Peace of God

 

Every so often I like to ask, "what's your go-to Bible verse or passage in times of dispair?" One of mine is Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV):

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.

     This life is trying. Accepting Christ as our Savior doesn't mean that we'll have an easy time of it, but it does mean that we'll carry with us the peace of the Holy Spirit and the hope of eternal life with our Father. He created us for the express purpose of bringing glory to Himself and to share His love with one another during our time on Earth. We're here to love and serve one another and to build relationships. He doesn't want us to walk this journey alone.

     Reach out to others. Be there for each other. Love one another, as Christ loves us.

You may also like:

- "Compassion and Grief" about when my dad passed away. I was able to rejoice in knowing that I'll see him again in Heaven.

- "Walk the Walk" 

- "Don't be anxious about anything" has an image with the Philippians 4:6 verse that you can share with someone who needs to see it today.

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Please join me this week in praying for those who need help but don't ask for it. Pray that they see the benefits of allowing others to help them. Pray that they have good experiences as a result of opening up to others. Pray that they are served by Christians who show Christ to them. Let's also pray for those who refuse to help, for whatever reason. Pray that God softens their hearts and minds, that he give them servants' hearts so that they may know the joy in working together as one body of Christ and the reward of knowing they are doing God's will.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #help #ask #need #independant #strong #prayer #relationship #anxiety #isolated #lonely #peace #hope #salvation

When you ask but do not receive

I was reminded yesterday by a friend that not everyone is willing to help others. She wrote:

 In the past, I was always made to feel guilty asking for help. I go to the Lord with EVERYTHING but with people? Anytime I tried, I was made to feel bad. So...kept it at the throne.

- Elizabeth B.

It honestly didn't occur to me until after I posted that not everyone wants to help others. Elizabeth's post confirmed it. 

- Unfortunately, those people are perfectly fine with living out their lives, wrapped up in just themselves. Of course, the day will come when they'll need help and at that point may find themselves up a creek without a paddle.

- Still, others are too busy to help (I shamefully find myself in that category a little too often).

- There are people who believe that we should each be self-sufficient and therefore won't help anyone out of principle, so to speak. 

- There are those who expect something in return.

     Yeah, the more I think about it, I can understand why some people don't ask for help. So, I guess we should pray for the unhelpful people, too. Pray that God softens their hearts and minds; that He gives them servants' hearts and show them that that's how He wants us to interact with each other, as loving, caring brothers and sisters.

     I didn't use to have a servant's heart until a true servant of Christ set me straight. I'm so thankful to her. She changed how I thought about serving and it's made a huge impact on my walk with Christ. I hope you can take a couple of minutes to read that post: "Acquiring a servant's heart" where I talk about the experience.

     Like Elizabeth wrote, she keeps "it at the throne." At least there, we can always find help and strength.

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:2 ESV

     Please do ask for help when you need it. Ask God to send you fellow Christians who will lift you up in your needs. Ask Him to help you through the valleys.

You may also like:

- "Help others help themselves" about supporting small businesses

- "Will you be my neighbor?" a lesson from Fred Rogers that everyone is our neighbor

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Please join me this week in praying for those who need help but don't ask for it. Pray that they see the benefits of allowing others to help them. Pray that they have good experiences as a result of opening up to others. Pray that they are served by Christians who show Christ to them. Let's also pray for those who refuse to help, for whatever reason. Pray that God softens their hearts and minds, that he give them servants' hearts so that they may know the joy in working together as one body of Christ and the reward of knowing they are doing God's will.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #help #ask #need #independant #strong #prayer #relationship #anxiety #isolated #lonely

 

Our stronghold

 

The Lord is good,

A stronghold in the day of trouble;

And He knows those who trust in Him.

Nahum 1:7

David Jeremiah tweeted yesterday:
"There’s no other person on earth like you, nor has there ever been, nor will there ever be!
We are uniquely created by God to serve Him, and we should never bemoan the way we are. Let Him have control over your life and ask Him to work through you for His glory today!"

See Tuesday's post: Start the conversation
Monday's post: Teen suicide
Resources:

National Hopeline Network: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784 2433)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s website suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

CDC #BeThere campaign and suicide prevention information 

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are contemplating suicide. Let's pray that our Father in Heaven lighten their burdens and allow them to see that there is hope in Him. Pray that they seek help. Pray that they will feel the presence of the Holy Spirit and be comforted.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #teen #suicide #pandemic #isolation #depression #BeThere

You'll save me

 

You are my hiding place;

You shall preserve me from trouble;

You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah

Psalm 32:7 NKJV

See Tuesday's post: Start the conversation
Monday's post: Teen suicide
Resources:

National Hopeline Network: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784 2433)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s website suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

CDC #BeThere campaign and suicide prevention information 

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are contemplating suicide. Let's pray that our Father in Heaven lighten their burdens and allow them to see that there is hope in Him. Pray that they seek help. Pray that they will feel the presence of the Holy Spirit and be comforted.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #teen #suicide #pandemic #isolation #depression #BeThere

A clean heart

 

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,

And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.

Psalm 51:10,12 NKJV

See Tuesday's post: Start the conversation
Monday's post: Teen suicide
Resources:

National Hopeline Network: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784 2433)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s website suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

CDC #BeThere campaign and suicide prevention information 

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are contemplating suicide. Let's pray that our Father in Heaven lighten their burdens and allow them to see that there is hope in Him. Pray that they seek help. Pray that they will feel the presence of the Holy Spirit and be comforted.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #teen #suicide #pandemic #isolation #depression #BeThere

Breakdown

 

Our children are being misled by information posted on social media. They mistakenly feel that everyone else is doing better than they are, that everyone else is happier than they are. It makes them feel isolated and alone like no one could possibly relate to the negative feelings or depression they're experiencing.

     I also feel like instant messaging, texting, emailing, and posting are causing all of us, and especially young people, to avoid person-to-person verbal communication. I know with our busy lives it's faster to write than to call someone, but I also know a lot of people who hide behind the written methods to avoid possible negative conversations. If we don't hear the inflections in the person's voice, then the message isn't as painful (maybe, sometimes). It's just something I think about. 

     But, back to social media. The nature of it has us posting our happiest moments, our triumphs, accomplishments. Some people post when things aren't going well, but for the most part, it's only the best of us that gets shared.

     People who are depressed and aware that their lives aren't full of those celebratory moments look at those posts and feel inadequate. Their self-esteem gets knocked down another notch. They get a little more depressed. Plus, there's online bullying and other negative forces at play.

     I don't mean to focus on the negative, but it's what a lot of our teens are going through and we need to be reminded of that once in a while. They need to be reminded that they are loved and that God created them in His image, and that He will never leave them or forsake them.

     As I sometimes go through personal struggles, this song is a reminder to be honest about how I'm feeling and to take everything to the Lord. He sees our pain. He knows we're broken. We need to take everything to Him in prayer.

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,

Because the Lord has anointed Me

To preach good tidings to the poor;

He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,

To proclaim liberty to the captives,

And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,

And the day of vengeance of our God;

To comfort all who mourn,

To console those who mourn in Zion,

To give them beauty for ashes,

The oil of joy for mourning,

The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;

That they may be called trees of righteousness,

The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”

Isaiah 61:1-3 NKJV

See Tuesday's post: Start the conversation
Monday's post: Teen suicide
Resources:

National Hopeline Network: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784 2433)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s website suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

CDC #BeThere campaign and suicide prevention information 

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are contemplating suicide. Let's pray that our Father in Heaven lighten their burdens and allow them to see that there is hope in Him. Pray that they seek help. Pray that they will feel the presence of the Holy Spirit and be comforted.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #teen #suicide #pandemic #isolation #depression #BeThere

Call upon Me

 

Call upon Me in the day of trouble;

I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.”

Psalm 50:15 NKJV

We're talking about teen suicide this week and praying for our youth. This pandemic is affecting them in ways that we can't fully understand. Additionally, the trials and struggles of being a teenager often make this time of life extremely difficult.  Please reach out to the teens in your life. Have a conversation with them.

