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)Ā
Let’s toast to that.
Tags: Scripture Memory 2013
Holly from Alpharetta, GA
“Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.”
Psalm 119: 35-36 TNIV
If anyone wants to hear a sermon my pastor Andy Stanley taught last week on these verses, you can check it out here: http://rightintheeye.org/good-at-looking/ It was encouraging and convicting.
Lauren from Conyers, GA
The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to get angry, full of unfailing love.
Psalm 145:8 NLT
Colleen, Glen Elly, IL
And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.
Matthew 7:27 ESV
Laura Hagedorn, Wausau, WI., Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinnersāof whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:15-16 (NIV)
Tracy F.
Lake St. Louis, Missouri
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
1 Timothy 6:17-19
NIV
Lynda in Ocala, FL: My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. Luke 1:46-48 NIV
Alison from Southport, NC. “And there were in the same country, shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Luke 2:8-10. KJV.
Danielle from Cedar Park, TX
And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
Daniel 12:3 (ESV)
Patty B, Marysville, OH. The Lord will protect you from all harm; He will protect your life. The Lord will protect your coming and going both now and forever. (Psalms 121:7, 8 HCSB)
Joan (Coppell, TX): Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:13-16 NIV 1984
Beth P, Roswell, GA
“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, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 KJV
Shaci-Aztec, New Mexico
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. (Psalm 130:5 NIV)
Glennell; Buda, Tx.
Psalm 51:11-12 (NIV)
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Martha, Georgetown, TX, NLT Jeremiah 29:12, In those days when you pray, I will listen.”
Martha from Corpus Christi
Above all, love one each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 NIV
Jackie UK
Joshua 3 verse 5
NKJV
And Joshua said to the people,
‘Sanctify yourselves,
for tomorrow
The Lord will do wonders among you.’
Alta Blake, In.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
Psalm 139:14 NKJV
God showed his great love for by sending Christ.
Romans 5:8
Jennifer
Lexington, KY
Proverbs 9:8 (NIV)
“So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you.”
Liz, Bloomfield: “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed, I will make good. Salvation comes from the Lord” (Jonah 2:8-9, NIV ’84).
Esther, (not the Queen variety) Lancaster, PA
Habakkuk 3:2(MSG)
God, Iāve heard what our ancestors say about You, and Iām 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.
Isaiah 33;2 “Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.” NIV
Sharon, St. Louis. Psalms 138:8 NLT
The Lord will work out his plans for my lifeā
for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.
Donāt abandon me, for you made me.
Nicole Turnquist from Selden, N Y
Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.
Daniel 12:3 (NIV)
Kara C, Aurora, Il
1 John 1:7 (NIV)
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
Tammy, Gravette, AR
So let us know, let us press on to know the Lord.
His going forth is as certain as the dawn; And He
will come to us like the rain, like the spring rain
watering the earth. Hosea 6:3 ESV
Anita; Purcellville, VA
On the contrary, we speak as men
approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.
We are not trying to please men but God,
who tests our hearts.
1 Thessalonians 2:4 NIV84
Michelle, Houston, “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 NIV
Michele,
Rockmart, GA
Now may the God of hope fill your with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
NKJV
“I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.” Psalm 130:5 (NIV)
Poorna Diaz
Reston, Va.
Sarah, Montrose, CO:
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10 (ESV)
Lori, Friendswood, TX
“I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders.” Psalm 9:1 (NAS)
Sherry Youngblood Jay, OK
I, I am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins. Isaiah 43:25 (ESV)
Phyllis, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
I John 3:8 ESV
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.
Janell ~ Frisco, TX The Word gave life to everything that was created,and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:4-5 NLT
Rosalye
Vicksburg, MS
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Gal. 6:2
ESV
from Stanley, WI
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. I John 4:9
Julie/Deer Park,TX/ 1 Peter 5:6 NIV Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.
Kerry from Houston, TX:
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me.
John 10:14 NET
Peggy, Corpus Christi, TX
She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus,
because He will save His people from their sins.ā Matthew 1:21 (HCSB)
Whitney from Russellville, TN
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:17. TNIV
Psalms 24-1. The earth is the lord’s, and the fullness thereof;the world, and they that dwell therein.
Jody from Traverse City, MI
But you, (wo)man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
~1 Timothy 6:11 (NIV)
Jessica from Clare, MI
But you, (wo)man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
~1 Timothy 6:11 (NIV)
Judy from Gladwin, MI
But you, (wo)man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
~1 Timothy 6:11 (NIV)
Elaine, Jefferson, GA
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth. (Deuteronomy 11:18-21 NIV)
Amanda, Chandler AZ
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
Revelation 3:20, ESV
Diane from Littleton, CO
Psalm 54:4 NIV
Surely God is my help;
the Lord is the One Who sustains me.
Debbie Weaver, Cumming, Ga.
“Direct me in the path of Your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward Your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to Your Word.” Psalm 119:35-37
J.J. Ehr, Longmont, CO.
Psalm 130:5 NIV
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.