4th Quarter

A man at our church has started a mission of sorts; it's a mission for those of us who have entered the 4th quarter of our lives and it's one that everyone can participate in. Basically, it's a ministry to encourage older adults to "finish strong for Jesus." As we age we may feel that we can't do as much as we used to do or that no one will want our help or that it's time for the younger people to take over. Those are all just excuses. Whether you're working or retired, in good physical (and/or mental) shape or not, financially set or struggling there is something that you can do to leave behind a legacy of your faith.
     God has bestowed on you at least one spiritual gift and it's your responsibility to figure out what that gift is and how you can use it (or you can simply pray for God to reveal all of that to you; that's what I did). It's possible that your spiritual gift is slightly different than it used to be, but it is the gift you need in order to do God's will.
Some suggestions:
- become a prayer warrior
- donate money, time, or materials to a Christian organization/charity
- disciple someone who's new to the faith
- share the gospel
- encourage and inspire others
- visit someone who's ill or grieving

     He started a 4th Quarter group at our church and I believe everyone has gotten involved in at least one way. The founder is James Dickey and it's his hope (and our entire group's hope) that this ministry spread to other churches. He even wrote a book explaining the different strategies one can use to apply their gifts and talents, to share their faith, plant seeds, and fill the Kingdom with saints.

     The book is available on Amazon if you would like to check it out.* If you're interested in learning more about the ministry, visit his website at 4thq.org.

*As always, I do not receive any commission from anything I recommend. It's just my desire to share quality books that will help spread the gospel. After all, I too would like to "finish my race with joy," and I do that by submitting to God's will for my life.

But none of these things move me; 

nor do I count my life dear to myself, 

so that I may finish my race with joy, 

and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, 

to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Acts 20:24 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying for our missionaries. Pray for their safety and pray that they may bring others to Christ.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

I chose you

You did not choose Me, but I chose you 

and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and 

that your fruit should remain, 

that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

John 15:16

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Please join me this week in praying for our missionaries. Pray for their safety and pray that they may bring others to Christ.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Laborers for the harvest

During my time at missions training, one of the bible verses that came up often was Luke 10:2 (NKJV):

Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, 

but the laborers are few; 

therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.

     I met so many people who have a missionary's heart and longed to go out into the field but their calling was instead here, in the U.S. Many of them had already dedicated a number of years living abroad but for one reason or another had to return home. They did so without complaining and they understood their role and how they were better serving the missionary work by staying put. Some of them organize mission trips, others raise money, still others train the next generation of missionaries. In a real sense, they are sending out many missionaries who will be able to save many unreached people groups instead of being an individual overseas who would be able to save a few. We as the church still need many, many more laborers to go out into the harvest, but we also need those at home who support those abroad.
     Personally, I long to go out on a mission but realize now that it isn't my calling. I'm aware of my spiritual gifts and am focused on using them as God directs me. I'll continue to serve at Target Dayton and hopefully, in the near future, will learn some skills and become more confident at sharing the gospel with strangers. Maybe at that time, God will send me out, but until then I'm here, praying for the unreached people, for the missionaries who serve them, and for those who haven't yet answered their calling to open their minds and hearts to where Jesus is sending them.

Do all things without complaining and disputing, 

Philippians 2:14 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying for our missionaries. Pray for their safety and pray that they may bring others to Christ.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

The enemy

We don't spend nearly enough time talking about Satan. He is constantly in our midst, trying to reel us in. Yes, we're saved and he cannot take that away from us, but he can meddle in our lives and deter us from doing God's work. The more I grow in my faith and my commitment to focus only on Jesus, the more Satan seems to be a factor in my life. He deceives me, distracts me. He meddles in my relationships with others, especially the unsaved.
     I have felt so exhausted lately and there doesn't seem to be nearly enough hours in the day to do everything I've committed to. This keeps me from my devotionals, and even my prayer time. Sometimes it takes me a few days to realize what's going on, but then I'm able to re-focus and pray fervently for help against the enemy.
     This isn't exactly related to mission work, but it could be in that sometimes when we're called to serve, Satan fills us with self-doubt about our abilities to serve, time available, resources, whatever it takes to keep us from answering God's calling. Be aware of what he's capable of. Suit up with the full armor of God,* and then press on.
*Ephesians 6:10-18

And let us not grow weary while doing good, 

for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 

Therefore, as we have opportunity, 

let us do good to all, 

especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Galatians 6:9-10 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying for our missionaries. Pray for their safety and pray that they may bring others to Christ.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Where will you serve?