See Tuesday's post: Start the conversation
Monday's post: Teen suicide

Resources:

National Hopeline Network: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784 2433)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s website suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

CDC #BeThere campaign and suicide prevention information 

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are contemplating suicide. Let's pray that our Father in Heaven lighten their burdens and allow them to see that there is hope in Him. Pray that they seek help. Pray that they will feel the presence of the Holy Spirit and be comforted.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #teen #suicide #pandemic #isolation #depression #BeThere

Start the conversation

 

One more thing I can share from experience is if your young person is suicidal, try taking them to the ER, not the Children's hospital ER. Maybe it was just an isolated incident, but I don't feel like a loved one got the same attention at Children's for mental health (he did for physical issues) that another loved one got at a hospital ER.
     Also, please don't give up trying to talk to your children about this very important topic. I know it's frustrating. Here's an article about having those types of conversations. Click here.

Why are you cast down, O my soul?

And why are you disquieted within me?

Hope in God;

For I shall yet praise Him,

The help of my countenance and my God.

Psalm 42:11 NKJV

Yesterday's post: Teen suicide

Resources:

National Hopeline Network: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784 2433)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s website suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

CDC #BeThere campaign and suicide prevention information 

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are contemplating suicide. Let's pray that our Father in Heaven lighten their burdens and allow them to see that there is hope in Him. Pray that they seek help. Pray that they will feel the presence of the Holy Spirit and be comforted.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #teen #suicide #pandemic #isolation #depression #BeThere

Teen suicide

 

I spoke with a teacher and school counselor who confirmed what the experts have been telling us. Our kids are suffering mentally and emotionally as a result of the pandemic. Some of it is because of abuse at home, some of it because of feelings of isolation. Whatever the reason, it's a growing concern and the end result is an increase in teen suicide.

     I personally know of several people who attempted suicide during their teenage years and others who threatened it. There's nothing more devastating than to lose a child but to lose one who felt there was no other path than suicide just seems particularly cruel. For those who love and care for the child, the feeling of helplessness, the inability to sway the child to believe that everything will be okay, or to even communicate openly with him/her is such an overwhelming burden, that we don't always react to the child in a beneficial way. It's frustrating when they won't talk about what's bothering them and when they refuse help. From my own experience, it's nearly impossible to find (good) professional help for them. So what can we do? I don't know. I don't have any answers, but I am putting together some resources.

     If you interact with children in any way, please take the time to read this material from The Centers for Disease Control.

     The CDC lists these warning signs:

Feeling like a burden

Being isolated

Increased anxiety

Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain

Increased substance use

Looking for a way to access lethal means

Increased anger or rage

Extreme mood swings

Expressing hopelessness

Sleeping too little or too much

Talking or posting about wanting to die

Making plans for suicide

National Hopeline Network: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784 2433)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s website suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

I don't know enough to talk about this much more than what I've shared, but I do know they need our prayers. I'll share additional resources tomorrow.

The heart knows its own bitterness,

And a stranger does not share its joy.

Proverbs 14:10

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are contemplating suicide. Let's pray that our Father in Heaven lighten their burdens and allow them to see that there is hope in Him. Pray that they seek help. Pray that they will feel the presence of the Holy Spirit and be comforted.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #teen #suicide #pandemic #isolation #depression

We're not islands

Come, my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; 

hide yourselves for a little while until the fury has passed by.

Isaiah 26:20 ESV

Been there. Done that. The fury has not yet passed by. However, people in isolation are probably at a breaking point by now and need to have the means to socialize. It's wonderful that there are so many who want to reach out to the isolated, but those who are alone during this time also need to take the initiative to reach out to others. 

     There are so many opportunities to interact with others virtually now. I know it's hard (and even feels impossible) for introverts to step outside of their comfort zone and initiate an interaction with strangers, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Whatever you're interested in, you can probably find an online group to connect with. Just for the fun of it, I googled "online singing group" and got several hits.

     Check-in with your local library and see what they have available. There are online games that are multi-player; some of those have been around for ages. You can also check out MeetUp. It's an app and a website where you can connect with other people in your area who have similar interests. The hiking group is huge here. They have several different levels depending on how experienced you are. And, that's something that can be done pretty safely during the pandemic.

     So, take some time to see what's out there and who's out there. Call a friend or family member. Join a group. Make some new friends. Remember, God did not bring us together to exist as islands. He created us to be social beings, loving and helping one another through this life and into the next.

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are isolated and feeling lonely, depressed, and/or anxious due to being separated from others. Let's ask the Lord to fill their hearts with courage to seek out others, and determination to come up with solutions/ways to cope with their new normal. Pray that God uses us and others to lift their spirits and that the Holy Spirit works inside each of them and fills them with hope and peace.

