Evildoers

For you are not a God who delights in wickedness;

evil may not dwell with you.

The boastful shall not stand before your eyes;

you hate all evildoers.

You destroy those who speak lies;

the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.

Psalm 5:4-6 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for ourselves and others that we may avoid the characteristics and actions that God hates. Pray for direction and strength to be more Christlike. Pray that we come closer to the Father by getting to know Him better, through Scripture and prayer. And finally, pray that by doing these things, non-believers will see Christ through us and our actions and want the peace and joy and hope that we have because of Him who first loved us.

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #boastful #deceitful #evil #liars #wicked

Hate evil

I looked this up in two different commentaries because "the fear of the Lord..." was a little confusing to me in this context.

John MacArthur wrote: "Wisdom hates what God hates. The highest virtue is humility (submission to God), and thus wisdom hates pride and self-exaltation above all."*

The Enduring Word bible app said: "Reverence for God (and the wisdom that comes from it) is not neutral towards evil. Like the God it respects, it hates evil, along with the pride and arrogance and perverse mouth that often express evil."**

The fear of the Lord is to hate evil;

Pride and arrogance and the evil way

And the perverse mouth I hate

Proverbs 8:13 NKJV

* MacArthur, John (1997). The MacArthur Study Bible, New King James version.
     Thomas Nelson, Inc. Nashville, TN.
** Guzik, David (2018). Enduring Word. Bible commentary app.

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Please join me this week in praying for ourselves and others that we may avoid the characteristics and actions that God hates. Pray for direction and strength to be more Christlike. Pray that we come closer to the Father by getting to know Him better, through Scripture and prayer. And finally, pray that by doing these things, non-believers will see Christ through us and our actions and want the peace and joy and hope that we have because of Him who first loved us.

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #scripture #bible #arrogance #pride #prayer #speech

He is righteous

God is sovereign. He is righteous. We exist only because He chose to create us. None of us deserve His love, grace, or mercy yet He gives it all to us, without hesitation. 

     I used to see Old Testament God and New Testament God as two completely different beings (in character). The God of the Old Testament was full of wrath and the God of the New Testament was full of love and mercy. It wasn't until I began reading the whole bible (and the bible as a whole) and commentaries that I began to see how He was/is truly One in the Same. 

     My simplified thoughts and epiphanies are these...

     In the Old Testament garden, we as humans had the opportunity to fellowship with Him directly, literally live in His presence, and we blew it. Later, He traveled and lived among the Israelites for 40 years as they grumbled and complained. Yet, He took care of their every need.

     I used to get frustrated reading about their ingratitude and what it must be like to be in His actual presence and have the nerve, the audacity to complain, and question Him. Then I realize that I am just like them. God is definitely present in my life and yet I complain sometimes; I'm ungrateful sometimes. Just because I can't see Him in a pillar of cloud or fire doesn't mean that He isn't here among us.

     I think of Cain, killing Abel. Surely Cain knew God could see him. How often do I sin even though I know God can see me? It makes me think how heartbreaking it must be for Him.

     Once I began seeing the God of the Old Testament as One who had to deal with an ungrateful, sinful people; people whom He specifically chose to be His own, I began to understand better that everything He did was (and is) for a purpose. Everything is according to His plan. His people were to become the lineage by which He sent His one and only Son to become fully man. 

     I feel like the 400 years of silence was the ultimate punishment for His people. It gave generations a chance to know what it felt like to be without His presence; it also left them wanting and waiting for the Messiah, just as we are wanting and waiting for the return of Christ.

     Once Jesus came, that set in place what the New Covenant would look like. Basically, we don't see God's wrath on our sinful selves because we're shielded by the blood of Jesus. The price has been paid. 

The Old Testament allows us to see and understand the character of God. It also allows us to see our own sin. Jesus allows us to once again have fellowship with the Father.

     So, if and when you meet someone who questions God's wrath, explain that what they should be questioning is God's love: how is it that He can love such a sinful people?

The Lord tests the righteous,

But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates.

Upon the wicked He will rain coals;

Fire and brimstone and a burning wind

Shall be the portion of their cup.

For the Lord is righteous,

He loves righteousness;

His countenance beholds the upright.

Psalm 11:5-7 NKJV 

Please note, these are just my thoughts. I have no formal biblical education or training; it's just how I look at things. A lot of theologians have written a great deal on this subject and I encourage you to do some research on your own. 