This past weekend I had a couple of opportunities to serve; once for Let's Eat (formerly Feed Brookville) and the other at Target Dayton. Both experiences were humbling and energizing and I really felt God's presence among us as we served and socialized with one another.
     Our church has a group of missionaries answering the call to help out in the Dominican Republic this week. They've been sending back pictures the past several days and it's just so wonderful to see the joy on everyone's faces; those serving and those being served. Yesterday they went shopping and delivered groceries to those in need. They'll be helping with construction and sewing projects throughout the week.
     As Christians, we know our purpose in this life is to "...Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV. Whether you do this here at home, (at work, social events, while running errands), locally (community, city, state, country) or abroad doesn't matter. It's wherever God is calling you to serve. Just be sure to answer the call. If you're uncomfortable sharing one on one (as I often am), then pray about that. Pray for words and courage and wisdom. God will answer and will guide you if you let Him.

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, 

but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:45 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying for our missionaries. Pray for their safety and pray that they may bring others to Christ.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Building on a firm foundation

 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:9-11

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Please join me this week in praying for the healing and growth of our local churches.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

The Lord's house in ruins

I came across the first chapter of Haggai and immediately thought, "nothing has changed in all these years." Haggai is warning the remnant of Jerusalem that the time is indeed now to restore God's house.  He speaks for the Lord chasting the people for taking care of themselves only;  they are never content and suffer much because of their selfish ways. How true is this even today? Maybe some of this is the underlying truth behind the decline of our churches. People are too busy tending to their own selfish needs and wants instead of building up the church for the Lord (both the physical structure and the whole church body). So, I just want to encourage you to get your priorities straight, just as I am trying to do this year. Put God above all else.

“Thus says the Lord of hosts: These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord.” Then the word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet, “Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. 

You have sown much, and harvested little.

You eat, but you never have enough; 

you drink, but you never have your fill.

You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes.

"Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the Lord. You looked for much, and behold, it came to little. And when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why? declares the Lord of hosts. Because of my house that lies in ruins, while each of you busies himself with his own house.  Therefore the heavens above you have withheld the dew, and the earth has withheld its produce. And I have called for a drought on the land and the hills, on the grain, the new wine, the oil, on what the ground brings forth, on man and beast, and on all their labors.”

Haggai 1:2-11 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for the healing and growth of our local churches.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Church attendance

4 in 10 people don't attend church because they aren't believers. Of the other 6 in 10 people, 7 out of 10 of them feel affiliated with a religion and 6 out of those 10 consider themselves Christian.  I found this really great article about church attendance (and is where I found the above stats), if you're interested, please give it a read by clicking here.
     I read somewhere else that 42% of Millennials and 54% of Gen-Xers attend church. Honestly, that's a lot better than I expected. While that's still a decline, it doesn't seem hopeless. I've probably already shared this but when I went away to college, there was a church right next to my dorm. I was able to go for Jazzercise classes there, but could never get myself motivated to go there for church services on Sunday mornings. It's so regrettable how much time I wasted back then not serving the Lord. But, that was then and this is now and we should let go of the past and live in the present.
     Let's lift up those who don't attend church and pray for the revitalization of our neighborhood churches.

And I tell you, you are Peter, *

and on this rock I will build my church, 

and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Matthew 16:18 ESV

*Peter, derived from the Greek Petros meaning "stone" was the name Jesus gave to His disciple Simon.

