Friday, May 31, 2019

The God of Comfort

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 
who comforts us in all our troubles, 
so that we can comfort those in any trouble 
with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 
For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, 
so also our comfort abounds through Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NIV

*****
Please join me this week in praying for the men and women of our military branches, and their families. Pray that those who have lost loved ones receive comfort.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Thursday, May 30, 2019

Suffering loss

Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay
For those who have lost loved ones to war, pray for comfort and healing. Remember that...
He heals the brokenhearted
    and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3

*****
Please join me this week in praying for the men and women of our military branches, and their families. Pray that those who have lost loved ones receive comfort.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power





Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Thank a soldier

Image by Robert Pender from Pixabay

Memorial Day should be a reminder to us to take every opportunity throughout the year
to thank a Veteran or someone currently serving.

Who do you want to thank?

The name of the righteous is used in blessings,
    but the name of the wicked will rot.
Proverbs 10:7 NIV

*****
Please join me this week in praying for the men and women of our military branches, and their families.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Serve with humility

Image by John Hain from Pixabay
I only know one soldier well enough to understand his drive and ambition, but I've spoken to other soldiers enough to know that my friend's outlook on his duties and purpose are exactly like theirs. They do whatever is required of them. They take their responsibilities very seriously and their work ethic is impeccable. Just think where we'd be without our military. I'm in complete awe of them and wish I could be as giving and serving. Whenever my husband saw a veteran at a restaurant, he would discreetly pay for their meal as an act of gratitude. Thank a soldier today.
 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. 
Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 
not looking to your own interests but 
each of you to the interests of the others.
Philippians 2:3-4 NIV

     You don't need to be in the military to do this. In everything we do, we should do for others as servants of Christ. They will see us as Christians and our acts will glorify God.

*****
Please join me this week in praying for the men and women of our military branches, and their families.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Sunday, May 26, 2019

Memorial Day 2019

Image by Jackie Williamson from Pixabay
It's a very special person who decides to join the military. Someone full of love and pride for their country; someone who wants to protect the rights and freedoms of complete strangers, unselfishly sacrificing their safety and sometimes their life.
Photo taken along S. Dixie Drive Vandalia, OH
     This Memorial Day, remember to honor those who serve and have served. Thank them for their service. Let them know that we as civilians are grateful and that we remember them in our prayers.

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
John 15:13

Please join me this week in praying for the men and women of our military branches, and their families.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Chronological Reading Plan Week 29

Chronological Reading Plan

Week 29
197. Isaiah 13-17
198. Isaiah 18-22
199. Isaiah 23-27
200. 2 Kings 18; 2 Chronicles 29-31; Psalm 48
201. Hosea 1-7
202. Hosea 8-14
203. Isaiah 28-30

A time to weep

Image by Pexels from Pixabay
Whenever something bad happens I've always believed that I need to feel how I feel until I don't feel like that anymore. It's okay to be sad and to cry. It's okay to be angry, to admit to feeling lonely, to want to be quiet, even to stay in bed for a few days. Spend that time in prayer. Ask God for strength, guidance and for better, brighter days. Remember there is...
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
Ecclesiastes 3:4 ESV

*****
Please join me this week in praying for those who hide their emotions, for whatever reason, that they may open up to you and that you may comfort them or help them heal in a timely and healthy way. So often people who hide their emotions are the ones who are in the direst need to talk to someone. Offer your ear to listen and/or your shoulder to cry on. You don't have to offer suggestions, cures, or anything. You just need to be there.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Saturday, May 25, 2019

Abhor hate

Image by Uki_71 from Pixabay
A KKK group is hosting a rally today in downtown Dayton. I urge everyone to just avoid this area if at all possible. I would hope the media doesn't give them any limelight and that protestors don't use violence to counter hatred. Stay safe today. Pray for peace and love.

