Holy children

I chose this photo because it reminded me of today's verse. This soldier is protecting these children. He carries a gun to keep the enemy at bay. We, as believing parents, are protecting our children. We carry a bible and pray unceasingly to keep the enemy at bay.
     I'm always looking for reassurances in the Bible. Today's verse may be more for young children, those who've not yet reached the age of accountability, but it still gives me hope. I read a lot of commentaries and rather than quote everyone, I'll just provide these links:

BibleHub

Enduring Word
Tip: Once you're there, hit Ctrl+F and in the find box type:
e. Otherwise your children

This will take you to the commentary of this verse.

Keep praying. Help is on the way.

For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.

1 Corinthians 7:14 ESV

Please pray for the salvation of these adult children:
T.S.
E.W.
L.R.
E.M.(1)
E.M.(2)
R.H.
M.R.
H.T.
K.D.
A.E.
Z.M.
W.L.
R.S.(1)
R.S.(2)
K.S.(1)
K.S.(2)

If you would like us to pray for the children in your life, send me their initials either through social media, or email archadia7@yahoo.com and put in the subject line Prayer.

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Please join me in praying for the salvation of our children. Whether you're a mother, father, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, grandparent, neighbor, friend, chances are you know of a child (including/especially an adult child) who is lost. Let's pray fervently for them! Ask God to soften their hearts to the hearing of the Good News. Pray that He calls them to follow Him. Pray that He sends people to them that they will listen to and that they will desire to 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  #children #prayer #salvation #intercession #petition

Reassurances

 

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 

This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 

1 Timothy 2:1,3-6 NIV

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

Please pray for the salvation of these adult children:

T.S.

E.W.

L.R.

E.M.(1)

E.M.(2)

R.H.

M.R.

H.T.

K.D.

A.E.

Z.M.

W.L.

R.S.(1)

R.S.(2)

K.S.(1)

K.S.(2)

If you would like us to pray for the children in your life, send me their initials either through social media, or email archadia7@yahoo.com and put in the subject line Prayer

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Please join me in praying for the salvation of our children. Whether you're a mother, father, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, grandparent, neighbor, friend, chances are you know of a child (including/especially an adult child) who is lost. Let's pray fervently for them! Ask God to soften their hearts to the hearing of the Good News. Pray that He calls them to follow Him. Pray that He sends people to them that they will listen to and that they will desire to 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  #children #prayer #salvation #intercession #petition

Our children

 

A dear friend who is also a sister in Christ and I had a wonderful, heartfelt conversation yesterday. It is a burden that so many of us share, ... our unsaved children. The heartache is compounded because we feel responsible like it's because of something we did or didn't do in raising them that has caused them to turn their back on Jesus.
     We can't help but think of them, even picture them living in hell for all eternity. It keeps us up at night. We obsess about it. We've spent years praying about it to seemingly no avail.
     The worse thing is, we feel helpless to do anything about it. We know that the mere mention of God or Jesus or even church can bring about an onslaught of rage and phrases like, "Quit forcing your beliefs on me!" "Accept me for who I am!" or just, "I don't want to hear it!" Sometimes they even threaten to distance themselves from us.
     What are we to do?
     I'm here to tell you that no matter how many years you've prayed for their salvation, don't give up. Never give up! We're told:

The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

James 5:16b NKJV
     Additionally, I've seen this work! I pray for their hearts to be softened, for opportunities to plant seeds, for others to come into their lives whom they will listen to.
     One woman at our church and her husband were actually told by their son and daughter-in-law that if they even mentioned Jesus around them then they wouldn't be able to see their grandchild. That seems like a no-win situation. They had to be true to their faith. Their son and DIL's hearts softened, but the really miraculous thing was that their DIL told this woman that a man came to her door one day and told her that she could give all her burdens up to Christ. She asked her mother-in-law if that was true and they were able to have a conversation!
     My step-daughter would get angry if her father mentioned anything about religion but we kept praying for her. One day, seemingly out of the blue she asked him which bible would be best for her to get?
     I have so many stories like this, so I know prayer works. Keep praying!

For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, 

everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

Acts 2:39 ESV

Please pray for the salvation of:
T.S.
E.W.
L.R.
E.M.(1)
E.M.(2)

R.H.
M.R.

