Confessions of an office manager

 

I wanted to share a personal experience that goes with yesterday's Bible Verse...I've just had this AHA moment thing going on all week. God is just so amazing! I pick the topics based on talking to others, or something that catches my attention in a Bible study, or sermon, or even based on what's going on in my own life, but once in a while, I'm reminded that it's God who is picking the topics for me.

     Over the past several years, my boss's son has been taking over my job. He has assumed responsibility for everything and we've been butting heads at each turn. At some point, maybe a year ago, I just gave up the fight. Ever since then, I've felt more at peace and have had a better attitude at work. 

     A couple of days ago, I gave up the last managerial duty that I had been clinging to. It was so hard to do and I prayed about it diligently. Afterwards, I felt more at peace and it was then that God reminded me...this is what I asked for years ago. He then showed me a plan unfolding, one I've been praying for without realizing it, one that I had been working toward but not really believing in.

     Back in the 90s, my goal in life was to be "successful". In my mind, that meant being in charge of a company, having an office, making good money. I achieved that but with it came a burden that I never anticipated. The stress and anxiety of being "in charge" was overwhelming. On the plus side, the company was more organized, made money, grew and prospered. On the negative side, I had to deal with difficult, irate clients, situations that my boss didn't want to deal with, collections, etc. I even had to learn all the ins and outs of computer repair, software glitches, and wireless networking. 

     I worked long hours, six days a week. As a manager of a small company, I wore all the hats. I couldn't imagine a scenario that would get me out of that situation because I had made myself irreplaceable.

     When the Great Recession hit (2007-2009), I thought this is how it will end. But my boss worked like I've never seen him work before, or since, to drum up business for us to keep us afloat. That's when I started praying about a way out. 

     Then, the boss's son graduated from college (for architecture) and I figured he would start honing in on my job so I went back to college and got my Bachelor's degree. He didn't seem interested in taking over, which made me feel a bit conflicted. On one hand, I wanted out, on the other, I knew he couldn't/wouldn't put his blood, sweat, and tears into the company like I had. 

     Another woman at our company also graduated from a college in architecture, around that time, so it was kind of the hierarchy of: my boss, me, and then the boss's son and she were on the same level, even though she was and is very talented and knowledgable and does an exceptionable job. Then, she went to work for another company and I had to hire three people to replace her. That opened Pandora's box. We were so busy, and I was trying to get work out and train three people and still do everything that I had to do outside of those responsibilities. So, that was his chance to "step up."

To be continued. 

A just balance and scales are the Lord; all the weights in the bag are his work.

Proverbs 16:11

Be in prayer for:
G
K
S
W

B
L
J
K
T
S
C
They are all experiencing high levels of stress at work because of various situations. If there's anyone you would like to add to the list, please let me know.

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are dealing with stressful situations at their workplace. Please pray that they may find resolutions to their specific situations, that they find peace through prayer, and that their workplace no longer be a source of overwhelming stress and/or depression. Please pray that they find strength in the Lord.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #work #job #stress #manager #anxiety #depression #prayer #boss #supervisor #negativeselftalk #blog #blogpost #blogger

Verbal abuse at work

 

Not all supervisors are in their position because of their people skills. Numerous people have talked to me about situations at work where they don't feel like they can ask questions because their supervisor makes them feel stupid, or shames them for not already knowing the answer. They feel belittled and humiliated. 

     The result from this is that they don't ask questions, therefore they have trouble doing their job, which creates more stress. In my book, this is abuse. 

     I've had to deal with this myself in the past and just dealt with it like I dealt with the verbal and emotional abuse from my first husband. I would preface questions with, "I'm sorry, but..." or I would put myself down before the other person could do it, "I don't know why I still can't do this but..." That kind of negative self-talk did almost as much damage as the abusive language from others which I was trying to avoid. 

