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)Â
Let’s toast to that.
Tags: Scripture Memory 2013
John 15:13 – There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Dayla, Springfield, MO
Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning since the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.
1 John 3:8 ESV
Christine, Atlanta, GA – 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)
Jenny, Tyler, TX
Psalm 34:7 Living Bible (TLB)
7 For the Angel of the Lord guards and rescues all who reverence him.
Jean, Platte City, MO
Ephesians 6:17 (NIV) Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God.
Lindsey, Nashville, TN
“The Lord bless you and keep you, The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)
San Ramon, CA
“Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me – you did it to me.” ~ Matt. 25:40 (The Message)
Kelly, Glenwood. MD,
Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Romans 12:14-18, NIV
Vicksburg, MS
We love, because He first loved us.
1John 4:19
New American Standard
Linda, Johnstown, Pa.
Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV)
So then just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Kathy from Chandler, OK
“Show me your ways, Lord,teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” – Psalm 25:4-5 NIV
Pamela, Mechanicsville, VA.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
Tammy from Platte City
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. 2 Corinthians 1:8 NIV
Julia, Springfield, TN
Psalm 112:7 NIV They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
WendyC – Cheyenne, WY.
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26
Jenni from Birmingham, AL
“For God gave us a Spirit who produces not timidity, but power, love and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 (CJB)
Tisha
Pilot Mtn, NC
“Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.” Jer 17:14 NIV
Michele Powell, Nampa, ID
Psalm 103:6 (NIV)
The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.
Karen, Colchester VT
I will give you thanks, for you answered me: you have become my salvation.
Psalm 118:21 NIV
Psalm 51:11
“Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Dear children,do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as He is righteous.
I John 3:7 NIV
Judy Sommerville
Fairmont, MN
Ecclesiastes 3:11
He has made everything beautiful in His time. He has also set eternity on the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. (NIV)
Paula, Brownwood, Texas
For the word of the LORD holds true, and we can trust everything He does.
Psalm 33:4. NLT
Martha,Clearwater, FL
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
Luke 2 ; 8 NIV
Megan JOY Burdzy – Calgary Alberta Canada –
1 I love you, O LORD, my strength.
6 In my distress I called to the LORD;
I cried to my God for help.
From His temple He heard my voice;
my cry came before Him, into His ears.
3 I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
and I am saved from my enemies
-Psalm 18:1,6,3 (NIV)
Woodstock, Ga.
He’s the centerpiece of everything we believe, faithful in everything God gave him to do.
Hebrews 3:2 (NIV)
Cara from Houston (while eating a homemade cinnamon roll…grin)
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26 NIV
Debra, Mobile, AL
Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. Isaiah 46:9 (NIV84)
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10 (NIV84)
Sara, Sioux City
O Israel, hope in the Lord;
For with the Lord there is mercy,
And with Him is abundant redemption.
Psalm 130:7 NKJV
Morag, Bishop, CA
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”
1 John 4:7 (NKJV)
Rebecca, Las Vegas, NV. “…because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:78-79 ESV
Pat C
S Birlington, VT
And have put on the new self which is being renewed in the image of its Creator. Col 3:10 NIV
Ann, SC
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.
Ps 139: 15 NIV
carol Midland,Texas
…And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8b
Cher Goeder ~ Toledo, OH
Zephaniah 3:17 NIV (1984)
“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.”
Fay, Springfield, MO
Psalm 119:37 NIV
Turn my eyes away from worthless things; perserve my life according to your word.
“Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.” Psalmm 25:4 KJV
Kristi B.
Houston, TX
1 Peter 3:4 CEV
“Be beautiful in your heart by being gentle and quiet. This kind of beauty will last, and God considers it very special.”
Sandra, Rock Hill, SC
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
James 5:16, NIV
lynn, Louisville, KY
For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
Colossians 1:9 (NASB)
Kathy, Shattuck, OK
Psalm 139:22 (NIV) “I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.”
Wanda
Osborn, Missouri
1 John 3:8 (ESV)
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.
Timi, Neenah WI
“The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
And He delights in his way.When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong,Because the Lord is the One who holds his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24 (NASB)
Linda, Holts Summit, MO
James 2:23 NIV
And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness”, and he was called God’s friend.
Debbie, Fort Thomas, KY
Be joyful 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)
MaryJo, Indianapolis
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. Lamentations 3:22 (NIV)
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. I will remove the heart of stone from your body and give you a heart of flesh. I will put my Spirit within you; I will take the initiative and you will obey my statutes and carefully observe my regulations. (Ezekiel 36:26, 27 NET)
Lesley, Clinton, MS
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he. I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Isaiah 46:4 NIV
Rebecca, Chattanooga, TN
For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.
Habakkuk 2:3 ESV
Jones Creek,Texas
I will bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes;
oil of gladness instead of mourning;
a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair…
Isaiah 61:3
(NIV)
Shannon, Mandeville, “The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” Ps. 147:11 TNIV