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Please join me this week in praying for the healing and growth of our local churches.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Meet together

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for the healing and growth of our local churches.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Church family

I used to think it was fine to stay home and worship instead of going to church but realized that it was nothing like physically attending church. I would listen to sermons online and even take notes but it wasn't consistent and I couldn't ask questions and of course, I was missing out on that special fellowship a church family has. Whenever I hear of someone who's lonely, I really try to encourage them to start attending church. A church family is extremely special; there's an indescribable bond there that you just don't find anywhere else.
     Some people may leave the church because it's easier to listen to a sermon online or watch a televised service (beware of some of those Pastors, please). Maybe they have health issues (physical, mental, or emotional) that may prevent them from going or feeling able to go. If you know someone who can go but doesn't, please encourage them to attend a physical church. Offer them a ride if necessary. Try to relate to them the spiritual experience of worshipping with other believers.
     If they cannot attend a physical church, please consider visiting with them, maybe listening to an online sermon together. God is with us always. He never leaves us or forsakes us.

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

Matthew 18:20 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for the healing and growth of our local churches.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Using our spiritual gifts

Use your spiritual gifts for the edification of the church body

One of the things God is leading me to do is to write down other women's stories. I'm extremely excited about it especially because I've spent the last nine years working on writing my story and have always felt that it was not what God wanted me to do, so now I get why. ... Okay, so I was going to leave this next part out, but then decided, Nah - so if you want to debate this, go for it, but I don't feel like it - this is just my opinion ... This is how I see free-will versus God's plan. I had the freedom to choose to write my story because it was something I really, really wanted to do, so I did it, feeling that it wasn't part of God's plan for me, so He let me go down that 9-year-long rabbit trail that led nowhere for my own personal satisfaction and then He posted a detour sign that brought me back to His path for me. Isn't that just awesome?!
     I thought about bringing up this new venture in our women's bible study group Sunday morning but then decided against it until I was closer to being ready to start, till I was more organized, etc. In our group we were talking about judgment (Romans) and that we're all sinners and to never forget our own testimonies, our own past and someone said, "We each have a story to tell" and I realized that if that wasn't God telling me to share, then I don't know what else it could've been, so I shared.
     One of the women who I had in mind to interview anyway came up to me after group and said that her brother has been telling her for years that she should write down her story. That about knocked me over and I said "I would love to write it," so that's my first project and I'm super psyched about it! I can't wait to get started!!!
     Then, the sermon started out about we should be for each other, not ourselves (so I took that as writing about others instead of myself - another 'whoa' moment!). Then, the sermon went on to talk about some of the same things we were talking about in women's group even though it was a different subject, it still touched on the same things we were discussing which seems to happen a lot whenever we study, but I guess this is probably enough sharing for today.
     To bring this back around to our topic for this week, our Pastor had a few stories about other churches and it's really heartbreaking, so encouragement, lifting each other up, growing the church through mission work circled back around (in my thought process) to growing, caring, and maintaining the churches we have here at home. So, if you're part of a church that seems to be slipping in attendance, consider praying about how you can use your spiritual gifts to help heal the church body.

What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.

1 Corinthians 14:26 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for the healing and growth of our local churches.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Our ailing churches

I have so much to tell you! Yesterday at church was just one "wow" moment after another! I really wish I would've written this blog post last night, but I didn't and now I feel like I don't have enough time this morning to do it justice, so let me just introduce this week's topic and I'll try to get all of this written down tonight to share tomorrow.
     This week let's pray for all of the local churches that are seeing a decline in attendance. It is kind of a continuance from last week if you think about it. We're praying for healing and we're holding each other up and offering encouragement.
     A healthy church needs the benefit of a congregation who is willing to work together, utilizing their spiritual gifts for the edification of the church body, in such a way that will bring honor and glory to our Lord.

from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Ephesians 4:16 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying for the healing and growth of our local churches.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Heal me Save me