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #depression #isolation #lonliness #prayer

Widows

Yesterday was quite a day. I found out that three people I know passed away over the last two days. I've never known that to happen. It's a reminder that we aren't promised tomorrow.

     My heart turns toward the widows and the children and grandchildren. This week we've been praying for those who are isolated, but this is an entirely different type of isolation. The widows will each grieve differently but eventually will go through all of the stages of grief. Maybe it will help to share a short version of what I went through when my husband died, so you don't feel alone in the process, or through the journey.

     The first day I was just in complete shock and denial. After just a few hours to rest and cry, I jumped into planning mode. There are so many things to do and decisions to make in the first few days. It really shouldn't be that way, but then again, I personally appreciated the busy-ness. It allowed me to postpone my real feelings and dealing with the impending dam that was about to burst until the time came when it wasn't going to wait any longer.

     At the memorial service, I was busy being the hostess. People probably thought I was acting strange considering my husband just passed away, but I was busy talking to the guests, sharing stories, serving food. I was all smiles. I even laughed occasionally.

     Finally, when it was all over and I could go home to my empty house and relax; when there was absolutely nothing else that I had to do, it hit me. I can't remember much after that except that I wanted to be alone, but also wanted to be available to my daughters. I slept a lot, watched movies, snuggled with my dog. 

     What helped the most was praying, though, and reading my Bible. I decided to take a vow of silence for one entire day and spent that time in the word, and in constant prayer. I asked God questions and sat silently and listened for His answers. It was just an amazing experience.

     One thing that I couldn't shake though, was the hole I felt inside of me. When Genesis says, "the two shall be as one," it means that a married couple has a shared heart, mind, soul, existence, and when half of that person is gone, it leaves a hole inside that can never be completely filled. That was the hardest part, adjusting to that, learning to live with it. It took a lot of prayers, and as they say, "time heals all wounds."

     So, to the widows, especially my friend D.H., know that I'm here for you and can empathize with what you're going through. Give yourself time and permission to process this the way that you need to process it and don't let others influence you or try to tell you how you should be feeling, or coping. Be true to yourself; take it one day at a time.

Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, 

trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. 

1 Timothy 5:5 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are isolated and feeling lonely, depressed, and/or anxious due to being separated from others. Let's ask the Lord to fill their hearts with courage to seek out others, and determination to come up with solutions/ways to cope with their new normal. Pray that God uses us and others to lift their spirits and that the Holy Spirit works inside each of them and fills them with hope and peace.

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #depression #isolation #lonliness #prayer #widow

Walk in unity

Even though we may be separated right now by social or physical limitations, we are one body and one Spirit and no one can take that away from us. We are never truly alone because we have the Triune, and we have each other.

     Do a random act of kindness today for someone who is isolated, whether they are a believer or non-believer. Bring them into your circle by communicating with them, loving them. Together, we can make a difference.

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Ephesians 4:1-6 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are isolated and feeling lonely, depressed, and/or anxious due to being separated from others. Let's ask the Lord to fill their hearts with courage to seek out others, and determination to come up with solutions/ways to cope with their new normal. Pray that God uses us and others to lift their spirits and that the Holy Spirit works inside each of them and fills them with hope and peace.

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #BrotherlyLove #depression #isolation #lonliness #neighbor #prayer  #RandomActOfKindness

Stir up one another

Even those of us who aren't isolated right now need some "stirring up" just because of the times we live in and everything that's going on. It feels very chaotic and overwhelming to me. I don't understand the anger and hatred, and I especially don't understand the violence. 

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, 

for he who promised is faithful. 

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,

Hebrews 10:23-24 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are isolated and feeling lonely, depressed, and/or anxious due to being separated from others. Let's ask the Lord to fill their hearts with courage to seek out others, and determination to come up with solutions/ways to cope with their new normal. Pray that God uses us and others to lift their spirits and that the Holy Spirit works inside each of them and fills them with hope and peace.

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #depression #isolation #lonliness #prayer #neighbor #BrotherlyLove

Count others more significant

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:1-4 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are isolated and feeling lonely, depressed, and/or anxious due to being separated from others. Let's ask the Lord to fill their hearts with courage to seek out others, and determination to come up with solutions/ways to cope with their new normal. Pray that God uses us and others to lift their spirits and that the Holy Spirit works inside each of them and fills them with hope and peace.