     Then, someone told me they would pray that the heart of the abuser, aka the supervisor, would be softened. I never thought to do that before. It made a huge difference. I started including that in my daily prayers and it just helped. At first, I felt like I needed strength to pray this, that I needed help in humbling myself to pray for people who I felt were causing me harm, but I'm so glad that I did. 

     I'm praying this prayer for you and your specific situations and encourage you to pray for your supervisors, managers, bosses, coworkers. 

Humble yourselves, therefore, 

under the mighty hand of God 

so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

1 Peter 5:6 ESV

Let God handle the battles. We need to fight the battle on our knees. (See video below). Give it all up to Him.

Be in prayer for:
G
K
S
W

B
L
J
K
T
S
C
They are all experiencing high levels of stress at work because of various situations. If there's anyone you would like to add to the list, please let me know.

You may also like: "The Power of Words" from February 25, 2019

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are dealing with stressful situations at their workplace. Please pray that they may find resolutions to their specific situations, that they find peace through prayer, and that their workplace no longer be a source of overwhelming stress and/or depression. Please pray that they find strength in the Lord.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #work #job #stress #verbalabuse #anxiety #depression #prayer #boss #supervisor #negativeselftalk #blog #blogpost #blogger

Don't be deceived

 

Do you ever find yourself mimicking the jargon or gestures of those you spend the most time with? I'm really susceptible to that. A woman I work with tells stories and partway through, she'll say, "blah, blah, blah" and then wrap it up. I found myself doing the same thing. When I realized it, I had to make a conscious effort to stop, not because there's anything wrong with it, but because it's so obvious.

     You can see this with phrases that crop up...the whole "literally" craze drove me insane. It was especially irritating because my boss overused the word and used it incorrectly. He would say "literally" when he really meant "figuratively". He would say "almost literally" - that's just impossible and wrong on so many levels. Anyway, it "literally" drove me crazy, and I told him so on several occasions.

     Then there are the "reach out" and "in this season" trends (among others) which aren't nearly as irritating (to me) because they actually make sense. My point is, we pick up on language and gestures without realizing it and so how easy is it to pick up on bad habits, to slip back into pre-salvation ways of living when we're constantly around people who do those things? It's the perfect situation for Satan to fill us with conflict, discouragement, doubt; to draw us into him and away from Christ. Not that we can lose our salvation, or that he can take us out of the hand of Christ, but he can dim our light so that we don't shine as brightly as Christians (in my opinion).

     It all seems to come back to the Full Armor of God. I didn't know that's where today's post was going to conclude, but here we are again. When we know we're going into that battle every day, we need to make a conscious effort to don that armour.

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV

Be in prayer for:

B

L

J

K

T

S

C

They are all experiencing high levels of stress at work because of various situations. If there's anyone you would like to add to the list, please let me know.

You may also like: "Just Say No" from this past January

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are dealing with stressful situations at their workplace. Please pray that they may find resolutions to their specific situations, that they find peace through prayer, and that their workplace no longer be a source of overwhelming stress and/or depression. Please pray that they find strength in the Lord.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #work #job #stress #coworkers #anxiety #depression #influence #prayer #peace

Unequally yoked with coworkers

 

In what ways are you being unequally yoked with unbelievers at work? Are they leading you into temptation such as cursing, gossiping, or something else? 

     Are you being persecuted for your faith? Verbal abuse, taunting, teasing are all forms of persecution. They can weigh on you, weaken you, bring you down. Satan is working through them to discourage you. Put on your Full Armor of God and fight.

     Pray for the salvation of those coworkers who are either trying to draw you into their sin or who are persecuting you. Pray that their hearts are softened and for God to open their eyes to their sin and to the Gospel. Pray for the worst offender by name. If their hearts and minds are changed, the rest will follow.

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. 

For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? 

Or what fellowship has light with darkness?

2 Corinthians 6:14 ESV

Be in prayer for:

B

L

J

K

T

S

C

They are all experiencing high levels of stress at work because of various situations mentioned above. If there's anyone you would like to add to the list, please let me know.

You may also like: "Be Strong" from October 18, 2019, where I talk about a work experience I was going through.

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are dealing with stressful situations at their workplace. Please pray that they may find resolutions to their specific situations, that they find peace through prayer, and that their workplace no longer be a source of overwhelming stress and/or depression. Please pray that they find strength in the Lord.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #work #job #stress #coworkers #anxiety #depression #persecution #prayer #peace

Workplace environment

 

So many people have been sharing stories of their work environments lately. Some are struggling with the fact they are unequally yoked with their co-workers and supervisors. Others are being treated badly by their managers, having to endure what amounts to verbal and emotional abuse. Still others have to deal with people who are just plain cruel.
     My heart goes out to all of them. As Americans we spend approximately 30% of our lives working; so to be miserable for that amount of time is absolutely heartbreaking.
     The only advice I can give, and what has worked for me, is to diligently pray. Not only for the situation but also for the people involved. We'll dig a little deeper throughout the week.

Do not be anxious about anything, 

but in everything by prayer and supplication 

with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:6 ESV

Please be in prayer for:
B
L
J
K
T
S
They are all experiencing high levels of stress at work because of various situations mentioned above. If there's anyone you would like to add to the list, please let me know.

You may also like: "Ask and receive"

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are dealing with stressful situations at their workplace. Please pray that they may find resolutions to their specific situations, that they find peace through prayer, and that their workplace no longer be a source of overwhelming stress and/or depression. Please pray that they find strength in the Lord.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #work #job #stress #coworkers #anxiety #depression #prayer #peace

Sword of the Spirit

 

The last article of the Full Armor of God is the sword of the Spirit.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

Ephesians 6:17

David Guzik wrote at EnduringWord.com: To effectively use the sword, we must regard it as the word of God – which is the word of God. If we are not confident in the inspiration of Scripture, that the sword really came from the Spirit, then we will not use it effectively at all.
  But we must also take the sword of the Spirit in the sense of depending that He helps us to use it. Not only did the Spirit give us the Scriptures, but also He makes them alive to us (or us alive to them), and He equips us with the right thrust of the sword at the right time.

     We are taught over and over again that we must know truth in order to recognize lies. How can we know truth if we don't study it? It's so critical to be in the word, reading, studying, always learning, always gaining wisdom. If you haven't read the entire Bible, I really encourage you to do that. The Old Testament is so very important to understanding and knowing God's character. Jesus is shown throughout the Old Testament as well. Every time you read the Bible you'll find new information, glean new wisdom from it. It is one cohesive book. If you're only reading the last 23%, think about all that you're missing out on.

praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Ephesians 6:18-20 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying for all Christians, with a special emphasis on those who are heavily involved in spiritual warfare. Pray that they recognize it for what it is and don't give in to Satan's ploys or deceptions. Pray for strength, wisdom, and guidance. Pray that they get through the battle, shielded with the full armour of God and come out triumphant. Pray that they know God's will for their lives and that they keep their focus on Him alone.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerse #bible #SpiritualWarfare #GodsWill #Satan #battle #ArmorOfGod #Christian #Ephesians #sword #gospel #HolySpirit #blog #blogpost #blogger

Helmet of salvation

The helmet of salvation is a reminder of the "hope of salvation" (see 1 Thessalonians 5:8, and Isaiah 59:17) because Satan's most utilized weapons are creating doubt and/or discouragement. He gets us to doubt or discourages us in our relationships, our faith, and even our salvation. 

Just always remember:

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

Romans 8:16 ESV

And take the helmet of salvation...

