2013 Siesta Scripture Memory Team: Verse 23!

My Border Collie, Queen Esther, is just about as handy as a GPS if she’s been to the destination at least once. The closer we get to where we’re going, the more hyper she becomes. The backseat of my car may as well be a treadmill. In fact, if I’m on the phone, I usually have to hang up because the person on the other line becomes too distracted to talk.

What is that?

My dog. Sorry. She’s a little over excited.

Is she hurt?

No. She’s happy.

What does she want?

Out!

She jumps from window to window and commences – not to bark exactly – but to yelp. I constantly insist to Keith that I have the gift of interpretation for the tongue Queen Esther speaks and, when we’re coming up on our destination, I am absolutely sure of what she’s saying: Let me out of this car so I can run the rest of the way!

Right about now, you’re the Queen – the real kind and not the canine variety – and it’s the perfect time to start your happiest yelping. You can see from the view out of your window that we are almost to our destination and, after a whole lot of hard work, I hope everything in you is hyping up and hollering, Let me out so I can run the rest of the way!

Good grief, you’ve been fantastic. I cannot recall ever having a higher percentage finish out the year. I’d have to check past years to confirm that but I don’t remember ever having a more active group from start to finish. I wish you were sitting right here with me in my chilly den in front of this fire and we could talk face to face instead of line to line.

Our heater is out and it is just about as cold in Houston as it gets most winters. We’ve already had the repairman out for hours but he’s been unable to fix it and advised us to call our builder. He thinks it’s a malfunction in the unit. You have to write an email request to the builder for a repair and we haven’t heard back from them yet so it could be a frosty few days. I just worked out on my elliptical with a jacket on if that tells you anything. I don’t mind so much though, as long as it’s fixed pretty soon. It’s gorgeous outside and I love sitting by a fire anyway. The part I don’t like is that Jackson and Annabeth’s room at my house is like ice and they really can’t even play in it right now when they come over. No worries, though. I expect it to be repaired surely by the first few days of this week.

If you were here, I’d also serve you up some cinnamon rolls in about an hour. I made homemade rolls for our Thanksgiving feast and I almost always roll out cinnamon rolls with the leftover dough several days later. They’re rising right now under some lights in the only warm end of my house.

Some of you are observant enough to ask me if I pulled two of them off the one pan and ate them raw because of those 2 circles of flour. No, I didn’t – though I was tempted – but I did peel them off and put them on the second cookie sheet because the 3 rolls that wouldn’t fit on the first pan looked so lonely over there. My cold house is going to smell like heaven in a little while. Sometimes I make a thick butter icing but, really, I prefer a thinner glaze made of powdered sugar, vanilla and a tiny bit of half and half. Too much icing takes away from the homemade flavor of the rolls in my opinion.

The inevitable question I get at a time like this is, “Do you always eat like that?”

Lord have mercy, no. But, Girlfriend, it’s a holiday.

I could make you hot tea or coffee to go with yours, depending upon your preference, and we’d chat a while and then we’d trade our 23rd verses.

My selection came up in my devotional this morning and catapulted me into prayer. I’m actually memorizing the 2nd chapter of Colossians right now but sometimes the section I’m working on next is too awkward out of context to post as an SSMT verse. For instance, if Colossians 2:21 were next, imagine this as my SSMT selection: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!” See? Awkward. So, if I’m in the middle of a long portion, I usually go off road for SSMT and select a verse that is more user friendly so that women who are drawing a blank on their choices can go with me on mine if they wish. Here goes:

 

Beth, Houston. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8 ESV

The second half of it drew me into intercession. It does not say that the reason the Son of God appeared was to deny the works of the devil. It does not say that the Son of God appeared to downplay the works of the devil. It does not say that the Son of God appeared to decrease the works of the devil. It says He appeared to DESTROY the works of the devil.

