Self-proclaimed judge and jury

 

How did your week go? If it was anything like mine, it was full of ups and downs, triumphs and failures. The closer we draw to Jesus, the more Satan tries to pull us away. He uses whatever means possible to distract us. 

     My sin that God showed me was anger, resentment, contempt, and internal rage toward a person whom I view as evil. I was judging this person. My feelings toward him darkened my heart. You would not believe how many bible verses showed up in my various feeds about light and darkness. Since I was praying about this all week, and asking God for help, He was sending me messages of hope and inspiration through these verses.

     Whenever those sinful feelings began to resurface, or things went badly and I felt myself being pulled back into the darkness, I was able to recognize it as the work of the devil, and each time I told him, "No! Go away!" And he did!

     It's not my place to judge others. I'm a sinner, the same as everybody else. I will leave judgment up to God, and when I can't, I'll pray for help.

Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 

Romans 2:1* NKJV

*I wanted to post Romans 2:1-29, but that seemed a bit much. So, I urge you to take a few minutes and read it on your own.

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Please join me this week in praying for God to show each of us our sin. Then, ask for His wisdom and guidance to overcome that sin. Pray that He humbles us to acknowledge our sinful nature and our shortcomings, so that we can become more Christlike and better image-bearers to those God brings into our lives. Finally, let's pray that we have open hearts, softened hearts in order to not condemn others. Ask God how you can help others instead of judging and walking away.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #sin #confess #forgiveness #judge #judgment #love #salvation

Loving and merciful

 

The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.

Psalm 34:22 ESV

 

As for you, O Lord, you will not restrain your mercy from me; your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me! For evils have encompassed me beyond number; my iniquities have overtaken me, and I cannot see; they are more than the hairs of my head; my heart fails me.

Psalm 40:11-12 ESV

“I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.

Isaiah 43:25 ESV

 

He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.

Psalm 103:10 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for God to show each of us our sin. Then, ask for His wisdom and guidance to overcome that sin. Pray that He humbles us to acknowledge our sinful nature and our shortcomings, so that we can become more Christlike and better image-bearers to those God brings into our lives. Finally, let's pray that we have open hearts, softened hearts in order to not condemn others. Ask God how you can help others instead of judging and walking away.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #sin #confess #forgiveness #reassurance #blessing #love #salvation

If we confess

 

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

1 John 1:8-10 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying for God to show each of us our sin. Then, ask for His wisdom and guidance to overcome that sin. Pray that He humbles us to acknowledge our sinful nature and our shortcomings, so that we can become more Christlike and better image-bearers to those God brings into our lives. Finally, let's pray that we have open hearts, softened hearts in order to not condemn others. Ask God how you can help others instead of judging and walking away.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #sin #confess #forgiveness #reassurance #blessing #love #salvation

Reassurance

 

The Bible version I borrowed this from titled this passaged: "Life in the Spirit." I've read it over and over this morning and felt a sense of peace and reassurance. How awesome is our God? Would the god or gods of other religions have done anything close to this? No. The answer is most definitely, "no!" That's because our God is the one, true, living God. Our Creator. Our Father. He loves us. He saved us.

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. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Romans 8:1-8 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for God to show each of us our sin. Then, ask for His wisdom and guidance to overcome that sin. Pray that He humbles us to acknowledge our sinful nature and our shortcomings, so that we can become more Christlike and better image-bearers to those God brings into our lives. Finally, let's pray that we have open hearts, softened hearts in order to not condemn others. Ask God how you can help others instead of judging and walking away.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #sin #condemnation #reassurance #blessing #love #salvation

Are you fooling yourself?

 

Someone shared this video with me and it fits perfectly with what we're praying about this week. I personally spend a lot of time in self-reflection, asking God questions. Sometimes I'm filled with doubt, but still, I feel secure in my relationship with Christ Jesus. Being saved isn't about having a warm fuzzy, feeling. You can't just pray the prayer and then go on living the life you were living. There are some preachers who would have you believe that, though.
     There are many hard truths in the bible that don't fit in with our sinful natures. We can't just ignore them because they make us feel bad about ourselves. We can't change God's word to fit our lives; we need to change our lives to fit God's word.

For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.

