2 Corinthians 3:17

 

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

2 Corinthians 3:17 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for the brave men and women who serve and have served in the military. Pray for them, their families. Pray for a day when there will be no more battles.

     Please also pray that the Church will come together, that there will be a revival in this country, and that we will not throw away our freedom to worship the one and only true living God.

     Also, join me in rejoicing the dedication and perseverance of the apostles. Let us praise and give thanks for their sacrifices, and for our merciful Father who paved the way, that the gospel was received.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #MemorialDay #freedom #gratitude #remembrance #thankful #Jesus #sacrifice #GoodNews #gospel #salvation #praise

John 8:36

 

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

John 8:36 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for the brave men and women who serve and have served in the military. Pray for them, their families. Pray for a day when there will be no more battles.

     Please also pray that the Church will come together, that there will be a revival in this country, and that we will not throw away our freedom to worship the one and only true living God.

     Also, join me in rejoicing the dedication and perseverance of the apostles. Let us praise and give thanks for their sacrifices, and for our merciful Father who paved the way, that the gospel was received.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #MemorialDay #freedom #gratitude #remembrance #thankful #Jesus #sacrifice #GoodNews #gospel #salvation #praise

Praise for the cross

 

I woke up this morning, singing Chris McClarney's "Hallelujah For The Cross":

Hallelujah, thank You, Jesus

I was a prisoner, now I'm not

With Your blood, You bought my freedom

Hallelujah for the cross

It is ironic, and a God thing because today I was going to write about Jesus and His ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. He came here from Heaven to live in the flesh, as we do, and demonstrated how we're to live. He never sinned, yet He took the wrath for all of our sins.

     This also makes me think of His/our Father and the sacrifice that He made in sending His only Son. Anyone who has ever said 'goodbye' to a loved one leaving for battle can relate, at least in human terms. We can't however, comprehend having the foreknowledge of such a horrific death. 

     We also can't comprehend what Jesus went through in the time leading to His death. In the garden, He sweated blood, because of His anguish (Luke 22:44). This is a rare occurrence known as "hematohidrosis."

     Praise Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit for our freedom. Praise Them for Their love, grace, and mercy. Lift up your voices and sing, "Hallelujah for the cross."

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Romans 8:1-4 ESV

You may also like:

"Faith in God" from November 22, 2012

"A Loving Gift" from November 4, 2019

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Please join me this week in praying for the brave men and women who serve and have served in the military. Pray for them, their families. Pray for a day when there will be no more battles.

     Please also pray that the Church will come together, that there will be a revival in this country, and that we will not throw away our freedom to worship the one and only true living God.

     Also, join me in rejoicing the dedication and perseverance of the apostles. Let us praise and give thanks for their sacrifices, and for our merciful Father who paved the way, that the gospel was received.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #MemorialDay #freedom #gratitude #remembrance #thankful #Jesus #sacrifice #GoodNews #gospel #salvation #praise

Waking up

 

How do you wake up each morning? Do you wake up to an alarm clock, cursing the day for dragging you out of bed? Do you postpone the inevitable by hitting the snooze countless times? Do you just generally hate mornings?

     Or, do you wake up praising God for giving you another day? Do you say a prayer of thanksgiving for the possibilities that lie ahead?

     I used to be the first set of examples above. I would wake up angry; sometimes even singing the old WWII song, "Oh how I hate to get up in the morning. Oh, how I'd love to remain in bed..." Then, I realized there are people who are bedridden who would love nothing more than to be able to get up in the morning. My problem wasn't the morning, it was that I needed more sleep, and a major tweak in my attitude.

     It makes me think of the movie "Groundhog Day." Bill Murray's character woke up angry every morning; he went through the day feeling defeated, bitter, and hopeless. He lived his life full of dread. After the turning point of the movie, his attitude changed; he found purpose and hope. He learned to make the most of his situation and woke up each day with anticipation. 

     Now I wake up saying, "Thank You, Lord!" I ask God to guide me as to His will for my day. It has helped tremendously. I no longer feel (as) overwhelmed (it's a work-in-progress), and therefore I don't have those feelings of being defeated.

