Pick Me!

For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. 2 Chronicles 16:9a NASB1995

I have read this verse multiple times, but one day, when I was in a worship service, this verse was quoted. I suddenly imagined myself jumping up and down and waving my arms, shouting, ''Pick me! Pick me!"

This brought a smile to my lips. But I don't have to jump up and down to attract His attention.

I just need to make sure my heart is completely His.

This verse means God is searching for loyal hearts so He can defend them. He knows the enemy uses every means possible to derail us from believing. But God is greater and will defend and support every heart that wants to believe.

You can rest on that fact.

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

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This post was written in response to the Five Minute Friday prompt, "pick." As always, I wrote the post in 5 minutes, but took extra time to look up scripture and make a graphic.

Last October, I wrote a scripture prayer focusing on other verses that tells of God watching over us. I'd love to share it with you now:

The sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon at night. 
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 121:6-8 New Living Translation

Father,

Such comforting verses! You are watching; and even when Harm comes our way, You are there. You will make it all work out for the good of Your children.

Why worry? Why fret?

We trust You, Lord, for You are good and there is not a shadow of darkness in You.

Lord, be with us as we begin our week. Give us divine appointments that we keep as we represent You in everything we say and do.

Cleanse us from all unrighteousness, Lord, and keep our eyes on YOU.

In Jesus’ name, so be it, amen.

~~

In light of what happened this week when believer Charlie Kirk was shot and killed for his beliefs, you might say, "Well, it doesn't look like God was watching over him." 

I believe God only allows events like this to happen to a believer when He has a plan to work something out for good. (See Romans 8:28) I believe Charlie's life will accomplish even more fruit now than before. (I had never even heard of Charlie Kirk until his death.)

It's a tough pill to swallow, but life on this earth isn't the main goal for the believer, or even the best thing. Being in the arms of Jesus is.

Charlie fulfilled his calling. May we go out and fulfill ours.

~~

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 Five Minute Friday

Sweet Tea & Friends 

Tell His Story 

Let's Have Coffee

A Prayer to Travel the Opposite Path

But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.

    If you keep to my path,
    I will reveal to you the salvation of God.”

Psalm 50:23 NLT

Abba,

The giving of thanks is hardly a sacrifice when I consider all that You have done for me! 

I know I am human, and when going through a rough patch it is difficult to lift my eyes and see all the blessings I have been handed. The enemy wants me to focus on everything that is wrong, any perceived injustice, any slight, any time I feel taken for granted.

And it's true those things happen; and a big part of the reason why people around me zero in on those wrongs and dwell on them so much they are blinded to the goodness.

But as a believer, I should fixate my attention opposite from the focus of the worldly. My eyes should be on Jesus and the incredible gift of salvation and the promise of a forever Home where none of the trials and injustices here on earth will happen.

It's been said our destiny is determined by our choice. As a believer, I choose You and the future I have with You - not only in the hereafter but also in the here and now.

Because I know that trials will come, but You will deliver me out of them all. (Psalm 34:19)

I stand on Your promise to share my burden. (Matthew 11:28)

I know You have promised to guide us on the right path. (Psalm 48:14)

And finally, I believe with everything in my heart goodness and mercy are pursuing me all the way Home to You. (Psalm 23:6)

In Jesus' holy name, I 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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This post was written in response to the Five Minute Friday community's prompt, "Obedience."  

Disclosure: I wrote the prayer in 5 minutes, but added the scriptures and graphic later.

I have been blogging a long time, so this subject has been discussed before. 

Check out the archives:  

The Opposite Life

But God Says

Opposite 

Relevant - the story of two opposite sisters

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 Five Minute Friday and 

InstaEncouragements Link-Up

Tell His Story 

Let's Have Coffee

A Well-Watered Garden

 

“Yahweh will always guide you where to go and what to do. He will fill you with refreshment even when you are in a dry, difficult place. He will continually restore strength to you, so you will flourish like a well-watered garden and like an ever-flowing, trustworthy spring of blessing.” Isaiah 58:11 TPT
 
Father, I love the idea of refreshment. Thank you for refreshing us even when we are in dry places.
 
Thank You for your guidance. We know you are leading us on the path Home.
 
Father, may today be a day of not only blessing but fulfilling purpose. Guide each of us that we may know what our callings are and the next step to accomplishing them.
 