1 John 3:20 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for God to show each of us our sin. Then, ask for His wisdom and guidance to overcome that sin. Pray that He humbles us to acknowledge our sinful nature and our shortcomings, so that we can become more Christlike and better image-bearers to those God brings into our lives. Finally, let's pray that we have open hearts, softened hearts in order to not condemn others. Ask God how you can help others instead of judging and walking away.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #sin #condemnation #guilt #shame #love #salvation

Self-condemnation

 

How did it go yesterday? For me it was really difficult. I posted an update...in case you didn't see it:

I realized after praying this and God answering, that my next prayer was "How do I overcome this sin?" followed by, "Lord, please give me the wisdom and the heart to let go of this sin. Please guide me and free me of it."

     That helped a lot. Still, it was a day of looking inward and trying to work on my sinful nature which is difficult to face and own up to. Before that prayer, I was getting swallowed up in the shame and guilt. It was pulling me down a path that I didn't need to be on, one that (more than likely) was Satan using that opportunity to make me feel helpless and unable to overcome my sin (thus, the photo above).

     My personal opinion is that God doesn't want us to dwell on our sin or feel guilty or shameful. He wants us to come to Him with it, ask forgiveness, ask for help to overcome it.

 

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, 

but in order that the world might be saved through him.

John 3:17 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for God to show each of us our sin. Then, ask for His wisdom and guidance to overcome that sin. Pray that He humbles us to acknowledge our sinful nature and our shortcomings, so that we can become more Christlike and better image-bearers to those God brings into our lives. Finally, let's pray that we have open hearts, softened hearts in order to not condemn others. Ask God how you can help others instead of judging and walking away.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #sin #condemnation #guilt #shame #love

Show me my sin

 

One of my favorite events in the Bible is this:

Now early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear.

So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”

She said, “No one, Lord.”

And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”

John 8:2-11 NKJV

People are all too quick to condemn others but have absolutely no trouble turning a blind eye to their own sin. I love this event because Jesus made the crowd think of their own sin before casting judgment on another. If we all did that, can you imagine the difference in our world? I also just realized, Jesus didn't condemn them, He simply had them look within. 

     A Pastor once said (I'm paraphrasing) that when we pray and ask for forgiveness, we should ask forgiveness for our specific sins. He challenged us to identify our daily sins. For the life of me, I couldn't think of any. I don't say that to be pious, but to confess. So many people I talk to, and myself included, tend to think 'I'm keeping the Ten Commandments, except for keeping the Sabbath, so I'm good.' (Remember Mark 10:20?) However, we know that Jesus expanded on what is really involved in order to keep those commandments during the Sermon on the Mount. (See Matthew 5-7). Have you ever been angry with someone? You've committed murder in your heart. Have you ever lusted after another person? You've committed adultery, etc. I have a lot of trouble with anger toward certain people. I may not show it, but that's irrelevant. It's in my heart, and God knows it's there.

     Yesterday, during the sermon, our Pastor encouraged us to pray and ask God to show us our sin. I've done this before and all I can say is, be prepared to be humbled. I'm going to do this again, throughout the week and hopefully make it a daily prayer. It's important. We're to be Christlike, but what do other's see in us? So, I challenge you to join me in this. It will change us.

Update:

I realized after praying this and God answering, that my next prayer was "How do I overcome this sin?" followed by, "Lord, please give me the wisdom and the heart to let go of this sin. Please guide me and free me of it."

P.S. I'm bothered they were ready to stone the woman, but not the man who must have participated in the adulterous situation. I realize it was a different culture back then, but still.

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Please join me this week in praying for God to show each of us our sins. Pray that He humbles us to acknowledge our sinful nature and our shortcomings so that we can become more Christlike and better image-bearers to those God brings into our lives. Finally, let's pray that we have open hearts, softened hearts in order to not condemn others. Ask God how you can help others instead of judging and walking away.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #sin #condemnation #judgment #love

Live peaceably with everyone

 

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Romans 12:18 ESV

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Please join me in praying for all people. Pray for "all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” Pray for peace and unity among God's children that we may celebrate and embrace our differences instead of allowing them to divide us. Pray for softened hearts and open minds, for patience, grace, and mercy.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #peace #nation #USA #truth #government #grace

Put on love

 

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:12-17 ESV

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Please join me in praying for all people. Pray for "all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” Pray for peace and unity among God's children that we may celebrate and embrace our differences instead of allowing them to divide us. Pray for softened hearts and open minds, for patience, grace, and mercy.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #peace #nation #USA #truth #government #grace

Unity of mind

 

I am so thankful and relieved that we didn't see the violence that was anticipated this past week. I am also exceedingly thankful for the men and women who serve in our National Guard. They are a blessing to our country.