Ephesians 6:17a NKJV

You may also like: "Waging War" from October 28, 2020

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Please join me this week in praying for all Christians, with a special emphasis on those who are heavily involved in spiritual warfare. Pray that they recognize it for what it is and don't give in to Satan's ploys or deceptions. Pray for strength, wisdom, and guidance. Pray that they get through the battle, shielded with the full armour of God and come out triumphant. Pray that they know God's will for their lives and that they keep their focus on Him alone.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerse #bible #SpiritualWarfare #GodsWill #Satan #battle #ArmorOfGod #Christian #Ephesians #helmet #gospel #salvation #blog #blogpost #blogger

Shield of faith

 

This commentary by John MacArthur really spoke to me. Being under attack by the enemy for an extended period of time, we sometimes start to believe Satan's lies, and we're more apt to give in to his temptations. He wears us down. Unless we take the time to talk to our Father, confirming our steadfast trust in Him, strengthening our bond with Him, we become weak. Reaffirm your faith in Jesus Christ continuously. Tell Satan his 'fiery darts' are no good here.

"The believer's continual trust in God's word and promise is "above all" absolutely necessary to protect him from temptations to every sort of sin. All sin comes when the victim falls to Satan's lies and promises of pleasure, rejecting the better choice of obedience and blessing." "Temptations are likened to the flaming arrows shot by the enemy and quenched by the oil-treated leather shield."*

*MacArthur, John (1997). The MacArthur Study Bible, New King James version.

     Thomas Nelson, Inc. Nashville, TN.

above all, taking the shield of faith 

with which you will be able to 

quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

Ephesians 6:16 NKJV

This song is such an inspiration to me...sing along at the top of your lungs and drive the enemy away!

You might also like: "Boastfulness" from June 19, 2020

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Please join me this week in praying for all Christians, with a special emphasis on those who are heavily involved in spiritual warfare. Pray that they recognize it for what it is and don't give in to Satan's ploys or deceptions. Pray for strength, wisdom, and guidance. Pray that they get through the battle, shielded with the full armour of God and come out triumphant. Pray that they know God's will for their lives and that they keep their focus on Him alone.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerse #bible #SpiritualWarfare #GodsWill #Satan #battle #ArmorOfGod #Christian #Ephesians #shield #gospel #faith #blog #blogpost #blogger

Like shoes for your feet

 

I found this explanation of verse 15 in Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, 1878:

sandals, of the Roman soldiers were heavy sandals studded with hobnails, to give a secure foothold to those who would stand firm. St. Paul identifies these with the firm "footing of the gospel of peace." Clearly the word "peace" is here emphatic. The gospel is looked upon as the declaration of "peace on earth, goodwill towards men." The firm stand on this message is the firm assurance of God's love. In this, and this alone, we stand. No doubt, this is in some sense faith...

and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Ephesians 6:15 NKJV

and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

Ephesians 6:15 ESV

You may also like: Front-line workers

This is interesting because it's from March 30, 2020. At that time we had 24 Covid-19 cases in my county. That seemed like a lot back then but now it's just a drop in the bucket. Our state has had 891,181 confirmed cases or 1,058,395 probable cases. 

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Please join me this week in praying for all Christians, with a special emphasis on those who are heavily involved in spiritual warfare. Pray that they recognize it for what it is and don't give in to Satan's ploys or deceptions. Pray for strength, wisdom, and guidance. Pray that they get through the battle, shielded with the full armour of God and come out triumphant. Pray that they know God's will for their lives and that they keep their focus on Him alone.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerse #bible #SpiritualWarfare #GodsWill #Satan #battle #ArmorOfGod #Christian #Ephesians #shoes #gospel #peace #blog #blogpost #blogger

Breastplate of righteousness

 

"Righteousness is represented as a breastplate which provides essential protection for the most vital organs. We can no sooner battle against spiritual enemies in our own righteousness than a soldier can effectively fight without his breastplate."

     "This is not our own earned righteousness, not a feeling of righteousness, but a righteousness received by faith in Jesus. It gives us a general sense of confidence, an awareness of our standing and position."

     "The breastplate of righteousness is your best defense against the sense of spiritual depression and gloom that comes against us." (emphasis mine).