     I don't want to come across like I have anything figured out, but I do want to share when I have that "aha" moment that not only makes my life a little easier but also draws me closer to God.

     My challenge for you is this, wake up every morning and say, "Hallelujah!" Say it like you mean it! Say a prayer of praise and thanksgiving and ask God for direction for your day. If you'd like to share what happens, let me know. I'm excited for you and for your week ahead.

     Our Father and Jesus and the Holy Spirit deserve nothing short of our continual praise and love.

“For God so loved the world, 

that he gave his only Son, 

that whoever believes in him should not perish 

but have eternal life.

John 3:16 ESV

You may also like: "Pray for a widow or widower" from January 14, 2019

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Please join me this week in praying for the Church. Pray that we focus our attention on our purpose and goal in this life. Pray that we keep our eye on the prize. Everyone, every single person will live forever, will have eternal life, but it's where they will spend eternity that needs to motivate our action each and every day.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#ThisIsMyHallelujah #7thHourPrayerPower #mornings #attitude #wakeup #praise #challenge #hope

Romans 15:13

 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and 

peace in believing, so that by the power 

of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Romans 15:13 ESV

The specific prayer requests from the Allens:

"Please pray specifically that the graft versus host disease would leave his body. Pray that Jesus would fill Donnie’s lungs with his breath and that he would be able to breathe with no problems. 

Please also pray for me (Amanda) if you would. I have been experiencing great anxiety and not able to eat well. My fears have been getting the best of me. I need to be able to stay healthy and strong so I can be there and good for Donnie."  Update: The past couple of days have been really bad for Donnie and Amanda. Please pray with all your heart. Amanda wrote, "Please pray for comfort for our kids and peace in my heart with the Lord. Please pray for healing upon Donnie’s body with no pain. Please pray the GVHD would be put to rest and we can praise God for a miracle."

Please pray for the physical healing of B.F., M.W., T.F., C.W.

Pray for the mental healing of D. (I don't know her last name, but she desperately needs to seek help for her condition).

Pray for the spiritual healing of all who have been bombarded lately in a battle of spiritual warfare, including L. and C. 

If you would like to add anyone to the list, please send me their first initial, or both and what type of healing they need. God is good. He hears our prayers. 

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Please join me this week in praying for healing for those we love. Ask our Father to grant peace and comfort to all who are worried for the sick, and/or who continue to be overwhelmed in a spiritual battle.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #sick #ill #physicalillness #mentalillness #spiritualwarfare #praise #worship #intercession #petition #healing #overwhelmed #anxiety #prayer #peace #comfort #caregiver 

Psalm 4:6-8

 

There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?

    Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!”

You have put more joy in my heart

    than they have when their grain and wine abound.

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; 

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

Psalm 4:6-8 ESV

The specific prayer requests from the Allens:

"Please pray specifically that the graft versus host disease would leave his body. Pray that Jesus would fill Donnie’s lungs with his breath and that he would be able to breathe with no problems. 

Please also pray for me (Amanda) if you would. I have been experiencing great anxiety and not able to eat well. My fears have been getting the best of me. I need to be able to stay healthy and strong so I can be there and good for Donnie." 

Please pray for the physical healing of B.F., M.W., T.F., C.W.

Pray for the mental healing of D. (I don't know her last name, but she desperately needs to seek help for her condition).

Pray for the spiritual healing of all who have been bombarded lately in a battle of spiritual warfare, including L. and C. 

If you would like to add anyone to the list, please send me their first initial, or both and what type of healing they need. God is good. He hears our prayers. 

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Please join me this week in praying for healing for those we love. Ask our Father to grant peace and comfort to all who are worried for the sick, and/or who continue to be overwhelmed in a spiritual battle.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #sick #ill #physicalillness #mentalillness #spiritualwarfare #praise #worship #intercession #petition #healing #overwhelmed #anxiety #prayer #peace #comfort #caregiver 

Colossians 3:15

 

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Colossians 3:15 ESV

The specific prayer requests from the Allens:

"Please pray specifically that the graft versus host disease would leave his body. Pray that Jesus would fill Donnie’s lungs with his breath and that he would be able to breathe with no problems. 