In Jesus’ name, so be it, amen!

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

~~

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 up at Tell His Story

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 - #2 – Thankful for His Promises

 

He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

Psalm 91:4 New Living Translation

I’ve always had a special place in my heart for Psalm 91. 

It became special to me in 1985 when my husband started working the midnight shift and I was alone at night for the first time in my life. We had recently moved from a village of 750 folks to Terre Haute, IN, a much bigger town of over 50,000 people. The sounds of the city were scary at night. As soon as Jim backed the car out of the driveway to head to work, I barricaded myself in the bedroom with my Dake’s Bible. I would open it up to Psalm 91 and read it over and over until I would fall asleep. I would often wake up to find the bible draped over my pregnant belly and the lamp still blazing.

Fast forward to 2020 and the season of COVID, and Psalm 91 became my favorite reading material again. This time I focused on verse 10, “Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling,” for comfort.

But in 2022, I read verse 4 in the New Living Translation, and the truth leapt out from the page: His promises WERE, and ARE, my protection.

I did dwell in safety, and even though COVID has touched me twice, I’m still alive and well. It’s not that those words were like a good-luck charm draped around my neck. It’s the fact I’ve devoted my life to dwelling with Him in the secret place.

Do I do it perfectly? No, a thousand times no! But it truly is my heart’s desire, and He knows this about me.

So, I will continue to wear His promises like armor and trust in His protection. If bad times come, I know He will help me get through them because verse 15 says He will deliver me.

I praise Him for His promises!

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: #1 - Thankful for Rest

I'm linking up to Tell His Story

Because He Came 2021 - Abundance

Have you ever considered how might things have been different if He'd never came?

 

BECAUSE HE CAME ... I HAVE AN ABUNDANT LIFE.

In 2012, I focused on this version of John 10:10 -

John 10:10 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.

But now in 2021, I want to share The Passion Translation of the same verse:

John 10:10 The Passion Translation (TPT)

A thief has only one thing in mind—he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy. But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect—life in its fullness until you overflow! 

An abundance until you overflow!

This does not necessarily mean physical abundance,although sometimes God sees fit to bless in this manner. It means you have abundant life in the things that matter: love, peace, joy and the calm assurance of knowing that you are never alone.  He walks with you in good times and bad.

Why would you want to live any other way?

~~~

During the month of December, I'm adapting a few of my 2012 series, "Because He Came" posts for your Advent reflections. These are short and sweet, but give food for thought for the whole day.

You can go here to see a list of the original posts in the series.

~~

I'm linking this post to Tell His Story and InstaEncouragements Link-Up, Recharge Wednesday, and Let's Have Coffee

You're invited to check out my new blog, Jerralea.com and read my latest post, There's Someone Knocking at the Door.

Take those thoughts captive

 

NOVEMBER 13

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 NKJV

Bringing every thought into captivity.

A tall order, indeed.

On our own, using our natural abilities, fighting our thoughts would be difficult. But God gives us weapons; and He gives us power. In the power of Jerralea, not much gets done. In the power of God? Anything is possible.

My part is the want-to. I provide the willingness to make the effort. He provides the divine power. We're a team. 

I'm reminded of something my husband's grandma used to say; "Thoughts are like birds. They may fly at us, but we don't have to let them make nests in our hair."

Be vigilant. Don't allow thoughts contrary to God's Word make a home in your mind. Replace it with the Word of God. 

You get to choose what you think on.

For more on our thought lives, you might want to read my post, We Are a Fickle People, that focuses on Isaiah 26:3.

Praise Posts 2021 are all about praising God for scriptures that are meaningful to me. Currently, I'm sharing each day a scripture that addresses our thought lives.

I'm sharing this post at InstaEncouragements Link-Up and Tell His Story

Why Would I Fear the Future?

 

Today, I'm thanking God for the sixth verse of Psalm 23.

NOVEMBER 7

Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live. Psalm 23:6 CSB

If you've come by the Journey anytime since 2019, chances are you have heard me say how special verse 6 is to me. The Lord challenged me to really believe goodness and love were going to chase me down. I'm still learning what it looks like to live a life totally believing this verse.

I also want to speak on the last part of the verse; because really the essence of Christianity is to believe in an eternity spent side by side with Christ. There will be no more barriers to experiencing Him. I've tried many times to imagine it. I long for it. It I were to make it to heaven, walk the streets of gold, live in a mansion and see all my loved ones; but somehow never be in the presence of Christ, I'd feel duped. 

And speaking as one who has built her life around the church, dwelling in the house of the Lord sounds good to me.

So why would I fear the future? Only goodness and tender love pursue me all the days of my life. Then afterward, when my life is through, I’ll return to your glorious presence to be forever with you! Psalm 23:6 TPT

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I'm sharing at Tell His Story and InstaEncouragments Link-Up 

 

It's Praise Post Season

I just couldn't let November start without doing my Praise Posts!

I think I have posted 5 things a day for the month of November in 3 different years; so now it is a tradition. However; this year I thought the focus could be a little different.

It's no secret I'm a bible enthusiast. I want to give God praise for making His love letter available to me; and letting me be born in such a time in history when I can study His Word and access a wealth of resources. I am so blessed.

In November of 2021, I want to share one scripture a day with you and let you know why it is special in my life.

Just one a day. Easy-Peasy. 

You're invited to join me by leaving a comment sharing your favorite. If you feel led to write a post, feel free to leave your link to your post. I would love to read your words!

NOVEMBER 1

Today's verse is special to me. I discovered it in the Passion Translation right before my husband's open-heart surgery in February 2021. Of course, I had read it before. I knew what it meant; yet, it so clearly spoke to me the day I read it.

Then Jesus put his hands over their eyes and said, “You will have what your faith expects!” Matthew 9:29 TPT

"You will have what your faith expects!" or as the KJV puts it, "According to your faith be it unto you." It means the same thing; but it resonated with me so much more in today's language.

From then on, instead of imagining the worst, I believed the best. The surgery was a success; but I do admit I got a bit rocky a couple days after his surgery when I realized he was one sick puppy. It turned out he was in A-fib and a procedure called an ablation must be done. 

He was taken to have the procedure done: I paced alone in his hospital room and recalled Matthew 9:29. God had my pastor call to pray with me at just the moment I needed encouragement. The next morning my hubs was a new man! I picked him up and brought him home that very day.

Thanks be to God!

~~

Your turn. What scripture are you thankful for?

~~

Sharing at Inspire Me Monday, Tell His Story, and InstaEncouragements Link-Up.

Not Like the World

This has been a busy and slightly stressful week. We are in the midst of looking for a second car. We had two promising leads that fell through. I've had to remind myself several times that I am a child of God. I do not have to impulse buy or act like there will be no more opportunities. God knows our need, our budget and our hearts. He will provide at just the right time. He is an on-time God!

These thoughts led me to mulling over a post I wrote some time back called "Opposite," which asks the question:

"We're to be salt and light to a lost and dying world. How can we do that if we look just like them?"

I know the bible does not tell us about how to buy a car; but I believe to seek God when I have a need and then trust for an answer to come is a biblical way to live my life. 

I do have to do my part by searching for a vehicle. God won't drop it in my lap. But when I do find what looks to be a good fit, I'm to pray and ask for Him to work out the details. When I feel peace, I proceed; but if I don't have peace, I should back away.

It's a lifelong quest to live as my Savior would. I'm so thankful He left me a guide in the Bible, and also a Guide in the Holy Spirit!

This week at Jerralea.com my post, Keep Casting Your Care, spoke to my situation as well. He wants to know every detail of our lives. Why? Because He is intimately involved in the lives of His children. If He knows the amount of hairs on my head, wouldn't He be interested in the wheels I drive?

In other news, this week was the start of Baylee's volleyball games. Between Brody's football games and now volleyball, I have become that grandparent who sits in the bleachers cheering on my grandchild. I wouldn't have it any other way!

How did your week go? Leave a comment and share!

~~

I'm sharing this post at Tell His Story and Let's Have Coffee

Lift

Have you ever felt heavy and burdened-down?

Contrast those feelings for times when you are light and care-free. The world is your oyster and you are so excited to open it up to see what "pearls" it might have for you.

I like feeling light way more than experiencing heaviness. I bet you do, too.

The best way I've found to feel the shackles of burdens dropping off is when I've spent time with God. I give all the frustrations, frowns and fretting to Him; and in exchange, I'm lighter. I've been lifted up. I've got direction now.

I'm more confident now that I feel I'm under God's watchcare.

I've also discovered the best time to make this exchange.

Yup, in the morning!

I know ... I love to sleep in. It's sometimes hard to get awake; but, oh my goodness, the day goes so much better when I lift up, or offer up, my soul at the start of the day.

There's a reason the Psalms tells us more than once to lift up our souls to Him. If we offer up whatever is bothering us, the Holy Spirit can lift us to a higher level of trust in Him.

Because we will experience His kindness and care.

Make me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,

for in You I trust.

Show me the way I should go,

    for to You I lift up my soul.

Psalm 143:8 Tree of Live Version

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I just want you to know how highly I value those of you that make your way to the Journey to read my words! I believe encouraging others with the written word is a worthy calling. Thank you especially to those who respond. You make it worthwhile.

I don't want you to miss a post, so why not sign up to subscribe? It's easy-peasy. Just enter your email address in the sidebar right above my profile.

If a post resonates with you, please consider sharing by clicking one of the social media buttons at the bottom of this post.

You might be interested in this week's most-viewed posts:

Blessing Hunter

Serendipity

Fly Me Away

Jerralea, Juanita and the Reversible Coat

Increase: Blessed in 5 More Ways

I'm sharing this post with the communities at:

Five Minute Friday

Grace & Truth

Inspire Me Monday

Remember Me Monday

Tell His Story

InstaEncouragements Link-Up

Let's Have Coffee

Recharge Wednesday

#Tune In Thursday

Blessing Hunter

The other day (I'm trying to remember where) I saw the phrase, "beauty hunter."  Those two words really resonated with me because I feel it's important to look for beauty. There is so much ugliness in the world, it's a relief to feast my eyes and spirit on something beautiful.

The more I can incorporate beauty into my world, the better I feel.

As I thought more and more on the phrase, "beauty hunter," I realized I'm more drawn to being a "blessing hunter." 

Nobody's life is perfect; but I'm willing to bet there are more blessings than we all realize!

I decided to join forces today with some of the best blessing hunters I know, the Friday's Favorite Five gang. Each week, they find 5 blessings or highlights to their week and share them. Big or small, they give thanks for them all.

So, here's some of my recent 5:

Birthday season: Starting with my son-in-law, Daniel's, birthday on May 8, we run through July 15th celebrating birthdays (including Mother's Day and Father's Day). There is also one birthday in August, and two in September, and then we are done for the year. For a couple who once lived with ten long years of infertility, it is a delight to have daughters, sons-in-laws and grandchildren's birthdays to honor.

End of Rehab: May 26th was the last day for Jim to go to cardiac rehab. Although we enjoyed going together (I walked the track while he worked on machines and weights); we were glad to not have to make the drive and use up our afternoons two days a week. I also felt like celebrating because a couple times when Jim was in the hospital; it seemed almost impossible he'd be well enough to be done with therapy.

True Words!

Twins' Baptism: Just a few days before the twins' seventh birthday, they decided they wanted to be baptised. Baylee said, "MiMi, when I come up out of that water, I'm going to be a whole new person." What grandmother wouldn't cherish hearing such a thing? 

Note: I fully realize 7-year-olds have a lot to learn about their spiritual journey, accepting Christ and being baptized. But it's a great start! Jesus wanted little children to come to Him!

Good report: I'm not one to go to the doctor. Hardly ever. But I did go last week and have bloodwork. It came back good. Whew!

Late Spring Days: This is the time of year when it feels good to be from the midwest. Not too hot, not too cold, and the humidity is still being nice to us. We've enjoyed T-ball games and the first lake trip of the year.

 ~~~

I just want you to know how highly I value those of you that make your way to the Journey to read my words! I believe encouraging others with the written word is a worthy calling. Thank you especially to those who respond. You make it worthwhile.

I don't want you to miss a post, so why not sign up to subscribe? It's easy-peasy. Just enter your email address in the sidebar right above my profile.

If a post resonates with you, please consider sharing by clicking one of the social media buttons at the bottom of this post.

I'm sharing this post with the communities at 

Friday's Fave Five

Grace & Truth

Faith on Fire

Inspire Me Monday

Remember Me Monday

Tell His Story

InstaEncouragements Link-Up

Let's Have Coffee

Recharge Wednesday

#Tune In Thursday