     All of these statements are by David Guzik, found at EnduringWord.com

     I always struggle with the idea of "being righteous" because I know how imperfect I am. But, that's not the kind of righteousness that we're to count on. From what I understand, we are righteous because of our relationship with Christ. Since He paid the price for our sins, we are able to stand righteous before our Father. It's not anything that we can do or take credit for. It's part of God's free gift of salvation. Since we are His, no one, not even Satan can snatch us from His hand. (See John 10:27-29)

having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 

Ephesians 6:14b NKJV

You may also like: 

"The enemy" from January 28, 2020

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Please join me this week in praying for all Christians, with a special emphasis on those who are heavily involved in spiritual warfare. Pray that they recognize it for what it is and don't give in to Satan's ploys or deceptions. Pray for strength, wisdom, and guidance. Pray that they get through the battle, shielded with the full armour of God and come out triumphant. Pray that they know God's will for their lives and that they keep their focus on Him alone.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerse #bible #SpiritualWarfare #GodsWill #Satan #battle #ArmorOfGod #Christian #Ephesians #breastplate #righteousness #blog #blogpost #blogger

Belt of truth

 

Knowing that we will be entangled in spiritual warfare, God provides us with the armour necessary to do battle with our adversary. We'll look at one piece of armour each day this week.

    But first, I need to quote John MacArthur because sometimes we need a reminder as to all of the ways Satan attacks us... "Whether confronting Satan's efforts to distrust God, forsaking obedience, producing doctrinal confusion and falsehood, hindering service to God, bringing division, serving God in the flesh, living hypocritically, being worldly, or in any other way rejecting biblical obedience, this armor is our defense."*

     The first article of defense is to be girded with truth, which you could also refer to as the 'belt of truth.' Back then to "gird up" meant to pull up the tunic through the belt or girdle so that it wasn't in the way. 

     David Guzik wrote: " When a man sat down and was relaxed, he took off his belt. Putting on the belt prepared for action, it freed one for movement, and it put a soldier in a battle frame of mind." (EnduringWord.com)

     "The soldier might be furnished with every other part of his equipment, and yet, wanting the girdle, would neither be fully accoutered nor securely armed." (Salmond, S.D.F., 1897)

     I see it as the foundation of our defense. We have to know truth, therefore Scripture, before we can recognize lies, especially the lies of Satan.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, 

Ephesians 6:14a NKJV

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

See also: What are you wearing today? from October 6, 2019. 

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Please join me this week in praying for all Christians, with a special emphasis on those who are heavily involved in spiritual warfare. Pray that they recognize it for what it is and don't give in to Satan's ploys or deceptions. Pray for strength, wisdom, and guidance. Pray that they get through the battle, shielded with the full armour of God and come out triumphant. Pray that they know God's will for their lives and that they keep their focus on Him alone.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerse #bible #SpiritualWarfare #GodsWill #Satan #battle #ArmorOfGod #Christian #Ephesians #blog #blogpost #blogger

I lost the battle but not the war

Whenever I am all in for God, completely consumed with doing His will for me, trying desperately to be a "good" Christian, Satan always steps in and tries to tear me down. I must have really been on track with my faith and my works because this past week has been a horrendous spiritual battle.

     Everything that I felt called to do, everything that I'm on fire for has one by one been under attack by people who I looked up to. 

     I'm reminded of how Satan deceived Eve. He cast doubt. He made the fruit look so appealing that she gave into temptation. He's still using those methods on us today.

     Yesterday I hit rock bottom. Satan preyed on something that is like an exposed nerve of mine. I don't mean to be vague, it's just that if I try to explain it, it won't make any sense anyway. The result was I had a meltdown; the things I yelled at God, my thoughts, ... I even told Satan, "Fine, you win! Now leave me alone!" 

     After a while, I calmed down enough to keep from doing anything drastic (because I was really considering drastic measures (non-violent, of course)). Anything I did or said in that state of emotion would have made me look very non-Christian.

     I started reading my Bible. My husband came home from church and we talked about it. I apologized to God. Maybe this was a test. If it was, I failed miserably. But, I'm not going to beat myself up about it because even Peter failed once in a while.

