Don't be anxious

 

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Matthew 6:25-34 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for anyone who is going through a difficult time right now. It could be stress-related, anxiety, depression, overworked. If you don't know anyone going through a valley then pray for a co-worker or a family member or a neighbor who is struggling in some other way. Let's just lift each other up this week in prayer and through Scripture. Take all of our concerns for ourselves and for each other to the Lord. Whenever you're in a situation that you don't know how to handle (or even if you think you do know how to handle it ), then just stop what you're doing and pray. Praise Him for always hearing our prayers and answering them. Praise Him for His goodness, love, and grace.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #scripture #overwhelmed #anxious #anxiety #depression #healing #encouragement

Proverbs 12:25

 

Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

Proverbs 12:25 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for anyone who is going through a difficult time right now. It could be stress-related, anxiety, depression, overworked. If you don't know anyone going through a valley then pray for a co-worker or a family member or a neighbor who is struggling in some other way. Let's just lift each other up this week in prayer and through Scripture. Take all of our concerns for ourselves and for each other to the Lord. Whenever you're in a situation that you don't know how to handle (or even if you think you do know how to handle it ), then just stop what you're doing and pray. Praise Him for always hearing our prayers and answering them. Praise Him for His goodness, love, and grace.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #scripture #overwhelmed #anxious #anxiety #depression #healing #encouragement

Philippians 4:6-8

 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4:6-8 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for anyone who is going through a difficult time right now. It could be stress-related, anxiety, depression, overworked. If you don't know anyone going through a valley then pray for a co-worker or a family member or a neighbor who is struggling in some other way. Let's just lift each other up this week in prayer and through Scripture. Take all of our concerns for ourselves and for each other to the Lord. Whenever you're in a situation that you don't know how to handle (or even if you think you do know how to handle it ), then just stop what you're doing and pray. Praise Him for always hearing our prayers and answering them. Praise Him for His goodness, love, and grace.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #scripture #overwhelmed #anxious #anxiety #depression #healing #encouragement

God's plan

 

Most of my staycations are planned with a specific goal in mind, whether it be a writing goal, or a de-cluttering goal, or some other project. This time I just wrote out a massive 'to-do list' and decided I was going to try to get as much done as I could, but if I didn't get everything done, that's okay.

     I prefer to have a plan and stress about it and then get upset when things don't happen the way I assumed they would, but I have to say, this new way for me is a whole lot better. And isn't it funny how it goes along with the theme this week? Imagine that! 

     It is really a challenge for me to give everything up to God and depend solely on Him for guidance, but it is so incredibly freeing! You should try it. I highly recommend it, along with constant prayer. Our Father loves us and wants to help us. He has a plan. We each have a purpose. Why not allow Him to do all the heavy lifting? Why would we choose anxiety and stress over loving guidance?

For I know the plans I have for you, 

declares the Lord, 

plans for welfare and not for evil, 

to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

You may also like:

- "Ask, Seek, Find"

- "Patience In God's Plan"

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Please join me this week in praying for anyone who is going through a difficult time right now. It could be stress-related, anxiety, depression, overworked. If you don't know anyone going through a valley then pray for a co-worker or a family member or a neighbor who is struggling in some other way. Let's just lift each other up this week in prayer and through Scripture. Take all of our concerns for ourselves and for each other to the Lord. Whenever you're in a situation that you don't know how to handle (or even if you think you do know how to handle it ), then just stop what you're doing and pray. Praise Him for always hearing our prayers and answering them. Praise Him for His goodness, love, and grace.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #scripture #overwhelmed #anxious #anxiety #depression #healing #encouragement

1 Peter 5:7

 

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7 ESV

Share this verse with someone who struggles with anxiety.

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Please join me this week in praying for anyone who is going through a difficult time right now. It could be stress-related, anxiety, depression, overworked. If you don't know anyone going through a valley then pray for a co-worker or a family member or a neighbor who is struggling in some other way. Let's just lift each other up this week in prayer and through Scripture. Take all of our concerns for ourselves and for each other to the Lord. Whenever you're in a situation that you don't know how to handle (or even if you think you do know how to handle it ), then just stop what you're doing and pray. Praise Him for always hearing our prayers and answering them. Praise Him for His goodness, love, and grace.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #scripture #overwhelmed #anxious #anxiety #depression #healing #encouragement

Isaiah 41:10

 

Fear not, for I am with you; 

be not dismayed, for I am your God;

 I will strengthen you, 

I will help you, 

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for anyone who is going through a difficult time right now. It could be stress-related, anxiety, depression, overworked. If you don't know anyone going through a valley then pray for a co-worker or a family member or a neighbor who is struggling in some other way. Let's just lift each other up this week in prayer and through Scripture. Take all of our concerns for ourselves and for each other to the Lord. Whenever you're in a situation that you don't know how to handle (or even if you think you do know how to handle it ), then just stop what you're doing and pray. Praise Him for always hearing our prayers and answering them. Praise Him for His goodness, love, and grace.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #scripture #overwhelmed #anxious #anxiety #depression #healing #encouragement

Let go, let God

 

