Praise Posts 2022 - #10 – Thankful for The Will of God

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT

 

I must end this year’s Praise Posts with this scripture; because for me it epitomizes the definition of Thanksgiving. In every circumstance we are in, we can find an opportunity to be thankful.

 

Maybe we’re down to just being thankful we are breathing. I guarantee there are those who would love to breathe!

 

Actually, for the Christian the whole point is this: You are exactly where God wants you to be in the present moment.

 

That truth may be a tough pill to swallow because sometimes we wish we were anywhere but here.

 

God has a purpose for us right where we are. He is working all things for our good. He is molding and making us each day more like the image of Christ.

 

And in His timing, we are going to look back and see how He brought us through this journey. Every. Step. Of. The. Way.

 

Thanks for stopping by my Journey. I pray a blessed season of thankfulness for you, both now and throughout the Christmas season.

 

The Journey will be quiet through the month of December; though I may pop in and repost a few Because He Came Advent posts here and there.

 

I will begin posting new content in January of 2023. I’m excited for this time of seeking God and preparing for the next leg of the Journey.

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy. 

Previous Post: Thankful Dead Things Can Be Resurrected

I'm linking to Inspire Me Monday

Praise Posts 2022 - #9 – Thankful Dead Things Can Be Resurrected

 

Thus says the Lord God to these bones, ‘Behold, I will cause breath to enter you that you may come to life. Ezekiel 37:5 New American Standard Bible 1995

I have long loved the 37^th chapter of Ezekiel. The story of the dry bones coming back to life is thrilling to my imagination. How I would have loved to have been there and witnessed this scene come back to life!

 

But the truth is, I can still see things come to life even now. Is there a dream I thought was dead? If it was a God-given dream, it can be resuscitated.

 

When God asked Ezekiel if the valley of dry bones could live again, Ezekiel was non-committal. “Only You know,” but God wanted Ezekiel’s cooperation. We all know God spoke and creation began; but this time, God told Ezekiel to speak, first to the bones who then connected and fleshed out; but were still dead. Then he was to speak to the breath, who came into the bones and made them come to life standing on their feet like a great army. Finally, Ezekiel was to go to the Children of Israel and tell them their dream of becoming a restored nation was going to come to pass. And when it did, they would know it was the Lord who had caused it to happen.

 

Sometimes our calling seems as dead as dry bones. It’s time to speak God’s word to it. You have what Ezekiel didn’t have - the written word of God. The promises of God all collected in one place for you to use.  But you must believe:

 

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 New American Standard 1995

 

Welcome to Praise Posts 2022!

 

In the midst of the crazy world we live, I’m more grateful than ever for the Word of God. Scripture gives me a firm foundation to stand upon when everything else seems shaky. It seems each day I crave His Word even more, and it speaks to me even more plainly than it ever has.

 

With that in mind, I’ve decided to make this year’s Praise Posts all about scripture. Beginning November 14 and running through November 24, I am planning to pick out 10 scriptures that meant the most to me in 2022 and do a Praise Post each day on one of them. I hope you’ll join me each day by posting one of your favorite scriptures in the comment section.

 

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy.

Previous Post - Thankful I'm Being Transformed

Praise Posts 2022 - #8 – Thankful I’m Being Transformed

 

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 New Living Translation

 

If there ever was a time to change the way we think, I believe it is now. It seems the world has gone crazy. I certainly don’t want to do things the way my culture thinks I should.

 

Changing the way I think is not easy; but God has provided a way for me to do so by making His Word available. I’m so thankful for the Word! What would I ever do without it? How would I know what God is like? What pleases Him? What He expects from me? What provisions He has made for me?

 

All those things – and more – are found between the pages of the Holy Bible.

 

I do have to put effort into changing the way I think. I need to replace worldly thoughts with scripture. How can I do that if I don’t know what scripture says?

 

Most importantly, spending time talking with our Creator, hearing biblical preaching, and fellowshipping with the saints changes our point of view like nothing else.

 

 

 

Welcome to Praise Posts 2022!

 

In the midst of the crazy world we live, I’m more grateful than ever for the Word of God. Scripture gives me a firm foundation to stand upon when everything else seems shaky. It seems each day I crave His Word even more, and it speaks to me even more plainly than it ever has.

 

With that in mind, I’ve decided to make this year’s Praise Posts all about scripture. Beginning November 14 and running through November 24, I am planning to pick out 10 scriptures that meant the most to me in 2022 and do a Praise Post each day on one of them. I hope you’ll join me each day by posting one of your favorite scriptures in the comment section.

 

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy.

Previous Post: Thankful I'm Called by Name 

 I'm linking to Tell His Story and InstaEncouragements Link-up

Praise Posts 2022 - #7 – Thankful I’m Called By Name

But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel,
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name; you are Mine!
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,
Nor will the flame burn you.
Isaiah 43:1-2 New American Standard Bible 1995

 

Such richness in Isaiah! Here we see God speaks to us as both Creator and Redeemer. He is personally invested in us – He calls us by name.