If you would like us to pray for the children in your life, send me their initials, either through social media, or email archadia7@yahoo.com, and put in the subject line "Prayer."

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Please join me in praying for the salvation of our children. Whether you're a mother, father, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, grandparent, neighbor, friend, chances are you know of a child (including/especially an adult child) who is lost. Let's pray fervently for them! Ask God to soften their hearts to the hearing of the Good News. Pray that He calls them to follow Him. Pray that He sends people to them that they will listen to and that they will desire to 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  #children #prayer #salvation #intercession #petition

In humility

 

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, 

but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Philippians 2:3

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Please join me this week in praying that we remember to treat one another with respect. During this time of incredible divisiveness, when it's so easy to get angry with those who have opposing viewpoints, we have to remember, that no matter what, we are all brothers and sisters. Our goal here is to bring the lost to know Christ. We can't do that without showing respect to everyone we meet. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #respect #humility

Respect your elders

 

I honestly think this is one of the problems with the world today...disrespect for the elderly. Maybe it's a disciplinary problem, maybe it's a generational problem, or maybe it's just something that's a part of the upcoming tribulation period. Whatever the reason, it's just a sad situation.
     We lose so much when we don't seek the advice of those who have lived longer than us, lived through what we're going through now. We lose their wisdom, knowledge, history.
     Additionally, as we get older, some of us begin to feel unneeded, unimportant. We may even start to dread or become anxious about our futures as "senior citizens." We worry about the time when our kids try to tell us what's best for us when they start treating us as incompetent. Honestly, I'm projecting my mom, here. I try to get her interested in things so she doesn't just sit around and worry, or worse, just sit around and do nothing. When I don't visit, I feel guilty, and when I do visit, she makes me feel guilty for not visiting more often or staying longer. In her worry that I'm going to treat her like she can't do certain things anymore, she ends up treating me like I'm a child. I don't do that to her except when it comes to lifting and moving things because she refuses to ask for help, and it angers me!
     Anyway, this was kind of a rabbit trail, but my point is, we need to respect the elderly and realize that they/we have value. I'm always so surprised to look in the mirror and see grey hairs and wrinkles, etc. But, every time I go to the local grocery anymore, I get asked if I'm "eligible" for any discounts (meaning do I have a Golden Buckeye card).
     So, anyway, respect your elders!

“You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, 

and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.

Leviticus 19:32 ESV

     John MacArthur wrote: "Showing respect for the older man acknowledged God's blessing of long life and the wisdom that comes with it."*

*MacArthur, John (1997). The MacArthur Study Bible, New King James version.
     Thomas Nelson, Inc. Nashville, TN.

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Please join me this week in praying that we remember to treat one another with respect. During this time of incredible divisiveness, when it's so easy to get angry with those who have opposing viewpoints, we have to remember, that no matter what, we are all brothers and sisters. Our goal here is to bring the lost to know Christ. We can't do that without showing respect to everyone we meet. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #respect #elderly #SeniorCitizens #aging

Respect fellow Christians

 

I like these verses because they're a reminder that we respect our brothers and sisters in Christ, our Pastors, and our Elders. We may not always agree with one another, especially about earthly things, but we need to remember this life is temporary.
     We need to stay focused on what's important and why we're here. The world should see us united in one cause, loving one another despite our differences.
     I just really feel that now more than ever, we need to positive, compassionate image-bearers. I feel a sense that the last line, "Be at peace among yourselves" is extremely important.

We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you 

and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and 

to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. 

Be at peace among yourselves.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying that we remember to treat one another with respect. During this time of incredible divisiveness, when it's so easy to get angry with those who have opposing viewpoints, we have to remember, that no matter what, we are all brothers and sisters. Our goal here is to bring the lost to know Christ. We can't do that without showing respect to everyone we meet. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #respect #Christian

Respect each other

 

I know I share this one a lot, but it is the second most important commandment, with the first being to love God above all else. Additionally, if we all adhered to this message, imagine what the world would be like.

Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

Matthew 22:37-40 ESV

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, 

for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Matthew 7:12 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying that we remember to treat one another with respect. During this time of incredible divisiveness, when it's so easy to get angry with those who have opposing viewpoints, we have to remember, that no matter what, we are all brothers and sisters. Our goal here is to bring the lost to know Christ. We can't do that without showing respect to everyone we meet. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #respect #commandment

Share with respect

I've not shared the gospel with people who I know don't want to hear it. In my mind, I was "respecting" their wishes. To "push" my religion on them would be disrespectful - honestly, that was probably more of an excuse than a reason.

     But, then a Pastor gave a sermon in which he shared a dream. He was standing in line, waiting to get checked into heaven when a man whom he recognized walked past him, going the opposite direction. The Pastor called out his name. 

     He looked up and asked the Pastor, "Did you know about this?"

     And the Pastor answered, "Of course."

     The man asked him, "Why didn't you tell me?"

     That really hit me hard. It's not up to me to decide who to tell, and who not to tell; I should tell everyone! I'm still working through this process because I'm not very good at it, but I realize that I shouldn't make assumptions about the people I come in contact with. If the Lord places it on my heart to say something, then I try to say something. 

     Pray for opportunities and words and courage. If you share in a respectful way, and people don't want to hear, then hopefully they will be respectful of you and your beliefs, too and not react in a negative way.

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, 

always being prepared to make a defense to 

anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; 

yet do it with gentleness and respect,

1 Peter 3:15 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying that we remember to treat one another with respect. During this time of incredible divisiveness, when it's so easy to get angry with those who have opposing viewpoints, we have to remember, that no matter what, we are all brothers and sisters. Our goal here is to bring the lost to know Christ. We can't do that without showing respect to everyone we meet. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #respect #testimony #witness #share

 

Respect your parents

 

When I got home from vacation, I immediately called my mom, because I figured she would be waiting to hear from me. She calls multiple times a day normally, but since I didn't have any cell service where I was, all we could do was email.
     The first thing she says is, "I figure you've been home for several hours." I immediately went on the defensive and told her we just got home and that I called her right away. Besides, I emailed her before we left telling her we weren't leaving until almost check-out time. For some reason, she didn't believe what I wrote.
     Then, she tells me how she worked at getting this metal cart upstairs from the basement, by herself. I lost it. I got so angry that she would do something so foolish when she has family who is willing and able to help her with such things.
     Until my dad passed away, I was convinced that he would die from falling down those stairs and hitting his head on the concrete floor. The image of mom dying that way came to mind as she was describing getting the cart upstairs.
     After we hung up, I told my husband and he said that she was probably just very proud of herself for being able to do that. She's trying to hold onto her independence. I realized he was right. I felt bad for getting angry at her, but at the same time, I can't help but get upset with her when she does something dangerous. She worries about us treating her like she's frail or incompetent, which is understandable, but at the same time, I don't feel like any of us do that. So this constantly trying to prove that she can still do everything is actually making the situation worse.
     I have to keep in mind that she's my mother, the one who raised me and who has taken care of me well into adulthood, and respect her. I also have to respect who she is, which is a woman who has always prided herself on doing whatever she sets her mind to.

“Honor your father and your mother, 

that your days may be long in the land that 

the Lord your God is giving you.

Exodus 20:12 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying that we remember to treat one another with respect. During this time of incredible divisiveness, when it's so easy to get angry with those who have opposing viewpoints, we have to remember, that no matter what, we are all brothers and sisters. Our goal here is to bring the lost to know Christ. We can't do that without showing respect to everyone we meet. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #respect #mother #parents #father #aging

Show respect

 

I've been on vacation for the past week in Hocking Hills where I've had no signal, no cell service, no internet. It was wonderful. 

On the drive home, there were some people who we encountered who I didn't have a lot of respect for, mostly because of their behavior. Some were other drivers, some were people around us in the restaurant, and I realized that I was letting them sour the peaceful, spiritual week I just had. Then I realized, that they weren't actually doing anything, it was my attitude toward them, my assumptions about them that were stressing me out and bringing me down.

So this week I would like to focus our attention and pray for help with showing respect to others...not just having respect, but actually showing it. 

Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, 

and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,

Titus 2:7 ESV 

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Please join me this week in praying that we remember to treat one another with respect. During this time of incredible divisiveness, when it's so easy to get angry with those who have opposing viewpoints, we have to remember, that no matter what, we are all brothers and sisters. Our goal here is to bring the lost to know Christ. We can't do that without showing respect to everyone we meet. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #respect

Brotherly love

 

Let brotherly love continue.

Hebrews 13:1 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for brotherly love. Let's pray for empathy and understanding and softened hearts.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #BrotherlyLove

Love everyone

 

If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.

1 John 4:20 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for brotherly love. Let's pray for empathy and understanding and softened hearts.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #BrotherlyLove

Show honor

 

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

Romans 12:10 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for brotherly love. Let's pray for empathy and understanding and softened hearts.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #BrotherlyLove

A humble mind

 

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, 

brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

1 Peter 3:8 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for brotherly love. Let's pray for empathy and understanding and softened hearts.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #BrotherlyLove

Love is from God

 

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, 

and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

1 John 4:7 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for brotherly love. Let's pray for empathy and understanding and softened hearts.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #BrotherlyLove

Second commandment

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: 

just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

John 13:34 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for brotherly love. Let's pray for empathy and understanding and softened hearts.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #BrotherlyLove

Love in deed

 

Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

1 John 3:18 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for brotherly love. Let's pray for empathy and understanding and softened hearts.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #BrotherlyLove

Work for the food that endures

 

Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”

John 6:27 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are unemployed. Pray that they find jobs soon. Let's also pray for those who are isolated due to working from home or because their health or age makes it difficult or unwise to leave their homes. Pray that friends, neighbors, relatives check in on them and that they in turn reach out to others. Pray that God softens their hearts from being prideful when it comes to asking for help. Pray also for their physical, emotional, and mental health. Finally, pray that God inspires them to use their spiritual gifts, even during times of isolation, so that He may be glorified.

     Additionally, let's pray for opportunities to minister to those in need and to use our time wisely to bring glory to God.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #LaborDay #salvation #employment

Work hard to help others

 

If you have any free time and are looking for a way to help others, Target Dayton is in need of volunteers to pack meals, and others to deliver meals. They've been continuing to feed the hungry and minister to their flock throughout the pandemic, but have been short-handed. If you can't help with your time, consider a donation. Any amount helps.

     Check out their website for more information. 

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Acts 20:35 ESV 

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are unemployed. Pray that they find jobs soon. Let's also pray for those who are isolated due to working from home or because their health or age makes it difficult or unwise to leave their homes. Pray that friends, neighbors, relatives check in on them and that they in turn reach out to others. Pray that God softens their hearts from being prideful when it comes to asking for help. Pray also for their physical, emotional, and mental health. Finally, pray that God inspires them to use their spiritual gifts, even during times of isolation, so that He may be glorified.

     Additionally, let's pray for opportunities to minister to those in need and to use our time wisely to bring glory to God.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #LaborDay #occupation #volunteer #employment #donate #TargetDayton

Labor of love

Remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 1:3 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are unemployed. Pray that they find jobs soon. Let's also pray for those who are isolated due to working from home or because their health or age makes it difficult or unwise to leave their homes. Pray that friends, neighbors, relatives check in on them and that they in turn reach out to others. Pray that God softens their hearts from being prideful when it comes to asking for help. Pray also for their physical, emotional, and mental health. Finally, pray that God inspires them to use their spiritual gifts, even during times of isolation, so that He may be glorified.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #LaborDay #occupation #vocation #employment

 

Work of the Lord

 

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are unemployed. Pray that they find jobs soon. Let's also pray for those who are isolated due to working from home or because their health or age makes it difficult or unwise to leave their homes. Pray that friends, neighbors, relatives check in on them and that they in turn reach out to others. Pray that God softens their hearts from being prideful when it comes to asking for help. Pray also for their physical, emotional, and mental health. Finally, pray that God inspires them to use their spiritual gifts, even during times of isolation, so that He may be glorified.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #LaborDay #occupation #vocation #employment

Work heartily

 

Do you "live to work" or "work to live?" I can never remember for certain which one is the good one. I think if we "live to work" that means that we enjoy our job, but "work to live" means that we work at a job just to have money to do the things we love. Either way, I've always resented how much of my life has been spent at work or thinking about work. I even dream about it which really makes me crazy. 

