Wisdom comes with age

Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days.

Job 12:12 ESV

I said, ‘Let days speak, and many years teach wisdom.’

Job 32:7 ESV

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12 ESV 

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Please join me this week in praying for the elderly. Let's pray for their spiritual, mental, and physical health. Let's pray for our patience and perseverance in dealing with any special needs they may have.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #elderly #God #honor #wisdom #respect

Respect the elderly

 

This falls under the heading, laws of kindness, and justice. When you're old(er), how do you want to be treated? Think about what you say and do and then imagine someone being like that toward you. I don't even mean "bad" treatment, just treatment that's different than how you are with someone younger. 

     For instance, a manager of a restaurant saying to an elderly woman, "Give me a hug, Grandma," or "Aren't you just so cute?!" (Two different restaurants). I hear people use a different voice with older friends and relatives than they do with others. It's as if they assume the person they're talking to won't understand what they're talking about. Be conscious of showing respect. 

“You shall stand up before the gray head and 

honor the face of an old man, and you shall f

ear your God: I am the Lord.

Leviticus 19:32 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for the elderly. Let's pray for their spiritual, mental, and physical health. Let's pray for our patience and perseverance in dealing with any special needs they may have.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #elderly #God #honor #love #respect

In humility

 

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, 

but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Philippians 2:3

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Please join me this week in praying that we remember to treat one another with respect. During this time of incredible divisiveness, when it's so easy to get angry with those who have opposing viewpoints, we have to remember, that no matter what, we are all brothers and sisters. Our goal here is to bring the lost to know Christ. We can't do that without showing respect to everyone we meet. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #respect #humility

Respect your elders

 

I honestly think this is one of the problems with the world today...disrespect for the elderly. Maybe it's a disciplinary problem, maybe it's a generational problem, or maybe it's just something that's a part of the upcoming tribulation period. Whatever the reason, it's just a sad situation.
     We lose so much when we don't seek the advice of those who have lived longer than us, lived through what we're going through now. We lose their wisdom, knowledge, history.
     Additionally, as we get older, some of us begin to feel unneeded, unimportant. We may even start to dread or become anxious about our futures as "senior citizens." We worry about the time when our kids try to tell us what's best for us when they start treating us as incompetent. Honestly, I'm projecting my mom, here. I try to get her interested in things so she doesn't just sit around and worry, or worse, just sit around and do nothing. When I don't visit, I feel guilty, and when I do visit, she makes me feel guilty for not visiting more often or staying longer. In her worry that I'm going to treat her like she can't do certain things anymore, she ends up treating me like I'm a child. I don't do that to her except when it comes to lifting and moving things because she refuses to ask for help, and it angers me!
     Anyway, this was kind of a rabbit trail, but my point is, we need to respect the elderly and realize that they/we have value. I'm always so surprised to look in the mirror and see grey hairs and wrinkles, etc. But, every time I go to the local grocery anymore, I get asked if I'm "eligible" for any discounts (meaning do I have a Golden Buckeye card).
     So, anyway, respect your elders!

“You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, 

and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.

Leviticus 19:32 ESV

     John MacArthur wrote: "Showing respect for the older man acknowledged God's blessing of long life and the wisdom that comes with it."*

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

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Please join me this week in praying that we remember to treat one another with respect. During this time of incredible divisiveness, when it's so easy to get angry with those who have opposing viewpoints, we have to remember, that no matter what, we are all brothers and sisters. Our goal here is to bring the lost to know Christ. We can't do that without showing respect to everyone we meet. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #respect #elderly #SeniorCitizens #aging

Respect fellow Christians

 

I like these verses because they're a reminder that we respect our brothers and sisters in Christ, our Pastors, and our Elders. We may not always agree with one another, especially about earthly things, but we need to remember this life is temporary.
     We need to stay focused on what's important and why we're here. The world should see us united in one cause, loving one another despite our differences.
     I just really feel that now more than ever, we need to positive, compassionate image-bearers. I feel a sense that the last line, "Be at peace among yourselves" is extremely important.

We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you 

and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and 

to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. 