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For

“Whoever desires to love life

    and see good days,

let him keep his tongue from evil

    and his lips from speaking deceit;

let him turn away from evil and do good;

    let him seek peace and pursue it.

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,

    and his ears are open to their prayer.

But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

1 Peter 3:8-12 ESV

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Please join me in praying for all people. Pray for "all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” Pray for peace and unity among God's children that we may celebrate and embrace our differences instead of allowing them to divide us. Pray for softened hearts and open minds, for patience, grace, and mercy.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #peace #nation #USA #truth #government #grace

Righteousness

 

Righteousness exalts a nation,

But sin is a reproach to any people. 

Proverbs 14:34 NKJV

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Please join me in praying for all people. Pray for "all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” Pray for peace and unity among God's children that we may celebrate and embrace our differences instead of allowing them to divide us. Pray for softened hearts and open minds, for patience, grace, and mercy.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #peace #nation #USA #truth #government #grace

Bless our nation

 

Let all the earth fear the Lord;

Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.

For He spoke, and it was done;

He commanded, and it stood fast.

The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;

He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect.

The counsel of the Lord stands forever,

The plans of His heart to all generations.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,

The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.

The Lord looks from heaven;

He sees all the sons of men.

From the place of His dwelling He looks

On all the inhabitants of the earth;

He fashions their hearts individually;

He considers all their works.

No king is saved by the multitude of an army;

A mighty man is not delivered by great strength.

A horse is a vain hope for safety;

Neither shall it deliver any by its great strength.

Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him,

On those who hope in His mercy,

To deliver their soul from death,

And to keep them alive in famine.

Our soul waits for the Lord;

He is our help and our shield.

For our heart shall rejoice in Him,

Because we have trusted in His holy name.

Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us,

Just as we hope in You.

Psalm 33:8-22 NKJV

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Please join me in praying for all people. Pray for "all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” Pray for peace and unity among God's children that we may celebrate and embrace our differences instead of allowing them to divide us. Pray for softened hearts and open minds, for patience, grace, and mercy.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #peace #nation #USA #truth #government #grace

Peacemakers

 

Blessed are the peacemakers,

For they shall be called sons of God.

Matthew 5:9

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Please join me in praying for all people. Pray for "all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” Pray for peace and unity among God's children that we may celebrate and embrace our differences instead of allowing them to divide us. Pray for softened hearts and open minds, for patience, grace, and mercy.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #peace #nation #USA #truth #government #grace

Pray for our nation

 

I read this on a church's website and it was perfect for what's on my heart this week, however, it didn't say what version it was. I looked up several and none of them were worded quite this way:

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray in this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” 

1 Timothy 2:1-5

Compare to NIV:

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 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,

1 Timothy 2:1-5 NIV

We need this prayer this week for our nation and our fellow Americans. Please join me in praying for all people. Pray for "all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” Pray for peace and unity among God's children that we may celebrate and embrace our differences instead of allowing them to divide us. Pray for softened hearts and open minds, for patience, grace, and mercy.

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Please join me this week in heartfelt prayer for our nation and its people.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #peace #nation #USA #truth #government #grace

Be happy

 

I really don't like living for the weekend, especially since time flies by too fast, as it is. However, this week, I was looking forward to the weekend because I just needed time to veg out and recuperate from the work-stress.
     All week, I listened to K-Love for support and encouragement and to keep my focus on God. One of the DJs shared an anecdote - I don't remember the details, but what she was sharing was that often we say, "I'll be happy when..." So, I'll be happy when the pandemic is over," or "I'll be happy when I've lost weight," or whatever you're going through that you feel is keeping you from being happy right now. But what if we change that thinking to, "I'll be happy even though...?" So, "I'll be happy even though we're living through a pandemic," "I'll be happy even though I need to lose weight," etc.
     That just really hit me, because, you know, it's always going to be something. We have God on our side! Our focus should always be on Him. I've noticed that when I'm really, truly focused on Him and what He wants me to do, none of that other stuff even matters. When I'm all in for God, my heart is on fire, and it's filled with love and pure joy!
     So, remember to be happy "even though" instead of "when."

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, 

for when he has stood the test 

he will receive the crown of life, 

which God has promised to those who love him.

James 1:12 ESV

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Please join me this week in heartfelt prayer for whatever is weighing heavily on your soul.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #peace #love #bekind #patience

Truth be told

 

I've been inspired by the lyrics of "Truth Be Told" by Matthew West lately.

Lie number one you're supposed to have it all together

And when they ask how you're doing

Just smile and tell them, "Never better"

Lie number 2 everybody's life is perfect except yours

So keep your messes and your wounds

And your secrets safe with you behind closed doors

Truth be told

The truth is rarely told, now

I say I'm fine, yeah I'm fine oh I'm fine, hey I'm fine but I'm not

I'm broken

And when it's out of control I say it's under control but it's not

And you know it

I don't know why it's so hard to admit it

When being honest is the only way to fix it

There's no failure, no fall

There's no sin you don't already know

So let the truth be told

(partial lyrics)

I am broken. I admit it. God sees my sin. He sees what's in my heart. I can't hide it from Him, but I can ask for His help to fix it.

“Am I a God near at hand,” says the Lord,

“And not a God afar off?

Can anyone hide himself in secret places,

So I shall not see him?” says the Lord;

“Do I not fill heaven and earth?” says the Lord.

Jeremiah 23:23-24 NKJV

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Hebrews 4:12-13 NKJJV

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Please join me this week in heartfelt prayer for whatever is weighing heavily on your soul.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #peace #love #bekind #patience

His purpose

 

And we know that all things work together for good 

to those who love God, 

to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28 NKJV

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Please join me this week in heartfelt prayer for whatever is weighing heavily on your soul.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #peace #love #bekind #patience

Peace in Jesus

 

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 ESV

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Please join me this week in heartfelt prayer for whatever is weighing heavily on your soul.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #peace #love #bekind #patience

Just say NO

 

Yesterday went so much better. On my way to work, I was listening to K-Love (a Christian music radio station) and a listener called in - I forget the topic, but she shared that her husband had just been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and she was going through so much struggle emotionally and spiritually. She said what has gotten her through was Philippians 4:7

and the peace of God, 

which surpasses all understanding, 

will guard your hearts and minds 

through Christ Jesus. (NKJV)

After she shared that, I was just able to let go of any and all frustrations throughout the day. My little trials are nothing in the grand scheme of things, but Satan uses whatever he can to distract us, to pull us away from God. It's up to us to recognize the spiritual warfare that we face and to tell Satan "no"! Don't let yourself get drawn into his deceptions and lies. 

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Please join me this week in heartfelt prayer for whatever is weighing heavily on your soul.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #peace #love #bekind #patience

Lean on Him

 

Yesterday was awful, but I have to smile a little knowing that it's because I've stung Satan with my renewed vow to break free from him. This happens every time I recognize his grip on me. Yesterday I prayed a lot more often and specifically for a softened heart and for grace and patience and love. As a result, he threw things in my path, one after another that built on each other throughout the day until finally, I was so angry and frustrated that I was lashing out at people - well, I guess I don't really "lash out", but I wasn't talkative or engaging. Still, it was a day of spiritual warfare.
     Once I got away from the office, though, I was able to recognize it as what it was and prayed for wisdom and guidance. I continued my prayers for a softened heart and patience. By the time I got home, I was feeling more at peace.
     God is good. He listens. He loves us. Take everything to Him in prayer. My life verse seems to keep popping up everywhere from push notifications to social media, so I'll share it again:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

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Please join me this week in heart-felt prayer for whatever is weighing heavily on your soul.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #peace #love #bekind #patience

A broken heart

 

My heart is broken and I don't know how much more it can take. Last night another church family member passed away, this time from Covid. We have lost so many brothers and sisters in the past 10 months that I can't help but wonder if our Father isn't calling His children home before things get worse here on earth. I hesitate to say "before the tribulation" because I'm not learned enough on the subject to understand the timing of the rapture.

     But that, coupled with what's going on in our nation - so much anger and hatred. What really scares me is the darkness in my own heart toward our government, the anger that I can't contain when certain topics are raised among friends and family...it's become the norm. I'm reminded of the song, Revolutionary by Josh Wilson: 

Why does kindness seem revolutionary

When did we let hate get so ordinary

Let's turn it around, flip the script

Judge slow, love quick

God help us get revolutionary

     I really want kindness to be the norm. I want people to love one another regardless of the color of their skin, political views, socio-economic standing, dialect ... It's those visible and verbal differences that divide us. Visible differences are a given; we can't do anything about them, but what comes out of our mouths, and what rests in our hearts can be "fixed." 