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Please join me this week in praying for ourselves and others that we may avoid the characteristics and actions that God hates. Pray for direction and strength to be more Christlike. Pray that we come closer to the Father by getting to know Him better, through Scripture and prayer. And finally, pray that by doing these things, non-believers will see Christ through us and our actions and want the peace and joy and hope that we have because of Him who first loved us.

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #scripture #bible #love #prayer #wrath

Love God, hate evil

John Trapp wrote, "A natural man may be angry with his sin, as a man is sometimes with his wife or friend for some present vexation; but hate it he cannot; yea, he may leave it (for the ill consequents of sin), but not loathe it."

     We the church are His saints, and He carefully, lovingly guards our souls.

You who love the Lord, hate evil!

He preserves the souls of His saints;

He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.

Psalm 97:10 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying for ourselves and others that we may avoid the characteristics and actions that God hates. Pray for direction and strength to be more Christlike. Pray that we come closer to the Father by getting to know Him better, through Scripture and prayer. And finally, pray that by doing these things, non-believers will see Christ through us and our actions and want the peace and joy and hope that we have because of Him who first loved us.

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #scripture #bible #evil #hate #love #prayer

What God hates

Last week we connected to God by praying through scripture. I hope all of you got as much out of it as I did. This week, let's connect with Him by delving more deeply into His character. 

     A Pastor and biblical commentator wrote, "We should hate what God hates." I completely agree with that statement and wanted to dive into what it is that God hates.

     The direction I was going to go with this this week is already fully covered in an article I found, Billy Graham: Things God Hates. (And I've already mentally changed the topic for the week three times, so we're going to go with this.) Hopefully, you'll find time to read the article. He goes through each of the seven things written about in Proverbs and backs them up with Scripture.

     One of the things he talks about, and that I want to touch on more another day, is that people don't want to believe that God is capable of hate, but if you read the Bible and get to really know God, you'll understand Him, His character and why. 

     Think of Him as our Heavenly Father, (which He is) and how it must hurt Him when we sin. Think of the fact that He sent His only Son to die a horrible death on the cross in order to pay for our sins. He did this because of how much He loves us. Can you even fathom a love so great as that? I can't, but I'm grateful for it, every single day. So if I can work harder to avoid doing the things that He hates, then, of course, I want to do that. However, I'm a sinner and need His help to be a better image-bearer, and therefore I pray that He make me more Christlike.

These six things the Lord hates,

Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:

A proud look,

A lying tongue,

Hands that shed innocent blood,

A heart that devises wicked plans,

Feet that are swift in running to evil,

A false witness who speaks lies,

And one who sows discord among brethren.

Proverbs 6:16-19 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying for ourselves and others that we may avoid the characteristics and actions that God hates. Pray for direction and strength to be more Christlike. Pray that we come closer to the Father by getting to know Him better, through Scripture and prayer. And finally, pray that by doing these things, non-believers will see Christ through us and our actions and want the peace and joy and hope that we have because of Him who first loved us.

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #scripture #bible #evil #lying #prayer #pride #sin

Wait on the Lord

One thing I have desired of the Lord,

That will I seek:

That I may dwell in the house of the Lord

All the days of my life,

To behold the beauty of the Lord,

And to inquire in His temple.

For in the time of trouble

He shall hide me in His pavilion;

In the secret place of His tabernacle

He shall hide me;

He shall set me high upon a rock.

And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me;

Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;

I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.

Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice!

Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

When You said, “Seek My face,”

My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.”

Do not hide Your face from me;

Do not turn Your servant away in anger;

You have been my help;

Do not leave me nor forsake me,

O God of my salvation.

When my father and my mother forsake me,

Then the Lord will take care of me.

Teach me Your way, O Lord,

And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.

Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries;

For false witnesses have risen against me,

And such as breathe out violence.

I would have lost heart, unless I had believed

That I would see the goodness of the Lord

In the land of the living.

Wait on the Lord;

Be of good courage,

And He shall strengthen your heart;

Wait, I say, on the Lord!

Psalm 27:4-14 NKJV

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Please join me this week while we pray through scripture, meditate on scripture, filling our hearts and minds with love and gratitude. Pray that we find hope and peace in Jesus; that we focus on and do the will of our Father and that we live our lives emulating the characteristics of Christ so that others may seek Him.

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #affliction #assurance #bible #faith #guidance #hope #lifeverse #prayer #scripture

A promise

I will never leave you nor forsake you

Hebrews 13:5b

When I meditate on these words, I am comforted. How great is our God?!!! No matter what we do or say or think, God will forgive us. Even when we turn our backs on Him, He watches out for us and protects us and waits patiently for us. Whatever trials we face, we can rest in the knowledge that our Father is with us and will see us through the storm.

     One of our prayer warriors, Diana, suggested this verse to pray on this week because it's one that she is personally clinging to. Her dear husband of 40 years recently went on ahead to be with the Lord. Diana is a strong, faithful daughter of our God and I know she'll come through this by resting in His eternal love. Let's pray for her today, that He holds her tight in His loving, caring arms.

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Please join me this week while we pray through scripture, meditate on scripture, filling our hearts and minds with love and gratitude. Pray that we find hope and peace in Jesus; that we focus on and do the will of our Father and that we live our lives emulating the characteristics of Christ so that others may seek Him.

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #affliction #assurance #bible #faith #guidance #hope #lifeverse #prayer #scripture

My life verse

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.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

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Please join me this week while we pray through scripture, meditate on scripture, filling our hearts and minds with love and gratitude. Pray that we find hope and peace in Jesus; that we focus on and do the will of our Father and that we live our lives emulating the characteristics of Christ so that others may seek Him.

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #affliction #assurance #bible #faith #guidance #hope #lifeverse #prayer #scripture

God is faithful

How often, in times of overwhelming troubles have you told someone, or been told, "God never gives us more than we can handle"? We find comfort in that and we hope it gives comfort to others. It speaks to our strength and ability to handle affliction because we rest in God's sovereignty in all situations. We hold it as truth that we will survive what we're going through because God knows we're able to.

     Athena shared that she finds encouragement in this knowledge but also believes that God doesn't expect us to go it alone. She said that she believes that God never gives us more than we can handle "without help." We can only tolerate so much and then before we get too burdened, God sends assistance. She wrote: 

     "There are always times you get overwhelmed and you think or pray, "I can't deal with this anymore," and then things happen. A neighbor mows your lawn, you get a pick-me-up surprise prezzie in the mail, you run into someone you haven't seen in years, and even just a "you look like you need a free ice cream cone right now." These little just-so-happens in life are His "without help" add-ons.

     I looked up the Bible Verse in order to share it with you and was blown away to find out that it is not, in fact, in the Bible. After years of hearing this wisdom, and resting in the sentiment behind it, I just assumed it was in the Bible. It's most likely a thought that was born out of 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV):

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. 

God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, 

but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, 

that you may be able to endure it."

     I found an interview with John Piper about this saying, entitled "Will God Ever Give Us More Than We Can Handle?" If you have time to read the transcript or listen to the interview, he explains what he believes and backs it up with Scripture. He says, "... God will never give his people trials in which he will not sustain them and bring them through to everlasting glory." He also said, "When Paul says that God won’t give what is beyond what you are able, he means not beyond what you are able with God’s help." He quotes, 2 Corinthians 9:8, which we can pray on:

God is able to make all grace abound to you, 

so that having all sufficiency 

in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

Additionally, we can pray on the knowledge that Paul shares in 2 Corinthians 12:9:

And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, 

for power is perfected in weakness.” 

Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, 

so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

So my comfort in this statement remains and when I go to Him feeling like "I can't deal with this anymore", I can rest in the knowledge that God is faithful and that He will help and encourage me through any and all tribulations. 

Praise the Lord!

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Please join me this week while we pray through scripture, meditate on scripture, filling our hearts and minds with love and gratitude. Pray that we find hope and peace in Jesus; that we focus on and do the will of our Father and that we live our lives emulating the characteristics of Christ so that others may seek Him.

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #affliction #assurance #bible #faithful #hope #prayer #scripture

Joy, patience, prayer

Earlier this week I asked our Prayer Warriors to share a favorite Bible Verse that we can all pray as we spend this week praying Scripture. 

     Vicki wrote that she always ends her prayer requests with:

 "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12

     She also shared, "This just seems to cover all things and such a great reminder to just be Joyful, Patient and Faithful praying to our Father as He has requested us to do! I always try to remember...."In His time!""

     I've written this on my planner for today as a reminder to not only pray this but do this. And, by praying this, I know the Lord will help me do this. 