     But, the two months spent in lockdown, when I didn't have a job were way more stressful. Dealing with Unemployment was a part-time job in a sense, but there was no way of knowing if or when I would get paid. Knowing I wasn't alone in the struggle made it more overwhelming because I couldn't help but think about all of those people who lived paycheck to paycheck, and I remembered what that was like.

     So, ever since I've been back to work, I've had a new outlook and appreciation for the job and also for the opportunity to work (except for the last 2 weeks that were just outright horrible and stressful).

So, when I came across this bible verse, I thought it was an excellent way to look at everything we do in order to live during this earthly life:

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

Colossians 3:23-24 ESV 

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are unemployed. Pray that they find jobs soon. Let's also pray for those who are isolated due to working from home or because their health or age makes it difficult or unwise to leave their homes. Pray that friends, neighbors, relatives check in on them and that they in turn reach out to others. Pray that God softens their hearts from being prideful when it comes to asking for help. Pray also for their physical, emotional, and mental health. Finally, pray that God inspires them to use their spiritual gifts, even during times of isolation, so that He may be glorified.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #LaborDay #occupation #vocation #employment

Avoid idleness

When we all went on lockdown, I was really surprised how it affected me. I didn't realize how much of my identity, or at least, my self-perceived identity was wrapped up in what I did from day to day.
     The biggest hit was church. I had just discovered my "calling" and realized where my passion lies (missionaries and the unreached) and how to combine all of that with my spiritual gift. It was like I had climbed this huge difficult mountain and was within an arm's length of reaching the very top only to discover the peak was covered with ice and I couldn't grab hold of anything to pull myself up. All I could do was stand on the ledge and wait for the ice to melt.
     Next was my occupation. Without having that daily routine, I was lost. I believe we as humans need some sort of occupation to feel complete. It could be our vocation, home improvement projects, organizing, gardening, creating, but something that uses our skills, and something that is set apart from leisure. (I hope I'm explaining that right.) In other words, something besides just watching the grass grow. We need activity and human interaction.
     Since yesterday was Labor Day, it occurred to me that there are many people who still are nowhere near to getting their lives back yet. Many, many people are still working from home, others have lost their jobs, and still others have health issues that make going out in public too risky. Let's remember them in our prayers this week.

In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.

Proverbs 14:23 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are unemployed. Pray that they find jobs soon. Let's also pray for those who are isolated due to working from home or because their health or age makes it difficult or unwise to leave their homes. Pray that friends, neighbors, relatives check in on them and that they in turn reach out to others. Pray that God softens their hearts from being prideful when it comes to asking for help. Pray also for their physical, emotional, and mental health. Finally, pray that God inspires them to use their spiritual gifts, even during times of isolation, so that He may be glorified.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #LaborDay #occupation #create #spiritualgift

The Elevator

 

As some of you know from last Thursday's post, I haven't had a great week (or two), but even when things seem to be overbearing, God usually steps in with something to make us smile.

     Wednesday morning I pulled in the parking lot and the woman parked next to me was putting on her mask. She waited until I stopped my car before getting out. We made eye contact. I got my stuff out of the back seat and so was no more than 3 car widths behind her as we walked across the lot. When I got to the building door I saw the elevator door was open and assumed she would hold it for me, but she didn't. Even if there was some chance that she didn't know I was right behind her, the way our lobby is laid out with mirrors, she would've seen me walking in the door AND she would have heard me open the door. 

     This is the slowest elevator on Earth (everyone says so), so I was a little perturbed that I was going to have wait for it to inch up to the 5th floor, let her off and then crawl back down to the lobby. I was grumbling to myself how rude it was of her not to hold the elevator for me, and what's wrong with people?! Then, I took a deep breath and said a little prayer, apologizing to God for making such a big deal out of something so trivial. I changed my attitude and thought maybe she tried to hit the 'door open' button but accidentally hit the 'door close' one instead. Maybe she was depressed and didn't want to hear my cheery, "have a nice day," as I left the elevator on the 2nd floor. 

     It wasn't but a few seconds after I finished these thoughts that the elevator dinged. I was shocked. That was fast! And then, the door opened, and the woman was still on there! We both looked completely surprised. She said, "I don't know what happened. The elevator just stopped and then went back down. That's never happened before!"

     I got on the elevator grinning from ear to ear. I knew what happened. Isn't God awesome?!

#faith #life #humor #GodWink #GodThing #prayer #patience

Happy Labor Day

 

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30 ESV

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #LaborDay #rest

Freedom in the Spirit

 

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

2 Corinthians 3:17 ESV

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Romans 8:1-4 ESV

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Please join me this week in praising our Father in Heaven for this freedom He has given us in Christ Jesus so that we are no longer slaves to our sin. Pray that He gives us the opportunity and encouragement (and words) to share this great news with everyone we meet. Let's also pray that those who do not have this freedom come to know Christ and that those who do profess to know Christ not abuse this freedom as a means to sin. Finally, let's pray that we focus on all of the worldly freedoms we have that others all over the globe can't even imagine. 

   We should give thanks daily for being born in this time and this place where we can worship and praise our Father without fear of persecution. The restrictions we do face because of the pandemic are no different than the restrictions that people all over the world have dealt with or are dealing with, and these inconveniences are temporary. If the worst thing in our lives right now is having to concede to a few mandates, then we should consider ourselves extremely blessed. Praise the Lord for the countless blessings He bestows on us every single day.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #freedom #HolySpirit

Live like you're free

 

Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.

1 Peter 2:16 ESV

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Please join me this week in praising our Father in Heaven for this freedom He has given us in Christ Jesus so that we are no longer slaves to our sin. Pray that He gives us the opportunity and encouragement (and words) to share this great news with everyone we meet. Let's also pray that those who do not have this freedom come to know Christ and that those who do profess to know Christ not abuse this freedom as a means to sin. Finally, let's pray that we focus on all of the worldly freedoms we have that others all over the globe can't even imagine. 

   We should give thanks daily for being born in this time and this place where we can worship and praise our Father without fear of persecution. The restrictions we do face because of the pandemic are no different than the restrictions that people all over the world have dealt with or are dealing with, and these inconveniences are temporary. If the worst thing in our lives right now is having to concede to a few mandates, then we should consider ourselves extremely blessed. Praise the Lord for the countless blessings He bestows on us every single day.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #freedom #servant #Jesus

Truth equals freedom

 

Truth: God's word, Christ is the Messiah, Jesus died on the cross, paid the price for our sins, and 3 days later was resurrected.

Freedom: no longer a slave to sin. We're free from an eternal life of punishment and condemnation.

     The best way to know truth is to study God's word. God communicates with us through His word and we should have a hunger and thirst to know everything He has to say to us.

     In my mind, it's a roadmap, a textbook, a reference manual, a how-to book, and an encyclopedia; it's a book of literature, history, poetry, and songs. It's everything we need to get us through this life and into the next.

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

John 8:31-32 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praising our Father in Heaven for this freedom He has given us in Christ Jesus so that we are no longer slaves to our sin. Pray that He gives us the opportunity and encouragement (and words) to share this great news with everyone we meet. Let's also pray that those who do not have this freedom come to know Christ and that those who do profess to know Christ not abuse this freedom as a means to sin. Finally, let's pray that we focus on all of the worldly freedoms we have that others all over the globe can't even imagine. 

   We should give thanks daily for being born in this time and this place where we can worship and praise our Father without fear of persecution. The restrictions we do face because of the pandemic are no different than the restrictions that people all over the world have dealt with or are dealing with, and these inconveniences are temporary. If the worst thing in our lives right now is having to concede to a few mandates, then we should consider ourselves extremely blessed. Praise the Lord for the countless blessings He bestows on us every single day.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #freedom #liberty #Jesus #truth

My distress

 

The past two weeks have been extremely stressful at work. I hate lies and I hate threats, but that's how some clients think they can "motivate" me to work faster. Each day, I feel like I'm being sucked down this deep, dark hole.
     Yesterday was probably the worse, and I apologize to all of my friends whom I unloaded on <3 But, at the end of the day, I searched for a Bible passage to share with you, and this is the one the Lord shared with me:

Out of my distress I called on the Lord;

the Lord answered me and set me free.

