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
Rachel in Thousand Oaks, CA
Then the Lord replied;
“Write down the revelation and make it plain on the tablets so that a herald may run with it.
For the Revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it, it will certainly come and will not delay.”
Hababkkuk 2:2-3 (NIV)
Emily Mechanicsville, VA Psalm 73:25-26
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
Melissa, St. Mary’s County, MD “For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.” 1 Corinthians 4:20 KJV
Sharon Meekins
Charlotte, NC
For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power. 1 Corinthians 4:20 NLT
Webb City, MO
Know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and a willing mind. 1 Chronicles 28:9 NKJV
Kristie Lovely
Queen City, TX
“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works.” Psalm 139:14 NKJV
Debbie, Sevierville
Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don’t be diverted. Just keep at it. Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation. 1st Timothy 4:16
Message
Dayla, Springfield, MO
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 1 Corinthians 4:20
Sharon from Arlington, TX
“It was just before the Passover feast, Jesus knew that the time had come for Him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He now showed them the full extent of His love.”
John 13:1 (NIV)
Michelle, West Des Moines, IA
From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another.
John 1:16 NIV
Ola, Woodbridge: For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV
Pam, Sioux Falls, SD
“These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 11:39-12:2, NIV
Kelli, Dover
Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.
James 4:8 NLT
Judy, Oswego, NY
Psalm 25:8-9 ESV: 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 his way.
Debra – Dahlgren, IL
LORD, You are my portion and my cup of blessing;
You hold my future.
Psalm 16:5 HCSB
Aubree, San Antonio, TX.
Though he slay me, I will hope in him;
Job 13:15 ESV
Andrea, Norman, OK
Psalms 112:1, 7 Good News Translation
Praise the Lord! Happy is the person who honors the Lord,
who takes pleasure in obeying his commands. (7)He is not afraid of receiving bad news; his faith is strong, and he trusts in the Lord.
Tajuana ~ Texas
Create in me a pure heart,
O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit
within me.
Psalm 51:10 (NIV)
Anne from Hot Springs, AR:
“Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” (Psalm 127:5 ESV)
Sandy E.; Kansas City, Missouri;
Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Jan, Rockwall, TX
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV
Sarah, Fort Worth, TX
“speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music from your heart to the Lord.”Ephesians 5:19 HCSB
Cody * Houston, TX
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” 1 Corinthians 4:20
Marita, Maricopa, AZ
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (KJV)
Janet Jarmula Ronkonkoma, NY
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 NIV
When all things have passed away, three things will remain:faith,hope,love.
I Cor 13:13 NIV
Beth, Omaha, NE
Acts 14:22 NASB
Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.
Hannah, Albuquerque
Put no trust in extortion;
set no vain hopes on robbery;
if riches increase, set not your heart on them.
Psalm 62:10 ESV
Carrie, Cary, NC
So Then, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of it’s own.
Matthew 6:34 NET
Linda, Bartelso,IL Therefore be alert, since you don’t know what day your LORD is coming. Matthew 24;42 HCSB
Peggy from Homer, IL
James 2:1 NIV My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism,
Anita Ray
Amarillo, Texas
A simple man believes anything; but a prudent man
gives thought to his steps.
Proverbs 14:15
NIV
Susan, Overland Park, KS
“…yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
Hab. 3:18 NIV84
Stacey DeYoung-Morocco,in
Psalm 91:2 I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I confidently trust!
Cindy, Chandler, OK
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14 NIV
Toni, Greer, SC “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:23-25 NIV
Lynn in Frankfurt
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13 NKJV
Dawn, Beavercreek, OH
God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant!
Romans 5:20 (NLT)
Janae – Riverside, PA – Isaiah 54:13(ESV) “All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.”
Cheryl, Le Chesnay France
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. Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV
Gail, McDonough, Ga
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
I Corinthians 4:20 (NIV)
Natalie- Olympia, WA
Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.
Psalm 23:6
Maria – Macomb, MI
Isaiah 61:11 (NIV84)
11 For as the soil makes the sprout come up
and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness
and praise spring up before all nations.
Haley
Conway, AR
1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT
“Never stop praying.”
Jordan, Columbia, MO. “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” 1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV
Cathy, Russellville, AR
So get rid of everything evil in your lives—every kind of wrong you do. Be humble and accept God’s teaching that is planted in your hearts. This teaching can save you.
James 1:21 (ERV)
Traci from Evansdale, IA
“…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
II Chronicles 7:14 NIV
Connie-Fulton, KY
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Ps 73:26 NIV
Mary, Houston, TX
Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time?
Psalm 77:8 NIV