     Lately, I think the words, "I hate..." way more often than ever before. "I hate my office building." "I hate getting up so early." "I hate cloudy days." Those thoughts are newly developed in me and they stem from stress, anxiety, and depression. It may seem harmless to hate those things, but it's not. Hate is like a disease that starts in our hearts and spreads to our minds, words, and actions. It's insidious and unrelenting. Scariest of all, it's Satan's grip on us.

     There may or may not be a theme this week, just the ramblings of someone who is at the end of her rope with the hatred and disrespect of the world. I guess we need to pray for many things this week and beyond. We need to pray for love, kindness, grace, and patience. We need to pray to be Christ-like. We need to denounce violence and hatred and discrimination. We need to remember that we are one race, one nation under God.

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.’

Matthew 22:37-39 NKJV

These are Jesus' commandments to us. If we're doing anything that conflicts with these, we need to re-evaluate our salvation. I need to be and will be, down on my knees to rid my heart of "I hate" statements. Pray for a heart of love.

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Please join me this week in heart-felt prayer for whatever is weighing heavily on your soul.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #peace #love #bekind #patience

I'll give you rest

 

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

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Please join me this week in praying for those who have trouble sleeping, whether it's chronic insomnia or a temporary condition. Pray that they are able to let go of anxiety and fear. Pray that they are able to find peace and assurance in Jesus.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #insomnia #sleep #fear #anxiety

God never sleeps

 

He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. 

Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

Psalm 121:3-4 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for those who have trouble sleeping, whether it's chronic insomnia or a temporary condition. Pray that they are able to let go of anxiety and fear. Pray that they are able to find peace and assurance in Jesus.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #insomnia #sleep #fear #anxiety

Sleep of a laborer

 

I read some commentary on today's bible verse and it has to do with anxiety; unfortunately, I believe Soloman may have been out of touch with the plight of the "laborer" if he thought that the workers had less to worry about than the rich, and therefore slept better. Maybe it was true in his day. I don't know. I do know that I was poor most of my adult life and was just as anxious (if not more anxious) than I am now. Not that I'm rich, but I'm a lot more "comfortable" economically than I used to be.
     Whatever causes our anxiety or whatever keeps us from sleep, we need to make an effort to work it out. Talk to God. Let go of what's troubling us and put our faith in Him, 100%, that He will take care of everything.

Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, 

but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep.

Ecclesiastes 5:12 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for those who have trouble sleeping, whether it's chronic insomnia or a temporary condition. Pray that they are able to let go of anxiety and fear. Pray that they are able to find peace and assurance in Jesus.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #insomnia #sleep #fear #anxiety

I awoke

I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.

Psalm 3:5 ESV 

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Please join me this week in praying for those who have trouble sleeping, whether it's chronic insomnia or a temporary condition. Pray that they are able to let go of anxiety and fear. Pray that they are able to find peace and assurance in Jesus.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #insomnia #sleep #fear #anxiety #Psalms

 

Bread of anxious toil

 

After I posted Monday, I thought it probably doesn't make sense to a lot of people what 'fear of not sleeping' looks like, so I thought I should explain...by that time I'd given up all hope (and effort) of falling asleep on my own. It had been years and years of trying anything and everything to fall asleep and stay asleep, so at some point, I just started taking sleeping pills every night. The first few years I took prescription medication (only half a pill), but then they (the medical profession) discovered that this wasn't the non-addictive, non-side-effect wonder-drug that they thought it was. So my doctor started pressing me to go off of the medicine. Eventually, I did and switched to over-the-counter just so I didn't have to hear about it every time I saw him. The problem was that even half a pill seem to leave me excessively tired the next morning, so I had to quit taking them.

     I still had the problem of anticipating that I wouldn't/couldn't fall asleep, and most nights

not being able to quiet my mind enough to sleep anyway. Anyone who's ever had a rough night knows how it affects the next day. Imagine every day being like that. I couldn't do it on my own. I needed help. 

     I talked with my therapist about it. She's really good about pointing out, "what's the worst that could happen if...?" So, what if I didn't read the news right before bed? Would it still be there in the morning? What's the worst that could happen if I didn't take work home with me? What's the worst that could happen if I gave all of my anxieties over to God?

