God of grace

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

1 Peter 5:10 ESV

So that the crowd wondered, when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled healthy, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they glorified the God of Israel.

Matthew 15:31 ESV

Unseen disabilities

Disabilities aren't all visible. There are plenty of people who suffer daily from unseen disabilities and often their suffering is ridiculed; people don't understand what they can't see.
People with sleeping disorders are sometimes thought of as "lazy".
Those with phobias are called childish names such as "scaredy cat" or "chicken".
People who suffer from anxiety are "high strung".
Recluses are "anti-social".
Hypersensitivities are just "overly sensitive".
Why is it that we are so quick to attach a label or an insult to anyone who's different than we are?
God makes each person wholly unique. The least we can do is get to know a person and understand them for the individual they are instead of making snap judgments based on outward appearances.

For you formed my inward parts; 

you knitted me together in my mother's womb. 

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. 

Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

Psalm 139:13-14 ESV

*****

Please join me this week in praying for people with disabilities.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Instagram @archadia27
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Pray for someone with a disability

As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.

John 9:1-3 ESV

Chronological Reading Plan Week 37

Chronological Reading Plan

Week 37
253. Ezekiel 43-45
254. Ezekiel 46-48
255. Joel
256. Daniel 1-3
257. Daniel 4-6
258. Daniel 7-9
259. Daniel 10-12

All nations will hear the gospel

And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed 

throughout the whole world as a 

testimony to all nations, 

and then the end will come.

Matthew 24:14 ESV

The need for missionaries

How then will they call on him in whom 

they have not believed? 

And how are they to believe in him of 

whom they have never heard? 

And how are they to hear without someone preaching?

Romans 10:14 ESV

What can I do for You today?

To do the will of God should be as necessary to our survival as eating each day. It's too easy to say, "Not today, Father" and make excuses because we're too busy pursuing our own selfish needs. The only reason we're here is because He created us. Ask Him each and every day, "What can I do for You today, Lord?" Our Missionaries live their lives doing His will; sacrificing their own earthly wants and needs to go wherever they're needed. I'm in awe of them.

Jesus said to them, 

“My food is to do the will of him 

who sent me and to accomplish his work.

John 4:34 ESV

*****

Please join me this week in praying for missionaries and for what we can do to glorify God.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Instagram @archadia27
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

The hope in you

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy,

 always being prepared to make a defense 

to anyone who asks you for a reason for the 

hope that is in you; 

yet do it with gentleness and respect,

1 Peter 3:15 ESV

Our purpose in life

But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

Acts 6:4 ESV

*****

Please join me this week in praying for missionaries and for what we can do to glorify God.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Instagram @archadia27
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

International missions

A Market in Mozambique

As Christians, we understand that our purpose in this life is to spread the Good News to all Nations. For most of us, that means people who we come in contact with, but for a small group of very special people (they must be special, in my opinion) that means leaving the comforts of home and traveling to places all over the world. They move to areas without running water or electricity. Just to get to some of these villages means driving or walking through areas where it's forbidden to even mention Christ. There are people looking for missionaries to imprison them, or worse. I can't imagine doing that; I'm not courageous enough and it must not be my destiny, but what I can do is support those people who have this calling. You can. too, through prayer, donations, and spreading awareness. Our church supports IMB which is the International Mission Board. They have 3,623 missionaries all over the world, reaching out to 847 nations (if I'm understanding their information correctly). Pray for them and pray for what God would like for you to do to support missionaries and reach out to the unreached people groups of the world.

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19-20 ESV

*****

Please join me this week in praying for missionaries.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Instagram @archadia27
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Pray for missionaries

What does missionary mean?
 "a person sent by a church into an area to carry on evangelism or other activities, as educational or hospital work. a person strongly in favor of a program, set of principles, etc., who attempts to persuade or convert others. a person who is sent on a mission." (dictionary.com)
 "A missionary is a person whose mission is to go somewhere to help others. In many cases, the goal of a missionary is to teach about a religion so that the people convert to that faith." (vocabulary.com/dictionary)

A missionary is actively engaging in the Great Commission (see the bible verse below) often while helping fulfill a physical need of the community they're visiting. Some stay for a week, others for years. Some areas are extremely dangerous for Christians and there are times when missionaries are imprisoned or even lose their lives. I believe that God places the desire to become a missionary on the hearts of those who serve and that desire is so strong that they are compelled to devote themselves wholly to the task.