Be at peace among yourselves.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying that we remember to treat one another with respect. During this time of incredible divisiveness, when it's so easy to get angry with those who have opposing viewpoints, we have to remember, that no matter what, we are all brothers and sisters. Our goal here is to bring the lost to know Christ. We can't do that without showing respect to everyone we meet. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #respect #Christian

Respect each other

 

I know I share this one a lot, but it is the second most important commandment, with the first being to love God above all else. Additionally, if we all adhered to this message, imagine what the world would be like.

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.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

Matthew 22:37-40 ESV

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, 

for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Matthew 7:12 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying that we remember to treat one another with respect. During this time of incredible divisiveness, when it's so easy to get angry with those who have opposing viewpoints, we have to remember, that no matter what, we are all brothers and sisters. Our goal here is to bring the lost to know Christ. We can't do that without showing respect to everyone we meet. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #respect #commandment

Share with respect

I've not shared the gospel with people who I know don't want to hear it. In my mind, I was "respecting" their wishes. To "push" my religion on them would be disrespectful - honestly, that was probably more of an excuse than a reason.

     But, then a Pastor gave a sermon in which he shared a dream. He was standing in line, waiting to get checked into heaven when a man whom he recognized walked past him, going the opposite direction. The Pastor called out his name. 

     He looked up and asked the Pastor, "Did you know about this?"

     And the Pastor answered, "Of course."

     The man asked him, "Why didn't you tell me?"

     That really hit me hard. It's not up to me to decide who to tell, and who not to tell; I should tell everyone! I'm still working through this process because I'm not very good at it, but I realize that I shouldn't make assumptions about the people I come in contact with. If the Lord places it on my heart to say something, then I try to say something. 

     Pray for opportunities and words and courage. If you share in a respectful way, and people don't want to hear, then hopefully they will be respectful of you and your beliefs, too and not react in a negative way.

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, 

always being prepared to make a defense to 

anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; 

yet do it with gentleness and respect,

1 Peter 3:15 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying that we remember to treat one another with respect. During this time of incredible divisiveness, when it's so easy to get angry with those who have opposing viewpoints, we have to remember, that no matter what, we are all brothers and sisters. Our goal here is to bring the lost to know Christ. We can't do that without showing respect to everyone we meet. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #respect #testimony #witness #share

 

Respect your parents

 

When I got home from vacation, I immediately called my mom, because I figured she would be waiting to hear from me. She calls multiple times a day normally, but since I didn't have any cell service where I was, all we could do was email.
     The first thing she says is, "I figure you've been home for several hours." I immediately went on the defensive and told her we just got home and that I called her right away. Besides, I emailed her before we left telling her we weren't leaving until almost check-out time. For some reason, she didn't believe what I wrote.
     Then, she tells me how she worked at getting this metal cart upstairs from the basement, by herself. I lost it. I got so angry that she would do something so foolish when she has family who is willing and able to help her with such things.
     Until my dad passed away, I was convinced that he would die from falling down those stairs and hitting his head on the concrete floor. The image of mom dying that way came to mind as she was describing getting the cart upstairs.
     After we hung up, I told my husband and he said that she was probably just very proud of herself for being able to do that. She's trying to hold onto her independence. I realized he was right. I felt bad for getting angry at her, but at the same time, I can't help but get upset with her when she does something dangerous. She worries about us treating her like she's frail or incompetent, which is understandable, but at the same time, I don't feel like any of us do that. So this constantly trying to prove that she can still do everything is actually making the situation worse.
     I have to keep in mind that she's my mother, the one who raised me and who has taken care of me well into adulthood, and respect her. I also have to respect who she is, which is a woman who has always prided herself on doing whatever she sets her mind to.

“Honor your father and your mother, 

that your days may be long in the land that 

the Lord your God is giving you.

Exodus 20:12 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying that we remember to treat one another with respect. During this time of incredible divisiveness, when it's so easy to get angry with those who have opposing viewpoints, we have to remember, that no matter what, we are all brothers and sisters. Our goal here is to bring the lost to know Christ. We can't do that without showing respect to everyone we meet. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #respect #mother #parents #father #aging

Show respect

 

I've been on vacation for the past week in Hocking Hills where I've had no signal, no cell service, no internet. It was wonderful. 

On the drive home, there were some people who we encountered who I didn't have a lot of respect for, mostly because of their behavior. Some were other drivers, some were people around us in the restaurant, and I realized that I was letting them sour the peaceful, spiritual week I just had. Then I realized, that they weren't actually doing anything, it was my attitude toward them, my assumptions about them that were stressing me out and bringing me down.

So this week I would like to focus our attention and pray for help with showing respect to others...not just having respect, but actually showing it. 

Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, 

and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,

Titus 2:7 ESV 

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Please join me this week in praying that we remember to treat one another with respect. During this time of incredible divisiveness, when it's so easy to get angry with those who have opposing viewpoints, we have to remember, that no matter what, we are all brothers and sisters. Our goal here is to bring the lost to know Christ. We can't do that without showing respect to everyone we meet. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #respect

Instructions for Christian Households Part 1

A long time ago wedding vows used to include the word "obey". When asking the woman, "do you take this man to love, honor and obey...", the Pastor was asking the woman if she will adhere to the teachings in Ephesians 5:22 (see verse below). However, with our struggle for equality, a lot of us had that word removed from the vows. For my first marriage, which was not a Christian marriage, I had it replaced with the word "cherish" which is the man's vow "love, honor and cherish..." so that our vows would be the same, equal. What I didn't understand until just recently is that men and women were not created equal; we are not the same.
     I have been a feminist my entire life. As a child, I would follow my mom around the house while she cleaned, and she would tell me things like, "when you get married, make sure everything's in your name." It was easy to understand the concept of inequality back then because it seemed to be reflected on television shows, and on the news, we would see marches and protests, and I'd hear my parents talk about it. So it is totally ingrained in my personality, in who I am and how I came to be the person I am, do the work I'm doing. So when I learned about this passage in Ephesians, it was a tough pill to swallow.
     I've taken the time to read different commentaries about it and listen to different sermons on the subject and pray about it which has been really worthwhile. I feel like I understand this better and why we're to submit and what that means for me in this time and place...
     I try to look at relationships as being modeled after the characteristics of the Trinity. The Son submits to the Father to do His will, yet the three are one and are equal. For a married couple, the wife is to submit to the husband yet we are "one flesh", so we are one and are equal. It is more about "respect" which we see in Ephesians 5:33, and a softened heart and attitude toward our husbands. If both husband and wife are struggling to be in control, it makes for a very tumultuous relationship. We bear the penalty of Eve's sin, and Christ bore the penalty of all of our sins. Christ is the bridegroom and we, the church, are the bride. He is the head and we are the body. He rules over us and we submit to His will. It all ties together.
     I pray that we all examine our marriages and see that we are respecting our husbands. If not, pray for a softened heart and see what a difference it makes.

21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
Ephesians 5:21-24 NKJV
(emphasis mine)

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Please join me this week in praying for a married couple whose relationship is in trouble. If you don't know anyone whose marriage is struggling, please pray for the ones at my church. I don't know who they are, but God does and will hear our prayers to lift these couples up and soften their hearts.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Our Father in Heaven

As we wrap up the week praying for our parents and guardians, let's give praise to Our Father in Heaven who knew us even before we were conceived.

For You formed my inward parts;

You covered me in my mother’s womb.

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Marvelous are Your works,

And that my soul knows very well.

My frame was not hidden from You,

When I was made in secret,

And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.

And in Your book they all were written,

The days fashioned for me,

When as yet there were none of them.

Psalm 139:13-16 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying for our parents. This could be anyone who raised you: biological parents, adoptive parents, grandparents, aunt and uncle, step-mom, step-dad; those who are living and/or those who have passed.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Our grandchildren

Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, 
and the glory of children is their fathers.

Proverbs 17:6

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Please join me this week in praying for our parents. This could be anyone who raised you: biological parents, adoptive parents, grandparents, aunt and uncle, step-mom, step-dad; those who are living and/or those who have passed.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Proverbs for children

Hear, my son, your father's instruction, 

and forsake not your mother's teaching,

Proverbs 1:8 ESV

The proverbs of Solomon. 

A wise son makes a glad father, 

but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.

Proverbs 10:1 ESV

Listen to your father who gave you life, 

and do not despise your mother when she is old.

