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
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lam. 3:22-23, ESV
Elizabeth, Gainesville, GA
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His Word has no place in our lives. My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense–Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”
I John 1:8-2:2, NIV
Lynchburg, VA
James 1:5 (ESV)
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
jackie from MO
Ps 63:4 NIV
I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
Gina, Tulsa
Keep on loving each other as brothers. Hebrews 13:1 NIV
Molly, Gainesville, GA
“to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.”
Ephesians 1:12 NASB
Annette B.- Reno, NV
For my eyes have seen your salvation.
Luke 2:30 NIV
Waxahachie, Texas
Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is he Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
“The eternal God is your refuge,
and underneath are the everlasting arms”……
Deut 33:27
NKJV
Cherilyn M., Colfax NC
I will lie down and sleep peacefully, for you, Lord, make me safe and secure.
Psalm 4:8 NET
Jenna, Kansas City
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 2 Corinthians 2:14-15
Dana, Pace, FL
He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace.
Micah 5:4-5 NIV
Kerre, Chattanooga, Tn. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29 NIV
SSMT #23 & 24: (23) Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. (24)Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalm 139:23-24 NIV
Dawn – Pampa, TX
When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.”
Genesis 28:16 NIV
Joelle, Abilene, TX
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory,
are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory,
which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
(2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV)
Cindy Gandy
Hazlehurst, MS
Luke 2:10-12 KJV
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Ange & Bitsy Girl, Idaho: The Word became human and lived here with us and we saw His Sh’khinah (glory) John 1:14 (CEV)
Beth, Robinson, TX
“My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.”
Psalm 62:7 NIV
Galatians 6:5
New International Version (NIV)
5 for each one should carry their own load.
RACHELLE, Cedar Park, TX: Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. John 8:32 NIV
Becky Peurifoy, longview, tx PHIL 4:13 NIV
I CAN DO EVERYTHING THROUGH HIM WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH.
Melisa
Waco, Texas
“And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)
Becky from Highland Village, Tx
Trust in The Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5 new living translation
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (!!) Ephesians 4:16-19 NIV
Carmela, Forney TX: “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in times opast unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son whom He hath appointed heir of allt hings, by whom also He made the worlds.” Heb 1:1-2 KJV
Cottonwood, CA
“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Phil. 1:9-11 NASB
Heidi b. round rock tx
But the angel said to her,”Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.”
Carol
Carthage, NY
And there were shepherds living out in the fields near by, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
Luke 2::8-10 NIV 84
Col 1: 16-17
For by Him all things were created both in the heavens and on the earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities- all things have been made by Him and for Him and He is before all things and in Him all things hold together.
Anita
Justin, TX
Deut. 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.
Donna
Ponder, TX
Alicia, Gulfport, MS
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Psalm 139:23 NIV
Laura
San Antonio, TX
James 5:19-20 NASB
“My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth, and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death, and will cover a multitude of sins.”
“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
Colossians 4:2-6 (NKJV)
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9
Lisa S, Plano TX
12.01.2013
Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Rachel, Jackson, TN
“Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” Eph 5:17, NIV
Judy, Marietta says: “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:16 NLT
Lori from St. Catharines, ON
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5 NIV
Michele Albert, Naperville, Illinois
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV
Keaton Lovell McCurtain, OK
Revelation 1:8 NIV
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
“Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it.” I Thessalonians 5:24
“Faithful is He that calleth you, Who also will do it.” I Thessalonians 5:24 KJV
Sara, Plymouth, IN
Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
-Proverbs 31:25 (NKJ)
Cory Anna, Atlanta
“For every promise from The Lord will surely come true.”
Luke 1:37 TLB
1 John 5:15 NIV
And if we know that he hears us -whatever we ask- we know that we have what we asked of him.
Matia, Fort Worth, TX
“The one who hires a fool or hires those passing by is like an archer who wounds everyone.” Proverbs 26:10 HCSB
Juliana
Livermore, CA
Psalm 16:8 NASB
I have set the Lord continually before me;
Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Liz Nashua, NH
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6 ESV
Trae Kendrick, Crawford, Texas: “I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.” Philippians 3:12-14 MSG