Be angry and do not sin; 
do not let the sun go down on your anger, 
and give no opportunity to the devil.
Ephesians 4:26-27 ESV

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.
Romans 12:9 ESV

*****
Please join me this week in praying for those who hide their emotions, for whatever reason, that they may open up to you and that you may comfort them or help them heal in a timely and healthy way. So often people who hide their emotions are the ones who are in the direst need to talk to someone. Offer your ear to listen and/or your shoulder to cry on. You don't have to offer suggestions, cures, or anything. You just need to be there.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power


Friday, May 24, 2019

Rejoice or weep

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Romans 12:15 ESV


*****
Please join me this week in praying for those who hide their emotions, for whatever reason, that they may open up to you and that you may comfort them or help them heal in a timely and healthy way. So often people who hide their emotions are the ones who are in the direst need to talk to someone. Offer your ear to listen and/or your shoulder to cry on. You don't have to offer suggestions, cures, or anything. You just need to be there.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Jesus loves you

Image by Maklay62 from Pixabay
So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. 
God is love, 
and whoever abides in love abides in God, 
and God abides in him.
1 John 4:16 ESV

*****
Please join me this week in praying for those who hide their emotions, for whatever reason, that they may open up to you and that you may comfort them or help them heal in a timely and healthy way. So often people who hide their emotions are the ones who are in the direst need to talk to someone. Offer your ear to listen and/or your shoulder to cry on. You don't have to offer suggestions, cures, or anything. You just need to be there.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Self-Control

Image by bknis from Pixabay
I have a client, actually, it's the client's contractor, who makes my life miserable! He seems to feel like it's his duty to stretch out this project as long as possible by constantly asking for more details. I try to get specifically what details he needs and he just keeps repeating the same vague request. It's very stressful especially since he cc's the client whenever he's belittling me.
     When I get emotional, whether it's sad, angry, anxious, I write. When I write at work, it's usually in the form of an email. Usually, I send it and then regret it later, but yesterday, I took a deep breath and just sent it to my boss instead of this yahoo. I felt better for having written it out and my boss can tone it down and take out the frustration and anger and still get my point across.
     We can do the same thing in almost any circumstance, especially those of us who have a hard time verbalizing what's bothering us. Writing or journaling is a way to express yourself (and it gets easier the more you do it) and then you have the opportunity to forward it to someone you trust, someone who can help or sift through what you're wanting to say. The beauty of it also is that you don't have to share it at all. Once you've written your peace, you can store it away and move on.
     Self-control is necessary in order to function in society, but it can also cause pent up resentment and anger. Whatever it is that you're controlling could manifest itself elsewhere and become a source of depression, anxiety, alcoholism, over-eating, etc. We need an outlet for our emotions.
     We're to be in constant prayer. Use some of that time to just talk to God about what's going on in your life, in your heart and head. He already knows, but it's such a comfort to be able to take everything to Him. He wants to hear from us. It will make you stronger mentally and emotionally; it will bring you peace.

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control
2 Timothy 1:7 ESV

*****
Please join me this week in praying for those who hide their emotions, for whatever reason, that they may open up to you and that you may comfort them or help them heal in a timely and healthy way. So often people who hide their emotions are the ones who are in the direst need to talk to someone. Offer your ear to listen and/or your shoulder to cry on. You don't have to offer suggestions, cures, or anything. You just need to be there.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

He cares for me

Image by Momentmal from Pixabay
Yesterday's move didn't go perfectly, but it was alright and I survived and now I can transition into yet another "new" life. Hopefully, this time around, I won't make so many stupid mistakes. I'll ask God for guidance a lot more often and listen better. Instead of praying for what my heart and flesh want, I hope to pray for what He wants for me and how I can serve Him. After all, that's why we're here; that's why He created us. 1 Peter 5:7 says:
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (ESV)

This is a great comfort. I don't have to worry about anything because He has a plan for me and a purpose for me being here. I never have to be alone, because He is always there for me.

*****
Please join me this week in praying for those who hide their emotions, for whatever reason, that they may open up to you and that you may comfort them or help them heal in a timely and healthy way. So often people who hide their emotions are the ones who are in the direst need to talk to someone. Offer your ear to listen and/or your shoulder to cry on. You don't have to offer suggestions, cures, or anything. You just need to be there.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Monday, May 20, 2019