 

Yes, this is written to the children of Israel; but when we accept Him as our Savior, we became part of Abraham’s seed as well, and we, too, are heirs to the promises of God.*

 

I’m so thankful to serve a God who is a personal God – I’m not just one of the masses. He knows me by name, and He even knows how many hairs are on my head.**

 

What’s even more comforting, God promises to be with me in the toughest of circumstances. Whether it’s flame or flood, He promises to be with us.

 

What more could we ask?

*Galatians 3:8-9, 29 

** Luke 12:7

Welcome to Praise Posts 2022!
 
In the midst of the crazy world we live, I’m more grateful than ever for the Word of God. Scripture gives me a firm foundation to stand upon when everything else seems shaky. It seems each day I crave His Word even more, and it speaks to me even more plainly than it ever has.
 
With that in mind, I’ve decided to make this year’s Praise Posts all about scripture. Beginning November 14 and running through November 24, I am planning to pick out 10 scriptures that meant the most to me in 2022 and do a Praise Post each day on one of them. I hope you’ll join me each day by posting one of your favorite scriptures in the comment section.

 

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy.

 
Previous Post: Thankful for Home

I'm linking up with Inspire Me Monday

.Praise Posts 2022 - #6 – Thankful for Home

But I’m in the very presence of God—
oh, how refreshing it is!
I’ve made Lord God my home.
God, I’m telling the world what you do!
Psalm 73:28 The Message

 

If you have visited the Journey any length of time over the years, you know how much I cherish home, both here and my forever Home. So, when I ran across this scripture, the words, “I’ve made Lord God my home,” leaped off the page to me. I loved it so much, I immediately put it on my letter board and displayed it on my TV stand. (I mean… it’s sad to say, but we DO look there a lot!)

 

Other translations say I’ve made the Lord my shelter or my refuge. In other words, seeking Him and His presence is the first thing you do when you start your day and you’re ready to face the world. Running to Him when you need comfort, when you’re done for the day, when you don’t feel accepted or understood is just like returning to your haven after a grinding day out in the world.

 

Think about it:  When tough stuff happens, or you’re tired and worn out, you can’t wait to get home, kick your shoes off, change into something comfy and recharge your batteries. Spiritually speaking, it’s the same thing for the Christ-follower. In addition to a dwelling with a door you can close shutting out the world, you have a Father to go to for comfort and rest.

 

Believe me, He understands how the world wears on the soul. He can whisper just the right words to sustain and comfort.

 

And once we have been refreshed and able to go out into the world again, it’s our job to let everyone know what God does for us.

 

 

 

 Welcome to Praise Posts 2022!

 

In the midst of the crazy world we live, I’m more grateful than ever for the Word of God. Scripture gives me a firm foundation to stand upon when everything else seems shaky. It seems each day I crave His Word even more, and it speaks to me even more plainly than it ever has.

 

With that in mind, I’ve decided to make this year’s Praise Posts all about scripture. Beginning November 14 and running through November 24, I am planning to pick out 10 scriptures that meant the most to me in 2022 and do a Praise Post each day on one of them. I hope you’ll join me each day by posting one of your favorite scriptures in the comment section.

 

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy.

Previous Post: Thankful for Flourishing

I'm sharing this at Grace & Truth

Praise Posts 2022 - #5 – Thankful for Flourishing

 

For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own house.
    They flourish in the courts of our God.
Even in old age they will still produce fruit;
    they will remain vital and green.

Psalm 92:13-14 New Living Translation

The above scripture comes from Psalm 92 which is entitled “A Song for the Sabbath Day. How appropriate to give reasons for showing up at God’s House.

 

I love knowing we can be productive all our lives - and I love the idea of being planted in the house of the Lord. (I’m a church girl from way back. My mom carried me to church from the age of 2 weeks on.)

 

To be planted and flourishing means the roots must take hold. Also, if you are planted, you’re not moving from place to place. People can come back and find you where you’ve always been – a part of the spiritual landscape, if you will.

 

For example, as long as Grandma Effie was alive, I could always attend my home church and find her sitting in the second row, piano side. Only hospitalization or death kept her from being there.

 

I could also count on her giving a praise at testimony time. Every time.

 

The word “flourishing” struck a chord with me. I looked it up in the original language and it basically means two things: to bloom or blossom abundantly; and also, to make fly, as in extending the wings.

 

What a word picture! As I’m planted at God’s house, I can bloom and give off the sweet aroma of Christ. (See 2 Corinthians 2:14)

I can also soar like an eagle (see yesterday’s post) because my roots have given me wings in growing in my calling, in my knowledge of Him, in my journey of becoming more Christlike.

 

If I stay planted, I’m promised to bear fruit, to be vital and green (or growing). For this worshipper in the middle of her sixties, it brings me joy to know and claim this promise.

 

So, there you have it. The secret to being fresh and flourishing in your old age: staying connected to the Vine. It’s your choice.

 

 

Welcome to Praise Posts 2022!

 

In the midst of the crazy world we live, I’m more grateful than ever for the Word of God. Scripture gives me a firm foundation to stand upon when everything else seems shaky. It seems each day I crave His Word even more, and it speaks to me even more plainly than it ever has.