     We need to always be prepared for spiritual warfare. We need to be prepared to fight everything Satan can and will throw at us. He knows how to strike a nerve. He knows what we most hate, what we most fear, what we most dread and he will use those things against us. His whole purpose in life is to bring himself glory by taking it away from the one, true, living God.

     Be prepared. Don't fail. If you do fail like I did, brush yourself off, clean up your armour and jump right back into the battle.

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

Ephesians 6:10-13 NKJV

Are you ready for battle?

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Please join me this week in praying for all Christians, with a special emphasis on those who are heavily involved in spiritual warfare. Pray that they recognize it for what it is and don't give in to Satan's ploys or deceptions. Pray for strength, wisdom, and guidance. Pray that they get through the battle, shielded with the full armour of God and come out triumphant. Pray that they know God's will for their lives and that they keep their focus on Him alone.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerse #bible #SpiritualWarfare #GodsWill #Satan #battle #ArmorOfGod #Christian #Ephesians #blog #blogpost #blogger
 

Sheep and goats

 

Which will you be? A sheep or a goat?

All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.

Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

Matthew 25:32-36 NKJV

See Matthew 25:31-46 for the full story of Jesus judging the Nations.

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Please join me this week in praying for the strangers that we have opportunities to serve. Pray that the Lord will guide us and that the Holy Spirit will prompt us to do His will in being hospitable. Pray for an open and loving heart so that we can show and spread the light within us to everyone we meet.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerse #bible #hospitality #love #judgment #sheep #goats #Matthew #parable #jesus

Hospitality rewarded

 

For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.

Mark 9:41 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for the strangers that we have opportunities to serve. Pray that the Lord will guide us and that the Holy Spirit will prompt us to do His will in being hospitable. Pray for an open and loving heart so that we can show and spread the light within us to everyone we meet.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerse #bible #hospitality #love

The Good Samaritan

 

I have so many favorite parables but the story of the Good Samaritan has to be one of my favorite favorites.

     There are several different interpretations, but the most obvious is the fact that a Samaritan helped a Jew in a time of need. At that time, Samaritans and Jews despised each other, yet the Samaritan put all of that aside and only saw that a fellow human, a neighbor, was in need. The two people who should have helped the man, the two so-called religious men and fellow Jews, avoided him.

     There's a lot more to unpack here, and it's a lot more than I can effectively share in a blog post, so when you have time, I encourage you to read the commentary at EnduringWord.com about this.

     I want to ask you to put yourself in the place of the passersby. What would you do? Before you answer too quickly, take a look at this video.

  

25 And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

26 He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?”

27 So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ ”

28 And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.”

29 But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

30 Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ 36 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?”

37 And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.”

Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

Luke 10:25-37

What would you do?

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Please join me this week in praying for the strangers that we have opportunities to serve. Pray that the Lord will guide us and that the Holy Spirit will prompt us to do His will in being hospitable. Pray for an open and loving heart so that we can show and spread the light within us to everyone we meet.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

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Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

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#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerse #bible #hospitality #love #neighbor #help #strangers #brotherlylove #WhatWouldYouDo

Strangers, immigrants, aliens

 

Today's passage made me think of what's inscribed on a tablet at the base of the Statue of Liberty:

Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

(Emma Lazarus, 1883)

All of us in the U.S.A., except for the Native Americans and the Mexican Americans who lived in the Southwest before we took it over, are descendants of aliens in this land. We came from other countries to escape tyranny.

‘And if a stranger dwells with you in your land, you shall not mistreat him. The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born native among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.

Leviticus 19:33-34 NKJV

How hospitable were the Christians who displaced the natives here? How hospitable are we to those who come here now to escape tyranny? We as Christians are called to "love one another."

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Please join me this week in praying for the strangers that we have opportunities to serve. Pray that the Lord will guide us and that the Holy Spirit will prompt us to do His will in being hospitable. Pray for an open and loving heart so that we can show and spread the light within us to everyone we meet.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerse #bible #hospitality #love #immigrants #aliens #strangers #brotherlylove

Love deeply

 

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

1 Peter 4:8-10 NIV

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Please join me this week in praying for the strangers that we have opportunities to serve. Pray that the Lord will guide us and that the Holy Spirit will prompt us to do His will in being hospitable. Pray for an open and loving heart so that we can show and spread the light within us to everyone we meet.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerse #bible #hospitality #love #SpiritualGift

Hospitality defined

 

I wanted to compare the meaning of hospitality in biblical times with its perceived meaning now, and came across this great explanation of what it meant back then:

Hospitality in the ancient world focused on the alien or stranger in need. The plight of aliens was desperate. They lacked membership in the community, be it tribe, city-state, or nation. As an alienated person, the traveler often needed immediate food and lodging. Widows, orphans, the poor, or sojourners from other lands lacked the familial or community status that provided a landed inheritance, the means of making a living, and protection. In the ancient world the practice of hospitality meant graciously receiving an alienated person into one's land, home, or community and providing directly for that person's needs.

Found at: https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/hospitality/

An article from Suffolk News Herald stated:

"Speaking biblically, hospitality is treating strangers and friends alike. It is welcoming one another into our homes and lives. Hospitality is a sacred duty"

Found at https://tinyurl.com/2e5hb6hp "What is Christian Hospitality?" Staff writer, May 25, 2018

The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines hospitable as:

a. given to generous and cordial reception of guests
b. promising or suggesting generous and friendly welcome
c. offering a pleasant or sustaining environment
d. readily receptive: OPEN

I thought all of this was really interesting, especially the explanation from BibleStudyTools.com. My takeaway is that with all of the changes that have taken place since biblical times, the types of hospitality needed have also changed. Rarely are we going to have a stranger come to our door and ask for food and lodging because he is traveling by foot to his ancestral home, or because he is walking from town to town spreading the Good News of Jesus. But we may come across someone who is struggling to make ends meet, or who is without food or clothing. God very well may bring people into our lives so that we can use our gifts and/or resources to help them. Those are the people we can share God's love with, and the blessings He has given to us. Those are the people who need our hospitality.
     Keep your eye open for these opportunities to be hospitable to a stranger.

31 “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’
41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; 43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’
44 “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ 45 Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ 46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Matthew 25:31-46 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying for the strangers that we have opportunities to serve. Pray that the Lord will guide us and that the Holy Spirit will prompt us to do His will in being hospitable. Pray for an open and loving heart so that we can show and spread the light within us to everyone we meet.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #hospitality #love #angels

Entertain Angels

 

When I think of hospitality in the Bible, I think of when Jesus sent out the twelve; they didn't need to take anything with them; all of their needs would be provided for by others on their journey (paraphrasing Matthew 10:9-10). I also think of Hebrews 13:2 (NKJV) "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels." This is exactly what happened with Abraham (Genesis 18:1-8) and then, subsequently, with Lot (Genesis 19:1-3).
     I think about these things and understand how important that level of hospitality is throughout the Bible, yet, in present times, we cannot serve in that same capacity. To take in strangers off the street means putting our lives, and the lives of our family members at risk. So I decided to look at how we can as present-day Christians, be hospitable.
     What I realized was that taking in strangers was just a part of it. There's a lot we can do to fulfill this command and still have the possibility, or the chance to entertain angels.

(Stay tuned).

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Please join me this week in praying for the strangers that we have opportunities to serve. Pray that the Lord will guide us and that the Holy Spirit will prompt us to do His will in being hospitable. Pray for an open and loving heart so that we can show and spread the light within us to everyone we meet.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #hospitality #love #angels

Nothing can separate us

Can you imagine a love like this?

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39 ESV

If you don't have a personal relationship with Jesus, what are you waiting for? All you have to do is confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior. He sacrificed Himself for YOU so that YOU can have eternal life in Heaven. Contact me if you have made this decision today. May God bless you and keep you.