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.

What can man do to me?

The Lord is on my side as my helper;

I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.

Psalm 118:5-7 ESV

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Please join me this week in praising our Father in Heaven for this freedom He has given us in Christ Jesus so that we are no longer slaves to our sin. Pray that He gives us the opportunity and encouragement (and words) to share this great news with everyone we meet. Let's also pray that those who do not have this freedom come to know Christ and that those who do profess to know Christ not abuse this freedom as a means to sin. Finally, let's pray that we focus on all of the worldly freedoms we have that others all over the globe can't even imagine. 

   We should give thanks daily for being born in this time and this place where we can worship and praise our Father without fear of persecution. The restrictions we do face because of the pandemic are no different than the restrictions that people all over the world have dealt with or are dealing with, and these inconveniences are temporary. If the worst thing in our lives right now is having to concede to a few mandates, then we should consider ourselves extremely blessed. Praise the Lord for the countless blessings He bestows on us every single day.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #freedom #liberty #Jesus

The Son sets us free

 

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

John 8:34-36 ESV

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Please join me this week in praising our Father in Heaven for this freedom He has given us in Christ Jesus so that we are no longer slaves to our sin. Pray that He gives us the opportunity and encouragement (and words) to share this great news with everyone we meet. Let's also pray that those who do not have this freedom come to know Christ and that those who do profess to know Christ not abuse this freedom as a means to sin. Finally, let's pray that we focus on all of the worldly freedoms we have that others all over the globe can't even imagine. 

   We should give thanks daily for being born in this time and this place where we can worship and praise our Father without fear of persecution. The restrictions we do face because of the pandemic are no different than the restrictions that people all over the world have dealt with or are dealing with, and these inconveniences are temporary. If the worst thing in our lives right now is having to concede to a few mandates, then we should consider ourselves extremely blessed. Praise the Lord for the countless blessings He bestows on us every single day.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #freedom #liberty #Jesus

A doer who acts

Last week we had a prayer meeting for missionaries. We met outside, behind the church. I couldn't help but think of the irony in our gathering. Here we were, openly praying for missionaries and unreached people groups, many of which, if caught in the same situation, would be imprisoned or killed. They boldly share the gospel knowing that it puts their lives in danger.
     Then, here I am in the U.S. afraid to verbally share the gospel with people I know for fear of some unknown reaction. I feel guilty and a sense of anguish. What's the worst thing that could happen? The person might get angry, walk away, unfriend me? I need to get to where I'm okay with that and no longer fear those things. I keep praying for words and encouragement.
     God will guide me so that I may become a 'doer who acts' instead of a 'hearer who forgets.' I just need patience. Everything happens in His time according to His purposes.

But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

James 1:25 ESV

John MacArthur wrote about this verse that "perfect law...God's revealed, inerrant, sufficient, and comprehensive Word is called "law". The presence of His grace does not mean there is no moral law or code of conduct for believers to obey. Believers are enabled by the Spirit to keep it. liberty. Genuine freedom from sin. As the Holy Spirit applies the principles of Scripture to believer's hearts, they are freed from sin's bondage and enabled to obey God."*

* MacArthur, John (1997). The MacArthur Study Bible, New King James version.
     Thomas Nelson, Inc. Nashville, TN.

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Please join me this week in praising our Father in Heaven for this freedom He has given us in Christ Jesus so that we are no longer slaves to our sin. Pray that He gives us the opportunity and encouragement (and words) to share this great news with everyone we meet. Let's also pray that those who do not have this freedom come to know Christ and that those who do profess to know Christ not abuse this freedom as a means to sin. Finally, let's pray that we focus on all of the worldly freedoms we have that others all over the globe can't even imagine. 

   We should give thanks daily for being born in this time and this place where we can worship and praise our Father without fear of persecution. The restrictions we do face because of the pandemic are no different than the restrictions that people all over the world have dealt with or are dealing with, and these inconveniences are temporary. If the worst thing in our lives right now is having to concede to a few mandates, then we should consider ourselves extremely blessed. Praise the Lord for the countless blessings He bestows on us every single day.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #freedom #liberty