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #depression #isolation #lonliness #prayer #interest #neighbor #BrotherlyLove

Virtual church

For those who are isolated due to the coronavirus, I pray that they have found ways to stay connected to other believers and to the word. Even though a lot of churches have begun meeting in person, several still offer live streaming for those who either can't attend or choose not to attend.

     I personally don't feel comfortable in settings where the majority of the people aren't wearing masks, even if all other CDC and WHO recommendations are being met, so I'm extremely thankful that our church is still streaming their services. It's a wonderful way to stay connected to my church family and see familiar faces each week. I stand when the congregation stands, and sit when they sit. I sing along with the praise team, clap my hands to the music when they clap. It's not exactly the same as being there but it's way better than skipping church altogether.

     Even though I don't consider myself "vulnerable", there are older people in my life who I visit regularly who I want to protect, so I choose to worship in this way. Last Sunday, I worshipped virtually with nearly 100 other believers in addition to the believers who were worshiping IRL during the live stream, and it made me feel like I was a part of the body of Christ.

     We're studying the Book of John right now, going through verse by verse, and learning what John is telling us about who Christ is. I encourage you to share this, especially with those who don't have a way to worship right now. This is the 3rd week of the study, so you can find the other 2 weeks on The Ridge's YouTube channel if you want to catch up.

Here's the link to the above video in case it doesn't work.

Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, 

but encouraging one another, 

and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. 

Hebrews 10:25 ESV

I want to encourage you to reach out to someone this week, or even someone each day. If you don't feel comfortable calling, or visiting (from a safe distance), send a text or email. Let's pray for those who are isolated and lonely that God may work through us and others to lift their spirits.

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are isolated and feeling lonely, depressed, and/or anxious due to being separated from others. Let's ask the Lord to fill their hearts with courage to seek out others, and determination to come up with solutions/ways to cope with their new normal. Pray that God uses us and others to lift their spirits and that the Holy Spirit works inside each of them and fills them with hope and peace.

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #depression #isolation #lonliness #prayer #OnlineChurch

Pray for the isolated

With the country reopening in most states, I sometimes forget that there are people who are still working from home, furloughed, or even laid off. Even if they're introverts, this much time of isolation is way too long, especially those living alone. 

     It causes depression and anxiety among other things. God created us to have relationships with one another. He even said:

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; 

I will make him a helper fit for him.”

Genesis 2:18 ESV

I want to encourage you to reach out to someone this week, or even someone each day. If you don't feel comfortable calling, or visiting (from a safe distance), send a text or email. Let's pray for those who are isolated and lonely that God may work through us and others to lift their spirits.

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are isolated and feeling lonely, depressed, and/or anxious due to being separated from others. Let's ask the Lord to fill their hearts with courage to seek out others, and determination to come up with solutions/ways to cope with their new normal. Pray that God uses us and others to lift their spirits and that the Holy Spirit works inside each of them and fills them with hope and peace.

 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #depression #isolation #lonliness #prayer #reachout

Family feud

I have some family members who keep to themselves most of the time. No one knows why they don't come around so we speculate, usually assuming it's because of an overpowering spouse, or because someone said or did something years ago that hurt their feelings, or that the person(s) just doesn't like us (even though we're family and "like" has nothing to do with anything, in my book). But then something or someone will draw them out and they'll have a great time and we'll get to exchange stories and laugh and love one another. Why would anyone want to miss out on that? Contact the hermits of your family; don't let them slip through the cracks.

If you are having a dispute with a family member, resolve to work it out right now. Reach out. Tomorrow will never come. There's only today.

Bearing with one another and, 

if one has a complaint against another, 

forgiving each other; 

as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Colossians 3:13 ESV

Join me in praying for family this week.

Where shall I go?

Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?

Psalm 139:7 ESV

It's impossible to hide from the Lord. If you're trying to isolate yourself from Him because you know that you're following your desires instead of the Holy Spirit, it's pointless, because He sees you and it grieves Him. No matter what's going on in your life, God is there; through the good and the bad. Stay in the fellowship of your church family. Church family, reach out to those who have wandered away.