     Joy doesn't always come easy. As I've shared before, I've been depressed often since March. During this week of praying and meditating on scripture, I'm making a conscious effort to feel better by focusing on God, spending more time in Scripture and in prayer. I've mentally started a gratitude journal (and hope to make a physical one soon) by counting my blessings, taking time to list what was good today. I've started listening to K-Love again on the way to and from work which does a world of good.

     Patience is not normally a virtue of mine. With God's help, I'm working on it, though.

     Finally, Prayer. I actually tend to pray less when I'm down which is absolutely the worse thing I could do, and it doesn't make any sense because I know how much better I feel after talking to the Father about whatever is going on with me and those I care for. Prayer is a gift from God. It is a 365/24/7 lifeline. He wants us to take everything to Him. He wants to be involved in our lives. 

     So, as you go through your day today, remember to:

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:12 NIV

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Please join me this week while we pray through scripture, meditate on scripture, filling our hearts and minds with love and gratitude. Pray that we find hope and peace in Jesus; that we focus on and do the will of our Father and that we live our lives emulating the characteristics of Christ so that others may seek Him.

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #affliction #bible #faithful #hope #joy #patience #prayer #scripture

A journey

We attended a prayer meeting Sunday evening for a friend of ours who is about to have a bone marrow transplant. You've prayed for him with us in the past as "D.A." This has been a long and difficult journey for him, his wife, their children, and grandchildren yet you wouldn't know it in speaking with them. 

     He and his wife shared about the outpouring of love they've felt from God. They always focus on the positive, how God has used this illness to introduce them to people they never would have met otherwise, people who they've shared the gospel with. They are vivid image-bearers for the Lord, always praising Him, giving Him the glory. Their love, hope, and confidence in the Lord is so evident and so inspiring; I'm moved to tears every time I think about it. They are my examples of what it means to be Christlike and to be image-bearers.

     A.A. (D.A.'s wife) shared with us the Bible verse that they cling to through this journey, and it resonates with me, that this is a verse I need to meditate on. It shows where their hearts are, and where all of us, I believe, as Christians need to be in order to truly share Christ with the world:

But I do not account my life of any value 

nor as precious to myself, 

if only I may finish my course and the 

ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, 

to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Acts 20:24 ESV

Please pray for D.A. and A.A. throughout this procedure. 

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Please join me this week while we pray through scripture, meditate on scripture, filling our hearts and minds with love and gratitude. Pray that we find hope and peace in Jesus; that we focus on and do the will of our Father and that we live our lives emulating the characteristics of Christ so that others may seek Him.

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #bonemarrow #cancer #confidence #gratitude #hope #humility #journey #praise #prayer #scripture

Pray through Scripture

I've heard people say that they pray through scripture, but I had no idea how to go about it until one of the women who leads our Sunday morning bible study shared the process with us. I can probably do it more justice with an example rather than explaining it... prayer:

Lord, I praise You!

I praise You in Your sanctuary;

    I praise You in Your mighty heavens!

I praise You for Your mighty deeds;

    I praise You according to Your excellent greatness!

This was based on Psalm 150:1-2 ESV which reads:

Praise the Lord!

Praise God in his sanctuary;

praise him in his mighty heavens!

Praise him for his mighty deeds;

praise him according to his excellent greatness!

You can use a verse or part of a verse as your prayer; as your entire prayer or simply a part of your prayer. There are no rules, of course. Prayer should come from the heart, but it's a wonderful practice to seek out scripture for what is on your heart and relay that back to the Father. I feel even more of a bond with Him when I look up Bible Verses that speak to what I'm feeling.

     So much of the Psalms are perfect for this. For me personally, I like having the words to properly praise our Father because so often I can't think of words sufficient to do justice to how I feel toward Him. He has done so much for me and is always there for me. I'm forever amazed that not only did He know my name in the very beginning, but He cares enough, and loves me enough to listen to me. 

     I know what He wants from me but there are many times when I'm just not feeling up to it and times when I'm just not feeling "it". But, He gives me grace and encouragement. He understands and doesn't judge me when I fail. He communicates with me through Scripture, other people, songs, thoughts, and feelings. He knows I'll repent and get back on track, and He is patient until I do. 

For all He does, I would love to literally:

Praise him with trumpet sound;

praise him with lute and harp!

Praise him with tambourine and dance;

praise him with strings and pipe!

Praise him with sounding cymbals;

praise him with loud clashing cymbals!*

but since I don't have all of those instruments, I praise Him with words, pen, singing, and dancing.

I love my LORD!