Right now there is a group of 38 volunteers from our church in Connecticut helping to build a church, evangelizing everywhere they go. It's part of the Baptist Builders for Christ organization. This organization constructed our church years ago and have completed forty-six projects across the U.S. since its inception in 1981, according to their website.

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

Mark 16:15 ESV

*****

Please join me this week in praying for missionaries.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Instagram @archadia27
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Chronological Reading Plan Week 36

Chronological Reading Plan

Week 36
246. Ezekiel 23-24
247. Ezekiel 25-27
248. Ezekiel 28-30
249. Ezekiel 31-33
250. Ezekiel 34-36
251. Ezekiel 37-39
252. Ezekiel 40-42

Greatest joy

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

3 John 1:4 ESV

Our reward

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,

The fruit of the womb is a reward.

Psalm 127:3 NKJV

Peace

All your children shall be taught by the Lord, 

and great shall be the peace of your children.

Isaiah 54:13 ESV

Tell of His wonderful works

Give ear, O my people, to my law;

Incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

I will open my mouth in a parable;

I will utter dark sayings of old,

Which we have heard and known,

And our fathers have told us.

We will not hide them from their children,

Telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord,

And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done.

For He established a testimony in Jacob,

And appointed a law in Israel,

Which He commanded our fathers,

That they should make them known to their children;

That the generation to come might know them,

The children who would be born,

That they may arise and declare them to their children,

That they may set their hope in God,

And not forget the works of God,

But keep His commandments;

Psalm 78:1-7 NKJV

*****

Please join me this week in praying for a child you know. Pray that that child is raised in the Word. Pray for that child to grow up understanding the gospel, what Jesus did for them, and for their lives to glorify God. If you are the parent or guardian of the child, pray for the seeds you plant to blossom into image-bearing fruit that will perpetually spread God's Word.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Instagram @archadia27
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Teach your children well

This is worth repeating: "If we don't teach our children to follow Christ, the world will teach them not to." We have a very short time with our children where we have their full dependence and are their primary source of influence. As they grow, their circle of influence grows, so make sure you spend as much time with them as possible. Eat dinner together at the dinner table. Go to their events. Be involved with their groups. Get to know their friends and teachers. Most importantly, read the Bible together, attend church together, and pray together.

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 ESV

*****

Please join me this week in praying for a child you know. Pray that that child is raised in the Word. Pray for that child to grow up understanding the gospel, what Jesus did for them, and for their lives to glorify God. If you are the parent or guardian of the child, pray for the seeds you plant to blossom into image-bearing fruit that will perpetually spread God's Word.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Instagram @archadia27
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Jesus loves the little children

When I was growing up, my mom and I went to Sunday school and church almost every Sunday. I wasn't saved until I was 14, but as a child growing up in that atmosphere, I knew that Jesus loved me; I believed in Him and there was never any doubt that what the Bible said was the truth.

I took the words of Matthew 19:13-15 literally and pictured the kingdom of heaven full of children and thought it must be a fun and happy place. I pictured a loving, caring, Jesus and took comfort in that. I can't imagine where I'd be without that early spiritual education. Give the children in your life a chance to know Jesus with the faith and open-mindedness of a young child.

Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” And he laid his hands on them and went away.

Matthew 19:13-15 ESV

*****

Please join me this week in praying for a child you know. Pray that that child is raised in the Word. Pray for that child to grow up understanding the gospel, what Jesus did for them, and for their lives to glorify God. If you are the parent or guardian of the child, pray for the seeds you plant to blossom into image-bearing fruit that will perpetually spread God's Word.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Instagram @archadia27
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School at The Ridge Church in Brookville, OH **

Remember going to Vacation Bible School as a kid? It was one of the highlights of every summer for me. Kind of a crash course where I learned more about Jesus and the Bible and a deeper understanding of what it all meant and how it all worked together. Plus, there were art projects and singing and games and snacks ... all of the elements to hold my attention and get me excited about the experience. At the time, I just saw it as a fun week, but looking back, I realize what an important role it played in my spiritual upbringing.

There are Vacation Bible School opportunities throughout the area and most of them are either on the weekends and/or weekday evenings, so find one and give your children the opportunity to experience Jesus with other kids and have a memorable time doing it. We need to raise godly children if we hope to spread Christianity to all parts of the world. It's our duty as parents, guardians, relatives, neighbors (even if the child is now an adult - don't give up).