So I started pinpointing some areas around my life and the lives of my family members and loved ones where the enemy is rearing up his ugly head. And with great joy and a sense of victory in my chest, I thanked Jesus for coming to destroy his works and asked Him to demonstrate that destruction right before our eyes in those areas. We know that “the ancient serpent, who is the devil” will not be completely bound until the Kingdom of the living Christ comes in its fullness and His throne is established right here on earth. At that time, the prayer we’ve prayed more than any other will finally be fulfilled: Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

But, until then, we are meant to experience stunning victories where we see living, breathing evidences that the enemy has been overcome. We’re meant to give the devil a taste of what he will experience in the Kingdom when he is bound for a thousand years. (Revelation 20:2)

Let’s not let him off the hook. Let’s remind our enemy every single day that he is not only defeated. His works are destroyed in Jesus’ great Name.

You, my dear sister, are a great privilege to serve. Walk strong with your God, young lady. Ask for a fiery faith to believe Him and for eyes to see His works manifested right here on this ailing planet. Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4) 

Let’s toast to that.

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  1. 451
    Jeannine Hale says:

    The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue,to know the word that sustains the weary.He wakens me morning by morning,wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.

    Isaiah 50:4 NIV

  2. 452
    Leslie Benson says:

    Leslie from Kansas City, MO “Do not be afraid of them; The Lord God himself will fight for you.” Deuteronomy 3:22 (NIV)

  3. 453
    Maggie says:

    I cannot adequately express how meaningful and timely this particular post has been! As well, confirmational.

    thank you Beth, for your continued obedience to God as well as your love for His Word that encourages and strengthens all of us!

  4. 454
    Susan says:

    Susan, Knoxville, TN

    However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV

  5. 455
    Jaclyn says:

    Jaclyn, Houston. “Therefore preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 peter 1:13 ESV

  6. 456
    Teresa says:

    Teresa, Walla Walla “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from His love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels can’t, and the demons can’t. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
    Romans 8:38-39 NLT

  7. 457
    Jennifer Worrell says:

    Jennifer, Fort Worth
    “To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled.” (Titus 1:15 NKJV)

  8. 458
    Amber Comeaux says:

    Amber Comeaux
    Katy tx
    Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord G od is the eternal Rock. (Isaiah 26:4 NLT)

  9. 459
    Terese from Warren MI says:

    Is anything too hard for the Lord? Genesis 18:14 NLT

  10. 460
    Cathy Carter says:

    Cathy Carter, Rchmond, VA – I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NIV’84

  11. 461
    Kellye says:

    Kellye, Las Vegas. With all my heart I am waiting, Lord, for you! I trust your promises. Psalm 130:5 (CEVU)

  12. 462
    Cindy says:

    Cindy, Kearmey NE
    I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. (Psalm 130:5 NIV)

  13. 463
    Danice Mariney says:

    2Cor 10:4-5. The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ

  14. 464
    Keri Lee Robbins says:

    Keri Lee Robbins in Las Vegas, NV
    “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit. Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.” (James 5:17-20 NKJV)

  15. 465
    Katy says:

    Katy

    Mount Juliet, TN

    “Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.” – John1:16

  16. 466
    Dawn says:

    Dawn in Monett, MO
    Psalm 69:30 NIV I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.

  17. 467
    Beth says:

    Beth, London ON.

    Man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

    James 1:20 NIV

  18. 468
    Molly says:

    James 3:17, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” from Tejas

  19. 469
    Erika Slaughter says:

    Erika from McKinney, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well.” Psalm 139:4. NIV

  20. 470
    Roxie Gresham says:

    Roxie, Jerseyville, IL Isaiah 9:6 EVS
    “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

  21. 471
    Kelly Wiggins says:

    Kelly W., Fowler, CA

    The LORD confides in those who fear Him; he makes his covenant known to them.

    Psalm 25:14

  22. 472
    Vickie says:

    Vickie, Spokane, WA.

