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
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18 NIV)
Bethany, Spring, TX
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.”
1 Corinthians 4:20, NIV
Breanna Dennis from Belle Vernon, PA
No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.
Romans 4:20- 21 ESV
Jessy from Houston, Tx:
“A person’s fear sets a trap for him, but one who trusts the Lord is safe.”
~ Proverbs 29:25 (GW)
MaryJo from Chandler, AZ
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,
Ephesians 3:20 NIV
Carolyn, Terrace BC Canada
2 Corinthians 4:17 NIV
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us
an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
Jamie Teagle, Atlanta.
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 1 Corinthians 4:20 (NIV)
Donna Marina, Ca
But sanctify The Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.
1Peter 3:15
Terra from Owasso, Oklahoma:
Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again,[a] you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” John 3:3 NLT
Kelley Mansfield, Sharpsburg, GA
Galatians 5:16 NIV
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
Kelley, Olive Branch, MS
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.”
I like this. Thanks for coming back to us – the ones burned out and chased out of Christian circles. I no longer strive to live a changed life or think renewed thoughts. I simply try to survive. Thanks for seeing me.
Holly, Colorado Springs (formerly Charlotte)
“Go now, write it on a tablet for them, inscribe it on a scroll, that for the days to come it may be an everlasting witness.” Isaiah 30:8 NIV
Cathy- Charlottesville LASB 1Peter 3:4
‘..the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.’
Brandy, Prattville, AL. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV
Carolyn, Orofino, Idaho
Oh Lord, You are great, mighty, majestic, magnificent, glorious, and sovereign over all the sky and earth! You have dominion and exalt Yourself as ruler over all.
1 Chronicles 29:11 NET
Also, check out the verse in ESV, NIV, and the Voice. Thanks to Beth’s mnemonic, NET version is fun to memorize.
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
1 Corinthians 4:20 (NIV)
Ruth, Westerville OH
““O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!” Jeremiah 32:17 NLT
Dina Garcia, Garden Grove, CA
Philippians 4:19(KJV) “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Linda, Holts Summit, Mo
Psalm 18:28 NIV
You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.
I (and my verses) will be in Ireland Aug 1 celebrating 30 yrs of marriage so please allow me to post my Aug 1 verse now.
1 Cor. 4:20 NIV
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power!
Lisa S. in Montgomery, TX
2 Corinthians 12:10
The Message
I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.
Careese, Amarillo, TX
. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV
Virginia, Elgin, Tx
Exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today”, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
NKJV-Hebrews 3:13
Josie, Salem, OR
Ephesians 6:17 ESV
“and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,”
Deb, Pelzer, SC
1 Corinthians 4:20 (NIV): “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.”
Chyrll, Cordova, TN: You are My friends, if you do what I command you. John 15:14 NASB
Pammie from Southern CA Psalm 32:8-9 NCB “The LORD says, I will make you wise and show you where to go. I will guide you and watch over you. So don’t be like a horse or donkey, that doesn’t understand. They must be led with bits and reins, or they will not come near you.”
Amy, Seattle, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 NIV
Marrissa, Orlando, FL
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of Lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” – James 1:17 NIV
Amanda Benson, Eagle Butte, SD
1 Peter 4:7-8, NIV
The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Martha, Brevard, NC
Beth.. it’s like you wrote that post for ME. Struggling so much with need of strength in parenting. In need of supernatural power. Thank you.. Read this verse in the Gideon study and it has been in front of me since.
[That you may be] “..Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy.”
Col.1:11 nkjv
Linda Delray Beach, FL
“Now is the time!
Here comes God’s kingdom!
Change your hearts and lives
and trust this good news!”
Mark 1:15 (CEB)
Marilyn, Mission Viejo, CA
Deuteronomy 6:7 ESV
(These Words) Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Chris
Canton, NC
“But you, woman (man) of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
1 Timothy 6:11
NIV
Rachel, Frankfort, IL
“for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
1 Peter 1:9
Will Gideon Session 6 be posted today?
Edna
O’Fallon, MO
As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.
Luke 8:15, ESV
Kerre, Chattanooga,TN. Who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the spirit. For the letter kills, but the spirit gives life. 2 Cor 3:6 ESV
Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. NLT
“Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.” Psalm 34:5 ESV
Sharpsburg, Ga.
Psalm 91:11-12 NIV
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”
Lorraine,Ontario, Canada
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strenght. NIV Deuteronomy 6:5
Beth, Dyersburg, TN.
you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. NIV 1 Peter 2:5
Jeremiah 32:17
King James Version (KJV)
Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:
“In honor of my high school and adult Sunday School teacher, Cathy White”
Diane E. from Charleston, IL
For he has rescued up from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 1:13-14 NIV
Cindy Strong, Biloxi, MS
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. (John 1:5 NLT)
Kristin V from Greenwood, IN: For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 1 Cor 4:20 NIV
Stephanie, Scottsdale, AZ “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Susie, Garland, Tx
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV
Jessica, Carlsbad, CA “Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3