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
Mary
Silver Spring, Maryland
2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Cheryl, Concord, NC
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.”
Deuteronomy 6.6 ESV
Cara from Houston
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 (niv)
Leanne from Eden Prairie, MN
And blessed is she who believed that what was spoken to her by the Lord would be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:45 NET)
Stephanie
Danville. Ky
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Philippians. 2:5. NIV
Tracy, Sidney, OH
I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. Psalm 16:8 NLT
Kate, Millville, Canada
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV
Beth, thanks for sharing your verse!
Test everything
Hold on to the good.
1 thessalonians 5:21
Carrie Jones
Ontario, Canada
Tilley Hawkins from Franklin, TN
“The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.”
John 6:63 (NLT)
Darlene from Maine
Hebrews 4:15, 16 NKJV
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Megan, Salisbury MD
But I focus on this one thing: forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:13-14 NLT
Mandeville, LA
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1, NIV
Becky Mansfield, Ohio
Be still and know I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; The Gid of Jacob is our refuge.
Psalm 46:10-11 NKJV
Romans 8:6 NASB
For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,
Nashville, TN
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my portion forever.
Psalm 73:26
Nancy, Junction City, Ar.
“Finally, be strengthened in the Lord and in the strength of His power.” Ephesians 6:10 (NET)
Liz, Nashua, NH
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” 1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV
I’m living over the edge, Beth! Hallelujah. Thank you, Jesus!!
Kristine from Welland, ON
“We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives.” Colossians 1:11 (MSG)
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV
Lindsey, Edmond, OK
Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. (Psalm 139:16 ESV)
Andrea Nicholson, McKinney, TX
And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
Romans 8:27, NIV
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?
James 2:14 NIV
“And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.”
1 Thess. 4:11-12
ESV
Philippians 1:18 NIV
But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice!
Rene’ , Edmond, OK
Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have
the right response for everyone.
Col. 4:6 NLT
Jana, Quitaque, TX
Colossians 3:12-14 NIV
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 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.
Tammy/Siloam NC—-Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (NIV)
Ephesians 4:23
New Living Translation (NLT)
23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.
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
Natalie; Leesburg, GA; I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. (Psalm 130:5 NIV)
Jodi Alley, Humble, TX
The way of the Lord is strength for the upright, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity. Proverbs 10:29 (NKJV)
Susan, Cary NC
“Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.” Psalm 1:4 NIV
Laurie, Chester
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” 1 Corinthians 4:20
NIV
Jodi, Sundown, TX, And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8 ESV)
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. (Psalm 91:4 NIV)
Cheryl
Kokomo,Indiana
Ask and it will be given; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
Matthew 7:7 NIV
Karen, Lynnwood, Wa
Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalms 62:8 (NIV)
Erin, Cheyenne, WY
Luke 1:45 (NIV): Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!
Carla, Pierre, SD
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 1 Cor. 4:20 NIV
Stephanie, La Habra, CA “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. I Cor 4:20 NIV
Megan from Potlatch, Idaho : For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk abut of power. I Cor. 4:20 (NIV)
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV
Lori Lehrmann~Port Arthur, TX
Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel. ~Ephesians 6:19 (NIV)
Natalie, Grand Prairie, TX ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ , Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)
Tera Ferguson
Gardendale, Alabama
Psalm 1:3 KJV
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Lindsey, Nashville, TN
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
Tracy F
Lake Saint Louis, Missouri
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
Ashley from Bean Station, TN: For you need endurance in order to do God’s will and so recieve what is promised. Hebrews 10:36 NET
Cathy, Fridley. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19, NIV
Tori; Bolivar, MO
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love casts out fear.”
1 John 4:18
NIV