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
Laura H., O’Fallon, MO. “Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29 NIV
Debbie Christopher
Spartanburg SC
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
1John 4:10 NIV
Kathy, Syracuse, NY
Galatians 6:9
New Living Translation (NLT)
9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
Stacey in Mount Pleasant, SC
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Gal 6:9 NIV
Glo in Houston says:
Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in
the way of evil men.
Proverbs 4:14 (TAB)
Catherine ~ Grants Pass, OR
“The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:10 (NIV)
Kathi Nitzsche, Lexington, Ohio
I Peter 3:3 NLT
Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes.
Isaiah 9:6 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.
NIV
Debra, Many, La.
“Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”
Ecclesiastes 5:2 (NIV)
Melisa
Waco, Texas
“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God.”
Ephesians 6: 16-17 (NIV)
Bev van Vuuren – South Africa – Psalm 71:23 – My lips shout for joy, when I sing praise to You – I, whom you have redeemed. (NIV)
Esther, Jonesborough, TN. John 17:17 (ESV). Sanctify them in the truth; your Word is truth.
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.”
Hebrews 12:28(NIV)
sorry so late w/ this post..& I even had this verse Thanksgiving before the 1st this time. 🙂
Sherree from Mansfield, TX
Psalm 119:18 TEV
“Open my eyes, so that I may see the wonderful truths in your law.”
Marcia, Fulton, MO
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness.”
Amy Coxhead Fort Collins Colorado
Nehemiah 8:10, NIV
NEHEMIAH SAID GO AND ENJOY CHOICE FOOD AND SWEET DRINKS AND SEND SOME TO THOSE WHO HAVE NOTHING PREPARED. THIS DAY IS HOLY TO OUR LORD. DO NOT GRIEVE FOR THE JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH.
Stephanie McKenzie
Red Deer, Alberta
Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. (Proverbs 13:10 NIV)
This is love; not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
1 John 4:10 NIV
Debbie, Rochester, MN
I have written to you who are God’s children
because you know the Father.
I have written to you who are mature in the faith
because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
I have written to you who are young in the faith
because you are strong.
God’s word lives in your hearts,
and you have won your battle with the evil one.
1 John 2:14 NLT
Rebecca, Louisa, VA: For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. ~ II Chronicles chapter sixteen verse nine.
Lorraine
Marysville, Washington
You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
Isaiah 26:3 NKJV
Jennie Freeman from Long Creek, Oregon. “From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:16,17 NIV
Lou Ann Smith, McAllen, TX
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
Christy L., Royal Palm Beach, FL
The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord. (Lamentations 3:25, 26 NLT)
Heather Louisville, KY
“Blessed is anyone who endures temptation such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that The Lord has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12 (NRSV)
Mindy from Austin, TX “I run in the path of Your commands, for You have set my heart free.” Psalm 119:32 NIV
Leanne, Billings, MT
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7
Psalm 27:13
What would have become of me had I not believed that I would see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living.
Debbie, Marion, IN. ” Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” Psalm 139:23 NIV
Peggy – Bangor, Maine
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
Psalm 105:4 NIV
Kelei Liggett. Iowa Park, Texas. Eph. 3:20 NIV
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or Imagine, according to His power that is at work within us…
Karon from Canton, NC
And my soul shall rejoice in the Lord; It shall exult in His salvation.
Psalm 35:9 NASB
Jennifer, Monroe, GA
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Psalm 91:1-2 NIV
Cathy Morris Sedona, AZ Ph 4:12 NIV
“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.”
April -Pittsburgh, PA
Hebrews 10:36 NIV
But we are not those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.
Rhonda, Houston –
“When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” Psalm 94:19 ESV
Isaiah 9:2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. NIV
Andrea Dublin OH
1st John 4:4
First John 4:4 NIV
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer Olmstead
Janesville, WI
Albuquerque, MM
Psalm 23:4-6
“Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me: thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou annoinest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever”. KJV
Paula, Houston, TX
Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew11:28, NKJV
Bethany, Frisco, TX
Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV)
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
Alicia, Riverton, Utah
Psalm 31:14, ESV, “But I trust in you, oh Lord; I say, “You are my God.”
Billie, Greenville, KY “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 ESV
Leah, Houston
Romans 12:12-13 (NIV84)
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Psalm36:5-7 The Message
God’s love is meteoric,
His loyalty astronomic,
His purpose titanic,
His verdicts oceanic.
Yet in His largeness nothing gets lost;
Not a man, not a mouse slips through the cracks.
Patti, Shalimar, FL, “Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.” Psalms 62:5 (NLT)
Beth C., Huntsville, AL
Colossians 3:16 (NIV)
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
Kathleen, Tallahassee, FL:
Lift up your heads, O gates,
And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
That the King of glory may come in!
Who is the King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle.
Psalm 24:7&8 (NASB)
Ruth, goose creek, 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.
1 John 3:8 ESV
Andrea, Gardendale
Galatians 2:20 NIV
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.