As we conclude this week of healing prayers, I want to encourage you to continue to pray for those who are ill and to reach out to someone who's suffering. A note or card can go a long way in lifting someone's spirits.
I'll try to provide updates on those we've been praying for.
Continued prayers for our brothers and sisters in Christ:
D.D. who is having double or triple bypass surgery this Tuesday or Wednesday
D.A. who has leukemia
B.F. who is dying from cancer
S.S. who has pancreatic cancer
M.W. who has a lung or respiratory disease
T.H. who has stage 4 cancer
G.&P.T. a couple with multiple health concerns
A.N. a newborn with Kasabach Merritt phenomenon
S.S. suffers from chronic pain due to CRPS and damaged nerves
J.F. heart condition in hospice
D.I. diagnosed stage 4 prostate cancer, great pain
C.T. seeing the surgeon Tuesday, 3 more chemos before surgery
P.B. a friend of hers, Dad is sick
H.C. chronically ill
W.C. severe diabetes
B.K. no more bone or tissue degeneration from rheumatoid arthritis.
M.H. immense knee pain from surgery and is having surgery on left knee 1/24/20
G.H. - suffers from the after-effects of a stroke
D.H. breast cancer and is not doing well
L.P. blood pressure problems

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed;

Save me, and I shall be saved,

For You are my praise.

Jeremiah 17:14

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Please join me this week in praying for healing for these brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering from disease or illness. Pray boldly and with your whole heart, knowing that whatever we ask for and do not doubt, God will do.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

In a valley

When I was going through chemo and radiation, there were days when I was praising God that I was alive and then there were days when I was crying at the prospect of dying. It was an extremely emotional time made even more difficult by the fact that I had just lost a husband to cancer two years before.
     One of the things that got me through was the outpouring of love and support from people all over the world. I had online friends from several different countries, including this one, and everyone would keep in touch by email, IM, social media and let me know that they were praying for me.
     What made my day every once in a while, though, was when I would receive a card in the mail (and sometimes a gift). It was just so wonderful to know that someone took the time to buy a card and write a note in it. It never failed to cheer me up.
     I find that when I'm down now, a wonderful pick-me-up is to buy a card or small something for someone who I know is sick or hurting. It's my opinion that when I'm depressed it helps immensely to turn my focus onto others AND to count my blessings.
     So, if you're trapped in a valley or know someone who is, think about sending them a card today and you may just lift both yourself and the card recipient to the mountain tops.

Please take a moment to pray for the healing of these special people:
D.D. who is having double or triple bypass surgery this Tuesday or Wednesday
D.A. who has leukemia
B.F. who is dying from cancer
S.S. who has pancreatic cancer
M.W. who has a lung or respiratory disease
T.H. who has stage 4 cancer
G.&P.T. a couple with multiple health concerns
A.N. a newborn with Kasabach Merritt phenomenon
S.S. suffers from chronic pain due to CRPS and damaged nerves
J.F. heart condition in hospice
D.I. diagnosed stage 4 prostate cancer, great pain
C.T. seeing the surgeon Tuesday, 3 more chemos before surgery
P.B. a friend of hers, Dad is sick
H.C. chronically ill
W.C. severe diabetes
B.K. no more bone or tissue degeneration from rheumatoid arthritis.
M.H. immense knee pain from surgery and is having surgery on left knee 1/24/20
G.H. - suffers from the after-effects of a stroke
D.H. breast cancer and is not doing well
L.P. blood pressure problems

Every valley shall be exalted

And every mountain and hill brought low;

The crooked places shall be made straight

And the rough places smooth;

Isaiah 40:4 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying for healing for these brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering from disease or illness. Pray boldly and with your whole heart, knowing that whatever we ask for and do not doubt, God will do.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Can you believe?

Last night I found out that the baby we've been praying for, A.N. has been diagnosed with a rare vascular disease called Kasabach Merritt phenomenon which stems from the type of tumor she has which is called Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma. She started chemotherapy yesterday in order to shrink the tumor. She will receive treatments for probably two years.
     My first reaction, of course, was, why? Why Lord? But then I quickly remembered He is He and I am just me and can't possibly know what plans He has for this little girl. Maybe, since this is such a rare disease, He will use her medical team to make medical advances for this disease. Maybe He'll use the baby's family to advocate for the disease and bring public awareness to it. We don't know. It's not our job or our purpose to know.
     From what I read, this is a benign tumor so I imagine the chemo is used to shrink the mass so it can be removed. We need to pray for her and her parents and grandparents to get them through this process.
     Her family wrote: "We are very overwhelmed and not sure what to think but we are trusting God's plan and know He will provide for us."
So, please keep praying. Pray without ceasing.

Continued prayers for our brothers and sisters in Christ:
D.D. who is having double or triple bypass surgery this Tuesday or Wednesday
D.A. who has leukemia
B.F. who is dying from cancer
S.S. who has pancreatic cancer
M.W. who has a lung or respiratory disease
T.H. who has stage 4 cancer
G.&P.T. a couple with multiple health concerns
A.N. a newborn with a possible vascular tumor in her hand. She's having an MRI done Wednesday morning. Please pray that the doctors figure out what's wrong and that it's not life-threatening.
S.S. suffers from chronic pain due to CRPS and damaged nerves
J.F. heart condition in hospice
D.I. diagnosed stage 4 prostate cancer, great pain
C.T. seeing the surgeon Tuesday, 3 more chemos before surgery
P.B. a friend of hers, Dad is sick
H.C. chronically ill
W.C. severe diabetes
B.K. no more bone or tissue degeneration from rheumatoid arthritis.
M.H. immense knee pain from surgery and is having surgery on left knee 1/24/20
G.H. - suffers from the after-effects of a stroke
D.H. breast cancer and is not doing well
L.P. blood pressure problems

Send me anyone you would like for us to pray for this week to archadia7@yahoo.com and put in the subject line Prayer Request.

Remember to pray with your whole heart and believe that God will heal these people!

Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”

Mark 9:23 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying for healing for these brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering from disease or illness. Pray boldly and with your whole heart, knowing that whatever we ask for and do not doubt, God will do.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Confidence in prayer

For the past several years my spiritual journey has been focused on paths and crossroads, with my life verse being Proverbs 3:5-6

 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

 In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall make straight your paths.

Yesterday I realized that my journey has moved to the mountains. I'm excited about this and feel like it presents a lot of opportunities for growth and, it will allow the world to see my light.

There are so many people who are suffering from illness, disease, and chronic conditions. Let's pray for these brothers and sisters in Christ that they may be healed. Let's pray fervently and intently like their very lives depend on our prayers (which is the case in a few instances). Names have been added.
D.D. who is having double or triple bypass surgery this Tuesday or Wednesday
D.A. who has leukemia
B.F. who is dying from cancer
S.S. who has pancreatic cancer
M.W. who has a lung or respiratory disease
T.H. who has stage 4 cancer
G.&P.T. a couple with multiple health concerns
A.N. a newborn with a possible vascular tumor in her hand. She's having an MRI done Wednesday morning. Please pray that the doctors figure out what's wrong and that it's not life-threatening.
S.S. suffers from chronic pain due to CRPS and damaged nerves
J.F. heart condition in hospice
D.I. diagnosed stage 4 prostate cancer, great pain
C.T. seeing the surgeon Tuesday, 3 more chemos before surgery
P.B. a friend of hers, Dad is sick
H.C. chronically ill
W.C. severe diabetes
B.K. no more bone or tissue degeneration from rheumatoid arthritis.
M.H. immense knee pain from surgery and is having surgery on left knee 1/24/20
G.H. - suffers from the after-effects of a stroke

Send me anyone you would like for us to pray for this week to archadia7@yahoo.com and put in the subject line Prayer Request.

Remember to pray with your whole heart and believe that God will heal these people!

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him,

 that if we ask anything according to His will, 

He hears us.