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

** Kids Jam, Vacation Bible School at The Ridge Church in Brookville OH is going on this week. It's not too late to join in. Visit the website: KIDS JAM! and/or their facebook page: TheRidgeKidsMinistry for more information.

*****

Please join me this week in praying for a child you know. Pray that that child is raised in the Word. Pray for that child to grow up understanding the gospel, what Jesus did for them, and for their lives to glorify God. If you are the parent or guardian of the child, pray for the seeds you plant to blossom into image-bearing fruit that will perpetually spread God's Word.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Instagram @archadia27
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Chronological Reading Plan Week 35

Chronological Reading Plan

Week 35
239. Ezekiel 1-4
240. Ezekiel 5-8
241. Ezekiel 9-12
242. Ezekiel 13-15
243. Ezekiel 16-17
244. Ezekiel 18-20
245. Ezekiel 21-22

God’s Righteous Judgment

Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?

Romans 2:1-3 NKJV

Who are you to judge?

Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?

James 4:11-12 NKJV

Give freely

And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.

“But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? 

For even sinners love those who love them. 

And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? 

For even sinners do the same. 

And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? 

For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 

But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; 

and your reward will be great, 

and you will be sons of the Most High. 

For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. 

Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.

Luke 6:31-36 NKJV

Blind leading the blind

And He spoke a parable to them: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother’s eye.

Luke 6:39-42

*****

Please join me this week in praying for someone who is judgmental. Pray that their heart is softened and that they become more open-minded for those who live their lives differently. Then, finally, please pray that the judgmental person becomes an honorable image-bearer for Christ; someone that a non-Christian will feel he/she can approach.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Instagram @archadia27
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Judge not

“Judge not, that you be not judged. 

For with what judgment you judge, 

you will be judged; 

and with the measure you use, 

it will be measured back to you.

Matthew 7:1-2

*****

Please join me this week in praying for someone who is judgmental. Pray that their heart is softened and that they become more open-minded for those who live their lives differently. Then, finally, please pray that the judgmental person becomes an honorable image-bearer for Christ; someone that a non-Christian will feel he/she can approach.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Instagram @archadia27
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

A hard heart

I'm dealing with several people in my life right now who don't seem to have the capacity, or even the willingness to forgive. It breaks my heart. Nothing in this life is unforgivable if the person admits their error, apologizes and is willing to do better. I look back on all of the mistakes I've made in my life and try to imagine if family and friends didn't forgive me, where would I be right now? I look back at those mistakes and remember them and remember the second chances I've had whenever I come across someone who's made a mistake. How can I not give them a second chance? How can I possibly judge them for what they've done wrong in the past when I have a sin-filled, mistake-ridden past myself?
     I went to a motorcycle rally several years ago and lived in a house with a local, his family, and about 20 other bikers from all across the U.S. We ate dinner outside at card tables and I sat with two men whom I hadn't met. They introduced themselves and one of the men told me he had spent several years in jail for killing a man. He was completely serious. He told me all about it and how awful he felt about it. He chose to be open with the people he met so they would know something about him and could either condemn him for his past or choose to get to know the man he is now. I was so intrigued by this gentle soul as he told me his story. While serving time, he became a Christain. He had made his peace with God and had done his time in the eyes of the law. He remarried and he and his wife went to different prisons to tell his story and share the gospel with inmates, giving them hope and letting them know that Christ died for their sins. This man was an artist. He was gentle and kind and I consider it a blessing to have met him.
     Learn to forgive and forget. Learn not to judge. A hard heart is an ugly heart and reflects on the person who wears it.

“Judge not, and you shall not be judged. 

Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. 

Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 

Give, and it will be given to you: 

good measure, pressed down, shaken together, 

and running over will be put into your bosom. 

For with the same measure that you use, 

it will be measured back to you.”