Proverbs 23:22 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for our parents. This could be anyone who raised you: biological parents, adoptive parents, grandparents, aunt and uncle, step-mom, step-dad; those who are living and/or those who have passed.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Let go of the past

Just as your parents raised you and saw to your needs and loved you, you are called to reciprocate. I've known parents who made a lot of terrible, seemingly unforgivable mistakes (not mine; mine are awesome and my brother and I both feel super blessed to have been born to them).
     Events, situations, experiences of the past may still weigh on your heart and you feel incapable of forgiving the offending family member, but you do have the capacity to do so. You just need to find the way.
        - Pray about it. Ask God to soften your heart.
        - Talk about it. It's difficult to talk openly about something that causes you pain, so find someone you can trust completely, even if they only listen. It's a chance to unburden your heart. Talk to your Pastor, counselor, friend or relative.
        - Write about it. I personally have done a lot of journaling to work out ancient history that I was unwilling to let go of.

Don't let the past destroy your present with those who should be closest to you.

But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, 

and especially for members of his household, 

he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

1 Timothy 5:8 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for our parents. This could be anyone who raised you: biological parents, adoptive parents, grandparents, aunt and uncle, step-mom, step-dad; those who are living and/or those who have passed.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Like mother like daughter

I never knew this saying came from the Bible. Did you?

“Behold, everyone who uses proverbs 

will use this proverb about you: 

‘Like mother, like daughter.’

Ezekiel 16:44 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for our parents. This could be anyone who raised you: biological parents, adoptive parents, grandparents, aunt and uncle, step-mom, step-dad; those who are living and/or those who have passed.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Honor your parents

There are several bible verses that reiterate "honor your father and your mother." (See Deut 5:16 & 27:16, Ep 6:1-3, Ex 20:12, and Matt 15:4). In the old testament, the punishment for those who didn't was death.
     It sickens me when I hear people speak disrespectfully to their parents. I can't know how that parent treated the person while they were growing up, and maybe that plays a part in it, but to always be mean and rude to the parent, even after the child has grown up and moved out, just seems revengeful and unnecessary. If there are old wounds, communicate with your parents and work things out. It's time to heal.
     One person, in particular, we'll call him Mike, is 30 years old. Whenever he's on the phone with his mom, he sounds irritated and he's rude to her. He clearly has no respect for her.
     Mike's dad knows what's going on and does nothing about it. He told Mike not to come around anymore, but that was about the extent of his involvement, and Mike, of course, disregarded what his father told him and goes over to visit anyway. Mike's dad caters to him and allows Mike to speak disrespectfully to him, also. This isn't just minor rudeness; this is obviously a lifetime of the child being spoiled, forever getting everything he wanted. Even though his parents have catered to him his whole life, he doesn't see it that way. He sees it like he's owed their respect and support, but he doesn't need to reciprocate. I couldn't even imagine feeling like that. When people are around Mike and see how he treats his parents, they lose respect for him because it emits such a sickening feeling; you just don't treat your parents that way. It is so wrong. If you are like Mike, please consider making amends with your parents before it's too late. Honor your father and your mother.

For anyone who curses his father or his mother 

shall surely be put to death; 

he has cursed his father or his mother; 

his blood is upon him.

Leviticus 20:9 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for our parents. This could be anyone who raised you: biological parents, adoptive parents, grandparents, aunt and uncle, step-mom, step-dad; those who are living and/or those who have passed.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Pray for your parents

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:1-4 ESV

It was my intent to write my usual long(er) Monday post, but the dog got sick last night and I have some cleaning up to do before my mom sees it. I'll catch up with you tomorrow. Have a blessed day.

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Please join me this week in praying for our parents. This could be anyone who raised you: biological parents, adoptive parents, grandparents, aunt and uncle, step-mom, step-dad; those who are living and/or those who have passed.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Respect and honor

"Give to everyone what you owe them: 

If you owe taxes, pay taxes; 

if revenue, then revenue; 

if respect, then respect; 

if honor, then honor."

Rom 13:7 NIV

Let's give our veterans and those who are currently serving our country the respect and honor they deserve. When you meet someone who serves or has served, thank them for their time and sacrifices, for fighting for our freedom. Pray for them. Pray that they heal from any negative feelings, memories that haunt them. Often those that survive feel guilty that they live when so many of their friends didn't make it. Let them know we're thankful that they're here with us and that they have our respect and gratitude.