Be true

Image by MikesPhotos from Pixabay
Jesus wept.
John 11:35

The shortest verse in the Bible, and in my opinion, the most powerful. Jesus was so moved by Lazurus' mourners that he also cried.
     I imagine Jesus feels all of our pains and sorrows, crying when we cry, rejoicing when we rejoice, yet we often hide our negative emotions from the world. Maybe we think our true emotions makes us appear weak; maybe we're just too full of pride to let others share in our sorrows and pain. We don't want others to know that we're depressed and hurting. We would rather suffer alone. It's so senseless and even hypocritical. I do it, too. When someone asks me how I am or how I'm feeling, I'll answer "fine" or even "good" when really, I'm a fragile mess beneath that cheery facade.
     Maybe we don't want to create an awkward situation by answering that we're sad or lonely. Or, maybe we just don't want to talk about something, but we're also denying that friend the opportunity to help or comfort us.
     I overheard a waitress training someone. She said, "And if you're having a bad day, just put on a big smile, and soon you'll feel better." That could be good advice, and it could possibly work, but, in the long run, you're not dealing with whatever has you down. All you're doing is putting on a very fragile veil that you hope others won't look past so that you can suffer alone.
     I get it. I do this, too. There's a fine line between sharing and burdening sometimes, but if you're talking to a family member or a true friend, that barrier can be broken over and over again and be repaired each time.
     I'm a bundle of emotions right now. I'm sad; I feel empty - sometimes numb - inside. I'm still in shock that my short marriage is over and that I'm living in my parents' house, yet again. I'm embarrassed and angry and anxious and depressed, yet day after day I let on that I'm strong, independent, understanding; that I'm fine with all of this. I don't want other people to feel awkward and I don't want to bring them down with me.
     In less than a month, I've been uprooted from my husband, my home, my church, and my community. I have no sense of belonging.
     Today is the final move. I've been very emotional. I've wept.

*****
Please join me this week in praying for those who hide their emotions, for whatever reason, that they may open up to you and that you may comfort them or help them heal in a timely and healthy way. So often people who hide their emotions are the ones who are in the direst need to talk to someone. Offer your ear to listen and/or your shoulder to cry on. You don't have to offer suggestions, cures, or anything. You just need to be there.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power



Sunday, May 19, 2019

Chronological Reading Plan Week 28

Chronological Reading Plan

Week 28
190. Isaiah 1-4
191. Isaiah 5-8
192. Amos 1-5
193. Amos 6-9
194. 2 Chronicles 27; Isaiah 9-12
195. Micah
196. 2 Chronicles 28; 2 Kings 16-17

What God has joined together


“What God has joined together, let no man separate”
Matthew 19:6

Saturday, May 18, 2019

Patience in God's plan

Image by Larisa Koshkina from Pixabay
I know I post this one a lot but it seems to be perfect for almost anything life throws at us (me). With everything I'm going through, I have to just have faith that God's in control, and He has a plan. I pray for both patience and guidance.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will direct your paths
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
*****
Let's pray for someone who is returning home. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Friday, May 17, 2019

Our forever home

Image by Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. Strangers shall stand and tend your flocks; foreigners shall be your plowmen and vinedressers; ...
Isaiah 61:1-11 ESV

*****
Let's pray for someone who is returning home. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power


Thursday, May 16, 2019

Teach your children well

Train up a child in the way he should go; 
even when he is old, he will not depart from it.
—Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)

I'm very blessed to have two wonderful parents; they did a good job raising us (IMO) and my brother and I turned out pretty okay.  It's been a really difficult 7 months or so and I've felt fortunate to have a family that I can turn to. Be a blessing to your own children and witness the outcome.

*****
Let's pray for someone who is returning home. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

New house rules

Image by Michelle Scott from Pixabay
Going home again as an adult, especially an older adult means breaking through some of the long-established parent-child relationship "rules" and developing a somewhat "equal" relationship without being overbearing. In our household, my mom's first instinct is to do everything for us, but she has so much on her plate right now that she is conceding a few things for my daughter and me to do and to help with. There's a fine line between being helpful and being overbearing. Be patient and openly discuss things as they come up; don't let them build to the point that they become too volatile to deal with.
How long will you waver, O faithless daughter? 
For the Lord has created a new thing on the earth: 
a woman encircles a man.”
Jeremiah 31:22 ESV
(There is a lot of different commentary about this passage, but overall is about returning home to forgiveness and acceptance).

*****
Let's pray for someone who is returning home. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Your country

Image by Photo Mix from Pixabay
There is hope for your future, declares the Lord, 
and your children shall come back to their own country.
Jeremiah 31:17 ESV

This speaks about the 10 Tribes returning from captivity but also about the hope in the Messianic Covenant. When we stray, or our children or grandchildren stray, we pray that they come home safely. The same is true when we stray spiritually; we can be assured that we will be welcomed home. We are His forever. If you are lost, pray that the Lord will guide you back to the right path.