Please also pray for me (Amanda) if you would. I have been experiencing great anxiety and not able to eat well. My fears have been getting the best of me. I need to be able to stay healthy and strong so I can be there and good for Donnie." 

Please pray for the physical healing of B.F., M.W., T.F., C.W.

Pray for the mental healing of D. (I don't know her last name, but she desperately needs to seek help for her condition).

Pray for the spiritual healing of all who have been bombarded lately in a battle of spiritual warfare, including L. and C. 

If you would like to add anyone to the list, please send me their first initial, or both and what type of healing they need. God is good. He hears our prayers. 

You might also like: "Wait on the Lord" from July 26, 2020

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Please join me this week in praying for healing for those we love. Ask our Father to grant peace and comfort to all who are worried for the sick, and/or who continue to be overwhelmed in a spiritual battle.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #sick #ill #physicalillness #mentalillness #spiritualwarfare #praise #worship #intercession #petition #healing #overwhelmed #anxiety #prayer #peace #comfort #caregiver 

Lean on Jesus

 

No matter what you're going through, lean on the Lord for comfort, healing, and strength. Praise Him for His unwavering love.

Now may the Lord of peace himself 

give you peace at all times in every way. 

The Lord be with you all.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 ESV 

Prayer requests:

The specific prayer requests from the Allens: "Please pray specifically that the graft versus host disease would leave his body. Pray that Jesus would fill Donnie’s lungs with his breath and that he would be able to breathe with no problems. 

Please also pray for me (Amanda) if you would. I have been experiencing great anxiety and not able to eat well. My fears have been getting the best of me. I need to be able to stay healthy and strong so I can be there and good for Donnie." 

Please pray for the physical healing of B.F., M.W., T.F., C.W.

Pray for the mental healing of D. (I don't know her last name, but she desperately needs to seek help for her condition).

Pray for the spiritual healing of all who have been bombarded lately in a battle of spiritual warfare, including L. and C. 

If you would like to add anyone to the list, please send me their first initial, or both and what type of healing they need. God is good. He hears our prayers. 

You might also like: "Seen or Unseen" from April 24, 2019

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Please join me this week in praying for healing for those we love. Ask our Father to grant peace and comfort to all who are worried for the sick, and/or who continue to be overwhelmed in a spiritual battle.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #sick #ill #physicalillness #mentalillness #spiritualwarfare #praise #worship #intercession #petition #healing #overwhelmed #anxiety #prayer #peace #comfort #caregiver 

Perfect peace

 

We have specific prayer requests from the Allens:

"Please pray specifically that the graft versus host disease would leave his body. Pray that Jesus would fill Donnie’s lungs with his breath and that he would be able to breathe with no problems. 

Please also pray for me (Amanda) if you would. I have been experiencing great anxiety and not able to eat well. My fears have been getting the best of me. I need to be able to stay healthy and strong so I can be there and good for Donnie." 

***

Have you ever experienced "perfect peace"? I believe that I have during certain points of my life. Every experience of perfect peace followed a time of getting closer to God, listening to Him, and understanding His will for what He wants me to do.

     How often do you set aside time to listen? I know many people who are excellent and faithful pray-ers, but very few realize that they need to sit still and listen for a response.

     When we pray, we are engaging in a conversation with our Heavenly Father, but if we don't take time to listen for His response, then we're simply engaging in a monologue. Trust in Him to answer. It may not be an immediate response, but give Him that space anyway. Trust in Him. He will provide perfect peace. He is our Rock of Ages.

You will keep him in perfect peace,

Whose mind is stayed on You,

Because he trusts in You.

Trust in the Lord forever,

For in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength.*

Isaiah 26:3-4 NKJV

*"everlasting strength" means "Rock of Ages"

Please be in prayer for the continued healing of D.A., and ask for peace, comfort, encouragement and strength for his wife, A.A.

Please pray for the physical healing of B.F., M.W., T.F., C.W.

Pray for the mental healing of D. (I don't know her last name, but she desperately needs to seek help for her condition).

Pray for the spiritual healing of all who have been bombarded lately in a battle of spiritual warfare, including L. and C. 