1 John 5:14 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying for healing for these brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering from disease or illness. Pray boldly and with your whole heart, knowing that whatever we ask for and do not doubt, God will do.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Faith as a mustard seed

I love this phrase, "if you have faith as a mustard seed..." Jesus was saying that as long as we have faith, no matter how small, we can do great things.
     Yesterday morning I had a God experience and I'd like to share it with you as best as I can. My faith has been all over the board throughout my life. As a youth, I was very involved with my church, I took my bible to school with me, I shared my faith, invited people to church. Then, for some unknown reason, when I moved away to college, I moved away from God. For twenty years, I went through life without Him although He never left my side. Then, one day I had chest pains. I thought I was having a heart attack. My immediate response wasn't to call someone but instead, to get down on the floor and pray, which is what I did. Later, when I went home, I dug through my bins of memorabilia until I found my bibles. I plunged into the word and have stayed there ever since. Like the Prodigal Son, I guess I thought I could go it alone, and God let me go out into the world without His comfort, but when I hit rock bottom, I knew that the only place to go was back to Him.
     This past year and a half, I've finally worked through some pride issues and have been praying that God leads me to do His will. My New Year's theme this year is "Devotion and Faith" (blog post still to come) and I have jumped in with both feet. I wish there was a way to convey the change it has made in me.
     Yesterday, I was singing in the shower, "I believe in God the Father, I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe in the Holy Spirit, who's given us new life." Those are the only words I know to the song and so I just kept singing them over and over again. And then, God reached out to me. He started putting statements and images and memories in my head like a, well, like I guess it would be if your life flashed before your eyes. Anyway, it's impossible to describe the feeling, but what He was telling me was how all of these events of my past have led to this point and what I'm to devote my time to now.
     What this means is that I'll be writing more and praying more and sharing more and I may sound a little crazy at times, but I just want to shake the world up and let people know that God is real and He really is with us day in and day out. I can't understand why He would communicate so effectively with little 'ole me because I'm a nobody; I don't have a big following, no "platform" or anything. I'm not special in any way, but the only thing I can think of is that I've been listening intentionally and intently lately. I pray out loud so Satan can hear me and know that I'm pushing him out the door and that I'm all in as far as what God has planned for me. I pray in the morning, while I'm driving, whenever God does something for me, I say 'thank you', and I pray before bed. And I try to listen for Him when I'm finished in case He has something to say.
     I'm just overwhelmed and want to share this with the whole world. If you think I'm crazy, I'm sorry, but I'm not. So, I'm urging you again today to pray without ceasing. Pray fervently and intently. Keep God close.

Please pray that these brothers and sisters in Christ be healed:
D.D. who is having double or triple bypass surgery this Tuesday or Wednesday
D.A. who has leukemia
B.F. who is dying from cancer
S.S. who has pancreatic cancer
M.W. who has a lung or respiratory disease
T.H. who has stage 4 cancer
G.&P.T. a couple with multiple health concerns
A.N. a newborn with a possible vascular tumor in her hand. She's having an MRI done Wednesday morning. Please pray that the doctors figure out what's wrong and that it's not life-threatening.
S.S. suffers from chronic pain due to CRPS and damaged nerves
J.F. heart condition in hospice
D.I. diagnosed stage 4 prostate cancer, great pain
C.T. seeing the surgeon Tuesday, 3 more chemos before surgery
P.B. a friend of hers, Dad is sick
H.C. chronically ill
W.C. severe diabetes

Send me anyone you would like for us to pray for this week to archadia7@yahoo.com and put in the subject line Prayer Request.

Remember to pray with your whole heart and believe that God will heal these people!

...if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

Matthew 17:20b-21

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Please join me this week in praying for healing for these brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering from disease or illness. Pray boldly and with your whole heart, knowing that whatever we ask for and do not doubt, God will do.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Pray for healing

Today and tomorrow are critical for this small group we're praying for this week. One has major surgery, two have doctor's appointments, and still, another has an MRI. All are in need of our prayers.
     I am fired up having just spent a week among believers and those with a heart for missions work. I hope this energy for prayer and for sharing never dies down. Beginning with the first of the year, I started a prayer journal, shared here, and am going to start an evangelical journal this morning to write down each time I share my faith with someone. It may just be, "what church do you go to?" or even making sure someone sees my lock screen on my phone, -------->
but as long as I mindfully do something each day and build up the wisdom and confidence to do more and more, then hopefully, I'm planting seeds each and every day.