     I worked on those things and also combined different non-medicine "tricks" that I had tried over the past several years to create a sort of bedtime routine. I cut off devices an hour before bed, went to bed and woke up at about the same time every day, etc. But, ultimately what I think really helped was letting go of that anxiety, that anticipation or expectation that I wouldn't be able to fall asleep. I put God in charge and "rested" in His sovereignty. The last 30 to 60 minutes before bed is now spent with Him, reading His word, and praying.

     Secondly, I downloaded an app called Insight Timer. There are two pieces that I listen to, alternating them each night: "Delta Waves & Oceanic Sounds for Deep Rest" by Lotusopus and "Deep Sleep Music - 1.5Hz Binaural Beats for Sleep" by Aaron Darrell. There are several more, but these work for me. They run for almost an hour each but I hardly ever hear the end of the music. If you don't want to download the app, there is similar music available on YouTube.

     I hope this helps. The thing is, there's a really good chance that anxiety is the root cause of your/my insomnia so investigate what's behind that. Pray about it. Let go of that anxiety (I know that's easier said than done) and know that no amount of tossing and turning is going to solve the problems of the world. God will watch over you while you sleep. He is sovereign over all things, so let go. He's in charge, so let Him take care of you, watch over you, His child. 

It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, 

eating the bread of anxious toil; 

for he gives to his beloved sleep.

Psalm 127:2 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for those who have trouble sleeping, whether it's chronic insomnia or a temporary condition. Pray that they are able to let go of anxiety and fear. Pray that they are able to find peace and assurance in Jesus.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #insomnia #sleep #fear #anxiety #Psalms

Safe through the night

 

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; 

for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:8 ESV

Please pray for M.S. who has chronic insomnia, and for R.S. who has intermittent trouble sleeping. If you know of anyone else suffering from this, please let me know their initials, and I'll add them to the list.

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Please join me this week in praying for those who have trouble sleeping, whether it's chronic insomnia or a temporary condition. Pray that they are able to let go of anxiety and fear. Pray that they are able to find peace and assurance in Jesus.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #insomnia #sleep #fear #anxiety #Proverbs

Sweet sleep

 

Even during "normal" times, slumber can be a source of anxiety for many people. I've had trouble sleeping since 2001. My personal experience with insomnia has led to frustration, anger, more anxiety. I go to bed exhausted and then toss and turn all night, a million things racing through my mind. Even if I fall asleep, I wake up at some point during the night and have to start the process of trying to go back to sleep all over again.

     My therapist asked me (regarding sleep), "What's your fear?"

     I was a little indignant at the question, "There's no fear. I'm just afraid I won't be able to fall asleep."

     "That's fear, dear."

     "Oh."

If you lie down, you will not be afraid; 

when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

Proverbs 3:24 ESV

Please pray for M.S. who has chronic insomnia, and for R.S. who has intermittent trouble sleeping. If you know of anyone else suffering from this, please let me know their initials, and I'll add them to the list.

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Please join me this week in praying for those who have trouble sleeping, whether it's chronic insomnia or a temporary condition. Pray that they are able to let go of anxiety and fear. Pray that they are able to find peace and assurance in Jesus.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #insomnia #sleep #fear #anxiety #Proverbs

A new life

 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 

1 Peter 1:3 NKJV 

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Please join me this week in praying for the new year. Pray for physical, mental, and spiritual healing. Pray that through the turmoil, we will see an unprecedented number of people come to know Jesus and that God will be glorified through it all. Pray for the Church to be united and of one mind so that non-believers may see the peace and hope we have in Jesus.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #Jesus #NewYear2021 #new #hope #God #love #mercy #faithfulness

Strain to what lies ahead

 

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13-14 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for the new year. Pray for physical, mental, and spiritual healing. Pray that through the turmoil, we will see an unprecedented number of people come to know Jesus and that God will be glorified through it all. Pray for the Church to be united and of one mind so that non-believers may see the peace and hope we have in Jesus.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #Jesus #NewYear2021 #new #hope #God #love #mercy #faithfulness

Your new self

 

To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:22-24 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for the new year. Pray for physical, mental, and spiritual healing. Pray that through the turmoil, we will see an unprecedented number of people come to know Jesus and that God will be glorified through it all. Pray for the Church to be united and of one mind so that non-believers may see the peace and hope we have in Jesus.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #Jesus #NewYear2021 #new #hope #God #love #mercy #faithfulness