*****
Let's pray for someone who is returning home. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Monday, May 13, 2019

Returning Home

Image by Наталья Коллегова from Pixabay
     When I left for the University of Cincinnati at the age of 18, I believed that I was leaving my parents' home for good (except for holidays and summer quarters). I fully expected to live in Cincinnati 3/4 of the year for the first couple of years, and then eventually find a place there to live permanently. I believed I would graduate and start a career and buy a home. Things don't always work out according to our plans as we've discussed many times here. I moved back in with my parents after 3 years of college; moved to Michigan and after a failed relationship, moved back in with my parents. So, a bumpy start, but thankfully, each time, they took me in and cared for me.
Now, at age 55, I'm back once more. My husband and I are separated (his idea, not mine) and there was only one place for me to go, my parents' house. I came back because I needed a place to stay, but also because I needed the comfort and love and support of my family.
     The same thing happened to me spiritually in the early 2000s. I had metaphorically moved out of my Father's house when I left for college and spent the next two decades without Him. I didn't pray, read my bible, attend church; I don't think I served Him or glorified Him in any way at all. But when I hit rock bottom, I was able to return to Him and He was there for me. Just as it was for the prodigal son, my Father in Heaven greeted me with open arms and rejoiced in my return. I am thankful and blessed to be a child of God.
     I am thankful and blessed to have my mother. In the midst of everything she's going through, she has put it all on hold in order to help me.
So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was 
filled with compassion for him; 
he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
Luke 15:20 NIV

*****
Let's pray for someone who is returning home. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Sunday, May 12, 2019

Chronological Reading Plan Week 27

Chronological Reading Plan

Week 27
183. 2 Kings 1-4
184. 2 Kings 5-8
185. 2 Kings 9-11
186. 2 Kings 12-13; 2 Chronicles 24
187. 2 Kings 14; 2 Chronicles 25
188. Jonah
189. 2 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 26

If I have not love

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, 
I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 
And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, 
and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, 
I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, 
but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; 
love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. 
It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; ...
1 Corinthians 13:1-13 ESV

Saturday, May 11, 2019

Things of the Spirit

For those who live according to the flesh 
set their minds on the things of the flesh, 
but those who live according to the Spirit 
set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
Romans 8:5 ESV
*****
Let's pray for guidance to serve God first in our lives. Ask Him how you can best serve Him. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Friday, May 10, 2019

Worker for Christ

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, 
a worker who has no need to be ashamed, 
rightly handling the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 ESV

*****
Let's pray for guidance to serve God first in our lives. Ask Him how you can best serve Him. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Trust in the Lord

My son, do not forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commandments,
for length of days and years of life
and peace they will add to you.
Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;
bind them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
So you will find favor and good success
in the sight of God and man.
Proverbs 3:1-4 ESV

*****
Let's pray for guidance to serve God first in our lives. Ask Him how you can best serve Him. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Heart, soul, mind

And he said to him, 
“You shall love the Lord your God with 
all your heart and with 
all your soul and with 
all your mind.
Matthew 22:37 ESV

*****
Let's pray for guidance to serve God first in our lives. Ask Him how you can best serve Him. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Commit your work to the Lord

Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.
Proverbs 16:3

*****
Let's pray for guidance to serve God first in our lives. Ask Him how you can best serve Him. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Monday, May 6, 2019

Seek the things above

Image by Constance Kowalik from Pixabay
If then you have been raised with Christ, 
seek the things that are above, 
where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 
Set your minds on things that are above, 
not on things that are on earth. 
For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 
When Christ who is your life appears, 
then you also will appear with him in glory.
Colossians 3:1-4 ESV

Serve God first and everything else in this life will work itself out.
*****
Let's pray for guidance to serve God first in our lives. Ask Him how you can best serve Him. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Sunday, May 5, 2019

Chronological Reading Plan Week 26

Chronological Reading Plan
Week 26
176. 1 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 13-16
177. 1 Kings 16; 2 Chronicles 17
178. 1 Kings 17-19
179. 1 Kings 20-21
180. 1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18
181. 2 Chronicles 19-23
182. Obadiah; Psalm 82-83

Thru prayer and supplication

Do not be anxious about anything, 
but in everything by prayer and supplication 
with thanksgiving 
let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6 ESV