If you would like to add anyone to the list, please send me their first initial, or both and what type of healing they need. God is good. He hears our prayers. 

You might also like: "God's plan" from August 13, 2020

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Please join me this week in praying for healing for those we love. Ask our Father to grant peace and comfort to all who are worried for the sick, and/or who continue to be overwhelmed in a spiritual battle.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #sick #ill #physicalillness #mentalillness #spiritualwarfare #praise #worship #intercession #petition #healing #overwhelmed #anxiety #prayer #peace #comfort #caregiver #blog #blogpost #blogger

Praise and worship

 

Praising God this morning for all of the healing He did over the weekend! Yesterday I asked you to pray for our brother in Christ, Donnie Allen. About mid-day we received a message that he was taken off of the ventilator and put on an oxygen mask and that he was alert and responsive! Hallelujah!
     Another brother in Christ was released from the hospital yesterday.
     There are so many more who need our continued, fervent prayers for physical, mental, and spiritual healing. Since the condition of those we love has a ripple effect on friends, family, neighbors, etc., I would also like to focus our prayers on asking for and praising God for the peace and comfort He offers all who follow Him.
     Please be in prayer for the continued healing of D.A., and ask for peace, comfort, encouragement and strength for his wife, A.A.
Please pray for the physical healing of B.F., M.W., T.F., C.W.
Pray for the mental healing of D. (I don't know her last name, but she desperately needs to seek help for her condition).
Pray for the spiritual healing of all who have been bombarded lately in a battle of spiritual warfare, including L. and C.
If you would like to add anyone to the list, please send me their first initial, or both and what type of healing they need. God is good. He hears our prayers.

     God uses these difficult times to bring Him glory, to bring us closer to Him. Sometimes He uses suffering to reveal something to us. Always it accomplishes His purposes. Donnie said that "God uses suffering to show us how Christ suffered for us."
     We're not promised tomorrow, so fill your day doing whatever you do as if it is for Him.

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 praying for healing for those we love. Ask our Father to grant peace and comfort to all who are worried for the sick, and/or who continue to be overwhelmed in a spiritual battle.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #sick #ill #physicalillness #mentalillness #spiritualwarfare #praise #worship #intercession #petition #healing #overwhelmed #anxiety #prayer #peace #comfort #caregiver #blog #blogpost #blogger

A joyful shout

 

Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!

Serve the Lord with gladness;

Come before His presence with singing.

Know that the Lord, He is God;

It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;

We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,

And into His courts with praise.

Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

For the Lord is good;

His mercy is everlasting,

And His truth endures to all generations.

Psalm 100:1-5 NKJV

I absolutely love this song! Amen!

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Please join me this week in praising God! Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! (Psalm 103:1 NKJV)

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #praise #God #worship #Thanksgiving

Not to us

 

Not to us, O Lord, not to us, 

but to your name give glory, 

for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!

Psalm 115:1 ESV

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Please join me this week in praising God! Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! (Psalm 103:1 NKJV)

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #praise #God #worship #Thanksgiving

Sing to the Lord

 

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord!

Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;

Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.

For the Lord is the great God,

And the great King above all gods.

In His hand are the deep places of the earth;

The heights of the hills are His also.

The sea is His, for He made it;

And His hands formed the dry land.

Oh come, let us worship and bow down;

Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.

For He is our God,

And we are the people of His pasture,

And the sheep of His hand.

Psalm 95:1-7 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praising God! Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! (Psalm 103:1 NKJV)

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #praise #God #worship #Thanksgiving

Praise His name

 

I will praise the name of God with a song,

And will magnify Him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 69:30 NKJV

Have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving. 

Stay safe.

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Please join me this week in praising God! Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! (Psalm 103:1 NKJV)

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #praise #God #worship #Thanksgiving

Are you happy?

 

It's easy to praise God when we're happy, but we should also praise Him when we're suffering. When everything seems to be going wrong, I know that it's temporary, that it's happening for a reason, and that God will see me through it. I know there will be better days ahead. I can praise Him for being with me always, even through the trials.

James wrote:

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing

James 1:2-4 ESV

Do pray through the suffering and trials so that you can feel God's love and have comfort in His Glory.

