Anger toward a brother

 

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

Matthew 18:15–20 ESV

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

Matthew 5:21-26 ESV

Bible verses from this week:

Romans 14:10-12 

Psalm 133:1 

Proverbs 17:17

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Please join me this week in praying for siblings. Pray that any siblings who are alienated from one another find a means to heal and repair their relationships.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

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Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

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Proverbs 17:17

 

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity."

Proverbs 17:17

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Please join me this week in praying for siblings. Pray that any siblings who are alienated from one another find a means to heal and repair their relationships.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #siblings #brother #sister #relationship #forgiveness #trust #healing #reconcile

Am I my brother's keeper?

 

I was thinking about this yesterday, how we ask the question, "Am I my brother's keeper?" compared to how Cain asked it. I think nowadays, we ask the question in search of an answer. To what extent are we to take care of our brothers and sisters? But when Cain asked the question, he was backtalking to God. Can you imagine?! He just killed his brother and then was flip with God when asked about Abel. The question was pure callousness (IMO).

John MacArthur wrote: "Cain's sarcasm was a play on words, based on the fact that Abel was the "keeper" of sheep."*

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

     Thomas Nelson, Inc. Nashville, TN. 

Charles Spurgeon wrote: “The cool impudence of Cain is an indication of the state of heart which led up to his murdering his brother; and it was also a part of the result of his having committed that terrible crime. He would not have proceeded to the cruel deed of bloodshed if he had not first cast off the fear of God and been ready to defy his Maker.”

Yet, when God imparts His judgment, suddenly Cain is upset. In verse 13 he said, “My punishment is greater than I can bear." and another translation reads "My guilt is too great to bear," but seriously, there's nothing to indicate to me that Cain felt guilty for what he did. He had to have known that God sees all, knows all. Cain also had to have known that it was wrong. 

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?” And the Lord said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying to me from the ground. And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand. When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.” Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold, you have driven me today away from the ground, and from your face I shall be hidden. I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” 

Genesis 4:9-14 ESV

     Today we need to be our brother's (and sister's) keeper. "See something. Say something." Be an advocate for those who can't or won't speak for themselves. When we take on that nurturing role, our hearts can't help but be filled with love for one another.

     I remember when I was a teenager, at least 16-years-old, my parents went on vacation and left my brother, Kevin, and me home alone for the first time ever. Kevin developed some weird something on the roof of his mouth. I about freaked out. I didn't know what to do. My concern was for my little brother and making him well; I didn't want to contact my parents because I wanted to show them that we could take care of each other on our own. There also may have been a tiny bit of worry that I fed him something wrong that caused this condition.

     After calming down, I thought, "What would mom do?" and I called the doctor. They got us in right away (probably because of my panicky voice). It turned out it was the result of too much sugar and it would go away in a few days. My point is, as much as my little brother and I argued, when it came down to him needing me, I was all in. This isn't to boast, this is to point out that no matter what you have going on with your siblings (or anyone), you are responsible to try to help them, and you should want to, as a Christian, and a member of the human race. Some people cannot, will not be helped, but if that's the case, give it up to God.

     To be fully transparent, I write this even as I know my heart is turned against certain people who give me so much grief. It's something I'm constantly working on. I used to think I couldn't talk about something unless I overcame that something, but I don't think like that anymore. We should share our struggles as well as our triumphs. In this way, we let others who are struggling know that they're not alone. Social media makes people think that everyone else has it all figured out, that everyone else is happy. My goal is to show the opposite, in a way. I want people to know that I'm just like them with the same issues and worries. I slip and fall, then get back up over and over again. I don't have it all figured out and I never will, but that's okay.

You may also like:

"The Good Samaritan" from April 16, 2021

"To die unto one's self" from January 6, 2020

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Please join me this week in praying for siblings. Pray that any siblings who are alienated from one another find a means to heal and repair their relationships.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #siblings #brother #sister #relationship #forgiveness #trust #healing #reconcile

Praying and relationships

 

This Bible verse showed up in my search for Bible verses about family so I looked it up on enduringword.com. People sometimes ask, 'who do we pray to?', meaning to God, or to Jesus. My thought was always that we pray to the Father (Luke 11:2) but pray in Jesus' name as Christ tells us to do (John 14:13). I realized that I forget about the Holy Spirit sometimes (Romans 8:26). David Guzik wrote about Ephesians 3:14-15:  

To the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: Paul directed his prayer to the Father, who is presented as the “planner” among the members of the Trinity. In the Bible, prayer is usually directed to the Father, through the Son, by the empowering and direction of the Holy Spirit.

The Living God is our Father; we are all His children, therefore we are all brothers and sisters. It is my prayer that we treat each other with love and kindness as brothers and sisters should.

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 

from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,

Ephesians 3:14-15 ESV

There is no update on Donnie; please continue in prayer for him and his family.

You may also like: "Brothers and Sisters" from June 22, 2020

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Please join me this week in praying for family. Pray that relationships will be strengthened. Also, pray that families will work out any differences that they have and that they will build a bond that can withstand any tribulation. Let's add to this prayer that our Heavenly Father help lead our unsaved relatives to salvation; that He help them in whatever area of their personality that separates them from others (anger, fear, language, narcissism, physical or mental restrictions, etc...) so they may form lasting relationships which will lead them to You.

I'll post daily reminders on:

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#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #family #love #relatives #kindness #brothers #sisters #siblings

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

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Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

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

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

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#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

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

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:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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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
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#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

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#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

Brotherly love

 

Let brotherly love continue.

Hebrews 13:1 ESV

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

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #BrotherlyLove

Love everyone

 

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

1 John 4:20 ESV

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

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #BrotherlyLove

Show honor

 

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

Romans 12:10 ESV

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

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #BrotherlyLove

A humble mind

 

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

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

1 Peter 3:8 ESV

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

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #BrotherlyLove