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
Alissa, Spring, TX
“The Lord Makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him.”
Psalm 37:23 NIV
Linda , Westport
But, as it is written “What no eye has seen nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.
1 Corinthians 2:9
Linda , Westport
But, as it is written “What no eye has seen nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.
1 Corinthians 2:9 ESV
Mary Grace, Bolivar Missouri,
But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on this law he meditates day and night.
Psalm 1:2 NIV
Tina
Waxahachie, Texas
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
Romans 12:17 NIV
Emily Byrd; Baton Rouge, LA
“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. ”
Ephesians 3:29, New American Standard
Albuquerque, NM
Joshua 1:8
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein; for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous and then thou shalt have good success”. KJV
Kathy French, Austin
“See how my enemies have increased and how fiercely they hate me! Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in You. May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in You. Redeem Israel, O God, for all their troubles.”Psalm 25: 19-22 NIV
Daphne, Kennewick, WA
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty ~ Ps 91:1
KJV Genesis 2:18 And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him.
KJV Genesis 2:18 And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him.
KJV Genesis 2:18 And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him.
KJV Genesis 2:18 And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him.
KJV Genesis 2:18 And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him.
Lori D., Georgetown, TX
My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Psalm 62:7 (NIV)
Elizabeth, Charleston, WV
In peace I will lie down and sleep,for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalms 4:8 (NIV)
“God didn’t give us a cowardly spirit but a spirit of power, love, and good judgment”. (2 Timothy 1:7 GWT)
Jeannine Hale
Eagan, MN
“Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.”
Ezekiel 36:25-27 (NLT)
Ephesians 5:8 (ESV)
“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”
Carolyn
Wheaton, IL
Karen F, Unionville, PA
Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV )
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Diana Yarborough, Gallatin,TN
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days! Psalms 90:14 NIV
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Eph 4:29 NIV
I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.
Philippians 4:11
Julie, Easley,SC
Allie, south pasadena ca
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.”1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV
Jennie F. Long Creek, Oregon. “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.” Phil. 4:8
Karina
Baton Rouge, La.
“My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock and refuge.”
Psalm 62:7
NIV
Olivia, Lapwai, Idaho: Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NLT
Rene Sandifer, Overland Park, KS “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5 ESV
Laura
San Antonio, TX
Sorry I’m posting so late!
James 3:13-18 NASB
“Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwaivering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
Cindy, Columbia, MO
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,”
James 1:2 ESV
In God I trust, I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?
I am under vows to You, O God,
I will present my thank-offerings to You.
Psalm 56:11-12 NIV
Joni, clarinda, IA
I urge you therefore brethren by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2 NASB
Joy in Bethlehem, GA
Joshua 1:9 NIV
Have I not commanded you. Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord you God will be with you wherever you go.
Joy in Bethlehem, GA
Joshua 1:9 NIV
Have I not commanded you. Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Sheila K. Gardendale, AL Revelation 19:12 ESV
His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself.
Sylvia, Houston TX (formerly Georgetown TX)
Who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.
Ps 103:3-4 NASB
Jana, Tampa, FL
Do not lie to each other since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Colossians 3:9-10 NIV
Donna, Fort wayne, IN
And endurance produces character, and character produces hope, (Romans 5:4 ESV)
Allison, Jersey Village
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6 ESV
Hannah, Baton Rouge LA
Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:16
Anna in Mobile, AL
They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.
Is. 61:4 NIV
Janet, Lenoir, NC: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.” Isaiah 26:3-4 NIV
Lynchburg, VA.
Psalm 16:8 (English Standard Version)
I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
Plano, TX
Psalm 121:2 NIV
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Ellie Richardson – Newton, Iowa
For what shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Mark 8:36 KJV
Almut, England
Joshua 3,5 ESV
Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”
Diane Wadsworth, Pleasant Grove, Alabama
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3 NLT
Skeet Shiver from Monroe, GA.
James 2:1 (NIV)
My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism.
Hope from San Antonio, Texas
Psalm 93:4 NIV
Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea-
the Lord on high is mighty.
Hope from San Antonio, Texas
Psalm 103:8 NIV
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love.