Luke 6:37-38

*****

Please join me this week in praying for someone who is judgmental. Pray that their heart is softened and that they become more open-minded for those who live their lives differently. Then, finally, please pray that the judgmental person becomes an honorable image-bearer for Christ; someone that a non-Christian will feel he/she can approach.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Instagram @archadia27
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Pray for the judgmental

A couple who recently converted to Christianity was asked what their opinion of Christians was when they were unbelievers, and their answer was that Christians are too judgmental.  I'm sure a lot of people see us that way and it may be why they're hesitant to listen to what we have to say. People enjoy their sinning and don't want to give it up. I've read several books that all seem to agree...
accept the person and their sin, (but pray for them)
build a relationship with them without being judgmental
then, share the gospel.
They will see how you live your life and want that peace that they see in you.

I'm paraphrasing of course, but that's how I understand it. Instead of shying away from people who are outwarding living a life of sin, show compassion for them and build a relationship with them. Just wagging a finger at an unbeliever isn't going to accomplish anything but pushing them further away. How many Christians sin every single day? 100%

So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

John 8:7-9

*****

Please join me this week in praying for someone who is judgmental. Pray that their heart is softened and that they become more open-minded for those who live their lives differently. Then, finally, please pray that through their example the judgmental person becomes an honorable image-bearer for Christ; someone that a non-Christian will feel he/she can approach.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Instagram @archadia27
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Chronological Reading Plan Week 34

Chronological Reading Plan

Week 34

232. Habakkuk
233. Jeremiah 41-45
234. Jeremiah 46-48
235. Jeremiah 49-50
236. Jeremiah 51-52
237. Lamentations 1-2
238. Lamentations 3-5

Wear the whole armor of God

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the [a]wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

Ephesians 6:10-18 NKJV

Earthly things

Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

Phillippians 3:17-20 NKJV

On behalf of Christ

For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, 

not only to believe in Him, 

but also to suffer for His sake, 

having the same conflict which you saw in me 

and now hear is in me.

Phillippians 1:27-30 NKJV

Vacation

I'll be out of town, someplace without wifi so I've scheduled Bible verses for the rest of the week on my blog here and fb group only. I'll be back here on Monday. Happy 4th of July <3

Walk in love

And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us 

and given Himself for us, 

an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

Ephesians 5:2 NKJV

Worthy of His calling

Therefore we also pray always for you 

that our God would count you worthy of this calling, 

and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness 

and the work of faith with power,

2 Thessalonians 1:11

*******

Please join me this week in praying for the courage and strength to live fearlessly for Christ. Pray for the courage to fully surrender to Jesus, and trust in His sovereignty.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Instagram @archadia27
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

A gift of a Bible

To illustrate how important it is to put your fear behind you, I wanted to share this. Penn Jillette of Penn and Teller fame is passionate about being an atheist. He made the above video several years ago about an encounter with a Christian and had this to say:
     “I’ve always said, I don’t respect people who don’t proselytize. I don’t respect that at all. If you believe there is a heaven and hell, and people could be going to hell or not getting eternal life or whatever, and you think it’s not really worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward...
     How much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize? How much do you have to hate somebody to believe everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?
     If I believed, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that a truck was coming at you, and you didn’t believe it, that that truck was bearing down on you, there’s a certain point where I tackle you, and this is more important than that.”

This is eternity we're talking about; not this short little blip on earth that we call life. We need to tell everyone. It's why we're here.

The Great Commission

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. 

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:16-20

***
The sermon I was talking about yesterday can be heard here: Phillippians: True Joy In Christ 6-30-2019

*******

Please join me this week in praying for the courage and strength to live fearlessly for Christ. Pray for the courage to fully surrender to Jesus, and trust in His sovereignty.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Instagram @archadia27
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

No fear

Yesterday's sermon (Phillippians: True Joy In Christ 6-30-2019) really moved me. The main theme was to live fearlessly for Christ. I immediately thought, "No Fear" (and the Pastor said it, too), a phrase made popular by a line of sports apparel (and more) from the early '90s. I always took the phrase to heart back then to push myself out of my comfort zone, and in recent years have tried using it to push myself to be more of an evangelist and do what we're all called to do, to share the gospel.
     I pray about it. I pray for strength and courage and for the words. I'm much more comfortable with the written word than with the spoken, but the Bible says that people come to faith by hearing the Gospel. If we fully surrender to Christ, we can be assured that He is in charge and that He is sovereign over all.

For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;

Colossians 1:9-11 NKJV

*******

Please join me this week in praying for the courage and strength to live fearlessly for Christ. Pray for the courage to fully surrender to Jesus, and trust in His sovereignty.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Instagram @archadia27
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power