 

With that in mind, I’ve decided to make this year’s Praise Posts all about scripture. Beginning November 14 and running through November 24, I am planning to pick out 10 scriptures that meant the most to me in 2022 and do a Praise Post each day on one of them. I hope you’ll join me each day by posting one of your favorite scriptures in the comment section.

 

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy.

Previous Post: Thankful to Rise Up

I'm Linking up with Grace & Truth

Praise Posts 2022 - #4 – Thankful to Rise Up

But those who wait for the Lord’s help find renewed strength;
they rise up as if they had eagles’ wings,
they run without growing weary,
they walk without getting tired.

Isaiah 40:31 New English Translation

Look at those two words, RISE UP. The other day the thought came to me that God's people will not stay down, they will rise up, if they wait on Him.
 
I don’t know about you, but I often get into a big hurry and foolishly act without thinking – much less praying – about the consequences.

I don’t want to react anymore; I want to wait on God’s help. After all, if He created the entire universe, He knows a thing or two. Why wouldn’t I wait for His guidance and wisdom?
 
Also, this verse addresses our weaknesses. We are powerless without the help of the Lord; but after waiting on Him, we get new strength.
 
Notice this scripture references eagles. Bald eagles monitored by tracking devices have been found to travel 100 to 125 miles in a single flight. (Quora) 

This is thought to be the equivalent of a 4-6 hour trip. I can’t even make a road trip without stopping every 2 hours. But God promises if I wait on Him, He will empower me to go and go! Not only will I be able to go and do what He wants me to do, He also promises I won’t get tired and weary.
 
Could it mean if I’m approaching burnout, I’m doing something I didn’t wait on God’s approval to proceed? (This may be a subject for a later post)
 
I am thankful for this promise. If I put in the hard work of waiting and listening for His voice to signal when to step out, my reward is strength and the ability to rise above what the world offers.
 
Seems like a no-brainer to me.

Welcome to Praise Posts 2022!
 
In the midst of the crazy world we live, I’m more grateful than ever for the Word of God. Scripture gives me a firm foundation to stand upon when everything else seems shaky. It seems each day I crave His Word even more, and it speaks to me even more plainly than it ever has.
 
With that in mind, I’ve decided to make this year’s Praise Posts all about scripture. Beginning November 14 and running through November 24, I am planning to pick out 10 scriptures that meant the most to me in 2022 and do a Praise Post each day on one of them. I hope you’ll join me each day by posting one of your favorite scriptures in the comment section.

 

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy.

Previous Post: Thankful for Enduring Fruit 

 Today, I'm linking with Grace at Home and Tune In Thursday

Seed-Sower

 

NOVEMBER 24

But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience. Luke 8:15 NKJV

“But the seed in the good earth—these are the good-hearts who seize the Word and hold on no matter what, sticking with it until there’s a harvest. Luke 8:15 MSG

The seed that fell into good, fertile soil represents those lovers of truth who hear it deep within their hearts. They respond by clinging to the word, keeping it dear as they endure all things in faith. This is the seed that will one day bear much fruit in their lives.” Luke 8:15 TPT

Today, I'm praising God for the Parable of the Sower.

In recent months, I decided my life's work was to be a blessing hunter; sharing encouragement and the good news of a Shepherd who is interesting in all the details of our lives, both big and small.

Now, I want to add seed-sower to blessing hunter. I want to cling to the Word yet share it as well. I know wherever the Word goes, it will not come back void; but accomplish what the Lord wants.

My first order of business is know the Word; because how can I share it, if I don't know it? Then I must seize it, or take hold of it, and begin sowing it whenever possible. Fruitfulness is promised if I don't give up.

What can I do with my life that would be anymore worthwhile than being a seed-sower?

I used to dream of accomplishing great things; but now what fills me with passion is to be counted as a faithful servant of Christ. His "well done," will mean more than any earthly prize.

Praise Posts 2021 are all about praising God for scriptures that are meaningful to me. Currently throughout November,  I'm sharing a scripture that sparks gratitude.

I'm linking this post to Let's Have Coffee and Grace & Truth and Inspire Me Monday

Changing My Thinking

NOVEMBER 10

I am giving God praise for Romans 12:2. 

It's no secret in 2021 I have been fascinated with The Passion Translation, and it doesn't disappoint when it comes to Romans 12:2.

Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.

It all boils down to our thinking.

I admit I'm fascinated by the phrase, "reformation." I looked it up and reformation means "making changes to something with the intention of setting it back on the right path."

How I think needs to be set back on the right path.  A path not determined by the culture surrounding me; because I think you would agree there is some messed-up thinking in the world surrounding us.

And how do we renew our minds? I think the whole chapter of Romans 12 helps us see things differently. We see we are one body working together in unity. We see how we are to treat one another; and at the end, Paul admonishes us to overcome evil with good. 

We don't get even. We don't payback. We look for something good to do.

For the next few days, my Praise Posts will be all about how we think. Do you have a favorite scripture you set your mind upon? Please share!