Yesterday in our Women's Bible Study group we talked about Scripture as a "weapon" and that concept just really spoke to me. I thought about all of the times I've been able to reflect on Scripture whenever I've gone through a rough time. I may not have the actual words memorized and I especially can't quote chapter and verse, but enough of the Bible is sinking in now that I can think, "what does the Bible say about this situation?" and come up with an answer. From there I'm able to google it and come up with the exact passage.
     It's been helping me work through different things going on in my life like work stress, stress-stress, and other miscellaneous stress. It seems like so many people are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed, so if nothing else, I'm in good company.
     I was thinking since I'm officially on vacation this week, well, sort of on vacation...it's another staycation but I'm "on-call" for my job in case there's an emergency and someone absolutely has to have their project done right now...(do I sound bitter?) Anyway, I thought I would post the Bible verses and passages that I often turn to in the hopes that it might help others going through what I'm experiencing.
     As you've read here many times, this is my life verse:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

In other words, give it all up to God. Trust Him and know that He will take care of you. Let Him guide you, your words, and your actions.

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Please join me this week in praying for anyone who is going through a difficult time right now. It could be stress-related, anxiety, depression, overworked. If you don't know anyone going through a valley then pray for a co-worker or a family member or a neighbor who is struggling in some other way. Let's just lift each other up this week in prayer and through Scripture. Take all of our concerns for ourselves and for each other to the Lord. Whenever you're in a situation that you don't know how to handle (or even if you think you do know how to handle it ), then just stop what you're doing and pray. Praise Him for always hearing our prayers and answering them. Praise Him for His goodness, love, and grace.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #scripture #overwhelmed #anxious #anxiety #depression #healing #encouragement

Hate evil

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

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

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

The fear of the Lord is to hate evil;

Pride and arrogance and the evil way

And the perverse mouth I hate

Proverbs 8:13 NKJV

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

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

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

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

Love God, hate evil

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

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

You who love the Lord, hate evil!

He preserves the souls of His saints;

He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.

Psalm 97:10 NKJV

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

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

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

What God hates

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

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

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

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

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

These six things the Lord hates,

Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:

A proud look,

A lying tongue,

Hands that shed innocent blood,

A heart that devises wicked plans,

Feet that are swift in running to evil,

A false witness who speaks lies,

And one who sows discord among brethren.

Proverbs 6:16-19 NKJV

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

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

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

Wait on the Lord

One thing I have desired of the Lord,

That will I seek:

That I may dwell in the house of the Lord

All the days of my life,

To behold the beauty of the Lord,

And to inquire in His temple.

For in the time of trouble

He shall hide me in His pavilion;

In the secret place of His tabernacle

He shall hide me;

He shall set me high upon a rock.

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

Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;

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

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

Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

When You said, “Seek My face,”

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

Do not hide Your face from me;

Do not turn Your servant away in anger;

You have been my help;

Do not leave me nor forsake me,

O God of my salvation.

When my father and my mother forsake me,

Then the Lord will take care of me.

Teach me Your way, O Lord,

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

Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries;

For false witnesses have risen against me,

And such as breathe out violence.

I would have lost heart, unless I had believed

That I would see the goodness of the Lord

In the land of the living.

Wait on the Lord;

Be of good courage,

And He shall strengthen your heart;

Wait, I say, on the Lord!

Psalm 27:4-14 NKJV

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

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

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

A promise

I will never leave you nor forsake you

Hebrews 13:5b

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

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

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

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

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

My life verse

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

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

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

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

God is faithful

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

that you may be able to endure it."

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

God is able to make all grace abound to you, 

so that having all sufficiency 

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

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

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

for power is perfected in weakness.” 

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

so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

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

Praise the Lord!

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

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

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

Joy, patience, prayer

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

     Vicki wrote that she always ends her prayer requests with:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Romans 12:12 NIV

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

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

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

A journey

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

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

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

But I do not account my life of any value 

nor as precious to myself, 

if only I may finish my course and the 

ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, 

to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Acts 20:24 ESV

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

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

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

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

Pray through Scripture

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

Lord, I praise You!

I praise You in Your sanctuary;

    I praise You in Your mighty heavens!

I praise You for Your mighty deeds;

    I praise You according to Your excellent greatness!

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

Praise the Lord!

Praise God in his sanctuary;

praise him in his mighty heavens!

Praise him for his mighty deeds;

praise him according to his excellent greatness!

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

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

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

For all He does, I would love to literally:

Praise him with trumpet sound;

praise him with lute and harp!

Praise him with tambourine and dance;

praise him with strings and pipe!

Praise him with sounding cymbals;

praise him with loud clashing cymbals!*

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

I love my LORD!

*Psalm 150:3-5 ESV

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

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

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

My word produces fruit

Daily Bible Verse

So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;

It shall not return to Me void,

But it shall accomplish what I please,

And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:11 NKJV

I thirst for God

Daily Bible Verse

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

When shall I come and appear before God?

Psalm 42:2 NKJV

Repentance

Daily Bible Verse

“Now, therefore,” says the Lord,

“Turn to Me with all your heart,

With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.”

Joel 2:12 NKJV