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
Bridget, Cadillac, MI
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thess. 5:23 nkjv
Cindy, Alton NH
! Samuel 2:9 He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness, for not by might shall a man prevail. ESV
Michele ~ Kenosha, WI
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&c
Melissa, Walla Walla, WA (Betterlatethannever)
For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.
2 Corinthians 1:20 NLT
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:9-10 (NIV)
Bambi-Houston
Of one thing I am certain: my soul has become calm, quiet, and contented in You.
Like a weaned child resting upon his mother, I am quiet.
My soul is like this weaned child.
Psalm 131:2
The Voice
Brenda from Southern Maryland
All things are possible for ones who believe. Mark 9:23 ESV
Jennifer, Fairfax VA
James 5:8 (NIV)
You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.
WOW!! I’m really late…but, here it is:
Maureen, St. Clair Shores: “When Jesus wraps this all up, it’s your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of His victory”. (1 Peter 1:7 MSG).
Donna
Franklin, TN
I’m going to borrow this because it’s perfect for Christmas time and I need to remember Jesus right now instead of the hustle and bustle!
Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)
Allie, South Pasadena CA
Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4
Suzy – Atlanta
No, in all these things we are more than conquerers through him who loved us.
Rom. 8:37 – ESV
There is none like God, who rides through the heavens to your help, through the skies in His majesty.
The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.
Deuteronomy 33:26&27 ESV
Sarah B.
Portales, NM
Luke 2:8-14 ESV
“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Rose Coulter
Orange, Tx
Romans 10:17 (NKJV)
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Peggy Hale
Mauriceville, Texas
Romans 10:17 (NKJV)
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Rose Coulter
Orange, Texas
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.
Lori, Richmond, VA
2 Corinthians 8:9
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. “
Tracy from Aurora, CO
Jeremiah 32:17=O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you! (NLT)
Riverton UT
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2 NIV)
Psalm 34:18
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those
who are crushed in spirit.
Janet, Holmes Beach, FL
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing,
but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
I Corinthians 1:18 NIV
Hannah, Lake Charles, LA
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 Councilor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isiah 9:6 NIV
Sharon, McKinney, TX
When I am afraid, I will trust in You.
Ps. 56:3
NIV
Laurin, Harrisburg, NC – “But I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation. I will sing to The Lord, for He has been good to me.” Psalm 13:5-6 NIV
Ashley Edwards, Dallas, Ga
“The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ Philip, like
Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida.”
John 1:43-44 (NIV)
Alaina // Tyler, TX
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
1 Peter 1:3 NIV
Sandy, Ft. Gibson, OK
If you depend on Him, your body and mind will be free from the strain of a sinful life, will experience healing and health and will be strengthened at the core.
Prov. 3:8 The Voice
Dana, Ashland, Ky Our help is from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 124:8 NLT
Muriel in Ontario Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)
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
Marla
Bolivar, MO
“He has told you, O man, what is good and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 ESV
“I can’t sir,” the sick woman( man)said, “for I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred up. While I’m trying to get there someone else always gets a head of me” John 5:7 NLT
Jodi, Sundown TX, ‘Leave your country and your people,’ God said, ‘and go to the land I will show you.’ Acts 7:3 NIV
Greater is he who is in you, than he who is in the world.
1 John 4:4 NASB
Allison Ashton
KJV
Psalm 139:23
“Search me oh God and know my heart: try me and know my thoughts.”
Anne, Simpsonville, SC “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.” 1John3:8 ESV
Kathy Leamington Ontario Canada
Col.3:12 Therefore as Gods chosen people holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, generosity, and patience.
Rebecca Stewart
Julian, NC
“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.”
John 3:8 ESV
(Love this verse…very timely for me.)
Cheryl Couperus, Redlands, CA:
Job 19:25 (NIV)
“I know that my Redeemer lives, and in the end he will stand upon the earth.”
How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me?
Ps. 116:12 (NIV)
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt so that you may know how to answer everyone. Col. 4:6 NIV
Lori from Athens, Ga.:
Luke 1:32-33 (NIV)
“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High God. The Lord God will make him a king like his father David of long ago. He will rule forever over his people, who came from Jacob’s family. His kingdom will never end.”
Deena from Amarillo, Texas
“And his name will be the hope
of all the world.” Matthew 12:21 NLT
Jacie from Amarillo, Texas
“And his name will be the hope
of all the world.” Matthew 12:21 NLT
Rebecca, Hallsville, TX
“Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:13-14 KJV
Laura, Katy, TX
1Peter 5:10-11. And the God of all grace, who called you to His Eternal Glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen! NIV
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
James 5:16 NIV
Jen Evans Seville Ohio Luke 2:10-11 NIV 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
Valerie, Clinton, Me
“My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.” Proverbs 23:26
Patti, Clemmons,NC
“No, the Father Himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.”
John 16:27 NIV
“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.
Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV)