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
Sharon, Mineola, Texas
12-1-’13
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus
as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and
built up in him, strengthened in the faith as
you were taught, and overflowing with
thankfulness. 2 Corinthians 2:6-7
Bonnie B, Florence, CO
“May INTEGRITY and UPRIGHTNESS protect me,
because MY HOPE IS IN YOU!!!”
Psalm 25:21
NIV
Vicki, Surprise AZ
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Megan; Goodlettsville, TN
“Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”
James 1:21 (NIV)
Amanda, Calgary, Alberta
“May God give you of Heaven’s dew
and of earth’s richness-
an abundance of grain and new wine.”
Genesis 27:28 NIV
Carmen, Summersville, WV “Who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.” -Psalm 103:3 NIV
” 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”
John16:33(NIV)
Delores O.
Lake Stevens, WA
It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of His name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’
Luke 24:47 NLT
Cheryl H., Huntington, WV
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29 ESV
Lisa Braun
Warman, SK Canada
For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.
Nothing you desire can be compared with it.
Proverbs 8:11 NLT
April lopez, bonneylake, wa
Psalm 130:5 niv
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.
Stacy B Detroit mi
Proverbs 31:20
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.” Proverbs31:20 (NIV)
Melanie Toups
Bridge City, TX
And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him. — 1 John 2:27 NASB
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty!
Psalm 84:1, NIV
Christina Fort Worth
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth.
Phillipians 2:10 NLT
“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)
Kaye from Hamburg,AR
“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
Megan, Stow, OH. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:2, NLT
Ellen, Albuquerque. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4 (KJV)
Anita, Lawrenceville.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew. 11: 28-30. ESV
From Sibley, LA
I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Psalm 34:1
Carrie Guion, Wentzville, Mo.
You must worship only the Lord your God. He is the one who will rescue you from all your enemies. 2 Kings 17:39 NLT
Midland,Tx
Galatians 6:17 (HCSB)
From now on, let no one cause me trouble,
because I carry the marks of Jesus on my body.
James 2:1 NKJV “My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.”
Habakkuk 3:2(MSG)
God, I’ve heard what our ancestors say about You, and I’m stopped in my tracks, down on my knees. Do among us what You did among them. Work among us as You worked among them. And, as You bring judgement, as surely You must, remember mercy.
Margie
Hilton Head Island, SC
Rachel H, Alabama
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3, 4 NIV)
Scottsdale, AZ
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:2-3 New International Version
Kathy, Austin 1 John 3:8
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. Amen
Charmaine, Miami, FL – “Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name; You are Mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.” Isaiah 43:1-2 NKJV
Barb~St Cloud MN~”Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Luke 1:45 NIV
Tanya , Raleigh,NC
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 ESV
“You are my hiding place. You will protect me from trouble and will surround me with songs of deliverance”
Psalm 32:7. (NIV)
Judy from Lake Charles, LA
If the Lord delights in a man’s
ways, He makes his steps firm;”
Psalms 37:23 (NIV)
Zoe L from Oklahoma City
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.
Matthew 1:21 NIV
Wait for the LORD and HE will save you.
Proverbs 20:22
Laura, Minneapolis, MN.
“I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope.”
Psalm 130:5, ESV
Roseanne, Tacoma, Wa
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12 ESV
Katie Brown
Greenfield, IN
Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea;
Psalm 55:1 NIV
Nancy Engberg from Minneapolis
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders: make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:5-6
NIV
Andi Crumrine, Rockwall, TX
“Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.”
Psalms 126:5 NKJV
Sharleen, Gresham, OR
“But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head.” Psalm 3:3 (NKJ)
Bridgette, Rockwall, TX
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
1 Timothy 1:7 NLT
Julie, Madison, GA
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
Cindy, Fort Worth, TX
Psalm 86:11 NIV
Teach me Your way, O Lord, and I will walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart that I may fear Your name.
Linda, Little Rock, AR But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. James 1:9-10 NASB
Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset of Christ Jesus. Phil. 2:4,5. NIV
Susan Winston–Salem, NC
Maureen, Pascoag, RI
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him, bless his name
Psalm 100:4 NRSV
.
Joy – Georgetown, TX – I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints. Ephesians 1:8 niv
Julie, Gresham, OR
“But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought up peace, and with His wounds we are healed.”
Isaiah 53:5 (ESV)
Julie, Texarkana-“For through the Spirit, by faith, we wait expectantly for the hope of righteousness.” (Galatians 5:5 NET)
Stacey Gaines
Corpus Christi, TX
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:2, NIV)
Dawn Kornelson-Airdrie, Alberta , Canada
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain NIV Hebrews 6:19