*Psalm 150:3-5 ESV

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Please join me this week while we pray through scripture, meditate on scripture, filling our hearts and minds with love and gratitude. Pray that we find hope and peace in Jesus; that we focus on and do the will of our Father and that we live our lives emulating the characteristics of Christ so that others may seek Him.

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #cymbals #gratitude #praise #prayer #scripture

Always pray

Jesus shows us by example as well as instruction what our prayer life should look like. I count at least 25 different times throughout the Gospels when Jesus prays. So, Jesus, who is Himself Lord, takes time to pray. Shouldn't our take away be that it's really, really important to go to our Father about everything in prayer?

     If we are deeply troubled about our unbelieving children, relatives, neighbors, friends, we need to keep them in our prayers until those prayers are answered (imo).

And he told them a parable to the effect that 

they ought always to pray and not lose heart.*

Luke 18:1 ESV

*The NIV says to "...pray and not give up." 

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Please join me this week in praying for our loved ones who are not yet saved. We so desperately want to all be reunited in Heaven, and God does not wish that any perish, so we need to intercede for the unbelievers in our life by praying fervently for their salvation. 

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #intercession #salvation #prayer

Confidence in prayer

This week remember to focus on the salvation of one or two people in life who are not yet saved. Pray fervently for them, that God would choose them to seek Him. Let's also pray for everyone's prayer in our group here to be heard that God may also save them. Since we know that our Father hears our prayers, we just need to be passionate about what, or in this case whom, we're praying for. We are interceding on their behalf to our Lord and our prayer should reflect that type of urgency. 

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, 

that if we ask anything according to His will, 

He hears us. 

And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, 

we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

1 John 5:14-15 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying for our loved ones who are not yet saved. We so desperately want to all be reunited in Heaven, and God does not wish that any perish, so we need to intercede for the unbelievers in our life by praying fervently for their salvation. 

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #intercession #salvation #prayer

God's patience

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, 

but is patient toward you, 

not wishing that any should perish, 

but that all should reach repentance.

2 Peter 3:9 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for our loved ones who are not yet saved. We so desperately want to all be reunited in Heaven, and God does not wish that any perish, so we need to intercede for the unbelievers in our life by praying fervently for their salvation. 

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #intercession #salvation #prayer

Open your eyes

When I've tried to outright share the gospel with an unbeliever, I've been met with anger and resentment (maybe I'm doing it wrong, but I'm praying about it). People resist hearing an opposing viewpoint. They believe what they believe and they don't want anyone to try to change their minds. 

     I've been told I'm "forcing" my beliefs on a certain person, or that I'm trying to change them because I don't accept them as they are. Their negative reactions affect me and even hinder my mission to the point where I don't take advantage of opportunities to share when they're presented to me.

     It isn't as awkward as it used to be. I've gotten better at subtleness, working God into conversations, testifying without being blatant about it (although those approaches work for other people, I've had to come up with ways that work with my personality and comfort zone). Through years of prayer for their salvation, I see God softening their hearts. (Thank you, Lord).

     What they don't seem to understand is that I do what I do and say what I say because I love them and want to spend eternity with them. The thought of anyone I know spending eternity in hell leaves me with a knot in my belly. Sometimes I just want to shout at them, "Open your eyes! Can't you see the evidence?" At the very least I don't understand why anyone wouldn't take the time to investigate. I mean, if I'm wrong and they're right, then we die and that's that, but if I'm right and they're wrong, they spend eternity, as in forever and ever, in hell.

     This is why I pray for those I love who aren't saved. I'm scared for their souls. I want them to share in the hope and love of Jesus Christ. I want them to feel how I feel being a part of the body of Christ.

To open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light 

and from the power of Satan to God, 

that they may receive forgiveness of sins and 

a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

Acts 26:18 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for our loved ones who are not yet saved. We so desperately want to all be reunited in Heaven, and God does not wish that any perish, so we need to intercede for the unbelievers in our life by praying fervently for their salvation. 

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #intercession #salvation #prayer

Pray for the lost

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Luke 19:10 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for our loved ones who are not yet saved. We so desperately want to all be reunited in Heaven, and God does not wish that any perish, so we need to intercede for the unbelievers in our life by praying fervently for their salvation. 