Let's pray for:
D.D. who is having double or triple bypass surgery this Tuesday or Wednesday
D.A. who has leukemia
B.F. who is dying from cancer
S.S. who has pancreatic cancer
M.W. who has a lung or respiratory disease
T.H. who has stage 4 cancer
G.&P.T. a couple with multiple health concerns
A.N. a newborn with a possible vascular tumor in her hand. She's having an MRI done Wednesday morning. Please pray that the doctors figure out what's wrong and that it's not life-threatening.
S.S. suffers from chronic pain due to CRPS and damaged nerves
J.F. heart condition in hospice
D.I. diagnosed stage 4 prostate cancer, great pain
C.T. seeing the surgeon Tuesday, 3 more chemos before surgery
P.B. a friend of hers, Dad is sick
H.C. chronically ill
W.C. severe diabetes

Send me anyone you would like for us to pray for this week to archadia7@yahoo.com and put in the subject line Prayer Request.
Remember to pray with your whole heart and believe that God will heal these people!

And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.

James 5:15a NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying for healing for these brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering from disease or illness. Pray boldly and with your whole heart, knowing that whatever we ask for and do not doubt, God will do.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Let's move mountains

This week we're going to move mountains! 

I just came back from a week of missions training and my heart is renewed and strengthened for the power of prayer. I feel like I'm overflowing with the Holy Spirit and I want to use this to help others. This week, let's pray BOLDLY! Believe in your heart that God can and will heal those whom we are praying for this week.

Let's all pray for these people specifically and watch God be glorified by healing them!

Please join me in praying for:
D.D. who is having double or triple bypass surgery this Tuesday or Wednesday
D.A. who has leukemia
B.F. who is dying from cancer
S.S. who has pancreatic cancer
M.W. who has a lung or respiratory disease
T.H. who has stage 4 cancer
G.&P.T. a couple with multiple health concerns
A.N. a newborn with a possible vascular tumor in her hand. She's having an MRI done Wednesday morning. Please pray that the doctors figure out what's wrong and that it's not life-threatening.
S.S. suffers from chronic pain due to CRPS and damaged nerves

Send me anyone you would like for us to pray for this week to archadia7@yahoo.com and put in the subject line Prayer Request.

Remember to pray with your whole heart and believe that God will heal these people!

For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

Mark 11:23-24 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying for healing for these brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering from disease or illness. Pray boldly and with your whole heart, knowing that whatever we ask for and do not doubt, God will do.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

He will strengthen you

Do not fear, for I am with you; 

do not be dismayed, 

for I am your God. 

I will strengthen you, 

I will help you, yes, 

I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. 

Isaiah 41:10 NKJV

Rest for caregivers

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” 

Matthew 11:28

Do this for Christ

Remember that whatever you do for one another, you do for Christ. Whenever you serve one another, you're serving Christ. Keep this in mind whenever your servant's heart starts to wane and let it renew your efforts and strengthen you.

And the King will answer them, ‘

Truly, I say to you, 

as you did it to one of the least of these 

my brothers, 

you did it to me.’