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Please join me this week in praying for our 2019 graduates. Pray for the success of their spiritual future just as you would for their educational or vocational success.
I'll share some of my experience during that period of my life and will post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Isolation

A few days after moving into the dorm, I was waiting for the elevator on my floor when a voice called out to me from the room next to the elevator. There was a young woman sitting on her bed reading the Bible. Her room happened to be a single, and I was a bit envious. She didn't like not having a roommate, but I thought it would be ideal. I liked to have my own private space and a chance to be alone. I didn't mind being isolated. She preferred to be around people and often kept her door open so she could see everyone passing by.
     We talked for a while; the normal introductory chit-chat: what's your major, what year are you, where are you from? It turned out we were both from the same area and she attended church about ten minutes from my house. She invited me to go to her church with her the next time I went home. For some reason, I hemmed and hawed. That's when I realized I hadn't packed my Bible to take to college which was really strange. I figured it was just all of the excitement of moving away and being on my own, but I hadn't even realized it, which means I hadn't thought about reading it since I got there.
     I found myself avoiding this young woman even though we seemed to have a lot in common and she was really friendly. She went home every weekend, but I never asked her for a ride. I was deliberately avoiding her because she was always in the Word, always sharing her faith and I knew I was slipping away from mine.
     All of my dreams and expectations of getting out on my own, going to college, living in a big city were falling apart. Even then, I didn't go to God in prayer. I was isolating myself from Him, the church, the church family. I don't know why and I don't even know when or how it happened exactly. It was gradual and there were many opportunities to go back, but my desires were becoming stronger than my faith and I couldn't pursue those desires and continue in the faith because I knew, deep down, that they were displeasing to God.
     We need to encourage our young people to keep returning to church so they are surrounded by loving, caring Christians. We need to provide a way for them to remain engaged with the church and still give them the extra time and space they need to adjust to whatever their new normal is. I think this can be done easily by following up with each individual, planning get-togethers around their schedules and allowing them to minister and be ministered to by the church family.
     There are so many introverts like me who just want to be alone most of the time, which is fine, but it's extremely important to come out of isolation and interact with our Christian family on a regular basis. Reach out to someone in isolation, a recent graduate who may be tempted to pursue desires during this important transitional period of their lives.

Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; 

he breaks out against all sound judgment.

Proverbs 18:1 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for our 2019 graduates. Pray for the success of their spiritual future just as you would for their educational or vocational success.
I'll share some of my experience during that period of my life and will post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Pray for someone who is lonely

"One is the loneliest number that you'll ever do" 

This is the first line of the song "One" by Three Dog Night. I think of that song often, together with the chorus of "Eleanor Rigby" by the Beatles:

"All the lonely people

Where do they all come from?

All the lonely people

Where do they all belong?"

I don't think of these songs for myself, but for other people who I know are lonely and hurting. I don't know what to do for them, so I pray. This week I would like to focus our prayers on the lonely people we know. It may be difficult to identify who is and who isn't, but I've found that those who are, have said so on at least one occasion.
The lonely people I know are:
- single millennials, living alone. They work all day and don't feel like going out at night. They get comfortable in their empty houses and find it hard to get themselves to leave for any reason.
- high school students. Even the ones who are out-going seem unable to make close, meaningful friendships. The lunchroom is particularly stressful because they don't have anyone to sit with.
- Senior citizens, widows, and widowers. As friends and relatives pass away, and their kids move away with lives of their own, they are often forgotten and isolated.

Not everyone has the personality, mental or emotional tools or self-confidence to actively seek out friendship. Some rarely leave their homes. You may be a great friend, yet not be able to fulfill what a lonely person needs in a friend. Maybe they need a person who is both a roommate and a friend. Maybe they need a romantic partner. Maybe they need someone closer to their age, closer to where they live, someone who they work with or attend school with. You can't be everything to all people. But you can pray. You can ask our Father to help those who are lonely, to bring them into situations where they can find that special someone or that much-needed BFF.

God never wanted us to be alone. On the sixth day "... the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” (Genesis 2:18 ESV) And even though, we as believers know that God is with us always, and know that we are to "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV), still, some people may be so absorbed with their loneliness that they forget to call on their Father.

Please follow along with our prayer group where we come together with one voice during the 7:00 hour to pray for the people around us. Please join with us this week as we pray for those who are lonely.

I'll post a daily reminder to pray on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

See also: Are you lonely?