Is anyone among you suffering? 

Let him pray. 

Is anyone cheerful? 

Let him sing praise.

James 5:13 ESV

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Please join me this week in praising God! Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! (Psalm 103:1 NKJV)

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #praise #God #worship #Thanksgiving

Let all give praise

The word Psalm means "a sacred song or hymn", so when a Catholic friend of mine said that they sing the Psalms, I was really excited, since they were meant to be sung! (I don't think Baptists or Methodists sing them usually.) So, I did a quick search and found someone who set the 150th Psalm to music.

Praise the Lord!

Praise God in His sanctuary;

Praise Him in His mighty firmament!

Praise Him for His mighty acts;

Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!

Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet;

Praise Him with the lute and harp!

Praise Him with the timbrel and dance;

Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!

Praise Him with loud cymbals;

Praise Him with clashing cymbals!

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord!

Psalm 150 NKJV

Give praise to God, right now. Start out your prayer with, "I praise You, Father!" Lift up your hands to Him and give thanks!

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Please join me this week in praising God! Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! (Psalm 103:1 NKJV)

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #praise #God #worship #Thanksgiving

Praise God

 

With everything looking so different this year, and Thanksgiving coming up this week, it's sometimes easy to get wrapped up in worldly "things." We have to remember that God is sovereign. Everything that happens works for the good of His plan. I can rest in knowing that He is in control. For that, I give thanks.
     In our women's life group this past week, a Sister in Christ brought up that it's not enough to give thanks. We should also praise God. I hadn't really thought about that before. I do thank Him often, but I rarely praise Him. He is worthy of our constant praise.
     So, I thought during this week of Thanksgiving that we would focus our prayer time in praising our Lord. I'll be sharing numerous Psalms this week because I feel like David does an excellent job of praising our Father and we can pray his words.
     Focusing on praise and thanksgiving this week instead of what earthly troubles we're experiencing will soften our hearts and lift our spirits. I hope that it will shine through us to non-believers and they'll want that peace that we have.

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, 

that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

Hebrews 13:15 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praising God! Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! (Psalm 103:1 NKJV)

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #praise #God #worship #Thanksgiving

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

Praise and Worship

Today was my first time at church since March and it was exactly what I needed. I've been watching services online every Sunday, singing with the praise and worship team, taking notes from the sermons, but actually being there in person is a completely different experience and one that I didn't realize that my mind, heart, and soul desperately needed.

     I didn't sleep very well last night and woke up an hour before my alarm clock went off. I thought it was because of my headache but later realized it was because I was so excited to go back to church and see everyone. I got dressed an hour early and even put on make-up (another first since March); it was only eye make-up because anything else would be superfluous (due to mask mandate).

     When we arrived at church, we were greeted by familiar faces and I just wanted to hug everyone but managed to contain myself. I could tell they were smiling behind their masks, and hopefully, they could tell that I was smiling. I wasn't sure what to expect inside the sanctuary, how full it would be, who would be there, if people would be socializing...but was kind of surprised to see that there weren't the number of people I expected, nor the specific people I expected, but more on that later (as in another post, another day). I didn't think too much of it, especially as the band began to play.

     There's just nothing like being in the midst of brothers and sisters in Christ, worshipping our Lord through music, song, and for me, a little bit of free-style dancing. I sang as loud as I could and was often moved to tears by the lyrics and the voices around me. The Holy Spirit stirred inside of me. In that moment, my thoughts turned to the Christians who live in cultures where Christianity is forbidden. I had a better understanding of their drive to gather in worship, no matter the dangers. I pray for these people and think about these things on a regular basis and have to wonder sometimes, would I be as brave as they are? Today, I felt like that answer would be 'yes.' After being unable to worship together for so long, I see what a difference this one service has made in me today. It's changed my mood, emotions, and even some of my thoughts about certain things.

     I needed this so much; this IRL fellowship with my church family. I feel renewed; my faith and resolve are rekindled. Hopefully, tomorrow I'll be able to write some more about this. Until then, know that Jesus loves you, and I do, too.

#church #praise #worship #fellowship #MaskMandate #Ohio #together #gather #social