Matthew 25:40 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for a caregiver. They need our prayers as much (if not more) than those they are caring for. Pray for them to have strength and patience. Pray for assistance for them if you can't be there to help. If the caregiver is you, pray to your Father for help and guidance and whatever your needs may be.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Compassion and Grief

The last few weeks of my dad's life were probably the hardest for me. Watching this man, who had been my pillar of strength my entire life, decline physically wretched my heart. He tried so hard to continue to do things himself, not wanting us to help him, but ultimately having to relent. Even the simplest things, like holding a cup were difficult for him to do and frustrating and heartbreaking for us to watch. At that point in life, having to bear oneself to the world, completely dependant on those around you must be so difficult. I know my time will come, as does everyones.
     He went through all of it valiantly. We were able to spend several weeks with him at home and celebrate one more birthday (81st). I read the Gospel of John out loud while he slept and while we waited for the Lord to take him. He went peacefully and is now free from depression and pain. I know he's with the Lord because God gave me a sign. (Yes, I had my doubts before then because I didn't know he had accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior). I miss him but am comforted with the knowledge that I'll see him again in Heaven.

Though God brings grief, 

he will show compassion, 

so great is his unfailing love. 

For he does not willingly bring affliction or 

grief to the children of men. 

Lamentations 3:32-33

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Please join me this week in praying for a caregiver. They need our prayers as much (if not more) than those they are caring for. Pray for them to have strength and patience. Pray for assistance for them if you can't be there to help. If the caregiver is you, pray to your Father for help and guidance and whatever your needs may be.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Provide for relatives

But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, 

and especially for members of his household, 

he has denied the faith and 

is worse than an unbeliever.

1 Timothy 5:8 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for a caregiver. They need our prayers as much (if not more) than those they are caring for. Pray for them to have strength and patience. Pray for assistance for them if you can't be there to help. If the caregiver is you, pray to your Father for help and guidance and whatever your needs may be.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Caregiving tasks

I found these statistics at caregiver.org
They have many more if you're interested.
On average, caregivers spend:

• 13 days each month on tasks such as shopping, food preparation, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, and giving medication;
• 6 days per month on feeding, dressing, grooming, walking, bathing, and assistance toileting;
• 13 hours per month researching care services or information on disease, coordinating physician visits or managing financial matters. [Gallup-Healthways. (2011). Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index.]
• Of family caregivers who provide complex chronic care:
• 46% perform medical and nursing tasks;
• More than 96% provide help with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as personal hygiene, dressing and undressing, getting in and out of bed, or instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) such as taking prescribed medications, shopping for groceries, transportation, or using technology, or both. [AARP and United Health Hospital Fund. (2012). Home Alone: Family Caregivers Providing Complex Chronic Care.]
• On average, caregivers perform 1.7 of 6 ADLs, most commonly getting in and out of beds and chairs (43%). [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]
• On average, caregivers perform 4.2 of 7 IADLs, most commonly transportation (78%), grocery or other shopping (76%), and housework (72%). [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]
• 57% of caregivers report that they do not have a choice about performing clinical tasks, and that this lack of choice is self-imposed.
• 43% feel that these tasks are their personal responsibility because no one else can do it or because insurance will not pay for a professional caregiver.
• 12% report that they are pressured to perform these tasks by the care receiver.
• 8% report that they are pressured to perform these tasks by another family member. [AARP and United Health Hospital Fund. (2012). Home Alone: Family Caregivers Providing Complex Chronic Care.]
• Caregivers report holding significant decision-making authority regarding the following:
• Monitoring of the care recipient’s condition and adjusting care (66%);
• Communicating with healthcare professionals on behalf of the care recipient (63%);
• Acting as an advocate for the care recipient with care providers, community services, or government agencies (50%). [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]

As you can see, being a caregiver is a fulltime job, only it isn't just 8:00-5:00 Monday through Friday. It's accidents and falls and spills in the middle of the night. It's dealing with a medical emergency on a Sunday morning. It's coordinating transportation and doctor's appointments and tracking medicine and cooking and cleaning. It's exhausting and too much for one person to handle. So, if you know someone who's a caregiver, please reach out and offer them help or a reprieve, and please pray for them daily.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:11-18 NIV

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Please join me this week in praying for a caregiver. They need our prayers as much (if not more) than those they are caring for. Pray for them to have strength and patience. Pray for assistance for them if you can't be there to help. If the caregiver is you, pray to your Father for help and guidance and whatever your needs may be.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power