New Clothes so the world could have a harder laugh at us. We who have placed our trust in Christ Jesus, the living, breathing-on-us Son of God, have been clothed with power from on high. (Luke 24:49) And it’s supposed to show.
Every limb of our lives where we welcome the Holy Spirit can be infused with strength not of this world and, yes, even in continued weakness or infirmity, should that be the case of our present calling. The coexistence of the two is the mystery of it. We’re not superwomen. We’re a long shot from perfect. But we were meant to be vividly powerful through the One who saved us and made Himself at home in us. Let’s not forget that today. Let’s not be satisfied just to talk about it. Let’s not just clap and cheer during that part of a service when a pastor or teacher tells us we’re called more than conquerors. The New Testament is not the theory of Christianity.
You may feel powerless right now, Sister, but, if you are in Christ, make no mistake: you are not. Get some backbone back in your prayer life if your spiritual spine has deteriorated. With reverence for His holiness and with the boldness He said we could bring to the Throne of Grace, read to God from His Word where He promised His people victory as they looked to Him alone…
…and where He promised to clothe us in power
…and where He said He’d make Himself conspicuous through our spiritual gifts and through supernatural works in His Name.
If you don’t know where those places are, go hunt them down. (But you could start in Romans 8, Luke 24, Acts 1, Acts 2, 1 Corinthians 12 and Hebrews 4.)
Tell Him you’re going to ask for it and ask for it and ask for it in His great Name and for His glory until He gives it to you and frees you from whatever this present powerlessness is. And then DO IT. Ask and ask and ask and tell Him you will do whatever it takes to cooperate and mean it! Throw your hands out to receive. And, then, when He gives it – and He will – don’t take credit for it. Appreciate it. Thank Him and thank Him for it. Know that it’s grace. Use it audaciously to bring Him attention.
Sister, you cannot fulfill your foreordained purpose without power. Go back after it but, whatever you do, don’t try to get it without Jesus coming with it. Power for power’s sake will blow you up. God-given unction isn’t meant to just come and go with periodic personal revival. We were meant to live powerful lives. Let’s get to them. If you’ve got an area of carnality that is quenching it, I promise you it’s not worth it. Believe me, I’ve been there. Repent, turn from it and get on with it. You’ve got a calling. And it takes divine power.
You mean so much to me. Hold tight to Jesus.
Tags: Scripture Memory 2013
Colossians 4:6 NAS
Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.
Susan L. (central IL) Always be humble, gentle, and patient, accepting each other in love. (Ephesians 4:2, NCV)
“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” ~Deuteronomy 31:6
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10 NIV
Indianapolis, IN
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! (Psalm 141:3 ESV)
Carol, Tallmadge, Ohio
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3-4 NIV
Kim; Poplar Bluff, MO. “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,” Philippians 3:13 (NIV)
Lori in Pine Island, MN
“while we wait for the blessed hope – the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,” Titus 2:13 NIV84
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:10 NIV
Michelle O’Banion, Grandview, TX
Psalms 3:3 HCSB
But You, Lord , are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts up my head.
Michelle, Houston, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 NIV
Elaine – Powder Springs – I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
Psalm 139:14 ESV
Dawn, Raleigh, NC Psalm 143:10 NLT “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.”
Joyce
Sparta, NJ
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (NIV)
Tina, Columbus Ohio
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 1Timothy 1:15 & 16 NIV
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8, NIV
Ganise, Ottawa, CAN
Going for a bit of challenge this time around!! :))
Psalms 24 (Trying to decide whether to memorize it in French or in English.)
(NIV)
1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;
2 for he founded it on the seas
and established it on the waters.
3 Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?
Who may stand in his holy place?
4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not trust in an idol
or swear by a false god.[a]
5 They will receive blessing from the Lord
and vindication from God their Savior.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek your face, God of Jacob.[b][c]
7 Lift up your heads, you gates;
be lifted up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
the Lord mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, you gates;
lift them up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is he, this King of glory?
The Lord Almighty—
he is the King of glory.
Thankful for who you are and all you do. Blessings to you, dear Beth!
Sophie – Birmingham, AL
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” 1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV (this one struck a chord with me) 🙂
Ashley Sullens
Kings Mountain, NC
Psalm 27:11 (NASB)
Teach me Your way, O Lord, And lead me in a level path, Because of my foes.
Brenda – Hendersonville TN
Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this. Psalm 37:3-5 NIV
Sherry
Indianapolis
1 Peter 5:10,11
(NIV)
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
mitzi from Brandon, MS
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV
Mikala, Boston,
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1.3 NIV
Laurie in Oklahoma City, “He did this by predestining us to adoption as his sons through Jesus Christ, according to the pleasure of his will “– (Ephesians 1:5 NET)
Cassia, Spring, TX
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Rom 12:10 NIV
Nancy from West Grove, Pa
But the fruit of the spirit is love,joy,peace,patience, kindness,goodness,faithfulness,gentleness and self control.
Galations 5:22 NIV
Ashley B – Richmond, Va
You will make known to me the path of life;In Your presence is fullness of joy;In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
Psalm 16:11
JJ
Oviedo, FL
Proverbs 29:15
“The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to (her)self disgraces her mother.”
This tired Momma of 2 under age 3 needed this reminder!
Sarah, Christina and Esther May; Wenatchee, WA
But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.
James 3:14 NIV
Julie from Bristol, Tennessee
Proverbs 3:9-10 NIV
Honor God with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all you have; then your storehouses will be filled to overflowing and will brim over with new things.
“Rejoice always! Pray constantly. Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for your in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NAS
Missy Newman, Andersonville, TN: Psalm 19: 7-9 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul, the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; 8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is clear, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
Lilburn, GA
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. (Matthew 5:6 NASB)
Dublin, OH
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 NIV
Anne, Frisco, TX Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass. 1 Thessalonians 5:24
*This blog today worked deeply with my week 5, day 1 study of Gideon. Thank you. I needed that.
Eleanor
Memphis, TN
I Peter 1:6-7 ESV
In this you rejoice though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Amanda, Lexington, KY
“…for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Jeannie from Atlanta, IN –
Matthew 6:7-13, ESV
“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. Pray then like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil’.”
Jan
Bemus Point, NY
Hebrews 1:3a (NIV)
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.
Michelle from Chesapeake, VA
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts & minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 (NIV)
Julie, Texarkana-“Therefore, dear friends, while you wait for these things, make every effort to be found at peace with Him without spot or blemish. “(2 Peter 3:14 HCSB)
This hope will of disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:5 HCSB
Sandi from Morristown, TN
Psalm 77:13-14 MSG
O God! Your way is holy! No god is great like God! You’re the God who makes things happen; you showed everyone what you can do.
STACY, CHAPIN SC
FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NOT A MATTER OF TALK BUT OF POWER. 1COR 4:20 NIV
Teresa, Walla Walla “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about what happens to you.” I Peter 5:7 NLT
Nancy
Lakewood, CO
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” I Cor 4:20 NIV
Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ronnie, Ostrander Ohio
1 Samuel 2:2
There is none holy like the Lord: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God” (ESV)
Kay, Plainview, TX
“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” Psalm 5:3 NIV
Kay from Deer Park
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV