Faith as a child

Another aspect of "patience" illustrated in the Bible is waiting faithfully for Jesus to come again. Believers have been waiting for over 2000 years and we'll wait for another 2000, or however long it takes because we know that we will one day be with Him either by dying from our earthly bodies, or by being lifted up during the rapture. We know it will happen in God's time, not ours.

Pastor Rollie Rench posed the question last Sunday (4-28-2019) "How many of you during your daily, spiritual life think, today could be the day?" He told us he didn't want a show of hands, but "how many think that?" There was a little girl seated in front of us, maybe 7 or 8 years old and she proudly raised her hand at his question. He continued, [how many think today] "the sky could open up and today I could hear the trumpets and today I would be with the Lord in heaven? How many of you think of that? Probably not many." The girl again raised her hand. She turned and looked at her mother sitting directly in front of me and I could see her young, eager face smiling, beaming at being able to raise her hand in testimony that she thinks about the Second Coming. The purity, hope, and understanding of what that question meant, and what her answer meant filled me with a renewed sense of anticipation to be with the Lord. I want to wake up every morning and marvel at the thought that, "Today could be the day!" What about you?

You can listen to the full sermon here.

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. 

See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, 

waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 

You also be patient. 

Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

James 5:7-8 (NKJV)

*****

Let's pray for someone we know who lacks patience (this may mean including yourself in your prayer). I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Be patient with each other

The Bible speaks of patience in several different contexts. Colossians 3 speaks about being patient with one another. I often make the mistake of losing patience with people who don't handle a situation the way I would, and I'm sure there are those who lose patience with me, also. This mostly happens at work when clients try to push me to finish their project first, or when someone tries to unload their anxiety onto me. My reaction is usually one of being short with the person, and then afterward I feel bad for how I reacted. It's a good quality to be able to have the patience and understanding from the start to think how that person feels, and what they're going through before reacting. I believe that patience illustrates compassion, love, and a Christian heart.

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, 

compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 

bearing with one another and, 

if one has a complaint against another, 

forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, 

so you also must forgive.

Colossians 3:12-13 ESV

*****

Let's pray for someone we know who lacks patience (this may mean including yourself in your prayer). I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27

facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Chronological Reading Plan Week 25

Chronological Reading Plan

Week 25
169. Proverbs 27-29
170. Ecclesiastes 1-6
171. Ecclesiastes 7-12
172. 1 Kings 10-11; 2 Chronicles 9
173. Proverbs 30-31
174. 1 Kings 12-14
175. 2 Chronicles 10-12

Do not be afraid

Have I not commanded you? 

Be strong and courageous. 

Do not be afraid; 

do not be discouraged, 

for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

*****

Let's pray for someone we know who is facing a life change, moving on, or moving forward. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Gifts from above

Every good and perfect gift is from above, 

coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, 

who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17 NIV

*****

Let's pray for someone we know who is facing a life change, moving on, or moving forward. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Don't be anxious

Whenever you're facing a major decision, I urge you to pray about it. God will answer.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, 

with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, 

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

Philippians 4:6-7

*****

Let's pray for someone we know who is facing a life change, moving on, or moving forward. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

A Time for Everything

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

a time to be born and a time to die, 

a time to plant and a time to uproot, 

a time to kill and a time to heal, 

a time to tear down and a time to build, 

a time to weep and a time to laugh, 

a time to mourn and a time to dance, 

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, 

a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, 

a time to search and a time to give up, 

a time to keep and a time to throw away, 

a time to tear and a time to mend, 

a time to be silent and a time to speak, 

a time to love and a time to hate, 

a time for war and a time for peace. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

*****

Let's pray for someone we know who is facing a life change, moving on, or moving forward. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Seen or unseen

I've read these verses several times over the years but still, this morning got something different from them. It probably has to do with reading scripture in light of what's happening in life at this moment. That's how we find answers to life's questions. God reveals Himself through His word.

Therefore we do not lose heart. 

Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory 

that far outweighs them all. 

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, 

since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

"what is seen is temporary..." This makes me think of the past and the present. What's already happened is in the past; it's gone and we can't get it back, but there are times I long to go back in time and take a different path only to realize that a different path would alter so much more than the one thing I want to change. I need to let the past go and the events and decisions. Whatever choices I made back then or even just moments ago, God used to set me on the right path - the path that leads to Him and to my purpose in life.

"what is unseen is eternal..." The future is timeless. Christians have (literally) forever. We may shed this body today or tomorrow but we will live on. Instead of dreading or being anxious about the future, the unknown or unseen, we can delight in knowing that we're doing what we're supposed to be doing and that God will guide our way if we ask.

So, change or moving on doesn't have to be looked at with trepidation. It can be a wondrous opportunity that God has presented to us which is for His purpose.

My life verse is a reminder to leave it up to Him and not to worry about what choices I make if I make those choices by consulting Him first.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

Let's pray for someone we know who is facing a life change, moving on, or moving forward. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Everything will be okay

I believe that everything happens for a reason and that reason is in keeping with God's plan for us. It may take months, years or even a lifetime for a person to be able to see how God guided his/her life; all of the accumulated steps that were necessary to reach the person's destiny. It's difficult to be patient. It's difficult not to worry about the future. We want assurance that everything will work out. So, here it is:

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, 

“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, 

plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Whatever change you're going through: moving, starting a new career, going back to school, dealing with an illness, ... trust in the Lord. He will never leave you nor forsake you.

*****

Let's pray for someone we know who is facing a life change, moving on, or moving forward. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Moving on

I know I'm stating the obvious when I say that 'the world is constantly changing,' but I'm telling you, it really is, and I don't really care for change. Change is stressful to me most of the time, but I know that depending on the circumstances, it can be a relief and it can definitely be a blessing. The stressful part is usually temporary and soon the change itself becomes the new normal.

See, I am doing a new thing! 

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? 

I am making a way in the wilderness 

and streams in the wasteland.

Isaiah 43:19 NIV

*****

Let's pray for someone we know who is facing a life change, moving on, or moving forward. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Chronological Reading Plan Week 24

Chronological Reading Plan

Week 24
162. 1 Kings 5-6; 2 Chronicles 2-3
163. 1 Kings 7; 2 Chronicles 4
164. 1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 5
165. 2 Chronicles 6-7; Psalm 136
166. Psalms 134, 146-150
167. 1 Kings 9; 2 Chronicles 8
168. Proverbs 25-26

Good Friday

     We've been talking and praying about those with a terminal illness this week; how difficult it is knowing that death is near for both the person and his/her family and friends. But, we're also able to focus on the hope of eternal life because Jesus gave His life that we may live.
     Can you imagine being 33 years old and knowing the hour that you will begin a horrible night of torture and ultimately be crucified by the very people you came to save? Can you imagine the pain and suffering? Can you imagine His mother, Mary, watching all of this, praying that He be spared but knowing that being crucified was the reason He was born to her?

He went a little farther and fell on His face, 

and prayed, saying, 

“O My Father, if it is possible, 

let this cup pass from Me; 

nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

Matthew 26:39 NKJV

And then, can you imagine His love for all of us?

Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, 

for they do not know what they do.”

And they divided His garments and cast lots.

Luke 23:34 NKJV

     On this Good Friday, join me in a prayer of thankfulness for what Jesus has done; that we can have hope and peace in knowing that our sins are forgiven and that this world is only a means of getting to our forever life with Him.

Follow through Jesus' Day:
At daybreak
Crucified
Jesus saves, even as He is dying
Jesus dies

*****

Let's pray for someone we know who is facing a potentially terminal illness. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Fear not

Fear not, for I am with you; 

be not dismayed, for I am your God; 

I will strengthen you, 

I will help you, 

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 ESV

Encouragement for the terminally ill

There are times during the process of an illness that the patient will experience "acceptance". During that time they may want to speak frankly about death and about the afterlife. Please listen to them, and discuss whatever is on their mind. If you don't know the answers, ask if you can bring someone who can to speak to them. It is not appropriate to dismiss the person's feelings by saying, "don't talk like that." It's been my experience that people know when the time is near, sometimes down to the day and even if they don't know it doesn't matter because it's what they're experiencing and feeling and want to talk about. Ask them if they want you to read scripture aloud. There are several really encouraging passages for this stage of life.

Therefore we do not lose heart. 

Though outwardly we are wasting away, 

yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving 

for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, 

but on what is unseen, 

since what is seen is temporary, 

but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:16-19 NIV

Be strong and courageous. 

Do not fear or be in dread of them, 

for it is the LORD your God 

who goes with you. 

He will not leave you or forsake you."

Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 

and I will give you rest. 

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, 

for I am gentle and humble in heart, 

and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 11:28-29 NIV

*****

Let's pray for someone we know who is facing a potentially terminal illness. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

How to comfort the terminally ill

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 

who comforts us in all our affliction, 

so that we may be able to comfort those 

who are in any affliction, 

with the comfort with which we 

ourselves are comforted by God.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV

I think the hardest thing for people who know someone who is terminally ill is to know what to say or do. In order to avoid saying or doing the wrong thing, they/we sometimes avoid the person, which is wrong of course and so unnecessary. It's really very simple...just be there for the person.
     - After first hearing the news, just let them know that you're praying for them. Even if the person isn't religious, it is so helpful to know that others care enough to pray.
My late husband was so moved to learn that so many people were praying for him. People in other states, whole churches and prayer chains sent him cards letting him know that he was being prayed for and that they cared about him.
     - There were days when he was home alone and it lifted his spirits to have people visit; even just to have someone drop in and watch television with him.
     - It's okay and often preferred to talk about normal things and act like everything is fine. The person is reminded of the illness enough as it is without making it the topic of every conversation.
     - Don't buy the person "things" that are meant to help him/her cope, like "how to" manuals, healing stones, or the latest "as seen on Dr. Oz" remedy. Cards and prayers are the best gifts of all. 

*****

Let's pray for someone we know who is facing a potentially terminal illness. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

For the terminally ill

This week we'll be praying for the terminally ill. I hesitate to use the word "terminal" because miracles happen every day. I can speak from experience to a degree because I lost my first husband to colon cancer and then I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. Although my cancer was treated aggressively and I was told it was curable, I still went through the stages that one does when facing the possibility of the end of life. I'll share some of those personal experiences, but I also want to point you toward some wonderful sources for your questions that can explain things a lot better than I can.

The first question, I believe, is "why me?" Unfortunately, I can't answer that; only God can. He may reveal it to you, but He may not.
My husband told his doctor, "I don't want to die."
His doctor said, "Of course. Nobody wants to die, but we're all going to. Only God knows when."
God is sovereign. He will get you through this.

I think it helps to understand the stages of grief that we all go through, the patient and his/her loved ones. Once we find out that we're ill, we start grieving and morning the potential future loss of the person. We may go through all of these stages, or only a few. We may not go through them in order and we may revisit some stages multiple times and stay in different ones for different lengths of time.

The question, "Why does God allow sickness?" is one that is often asked by non-believers, but even Christians when personally faced with an illness ask this also. I found a great article about it:

https://www.gotquestions.org/God-allow-sickness.html

Please share it with someone who's seeking answers.

“Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, 

praise his holy name. 

Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—

who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 

who redeems your life from the pit and 

crowns you with love and compassion.”

Psalm 103:1-4

*****

Let's pray for someone we know who is facing a potentially terminal illness. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Chronological Reading Plan Week 23

Chronological Reading Plan

Week 23
155. Proverbs 4-6
156. Proverbs 7-9
157. Proverbs 10-12
158. Proverbs 13-15
159. Proverbs 16-18
160. Proverbs 19-21
161. Proverbs 22-24

Where's your treasure?

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, 

where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 

but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, 

where neither moth nor rust destroys and 

where thieves do not break in and steal. 

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:19–21

I read a self-published book once where the whole premise was based on "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." It was written as if the author believed that you'll find treasure in the (earthly) things you love, whatever that meant for each person. In reality, it's meant to remind us that whatever we love most is where our true heart is. So, a person who loves money can't also love the Lord. We shouldn't concern ourselves with earthly treasures but spend our time here laying up treasures in Heaven. I always regret the fact that I didn't try to reach out to her and explain the verse.

As a side note to this week's prayers...I had our taxes done Thursday evening and for the first time, we owed money instead of getting a refund. I was livid. I got so emotionally wrapped up in having to pay even more taxes, and now I'm going to have to take money out of savings, and now I'm going to have to wait longer to get a new car, and now, and now, and now...finally, I calmed down and actually had to laugh at how upset I had gotten. It's amazing how tied up in knots we can get over money. Even though I don't consider myself to be someone who loves money, I still get way too upset when I'm forced to give it up. The treasures in Heaven are the only treasures that matter.

*****

Let's pray for someone we know who is having financial problems. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Rich rule over the poor

“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.”

Proverbs 22:7

I hope to write more on this tomorrow.

Like a tree planted by the waters

Thus says the Lord:

“Cursed is the man who trusts in man

And makes flesh his strength,

Whose heart departs from the Lord.

For he shall be like a shrub in the desert,

And shall not see when good comes,

But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness,

In a salt land which is not inhabited.

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,

And whose hope is the Lord.

For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,

Which spreads out its roots by the river,

And will not fear when heat comes;

But its leaf will be green,

And will not be anxious in the year of drought,

Nor will cease from yielding fruit.

Jeremiah 17:5-8

If you know someone who is having money problems, encourage them to seek help. In the Dayton area, there are services available to help reduce debt, organizations who help individuals get through a particularly difficult time. Trust in the Lord and He will help you and guide you. Ask others to pray for you, also.

*****

Let's pray for someone we know who is having financial problems. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

For the love of money

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
1 Timothy 6:10

Money itself isn't evil. We need it to survive in today's world. It's when we become obsessed with it, and it becomes the desire of our hearts that we lose sight of what's most important. The best advice I've read concerning money is that when payday comes around, Pay God First! I see that as paying tithes and donating to charities. Give it a try. Plus, it just feels good to help others, doesn't it?

There are people who are dirt poor* who are obsessed with money, and there are people who are extremely rich who are not, so having money has nothing to do with what's in your heart. Search your heart and see what you find there.

*Interesting little tidbit...the phrase 'dirt poor' comes from back in the day, people who were poor typically had dirt floors.

*****

Let's pray for someone we know who is having financial problems. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Watch your money grow

     I found this photo and it reminded me of my previous church. The people there were always very encouraging especially to someone like me who didn't feel nearly as knowledgable, Biblically, as they all seemed to be. They would always say that "We're planting seeds." We may never see the result of what we share with others, either verbally, or financially, but we can be confident that God is using us to plant seeds in non-believers. Over time, those seeds will take root and then sprout leaves which stretch upward toward the Son.
     Admittedly, it took some time for me to begin tithing a full 10%. (The word "tithe" means "ten percent of annual earnings"). I had spent most of my adult life drowning in debt and ten percent seemed like such an undoable goal, but eventually, it became easy. It seemed like the more I gave, the more I received in return (not that that's a reason to tithe - I'm not a believer in Joel Olsteen theology). Just as it says in Malachi 3:10:

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, 

that there may be food in my house. 

Test me in this,’ says the LORD Almighty, 

“and see if I will not throw open the floodgates 

of heaven and pour out so much 

blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”

     We don't have to worry about money, because God takes care of His children. The most impressive example of this is the story of George Mueller. He established several orphanages in England during the early 1800s and never asked anyone for any money. He prayed every day for God to take care of their needs, and He did. People would show up and say that they were moved to donate some money, or bread, or building materials...whatever was needed was always provided. If you haven't read his story, you really must. It will expand your faith, even more, to read about how God really does take care of us. But, we have to have faith.
     The two people I was praying for this week who are going through financial hardships both received word that things were set in place to help them out. It was a complete miracle! I really hope that you are seeing the fruits of your prayer life. It just moves me to tears over and over again (tears of awe and of joy, that is).

*****

Let's pray for someone we know who is having financial problems. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Chronological Reading Plan Week 22

Chronological Reading Plan

Week 22
148. Psalm 111-118
149. 1 Kings 1-2; Psalm 37, 71, 94
150. Psalm 119
151. 1 Kings 3-4
152. 2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 72
153. Song of Solomon
154. Proverbs 1-3

I apologize for missing so often. I'm going to go ahead and schedule the next two weeks of reading plans so at least those will be posted on time. How's everyone doing with keeping up?

Be like children

Daily Bible Verse

and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, 

unless you are converted and 

become as little children, 

you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:3 NKJV

Help for financial problems

I found out that the Bible talks about money over 800 times! Since this is the week before Tax Day and since I know several people who are dealing with financial problems, I thought this would be the perfect topic for this week's prayers. Since money is discussed so many times, it will probably be difficult to choose just 7 bible verses, but God will lead me to share the ones that touch the most lives.

The Bible Verse that comes up first in my research is Philippians 4:19 ESV

And my God will supply every need of yours 

according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

God takes care of His children. We just need to ask. I tend to not pray about money because I feel like that's on me; maybe I wasted it on eating out, or I didn't budget well, or I didn't work as many hours as I could have, but really,  all of that can be part of our prayers. Ask God for help in managing your money. Ask Him for strength not to waste money. Ask Him for guidance as to how to allocate income in a way that brings glory to Him. Money itself isn't evil, however, the love of money is evil. Don't let it consume you.

*****

Let's pray for someone we know who is having financial problems. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Christ strengthens me

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, 

to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. 

Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, 

both to abound and to suffer need. 

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:11–13

Work to live

I always get this saying mixed up..."work to live instead of live to work" is the correct saying.
     We are supposed to work if we're able. Exodus 20:9 says: "Six days you shall labor and do all your work," (I won't get into the Sabbath discussion). So, God intends for us to work in order to live but we weren't put here only to work. I also look at it as there are some people who do their job only because it pays the bills. They don't like their jobs but in some instances, it allows them enough money to do the things they do love to do.
     However, if there's a way for you to enjoy your job and earn enough money to pay your bills, that would be ideal. Think how much happier we would all be. You just need to ask God where He wants you to be. Pray about it. I can't stress this enough.
     I'm one of those people who believe when one door closes, another opens; that God will guide me to do His will. I believe in what Matthew 7:7-8 tells me: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." 
     Go ahead. Ask. See what happens. I bet it is amazing!

*****

Let's pray for someone we know who is unhappy with their job. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Work to glorify God

     Yesterday we touched on the idea that no matter what you do, do it for Christ. So, when you're toiling away at your job, just remember you are serving Him, and He will use you to honor Him and to fulfill His plan for you.
     I found a great article online while I was researching this week's topic and wanted to share it with you:
 "Work for God, from your joy in him, for treasure far greater than money, recognition, or comfort. Bring those dreams to your day job, instead of looking for happiness in your dream job." 
Written by Marshall Segal, Staff writer, "The Secret to Job Satisfaction" March 15, 2017, found at desiringGod.org

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31 (emphasis mine)

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,

Colossians 3:23

*****

Let's pray for someone we know who is unhappy with their job. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

How to have job satisfaction

IMAGE: VICKY LETA / MASHABLE
found at https://tinyurl.com/y4hb7qqm

     I believe at the root of all discontent is attitude. Let's say you had an absolutely nasty job that you hated with every fiber of your being. We'll use as a random example: "septic tank technician." I know very little about this job except what I learned from watching an episode of Dirty Jobs, and I realize that the people who do it must not mind it, and maybe even get used to the smell after a while, but to me, it seems like a nasty job. (Kudos to those who do this job, though.) They make on average $16.20/hour (not nearly enough, in my opinion).
     You wake up one morning and think, "I just can't do this another day." So, how can you motivate yourself to go to work and not hate every single minute?
1. Pray. Ask God for strength. Ask Him to show you His will for you.
2. Make a plan and complete one step each day. You may spend a month or more researching other jobs, or figuring out what this job can prepare you for. Talk to your boss and see if there is a job advancement track for your job. Setting and attaining goals gives hope. You may find that you'll need to go back to school to learn new skills. Most schools have a career center which offers resources and job placement.
3. Ask yourself the hard questions:
What are my interests? What am I most passionate about?
Why did I take this job in the first place?
Why do I hate it now? Is the root of my discontent really the actual job or is it that I dislike a co-worker? What can I do to smooth things over with that person? Do I really dislike him or am I jealous of him for some reason? If you're the only person who doesn't get along with him, maybe the problem is you and not him.
Is it pride? Am I embarrassed about what I do?
Do I feel unappreciated? Am I in a rut?
Use those answers to assess your next move.
Finish the sentences begun in the above photo:
I am ...
I want ...
I love ...
I have ...

In the short-term, things you can do this morning:
- pray, ask for help.
- look your best, whatever that means to you. I can tell when I'm depressed about my job because I'll just throw on whatever's on the top of the laundry pile; I'll skip the make-up and jewelry, and I'll wear a sweatshirt sweater instead of a nice sweater.
- remember always that you are representing Christ. What you do during your day job is serving Christ (I'll add scripture for this tomorrow). Be an image-bearer and servant of Jesus.
- smile and greet strangers. Ask them how their day is. If you know their name, use it. Say "Have a blessed day, Betty," or at least, "Have a good day."
- take pride in what you do; whatever it is that you do.
- go the extra mile without expecting anything in return.
- throughout the day: pray.

Try those things for today and tomorrow we'll talk some more.

For what has man for all his labor, and for the striving of his heart 

with which he has toiled under the sun? 

For all his days are sorrowful, and his work burdensome; 

even in the night his heart takes no rest. 

This also is vanity.

Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, 

and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. 

This also, I saw, was from the hand of God.

Ecclesiastes 2:22-24

*****

Let's pray for someone we know who is unhappy with their job. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Are you satisfied with your job?

How happy are you with your job?

We spend the prime portion of our lives, the better part of our days working at a job. Ideally, our jobs entail tasks that we like to do, that allow us a sense of accomplishment and worth. Ideally, we're working in a pleasant environment with people we like. Ideally, we feel joy (for the most part) in our chosen profession. I'm sure there are people who have that ideal and enjoy an optimal work-life balance and get paid their worth and are able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

For others, it's the total opposite. We work to pay the bills. We hit the snooze three times every weekday morning before dragging ourselves out of bed, dreading the day before it even gets started. Our morning routines are so bare-boned and timed so meticulously that we make it to work exactly on time, never a minute early so as to avoid spending the least amount of time there as possible. Once at work, we go through the motions which have become so monotonous that our bodies can practically perform the tasks on auto-pilot. This at least allows our minds to drift off to more pleasant thoughts, (or dwell on the dismal fate of our daily toil.) We talk to co-workers, feigning interest in their small-talk, all the time watching the clock until it's time to go home. Once at home, we're so emotionally drained that we can't accomplish anything other than the bare minimum of what needs to be done to get us through until the next day when it all starts over again.

That is no way to live.

Tomorrow we'll talk about ways to move toward a job filled with promise and reward.

*****

Let's pray for someone we know who is unhappy with their job. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power