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
Liz from Hilliard:
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:12,13 NIV
Amanda from Plano, TX
Matthew 5:17 – “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.”
Sandy – Dodge City, KS
…because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
James 2:13 NIV
Jeannie Nashville, Tn.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but to save the world through Him”. John 3:16-17. NIV
Stormy, Lynchburg, VA
bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Luke 6:28 NIV
Shelley, from Bolivar, MO
“I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
Job 42:2 NIV
“He (Jesus) went on a little farther and bowed his face to the ground praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want Your will to be done, not mine.”
Matthew 26:39 NLT
Karen Edlund
Rochester, MN
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 KJV
Woodstock,GA
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6 NIV
Mary Silver Spring, MD
Psalm 34:2 (ESV)
“My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.”
Corley in Conway, AR:
Psalm 31.7: “I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have known the distress of my soul.” ESV
Deuteronomy 10:21 (HCSB)
He is your praise and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome works your eyes have seen.
Linda Hammett from Wake Forest, N.C. says:
“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23 NIV)
2 Corinthians 3:17 (HNV) 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
Denise
The Woodlands, Texas
Julie from Bristol,Tennessee
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and mind in Christ.
Sherry
Oklahoma
Psalms 91:13-14 NLT
“You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!”
“The Lord says, ‘I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.”
Marianne from Carrollton, Texas
I will dwell on your mighty acts, my Lord. Lord, I will help others remember nothing but your righteous deeds. (Psalms 71:16 CEB)
I will sing and make music to the Lord.
Psalms 27:6
Heather, London, ON
“I keep my eyes always on the Lord, with Him at my right hand I will not be shaken. Therefore, my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices, my body also will rest secure.” Psalm 16:8-9 NIV
Misti, from Kingwood,TX:
Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Pslams 103:1 NIV
Edna, O’Fallon, MO
“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”
Romans 8:6, ESV
Rita Cottonwood, Az
Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Sabrina
Morristown, Tennessee
1 John 2:27 MSG
Christ’s anointing teaches you the truth on everything you need to know about yourself and him, uncontaminated by a single lie. Live deeply in what you were taught.
Melisse, Slippery Rock, PA
Colossians 3:15-16 (NIV)
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another will all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your heart.
Lichelle Austin NIV Ps:37:4
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Tessa from Nacogdoches TX
Psalm 118:24 NKJ
This is the day that the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Melissa, San Antonio, TX
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17 (NIV)
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, (NIV), Shantha, Lincoln, RI
Geri
Deer Park, Tx
2 Corinthians 4:17 ESV
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.
Rebecca~Springfield, OH
For who knows what is good for a person in life, during the few and meaningless days they pass through like a shadow? Who can tell them what will happen under the sun after they are gone?~Ecclesiastes 6:12 NIV
Xan
Culman, AL
Col. 3: 17
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
ESV
Blessed be the name of God, forever and ever. He knows all, does all; he changes the seasons and guides history. He raises up kings and also brings them down, he provides both intelligence and discernment, he opens up the depths, tells secrets, sees in the dark – light spills out of him! Daniel 2:20-22 The Message
Gail
San Antonio, TX
He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of His grace He declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.
Titus 3:6,7 (NLT)
Barb Wisconsin
Ps 90:14. Satisfy us in the morning with Your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days ESV
Suzie
Wenona, Maryland
The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8 NSAB
Paola, Pinellas Park, Florida
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Colossians 3:2 ESV
Bonnie Pt. Orchard WA
Isaiah 9:6 NIV
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Kim B. – Orlando, Fl
The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:3
Tanya, Rapid City. 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
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
Thanks for sharing your cinnamon rolls. I really appreciate our time together. I doubt I’ll meet you this side of heaven, but I am one of your thousands of girlfriends who is delighted to spend time in the word together. Thank you for all you put into it! You have gone way above the call of duty and I really appreciate it! (Only 2 exclamation points. I’m really holding it down. Are you proud of me?)
Louisville, KY.
Be joyful always: pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5: 16-18 NIV
Canyon, VA
I’m sooo late…eek!
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:19 (NIV)
Melissa
Midlothian, VA
Isaiah 9:6
New International Version (NIV)
6 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.
“He said, ‘Don’t be afraid. You are greatly treasured. All will be well with you. Be strong!’ As he spoke to me, I suddenly felt strong. Then I said, ‘My Lord can go on, because you’ve made me strong.'”Daniel 10:19 (CEB)
Christene from London, Canada
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. Isaiah 9:6, ESV
Maureen, UT
For He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
Psalm 91:11 NIV
Mary Anne
Osler,SK, Canada
1John 5:14-15
Now this is the confidence we have before Him:
Whenever we ask anything according to His will He hears us.
And if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked Him for.
HCSB
Sandy from Vienna, VA
Commit your way to the Lord, trust alsoin Him and He will bring it to pass.
Psalm 37:5 (NIV)
Danita, Lake in the Hills, IL
Hebrews 13:21 ESV
[May the God of peace] equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen