As Close as our Skin

 

Those who trust in the Lord are as secure as Mount Zion;
    they will not be defeated but will endure forever.
Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem,
    so the Lord surrounds his people, both now and forever.

... Psalm 125:1-2 NLT

 

Father,

 

I love the idea we are as secure as a mountain – which seems pretty fixed and immovable – but I love even more the idea of You surrounding your people forever.

 

The other day, I heard on a podcast that the idea of You being with us everywhere we go could be likened to the fact that You are as close as our skin. Your presence covers our skin. Pondering that thought blew my mind. Your presence on our skin could definitely be called being surrounded.

 

Why worry? Why fret?

 

Why not believe the outcome of every struggle we go through will end up being good? 

You are the God of the impossible. If we believe You delivered the 3 Hebrew Children from the fiery furnace, Daniel from a lion’s den, Jonah from the belly of a great fish, Paul from the bite of a deadly serpent, why can’t we believe You will make our lives matter and our ministries count? Why can’t we trust You to save every last member of our families?

 

We believe in You. We know You are all-powerful, all-knowing and present everywhere. There is nothing You can’t do.

 

We love You forever, in Jesus’ name, so be it, amen.

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

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Thanks for dropping by the Journey! I want to always share my post, A Ticket Home, for those who might not know the way Home.

I'm sharing this prayer at Let's Have Coffee

Mercy Nipping at my Heels

 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me 

All the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

 Psalm 23:6 New King James Version

 Father,

 

It occurred to me that all this time, I’ve been focusing on the goodness part chasing me down. You know, like good things happening, God bringing Romans 8:28 into play, always working out what seems to be a bad situation and turning it for my good.

 

But today, I thought about the mercy part. Mercy is chasing me down to give me undeserved favor. Mercy is bringing forgiveness my way because forgiveness is in mercy’s DNA. What if mercy is nipping at my heels to cover my mess-ups? When I make a mistake, is mercy working things out so the damage is minimal? Is it actually turning the mistake into a good thing for someone in my circle? Is it paving the way for God to bring about something better all because I flubbed up?

 

What an awesome plan! How good You are to us, God! Never in a million years could we ever come up with plans as good as Yours. We worship Your brilliance and Your goodness.

 

Now, Lord, today, I ask You to open our eyes and let us see Your working out of mercy and goodness in our lives. Bless my friends, Father, abundantly with Your love, protection and guidance. Make them fruitful and fulfilled in every way.

 

In Jesus’ name, so be it, amen.

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Dear readers, I'm so happy to pop in with a prayer for you. I miss blogging so much. I've determined to resume sharing prayers with you as much as I can. In 2025, my work schedule will be lightened, and I hope to be able to share more content.

I'm further along with my goal of working with my writing coach on my novel. I'm now officially half way! I am so thankful for the inspiration God has given me, and the instruction from my writing coach. I'm working with the fabulous Adrienne Ross, founder of Adrienne Ross Communications, and author of Push Your Way to Purpose. She is a true blessing in my life.

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

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Thanks for dropping by the Journey! I want to always share my post, A Ticket Home, for those who might not know the way Home.

I'm sharing this prayer at these awesome sites: 

I am so thankful for bloggers like Patsy Burnette with  InstaEncouragment Link-Up, Joanne Viola with Let's Have Coffee, Maree Dee with Grace & Truth, and Paula Short with Sweet Tea & Friends Monthly Link Up, who offer a place for us to share our work and where we can meet other writers. Thank You!

He Watches Our Coming and Going

The Lord keeps you from all harm
    and watches over your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you                              as you come and go,
    both now and forever. 

Psalm 121:7-8 New Living Translation

 

Father,

 

I am so thankful You watch over our lives. You even promise to do it forever!

 

Scripture also says You watch in our coming and going. Father, we thank You for Your protection. I believe You keep us from harm’s way as we drive the many miles we must go each day. Yes, we have had fender benders, but we’ve always come out relatively unscathed.

 

Please guard us from every evil. We don’t always know what to look for, but You do. Keep the enemy from ambushing us!

 

Travel with us today on our journey Home, in Jesus’ name we pray, so be it, amen.

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

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Thanks for dropping by the Journey! I want to always share my post, A Ticket Home, for those who might not know the way Home.

I'm sharing this prayer at InstaEncouragements Link-Up and Let's Have Coffee

A Prayer for Living Loved

 

And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:18-19 New Living Translation

 

Father,

 

I praise You for this love You have for us. I don’t understand it at all, but Your word says once we experience it, we will be made complete.

 

I long for that! I long for us to be full of life and power that will show the world the greatness of God.

 

I also love the imagery: how wide, how long, how high, and how deep Your love is. When I think about that, I imagine it as an ocean of Your love that we are swimming in. Wherever we go, we are surrounded by it. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

 

Let me and my friends live loved today. Let us not only believe it but experience it.

 

In Jesus name, so be it, amen.

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

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The above scripture is actually the verse I've chosen to pray over my family this year. I feel if each can just comprehend the depths of love Christ has for each of them, they would want to respond every day to that love.

Thanks for dropping by the Journey! I want to always share my post, A Ticket Home, for those who might not know the way Home.

I'm sharing this prayer at Grace and Truth

Forever Walking With Us

 

Psalm 121:7-8 New Living Translation
The Lord keeps you from all harm
and watches over your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,
both now and forever.

Father,

 

I am so thankful You watch over our lives. You even promise to do it forever!

 

Scripture also says You watch in our coming and going. Father, we thank You for Your protection. I believe You keep us from harm’s way as we drive the many miles we must go each day. Yes, we have had fender benders, but we’ve always come out relatively unscathed.

 

Please guard us from every evil. We don’t always know what to look for, but You do. Keep the enemy from ambushing us!

 

Walk with us today on our journey home, in Jesus’ name we pray, so be it, amen.

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

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Thanks for dropping by the Journey! I want to always share my post, A Ticket Home, for those who might not know the way Home.

I'm sharing at InstaEncouragements Link-Up and Let's Have Coffee

The Best Part of Our Efforts

 

Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
    Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
Then you will have healing for your body
    and strength for your bones.
Honor the Lord with your wealth                                    and with the best part of everything you produce.  
Proverbs 3:7-9 New Living Translation

 

Father, 

I think this scripture is telling us to be humble, give You reverence, and live a good life, and healing will naturally follow.

 

Lord, I ask that for me and my friends today. I also ask that You touch anyone who needs it with Your healing touch today. Speak the word, Lord, and I know they will be better, and we will give You all the praise.

 

I’m also struck by the last part of this passage – to give You the best part of everything we produce. To me, that doesn’t just mean money, but all the things we spend our time doing. Give You the best part of our efforts. Lord, I commit to always give You my best.

 

May You be the focus of our lives! 

In Jesus name, so be it, amen.

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

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Thanks for dropping by the Journey! I want to always share my post, A Ticket Home, for those who might not know the way Home.

I'm sharing at InstaEncouragements Link-Up  and Let's Have Coffee

Come, Eat!

 "And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God." Luke 4:4 King James Version

 

And,

 

"Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine." John 21:12a King James Version

 

Father,

 

How I praise You for Your Word. It guides us, encourages, teaches us and gives us hope.

 

In fact, we need it to live.

 

Jesus invited the disciples to the first Men’s Fish Fry long ago, but I believe He is still inviting His people to dine on His word and the bread of His presence.

 

Let us come every chance we get!

 

Lord, I ask You to fill us where we are lacking, quench us where we are dry, and enlighten us where we just can’t see.

 

And then … help us to put what You give us to use!

 

In Jesus’ name, so be it, amen.

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Lately, I'm standing on the fact His Word does not return void. Anytime we send it out into the world, it will accomplish something. These little prayers are meant to encourage and to point back to the Word.

May they be blessings to you!

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

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Thanks for dropping by the Journey! I want to always share my post, A Ticket Home, for those who might not know the way Home.

Sharing at Grace and Truth

In It For The Long Haul

 

I will be your God throughout your lifetime—
    until your hair is white with age.
I made you, and I will care for you.
    I will carry you along and save you.

Isaiah 46:4 New Living Translation

 

Father,

 

I’m so thankful You are in this this thing with me for the long haul. You're not going to dump me!

I especially am thankful You carry me along; because some days my strength is so weak, I’m only making baby steps.

 

Thank You for Your love and care. It means everything to me!

 

I ask that my friends and I feel Your uplifting power and care today. Keep us safe and focused on You.

 

In Jesus name, so be it, amen.

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

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Thanks for dropping by the Journey! I want to always share my post, A Ticket Home, for those who might not know the way Home.

Sharing at InstaEncouragements Link-Up and Let's Have Coffee

Closer than a Shadow

 

"I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me." Psalm 16:8 NLT

 

In other words, don't get shook up. He's right there with you.

Father, 

I thank You for Your promise that You are always right beside us!

No other god promises that because they don't have that kind of power.

Only You can be with each of Your children at all times. It is mind-blowing; we can’t understand it, but because You said it, we know it is true.

So we have nothing to worry about! If You are standing right beside us, what can happen? Only those things You have ordained to happen that will ultimately bring good according to Your purpose will happen. And You will help us get through those very things.

We love You, Lord! Let us live for You every minute.

In Jesus’ name, so be it, amen.

Thanks for dropping by. It makes my day.

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

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Thanks for dropping by the Journey! I want to always share my post, A Ticket Home, for those who might not know the way Home.

Sharing at Grace and Truth

A Propped Up Life - And An Update

 

Psalm 54:4  New King James Version
Behold, God is my helper;
The Lord is with those who uphold my life.

Father, please uphold my life today. Sometimes it seems like it is burning down around me. Thank You for Your promise: You will help me!
 
We have a God who helps! How amazing is that?
 
We love You, Lord, and praise You for Your lovingkindness. Please help and uphold my friends today. Bless and protect.
 
In Jesus name, so be it, amen!

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I got curious about what the word uphold meant in the Hebrew, so I looked it up. It means to "to prop, or sustain." I love it! When my best efforts fail, He props up my life and sustains me until I'm ready to try again.

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I thought it was time to give another quick update to my readers ... In February I informed you the blog was going to go quiet while I worked with a writing coach to polish up my novel.

I ended by saying, "Just like the farmer gets all his equipment ready during the winter to go all-out with planting in the spring, the writer must also prepare her seed (her words) and her equipment (the vehicle for those words) to go all-out to release them into the world. 

The Journey will always be here - I'm very passionate about this little spot of mine in the cyber world. I'll be back to break up the fallow ground when the time is right."

I'm still preparing my seeds to be released. I'm having a wonderful time working with my writing coach, learning and growing as a writer.

But in the midst of all my fiction writing activities, I felt impressed to start writing prayers for my close friends in my bible study group that include scripture; because scripture will not return void. God will do something with it everytime it is sent out. (It might not be what I want, but it will accomplish what He wants.)

Then I felt led to take those same prayers (first taking out the personal parts) and share them both here and on my Instagram. Everyone needs to hear scripture-based prayer!

And that is what life looks like on my Journey right now.

Thanks for dropping by. It makes my day.

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

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Thanks for dropping by the Journey! I want to always share my post, A Ticket Home, for those who might not know the way Home.

Sharing at Sweet Tea & Friends and Let's Have Coffee

Sending Unfailing Love

 

He will send help from heaven to rescue me,
    disgracing those who hound me. 

Interlude (Selah)

My God will send forth his unfailing love and faithfulness.      

Psalm 57:3 New Living Translation

 

Father,

I thank You that You love us with a love that never fails. You are our Rescuer! You have planned for us to end up in Your holy city living in the light of Your presence.

Help us remember that today as we struggle with a world that is dark and unloving. Help us reflect Your light.

In Jesus name, so be it, amen.

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

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Thanks for dropping by the Journey! 

I want to always share my post, A Ticket Home, 

for those who might not know the way Home.

Linking with Grace and Truth

Lifetime Occupation

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. ~ Psalm 37:4 New Living Translation

 

Father,

 

I have long loved this verse; ever since I claimed it as my own when seeking relief from infertility. But the truth is; delighting in You is a lifetime occupation – it’s an enjoyable one, to be sure – but it does require keeping my focus on You.

 

It's also true that once you receive your heart’s desire, then you must take care of what you received. And then, being human, we discover more desires …

 

Father, today I ask You to help me and my friends keep our focus on You, and focus on the delightful things about You. There are many – You are kind, gracious, merciful, forgiving, compassionate, caring, loving, and so much more! I cannot understand why anyone would rather go their own way then to be Your child.

 

Help us share our delight in having such an awesome God with everyone we meet.

 

In Jesus name, so be it, amen. 

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

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Thanks for dropping by the Journey! 

I want to always share my post, A Ticket Home, 

for those who might not know the way Home.

Sharing at Let's Have Coffee