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
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Phil 4:6
Mindy in Franklin, TN
As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. (Psalm 103:13, 14 ESV)
Jackie Pope; Covington, IN: For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. Romans 10:13
Martha, Clearwater,FL
“Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food”
James 2:15 NIV
Kathy: Hazlehurst, Ms
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;
and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall
direct thy path. Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV
Sandy, Ft. Gibson, OK
For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous, you surround them with favor as with a shield.
Psalm 5:12 NIV
Dayna Vaczi, Overland Park, KS
Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. II Timothy 2:23 (NIV)
Dayna Vaczi, Overland Park, KS
Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. II Timothy 2:23 (NIV)
Brandi K
Cape Girardeau, MO
“A fool vents all his feelings but a wise man holds them back” Proverbs 29:11 NKJV
Liz in Ruston
Filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ -to the glory and praise of God. Phil. 1:11 NIV
Saige, Shreveport, LA
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” – 1 Corinthians 4:20 (NIV)
Kerri, Lakeland. Fl
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. (Psalm 56:3 NIV)
Lacy, Harrisburg, OR For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV
Psalm 51:12 ESV
‘Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.’
Kathleen, Tallahassee, FL:
“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer
I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which
I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of
God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”
Galatians 2:20 (NASB)
Jennifer, Medford, OR
For the kingdom of God does not consist in words, but in power.
1 Corinthians 4:20 (NASB)
Verse 14: Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary, and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Emily (kemptville, Ontario)
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (NIV)
Laurin, Harrisburg, NC – “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worth of the gospel of Christ.” Philippians 1:27, NIV
Suzy Bobbitt – Orlando, Florida
Catching up…
June 1
Psalm 20:7
NIV
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
June 15
1 Peter 3:15
(NIV)
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
July 1
Proverbs 31:26
NASB
She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the law of kindness is on her tongue.
July 15
James 1:17
(NIV)
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Lynn ~ Orlando
James 1:17
(NIV)
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Melissa, Scarborough, ME: “And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as He did to us.” Acts 15:8, ESV
Sarah P. Martinsburg, WV “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” Psalm 34: 4-5 (NIV)
Sandy, from Vienna, VA
For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
–2 Chronicles 16:9v(NIV)
I am born of God, the evil one cannot touch me! 1John 5:18
Tonya from Eucha, OK Psalms 100: 4-5 “Enter His gates and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name. For Yahweh is good, and His love is eternal: His faithfulness endures through all generations.” HCSB
Patty from Fairfax, VA – Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. Psalm 34:5
Vickie Henderson
Russellville Ar
HCSB
2 Timothy 3:17
so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work
Rebecca, Hallsville, TX
“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. ”
1Thess. 5:16-18, KJV
Psalm 46:1. (NIV)
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
From Longmont, CO
You also, like living stones, are built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 2:5. NIV
Melissa Droegemueller
San Antonio, TX
On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased.
Psalm 138:3 ESV
Beth,,,I am not sure what to say,,I just heard you speak at the Awakening conference,it was on day star. I was so moved that all I could do was pray In Tongues while you were speaking…I would love to meet you some day. My heart is full for a down pour of the Holy Spirit!!! I have been watching and waiting on God for this move and I am in and thirsty to the point nothing else matters!!! I pray for the lost as if my life depends on it,,,I can not remember when I ask God anything for myself. My family,,friends salvation. 1cor. 2:1-6 Paul was in fear and trembling and it was not with words he said but by the demonstration of the Holy Spirit!!! This is it,,,,,prayer and waiting on the Holy Spirit to pour out upon all who have ears to hear!!!! Oh Beth thank you so much!!! Many love and prayers are for you,,,I hope I do meet you some day, Christie
Karon from Canton, NC
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
1st Peter 5:8 NKJV
Tonya
Searcy, AR
Numbers 9:18a NCV
“So the Israelites moved at the Lord’s command, and they camped at His command.”
Phil 4:8-9 NASU
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 NIV
Mary Margaret, Nashville, TN
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13 ESV
Phil 4:8 NIV
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.
Janice Victoria BC
“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 NAS
Kathleen, Phoenix:
But, as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.
2Chronicles 15:7 (NIV)
Lisa from Waycross, GA
Donna from Albany, GA
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV
Donna
Used to be Loganville, PA now Odessa,FL
Proverbs 3:7 NIV
Do not be wise in your own eyes;fear The Lord and depart from evil.
Brittnie, Sugar Land, Texas
Psalm 30:11 NIV “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.”
Psalms 119:7. NIV. I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. Sharron. Hartselle. Al
Philippians 4:11 ESV
…for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
Lisa, New York
Nancy D.
Round Rock, TX
“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” (Psalm 37:23, 24 NIV)
Paula, Maine
I wait quietly before God for my victory comes from Him. Psalm 62:1 NIV
Deborah, Augusta, GA
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”
-Proverbs 29:25 (NIV)
Freeland, MI “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28