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #intercession #salvation #prayer

Plant seeds

George Muller was a devout Christain who lived from 1805 - 1898. He is best known for establishing multiple orphanages in Bristol, England enabling over 10,000 children to be cared for and educated. He did this without once asking for any money from anyone. Every day he spent hours in prayer, asking God to see to their needs and God always came through. George Muller never doubted that there would always be food on the table, repairs would be made, or even that buildings would be built if it was needed and if he prayed fervently for it.

     I remember reading a book about Muller that said part of his daily prayer was a plea for the salvation of people in his life. If I remember correctly, every single person he prayed for eventually came to faith. One man took a couple of decades to be saved, but he did come to follow Jesus.

     Let's come together this week to pray for the one or two people we've chosen for this week of prayer and pray fervently and passionately for them. Then let's pray for all of the people the rest of the prayer group is praying for. If we all do this and it's God's timing to do this, that would be approximately 230 people saved!!! Hallelujah! Wouldn't that be so awesome???!!!

     Remember, every encounter is, at the very least, a chance to plant a seed. I remind myself daily that if God could change the heart of Saul, then there's no one in my life who's hopeless.

You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 

2 Timothy 2:1 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for our loved ones who are not yet saved. We so desperately want to all be reunited in Heaven, and God does not wish that any perish, so we need to intercede for the unbelievers in our life by praying fervently for their salvation. 

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #intercession #salvation #prayer

Point to Christ

Last week I wrote that three people whom I knew, passed away suddenly from heart attacks. I found out Sunday that three more people who were either family or friends of my church family also passed away last week. I've never personally known of that many people to pass in such a short period of time and it rattled me. 

     Fortunately, I was blessed with the ability to attend church in person yesterday (you can read about my experience here) and my heart has been reignited and my attitude has been turned around. 

     Sunday's sermon was about John the Baptist and how his testimony influenced others and pointed to Jesus. God used John's testimony for His purposes. You know I'm all about sharing. It's one thing I can comfortably do to tell others about Jesus and what an impact He's made on my life. But, since the pandemic hit I've been struggling with a variety of things and haven't been as fervent or unceasing in my prayer life as I was before and I don't feel that I've been as engaged with others; just everything, actually ... spiritual, emotional, mental, physical - all aspects of my life have been "off" and it's time to get up, dust myself off, and get back to putting my whole self into God's work.

     First and foremost, that means saving souls. So this week I would like for us to each choose just one or two people in our lives who are not yet saved. Let's pray fervently for them, that God would choose them to seek Him. Then, let's also pray for everyone's prayer in our group here to be heard that God may also save them. Follow up your prayers with action, some way of sharing Christ with those you're praying for. That's not always easy, especially if they're our adult children who just don't want to hear it from us. But we can pray that God shows us the way.

Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.

Romans 10:1 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for our loved ones who are not yet saved. We so desperately want to all be reunited in Heaven, and God does not wish that any perish, so we need to intercede for the unbelievers in our life by praying fervently for their salvation. 

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #intercession #salvation #prayer

Praise and Worship

Today was my first time at church since March and it was exactly what I needed. I've been watching services online every Sunday, singing with the praise and worship team, taking notes from the sermons, but actually being there in person is a completely different experience and one that I didn't realize that my mind, heart, and soul desperately needed.

     I didn't sleep very well last night and woke up an hour before my alarm clock went off. I thought it was because of my headache but later realized it was because I was so excited to go back to church and see everyone. I got dressed an hour early and even put on make-up (another first since March); it was only eye make-up because anything else would be superfluous (due to mask mandate).

     When we arrived at church, we were greeted by familiar faces and I just wanted to hug everyone but managed to contain myself. I could tell they were smiling behind their masks, and hopefully, they could tell that I was smiling. I wasn't sure what to expect inside the sanctuary, how full it would be, who would be there, if people would be socializing...but was kind of surprised to see that there weren't the number of people I expected, nor the specific people I expected, but more on that later (as in another post, another day). I didn't think too much of it, especially as the band began to play.

     There's just nothing like being in the midst of brothers and sisters in Christ, worshipping our Lord through music, song, and for me, a little bit of free-style dancing. I sang as loud as I could and was often moved to tears by the lyrics and the voices around me. The Holy Spirit stirred inside of me. In that moment, my thoughts turned to the Christians who live in cultures where Christianity is forbidden. I had a better understanding of their drive to gather in worship, no matter the dangers. I pray for these people and think about these things on a regular basis and have to wonder sometimes, would I be as brave as they are? Today, I felt like that answer would be 'yes.' After being unable to worship together for so long, I see what a difference this one service has made in me today. It's changed my mood, emotions, and even some of my thoughts about certain things.

