Romans 8:28

 

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, 

for those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28 ESV 

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Please join me this week in praying for contentment for ourselves and others. May we rest in the hope of Jesus Christ. Pray that those who do not have a personal relationship with Christ come to know Him. Pray that we recognize the daily blessings that God bestows on us. He provides for all of our needs. Let us be thankful for having food, water, shelter, and clothing. Praise God for His unfailing love and grace.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #contentment #peace #hope #prayer #faith #love #sufficient #needs #ChristAlone #Romans

Matthew 6:33

 

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, 

and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 6:33 ESV 

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Please join me this week in praying for contentment for ourselves and others. May we rest in the hope of Jesus Christ. Pray that those who do not have a personal relationship with Christ come to know Him. Pray that we recognize the daily blessings that God bestows on us. He provides for all of our needs. Let us be thankful for having food, water, shelter, and clothing. Praise God for His unfailing love and grace.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #contentment #peace #hope #prayer #faith #love #sufficient #needs #ChristAlone #Matthew

Seek contentment

 

When I graduated from high school, I had my whole life planned out. Unfortunately, I didn't involve God in my plans and actually, turned away from Him when I got to college. From there, my life was a downward spiral to destruction. It weighed on me for over twenty-five years until I reconnected with God. That connection made a huge difference in my life, but I still struggled with negative feelings from my past.

     It wasn't until I found a remarkable counselor that I was finally able to work through my past and move on.

     I've heard people say lately: 

• "I don't need a therapist. I just need to pray more and read the Bible more." 
• "I'll be fine. I'm giving it all up to God." 
• "Time heals all wounds." 

     All of those things help and are a great first line of defense, but what if God wants you to seek counsel? What if He directed you here to plant the seed? God gives people the gift and education to help others for a reason. 

     So if you are struggling right now. If you cannot possibly be content because of something happening in your life, or in your past, please consider seeking the counsel of those who can help you.

     Your church may have people to help you. But, if not, here are some resources.

Faithful Counseling (Christian organization)

K-Love (Yes, the music station. They have pastors on staff to help you.)

Psychology Today (If using this link, I encourage you to find a Christian counselor and one who does EMDR - at least, it worked for me.) 

The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

Psalm 34:10 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for contentment for ourselves and others. May we rest in the hope of Jesus Christ. Pray that those who do not have a personal relationship with Christ come to know Him. Pray that we recognize the daily blessings that God bestows on us. He provides for all of our needs. Let us be thankful for having food, water, shelter, and clothing. Praise God for His unfailing love and grace.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #contentment #peace #hope #prayer #faith #love #sufficient #needs #ChristAlone #counselor #therapist #seek #Psalms

Acts 5:29

 

But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.

Acts 5:29 ESV

Have a safe and happy 4th of July. 

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Please join me this week in praying for guidance from our loving Father. Let's ask Him what He wants us to do or say. Pray that in everything we do, we please Him. Let's also pray for friends and family who get too wrapped up in people-pleasing and deny what God would have them do. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #PeoplePleaser #ask #gospel #calling #supplication #judged #prayer #seekGod #serve #listen #stop #SpiritualGift #SermonOnTheMount #epistles #Church #ChurchBody #Christ #Acts

Proverbs

 

When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Proverbs 16:7 ESV 

The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.

Proverbs 29:25 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for guidance from our loving Father. Let's ask Him what He wants us to do or say. Pray that in everything we do, we please Him. Let's also pray for friends and family who get too wrapped up in people-pleasing and deny what God would have them do. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #PeoplePleaser #ask #gospel #calling #supplication #judged #prayer #seekGod #serve #listen #stop #SpiritualGift #SermonOnTheMount #epistles #Church #ChurchBody #Christ #Proverbs

Stop and listen

 

This last sentence of today's Bible verse, "and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord" made me wonder how difficult is it to determine what pleases the Lord? I think we know when we're doing something pleasing versus something displeasing, but I believe the real question is, "Am I doing what the Lord has called me to do?"

     There are really two different discussions here. We can behave in a way that is Christlike and that pleases Him. How we handle situations and how we treat others are situations where it's pretty easy to know right from wrong. Doing the best we can to adhere to the Ten Commandments (as elaborated on by Jesus. Read the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew Chapters 5-7), meaning: trying not to hate because to hate is to commit murder in our hearts, trying not to get caught up in lust, because that is committing adultery in our hearts, etc. Even if we stumble, we know whether or not we please Him.

