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
Sherry, Deer Park
Psalm 143:9-10
Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God, may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. NIV
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garde of Eden to work it and take care of it”.
Genesis2:15 (NIV)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 NIV
Johnnie, Wake Forest, NC
” … Be still and know that I am God . … ”
Psalm 46:10
Jane Mattox from Lubbock, Texas:”Judge not, that you not be judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” Matthew 7:1-2 NKJV
” For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of sound mind”. 2Timothy1:7 (NIV)
Julia, Flower Mound, TX
Psalm 92:1-2
It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night.
NIV
“create in me a clean heart O God and put a new and right spirit within me”
Psalm 51:10 ( NIV)
Mary from Columbia PA
1 Peter 3:8 (NLT)
Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.
“But Jesus said to them, take courage. It is I don’t be afraid”
Matthew 14:22 (NIV)
Melissa, Nicholasville, KY
“The Lord says,’I will make my people strong with power from me!…Wherever they go, they will be under my personal care.'” Zechariah 10:12 (TLB)
“.. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace, loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit , impartial and sincere.”
James 3:17 (NIV)
“For a child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NAS
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”
Romans 15:13 ( NRSV)
Elaine ~ Powder Springs ~ Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.
(Psalm 86:11 ESV)
Cindy~ Houston
” Love one another as I have loved you. So you must love one another”.. John 21:15 (NIV)
Lori, Toledo Ohio
Corth 15:57 (NIV)
“But thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
“Taste and see that The Lord is good! How blessed is the one who takes shelter in Him!
Psalm 34:8 (The NET Bible)
Tami KC, MO
John 1:14 ESV
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Lynette – Aurora, CO – Romans 8:28 MSG
We can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
Terri, Papua New Guinea. “The Lord will keep you from all harm–He will watch over your life;” Psalm 121:7, NIV.
Missy S, Chapel Hill, NC
“But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.” ~ Psalm 69:13 (ESV)
Instead you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will that I shall live, I will do this or that.” James 4:15
Shannon, Tyler, Tx Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely whatever is of good repute, if
there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these
things. Philippians 4:8 NASB
Kim, Nashville, TN,
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 18:2 (ESV)
Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name. Malachi 3:16 NIV
Lacy, Eugene. “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22,23 NIV
Dawn
Dallas, GA
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him,rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
Col. 2:6-7 NIV
What a glorious hope — complete and utter destruction of the devil’s works in the here and now!! Glory to our GREAT GOD. Thankful for this word of truth, and the encouragement it brings to me in the midst of life’s circumstances.
Angie W. from Liberty, MO: Depend on the LORD in whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3 NCV
Ceffie, Bridgeport, WV Psalm 40:2-3 He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay and He set my feet upon a rock making my foot steps firm. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.
W.Richland
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.
1 Peter 5:10 NIV
Leigh, Montgomery: “You’re blessed when you show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.” Matthew 5:9 MSG
Lakeisha, Mays Landing NJ
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. Psalm 57:3 NIV
Lakeisha, Mays Landing NJ
Oops, that’s Psalm 56:3
Janet, Bellevue, NE
In that day the heir to David’s throne will be a banner of salvation to all the world. The nations will rally to him, and the land where he lives will be a glorious place.
Isaiah 11:10 NLT
Rita – Alva, Florida
“Then if my people who are called by name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14- NLT
Lisa, Huntsville, AL:
You are to be holy to me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own. – Lev. 20:26 NIV 84
Nell, Gallatin
Psalm 46:10 ESV
“Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Deborah, Hartsville,SC; “One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to meditate in His temple.” -Psalm 27:4 NASB
Julia, Whidbey Island, WA: “Hope anchors the soul.” Heb.6:19 (NLT)
Diana, North Attleboro, MA
I wait for Yahweh; I wait and put my hope in His word.
Psalm 130:5 (HCSB)
Laura, Englewood. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Psalm 139:23(NIV84)
Linda Jewell
Sedona, AZ
Lamentations 3:55-57 NIV
I called on Your name, Lord, from the depths of the pit.
You heard my plea: “Do not close Your ears to my cry for relief.”
You came near when I called You, and You said, “Do not fear.”
Melissa, Augusta, GA
Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on earth below. There is no other.
Deuteronomy 4:39, NIV
Quita from Trenton,Tx
KJV
Ps.70:4
Let all those that seek thee
rejoice and be glad in thee
and let such as love thy salvation
say continually,
Let God be magnified!
“Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.” Psalm 119:67
Suzy – Orlando, FL
Catching up from November!
He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
Psalm 129:3-5
Debbie
Olathe, KS- “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.”
Psalm 139:23 (NIV 1984)
Lynn – Orlando, FL
Nov. 1 & 15 and Dec 1
He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
Psalm 129:3-5 (NIV)
” with God all things are possible”
Matthew 9:26(NIV)
For nothing is impossible with God. ” (Luke 1:37 NLT)
Natalie Dawes, Calgary, AB, Canada
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purposes.
Rom. 8:28 (NIV)
Melissa, Fort Worth, TX-“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, And saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (NASB)
Joan G, Allentown PA Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered; Romans 4:7 NKJV
Jill E., Export, PA
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Romans 14:19 NIV
Amy
Birmingham, AL
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
John 15:11 (NIV)
Marilyn Odessa, FL
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8 NIV
Jean ~ Lebanon, Tennessee
“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