    1 Peter 2:9 NIV

    But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to
    God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his
    wonderful light.

  23. 473
    Beth Ingram says:

    Beth, West Des Moines, IA

    ‘For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said “Do not commit murder.” If you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. Speak and act as those who will be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.’

    James 2:11-13 NIV 1984

  24. 474
    shawna says:

    Shawna, Longmont, CO

    Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him because he always lives to intercede for them.
    Hebrews 7:25 (NIV)

  25. 475
    Sarah says:

    Sarah, Colorado Springs, CO
    Isaiah 26:3 NIV
    You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

  26. 476
    MommaFoster says:

    Nancilea, The Woodlands, TX

    For a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
    (1 Corinthians 16:9 ESV)

  27. 477
    Kay Stambaugh says:

    Kay, Plainview, TX
    “As it is written,:”How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
    Romans 10:15b NIV

  28. 478
    Ruth - Madison, GA says:

    In honor of my Mama, 12-01-09:

    My daughter, keep your father’s commands and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you. When you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake they will speak to you. For these commands are a lamp; this teaching is a light and the corrections of discipline are the way to life. Proverbs 6:21-23

  29. 479
    Molly says:

    updated with Bible version
    from Tejas
    James 3:17, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” NKJV

  30. 480

    Bev, Austin.
    “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” James 1:2-3 ESV

  31. 481
    Kristel Hines says:

    Kristel from Russellville, AR

    “Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight.” Romans 4:7 NLT

  32. 482
    Kathy says:

    Kathy, Lake Jackson, TX

    Abundant peace belongs to those who love Your instruction; nothing makes them stumble.
    Psalm 119:165 HCSB

  33. 483
    Christina Jontra says:

    Christina, Tyler, TX
    Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:17 NLT

  34. 484
    Kim says:

    Kim, Colonial Heights, VA

    “…walk in the light, as He is in the light…”

    1 John 1:7 NIV

  35. 485
    Melissa Brown in Monett,Mo says:

    Psalm 69:30 I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. (NIV)

  36. 486
    Mary says:

    Mary, Frisco “But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.” Proverbs 1:33 (NLT)

  37. 487
    Kim says:

    Kim from Dimmitt, Texas

    Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
    “The Lord is the One who will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.”

  38. 488
    Misti Gil says:

    Misti, Brookshire, Tx.

    The light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never extinguish it.

    John 1:5 NLT

  39. 489
    Leanne Miller says:

    Leanne from Eden Prairie, MN

    I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. (Isaiah 46:4 NLT)

  40. 490
    Judy Mullins says:

    Judy – Maple Valley, WA.

    But blessed are those who trust in The Lord and have made The Lord their hope and confidence.

    Jeremiah 17:7 NIV

  41. 491
    Christina Armentrout says:

    Christina, Lancaster, CA
    But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
    1 Peter 2:9 ESV

  42. 492
    Gail says:

    Gail Tyler,TX
    “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”
    Matthew 1:21

  43. 493
    Linda says:

    Linda, Longview: But we Christians have no veil over our faces; we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him.
    II Corinthians 3:18 TLB

  44. 494
    Fareen Doss says:

    Fareen
    Las Vegas, NV

    Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit.
    My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back,let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

    James 5:17-20 NASB

  45. 495
    Bobbie, Litchfield, MN says:

    Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

    1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)

  46. 496
    Ann Gilliam says:

    Ann Gilliam, Lexington, TN
    It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 NIV

  47. 497
    Erin Brownfield says:

    Erin B., League City, TX

    “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. ”
    John 15:2 NIV

  48. 498
    Janice Miller says:

    Janice Victoria BC
    I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.

    Psalm 32:8 NAS

  49. 499
    Carrie Gill says:

    Carrie Gill, Tyler, TX, “You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,” Psallm 91:5 NIV

  50. 500
    Marie Franse says:

    Marie Franse, Albuquerque, NM: For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. Deuteronomy 10:17

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