     The other discussion that is more difficult to grasp is doing what God has called us to do. As the Church, we're to serve one another, love one another as ourselves, serve one another. As individuals, and this is where it gets tricky, God has given each of us certain gifts and He tasks us to do specific things for the Kingdom. In this way, we are all different parts of the same body, working separately (yet together) to make a unified body which is the Church.

     There is so much to unpack in all of this, but I can't do it here. It's all in the epistles, and I get really excited about exploring what God wants me to do for Him. This is really the basis for the book I'm writing and for what I'm developing to become my "ministry." It all comes down to listening to God. Talk to Him. Ask Him what he wants you to do for Him. Then, be still and listen. That will please Him.

For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.

Ephesians 5:8-10 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for guidance from our loving Father. Let's ask Him what He wants us to do or say. Pray that in everything we do, we please Him. Let's also pray for friends and family who get too wrapped up in people-pleasing and deny what God would have them do. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #PeoplePleaser #ask #gospel #calling #supplication #judged #prayer #seekGod #serve #listen #stop #SpiritualGift #SermonOnTheMount #epistles #Church #ChurchBody #Christ

Keep your focus on God

 

I've been writing this blog geared mostly to "7th Hour Prayer Power" for over 3-1/2 years, so there are going to be certain Bible verses that get mentioned multiple times. Those certain verses just seem to fit so many different situations. Isn't it amazing how God does that?

     The verse that I chose for today was Colossians 3:23 (ESV):

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

to illustrate that even when we do have to please others (at work-work, for example) we can do the task as if we're doing it for the Lord. In this way, we will keep our focus on Him.
     It occurred to me that I've shared this verse recently, so I searched and it turns out I did three months ago:
On March 25, 2021 "Work heartily" - shared just the verse as part of our prayers for the unemployed.

On September 9, 2020 "Work heartily" - shared a post about going through lockdown and then being able to return to work.

     So I won't title this post "Work heartily", and it has nothing to do with being employed or not. Over the past two years, I've been more deliberate about focusing on God. A result of that is I'm becoming more burdened when I think or feel in un-Christlike ways. What I didn't expect was that it would draw me closer to Him. It has strengthened our relationship. I feel God's presence in a way I've never experienced before. It's both exciting and scary--the scary part is the added responsibility of doing what's right, or at least, attempting to.
     If you don't know what I'm talking about, you can ask me to explain further. You can also pray about it. Pray for God to bring you closer to Him. Tell Him that you want to please Him and then work heartily on that.

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Please join me this week in praying for guidance from our loving Father. Let's ask Him what He wants us to do or say. Pray that in everything we do, we please Him. Let's also pray for friends and family who get too wrapped up in people-pleasing and deny what God would have them do. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #PeoplePleaser #ask #gospel #calling #supplication #judged #prayer #seekGod #serve

1 Thessalonians 2:4

 

But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.

1 Thessalonians 2:4 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for guidance from our loving Father. Let's ask Him what He wants us to do or say. Pray that in everything we do, we please Him. Let's also pray for friends and family who get too wrapped up in people-pleasing and deny what God would have them do. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #PeoplePleaser #ask #gospel #calling #supplication #judged #prayer #seekGod #serve

Please God not man

 

Don't tell my husband I'm sharing this, but...

When he and I split up a few years ago, one of the contributing factors was that it drove him crazy that I'm on my computer all the time. (To be fair, I am always on it.) There were times when I was on my laptop, and simultaneously using my cellphone and tablet. So then when we got back together, I said I would try to limit it. As you can imagine, that lasted about a week. Coincidentally, he started a bible study around that time which occupied nearly all of his free time. So, I felt like that was my cue to explain to him everything I'm doing online: writing a book, a blog, gathering biblical information for both and for a life group I lead, and for bible studies, I was in. 

     All these years he just thought I was on social media the way he used to be; he never asked me what I was doing and I never felt compelled to explain myself. Our whole break-up was the result of a breakdown in communication. (Not just over this, but other things, as well.)

     We're doing much better now but I still feel like he's judging my computer time even though he isn't. Sunday he was sitting outside and I wanted to join him but I had to charge my laptop and plus, it was really hot out. So, I was struggling with, 'do I stay inside where I'm comfortable and work on my book, or go outside for some quality time and be miserable?' I opted for staying inside. Later he came in and we hung out then, so it was all fine. (I put away my laptop.)

     It's just that residual feeling that he resents me being on the computer and my struggle of turning it off, that stresses me out sometimes. I know we're past that now but I feel like I need to please him. I want to reiterate, this is all me. He's not doing or saying anything to make me feel torn. I just had to realize Sunday that if I'm doing something to please God (writing a book to inspire other Christians) then I'm doing the right thing with my spare time.

     We can apply this thought process to everything we do: Why am I doing this? Does it please God? Does it bring Him glory? If the answer to the last two questions is 'yes' then keep it up. Don't let anyone, any person stand in your way.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2 ESV

You may also like:

"Be true"

"An angry fool"

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Please join me this week in praying for guidance from our loving Father. Let's ask Him what He wants us to do or say. Pray that in everything we do, we please Him. Let's also pray for friends and family who get too wrapped up in people-pleasing and deny what God would have them do. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #PeoplePleaser #ask #gospel #calling #supplication #judged #prayer #seekGod #serve

Are you a people pleaser?

 

I don't know what I was doing yesterday that brought this to mind (well, yeah, I remember now--I'll talk about that later), but I feel like I'm always being judged by people. Maybe it's paranoia, or maybe I am being judged, who knows? Either way, I tend to react to those feelings instead of remaining true to myself, true to the person God created me to be.

     I want to change this about myself and have made great strides, but there's more work to do here. The most significant example is what I don't do and what I don't say because I fear the reaction I'll get. God has made it as easy as possible for me to talk about Him to others, yet there are still instances when I don't follow through because of that tinge of "fear". 

     We live in a country where we really don't know the full extent of being persecuted for our faith, yet we still fear sharing the gospel.

     This isn't just about sharing the gospel, either. It's about our priorities in this life. We're here to serve and love one another, but we are to please God, not man.

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Galatians 1:10 ESV

You may also like:

• "No fear"
• "Like nails in a fence"
• "Support your local missionary"

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Please join me this week in praying for guidance from our loving Father. Let's ask Him what He wants us to do or say. Pray that in everything we do, we please Him. Let's also pray for friends and family who get too wrapped up in people-pleasing and deny what God would have them do. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #PeoplePleaser #ask #gospel #calling #supplication #judged #prayer #seekGod #serve

Philippians 4:19

 

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19 ESV

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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 #assistance #praywithoutceasing #strength #prayer #seekGod #Lord

1 Peter 5:7

 

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

1 Peter 5:7 ESV

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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 #assistance #praywithoutceasing #strength #prayer #seekGod #Lord

Do this when you need help

 

Do you ever think something is too trivial to take to the Lord in prayer? Or, do you think something is so huge that God must have allowed it, therefore won't help you through? Do you feel like God must hate you or is punishing you?

     Whatever your thoughts are along those lines, put them aside. Hear me when I say: God wants you to take everything to Him in prayer.

     When you need help, hope, strength, love, pray about it. When you've lost your keys, pray about it. When you are living with chronic pain, pray about it. 

     Our Father loves us. We are His children. Ask Him for help. He may send another of His children to lift you up. He may even remind you where you left your keys. He may strengthen you to see you through another day.

 

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

1 Chronicles 16:11 ESV 

You may also like:

- "A life of prayer"

- "In Jesus' name"

- "Say it loud"

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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 #assistance #praywithoutceasing #strength #prayer #seekGod #Lord

My anxious thoughts

Daily Bible Verse

Search me, O God, and know my heart;

Try me, and know my anxieties;

Psalm 139:23 NKJV

Be Blessed

Daily Bible Verse

Blessed are the undefiled in the way,

Who walk in the law of the Lord!

Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,

Who seek Him with the whole heart!

Psalm 119:1-2 NKJV

The peace of God

Daily Bible Verse

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, 

to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Colossians 3:15 NKJV

Dwell in the secret place

Daily Bible Verse

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High

Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalms 91:1 NKJV

Have you not known?

Daily Bible Verse

Have you not known?

Have you not heard?

The everlasting God, the Lord,

The Creator of the ends of the earth,

Neither faints nor is weary.

His understanding is unsearchable.

Isaiah 40:28 (NKJV)

God searches our hearts

Daily Bible Verse

I, the Lord, search the heart,

I test the mind,

Even to give every man according to his ways,

According to the fruit of his doings.

Jeremiah 17:10 (NKJV)

God rewards those who seek Him

Daily Bible Verse

 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, 

for he who comes to God must believe that He is, 

and that He is a rewarder of those 

who diligently seek Him.

Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)