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.
Tags: Scripture Memory 2013
Christine, St. Louis Park, MN I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:8 NIV
And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7, NIV)
Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.
Matthew 6:33 (NLT)
Jessica from Sioux Falls, SD
1 Corinthians 14:33 ESV
“For God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints.”
(Sorry, I am also posting my November 15th verse due to travel and illness I was unable to post)
Gracious is the Lord and righteous; Yes, our God is merciful. Psalm 116:5, NKJV
Patti, Phoenix AZ Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” (ESV)
Melanie of Greenbrier, TN
Psalm 119:49-50 (msg)
Remember what you said to me, your servant—
I hang on to these words for dear life!
These words hold me up in bad times;
yes, your promises rejuvenate me.
Carol, Mason City, IA
Colossians 3:16
Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. NIV
Gail
Decatur TX
Psalm 126:5 KJV
Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.
Pushkala, Louisville, KY: “Because he loves me” says the Lord “I will rescue him, I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name”.
Psalm 91:14 (NIV)
Darla, Pittsburgh
This is a sacred day before the Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!
Nehemiah 8:10b NLT
Suey caldwell houston niv Matthew 12. 32
Anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit
Will not be forgiven either in this age or in the
Age to come. Thx
Sharpsburg, Ga.
1 Thess 5:8 NIV
“But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.”
Jane, Milton, GA This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
Kathleen. Saint Joseph, Michigan
Proverbs 17:9
Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but whoever gossips about it separates friends.
HCSB
dixie, santa monica ca
Isaiah 11:1-2 NET
A shoot will grow out of Jesse’s root stalk, a bud will sprout from his roots.
The LORD’s spirit will rest on him-
a spirit that gives extraordinary wisdom,
a spirit that provides the ability to execute plans,
a spirit that produces absolute loyalty to the LORD.
This is my memory verses for all of Decemeber! 🙂
Valerie ~ Oklahoma
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” Colossians 3:15a NIV
He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:2 ESV
Melissa, Columbus, OH
Patrice in Albuquerque
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” (Philippians 1:3)
Karen from Indianapolis
“Now the Lord is Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom.”
2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV
Melissa, Sacramento, CA
“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)
Claudia Raeford, NC if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. (Colossians 1:23 NIV)
1 Peter 3:15 ESV
“but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you
for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”
Melissa, Katy, TX, Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.
Christy, Karen, Cheryl A Cord of Three Strands
Jay, OK
But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. James 1: 6-8 NIV
Ellen, Chattanooga, TN
And don’t forget to do good and share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.
Hebrews 13:16 NLT
Temple, TX
Philippians 2: 5-8 (NIV)
“Your attitude should be the same as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!”
Amy Gossen
Carthage, MO
Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. (Psalm 119:37 NIV)
Jody in Huntsville, AL NIV
Psalm 62:1-2
“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress,I will never be shaken.”
Zechariah 10:12
New International Version (NIV)
12
I will strengthen them in the Lord
and in his name they will live securely,”
declares the Lord
Kate K.
Lafayette, IN
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalm 46:10 NIV
Shannon Pate
Little Rock, Arkansas
“The Lord gives strength to His people; The Lord blesses His people with peace.”
Psalm 29:11 NIV
Jan Horne
Bossier City, LA
1 Samuel 1:27 NLT
I asked The LORD to give me this child and He has given me my request.
Cindy, Largo, Florida
“You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” John 6:67-68 NIV
Donna, Glendale, AZ
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests”
Luke 2:14 NIV
Terri from Winchester, Virginia
“Give thanks to The Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever! ”
Psalm 118:1. NIV
Virginia in Elgin, Tx
Nehemiah 4:14-NIV
Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, and your daughters, your wives (husbands) and your homes.
Diane Miller, Longmont, CO
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:24 NIV
Amy, Chattanooga Tennessee. But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. Matthew 15:18, NKJV
Selena- Cordele, GA
Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
Psalm 55:22
Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us
Teresa, Tyler TX
And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him-
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might,
the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
Isaiah 11:2, NLT
Joanne Hill, Orange TX
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 NIV
Maria Cristina Bruschi
Orlando, Florida
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:12 — NIV
Eva, Knoxville – (cont.) Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror James 1:23 (NIV)
Isaiah 30:18 (NIV)
Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you;
He rises to show you compassion.
For the Lord is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for Him!
Pat S., Lago Vista, TX
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 NIV
Paulette
Nogalus Prairie, TX
“O Israel, hope in the Lord, for the Lord exhibits loyal love, and is more than willing to deliver.”
Psalm 130:7
The NET Bible
Sandra R., Swainsboro, GA
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
Carolyn, Orofino, Idaho
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.
Psalm 130:5. NIV
I also love this translation:
I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word. NLT