     I needed this so much; this IRL fellowship with my church family. I feel renewed; my faith and resolve are rekindled. Hopefully, tomorrow I'll be able to write some more about this. Until then, know that Jesus loves you, and I do, too.

#church #praise #worship #fellowship #MaskMandate #Ohio #together #gather #social

We're not islands

Come, my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; 

hide yourselves for a little while until the fury has passed by.

Isaiah 26:20 ESV

Been there. Done that. The fury has not yet passed by. However, people in isolation are probably at a breaking point by now and need to have the means to socialize. It's wonderful that there are so many who want to reach out to the isolated, but those who are alone during this time also need to take the initiative to reach out to others. 

     There are so many opportunities to interact with others virtually now. I know it's hard (and even feels impossible) for introverts to step outside of their comfort zone and initiate an interaction with strangers, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Whatever you're interested in, you can probably find an online group to connect with. Just for the fun of it, I googled "online singing group" and got several hits.

     Check-in with your local library and see what they have available. There are online games that are multi-player; some of those have been around for ages. You can also check out MeetUp. It's an app and a website where you can connect with other people in your area who have similar interests. The hiking group is huge here. They have several different levels depending on how experienced you are. And, that's something that can be done pretty safely during the pandemic.

     So, take some time to see what's out there and who's out there. Call a friend or family member. Join a group. Make some new friends. Remember, God did not bring us together to exist as islands. He created us to be social beings, loving and helping one another through this life and into the next.

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are isolated and feeling lonely, depressed, and/or anxious due to being separated from others. Let's ask the Lord to fill their hearts with courage to seek out others, and determination to come up with solutions/ways to cope with their new normal. Pray that God uses us and others to lift their spirits and that the Holy Spirit works inside each of them and fills them with hope and peace.

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #depression #isolation #lonliness #prayer

Widows

Yesterday was quite a day. I found out that three people I know passed away over the last two days. I've never known that to happen. It's a reminder that we aren't promised tomorrow.

     My heart turns toward the widows and the children and grandchildren. This week we've been praying for those who are isolated, but this is an entirely different type of isolation. The widows will each grieve differently but eventually will go through all of the stages of grief. Maybe it will help to share a short version of what I went through when my husband died, so you don't feel alone in the process, or through the journey.

     The first day I was just in complete shock and denial. After just a few hours to rest and cry, I jumped into planning mode. There are so many things to do and decisions to make in the first few days. It really shouldn't be that way, but then again, I personally appreciated the busy-ness. It allowed me to postpone my real feelings and dealing with the impending dam that was about to burst until the time came when it wasn't going to wait any longer.

     At the memorial service, I was busy being the hostess. People probably thought I was acting strange considering my husband just passed away, but I was busy talking to the guests, sharing stories, serving food. I was all smiles. I even laughed occasionally.

     Finally, when it was all over and I could go home to my empty house and relax; when there was absolutely nothing else that I had to do, it hit me. I can't remember much after that except that I wanted to be alone, but also wanted to be available to my daughters. I slept a lot, watched movies, snuggled with my dog. 

     What helped the most was praying, though, and reading my Bible. I decided to take a vow of silence for one entire day and spent that time in the word, and in constant prayer. I asked God questions and sat silently and listened for His answers. It was just an amazing experience.

     One thing that I couldn't shake though, was the hole I felt inside of me. When Genesis says, "the two shall be as one," it means that a married couple has a shared heart, mind, soul, existence, and when half of that person is gone, it leaves a hole inside that can never be completely filled. That was the hardest part, adjusting to that, learning to live with it. It took a lot of prayers, and as they say, "time heals all wounds."

     So, to the widows, especially my friend D.H., know that I'm here for you and can empathize with what you're going through. Give yourself time and permission to process this the way that you need to process it and don't let others influence you or try to tell you how you should be feeling, or coping. Be true to yourself; take it one day at a time.

Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, 

trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. 

1 Timothy 5:5 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are isolated and feeling lonely, depressed, and/or anxious due to being separated from others. Let's ask the Lord to fill their hearts with courage to seek out others, and determination to come up with solutions/ways to cope with their new normal. Pray that God uses us and others to lift their spirits and that the Holy Spirit works inside each of them and fills them with hope and peace.

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #depression #isolation #lonliness #prayer #widow