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Please join me this week in praying for the lost, unengaged, and unreached people. Pray that we spread the Gospel far and wide this week. It's not God's will that any should perish and He wants us to pray for the unsaved and spread the Good News, bringing Him glory and filling Heaven. So, pray without ceasing that He use this ministry to bring in the lost into His merciful and loving arms.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #RomansRoad #GreatCommission #Gospel #GoodNews #unreached #unengaged #lost #substitution #sacrifice

 

Peace with God

 

Lastly, Step Five on the Romans Road to Salvation tells us that salvation through Jesus Christ brings us into a relationship of peace with God.

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, 

we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:1 ESV

There is therefore now no condemnation 

for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:1 ESV

For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Romans 10:13 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for the lost, unengaged, and unreached people. Pray that we spread the Gospel far and wide this week. It's not God's will that any should perish and He wants us to pray for the unsaved and spread the Good News, bringing Him glory and filling Heaven. So, pray without ceasing that He use this ministry to bring in the lost into His merciful and loving arms.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #RomansRoad #GreatCommission #Gospel #GoodNews #unreached #unengaged #lost #substitution #sacrifice

Receive salvation

 

Step Four on the Romans Road to Salvation is that we receive salvation and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

It is a 2-step process:

because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Romans 10:9-10 ESV

You must 

1. confess with your mouth AND

2. believe in your heart

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Please join me this week in praying for the lost, unengaged, and unreached people. Pray that we spread the Gospel far and wide this week. It's not God's will that any should perish and He wants us to pray for the unsaved and spread the Good News, bringing Him glory and filling Heaven. So, pray without ceasing that He use this ministry to bring in the lost into His merciful and loving arms.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #RomansRoad #GreatCommission #Gospel #GoodNews #unreached #unengaged #lost #substitution #sacrifice

Jesus died for you

 

Step Three on the Romans Road to Salvation is that Jesus Christ died for our sins. Remember yesterday we said that "the price of sin is death"? Jesus paid that price for our death.

He was the Perfect Sacrifice. His death paid for the sins of every single one of us.

   I don't remember where I saw this, but it went something like this...Imagine you were on death row. The guards take you out of your cell to walk you down the hall to be executed. Someone who you don't even know steps in and says, "I'm going to take your place." He goes with the guards, is executed, and you go home. How will you live your life? Will you live differently? Or will you return to your old ways, go back to committing crimes? I think (hope) most of us would live differently. Well, that story is true for each one of us. Jesus took our place when we were dead in our sins. Don't let it have been in vain.

 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 

Romans 5:8 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for the lost, unengaged, and unreached people. Pray that we spread the Gospel far and wide this week. It's not God's will that any should perish and He wants us to pray for the unsaved and spread the Good News, bringing Him glory and filling Heaven. So, pray without ceasing that He use this ministry to bring in the lost into His merciful and loving arms.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #RomansRoad #GreatCommission #Gospel #GoodNews #unreached #unengaged #lost #substitution #sacrifice

Accept the Free Gift

 

Step Two on the Romans Road to Salvation is to accept God's free gift.

     Once Adam and Eve sinned, death entered the world. Animals were sacrificed to provide clothing and later food. So, the price of sin is death. This includes man's spiritual death; our separation from God. Man literally walked in the Garden with our Creator yet just couldn't refrain from breaking His one command.

     However, God, with His infinite love and mercy, paid that price so that we can live. His gift to us is free, no strings attached. All we have to do is accept it. Will you accept His free gift of salvation?

All of us have eternal life, the only question is, where will you spend eternity? Heaven or hell?

For the wages of sin is death, 

but the free gift of God is 

eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for the lost, unengaged, and unreached people. Pray that we spread the Gospel far and wide this week. It's not God's will that any should perish and He wants us to pray for the unsaved and spread the Good News, bringing Him glory and filling Heaven. So, pray without ceasing that He use this ministry to bring in the lost into His merciful and loving arms.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #RomansRoad #GreatCommission #Gospel #GoodNews #unreached #unengaged #lost #GoodShepherd