Strength through Christ

The book of Philippians is Paul's letter to the people of Phillipi while he is under house arrest. In these passages toward the end of his letter, he's thanking them for their generosity. They had been helping Paul meet his minimal needs whenever possible so that he could concentrate on his ministry. He learned how to be content with whatever he had even though there were times that he went hungry and times he suffered.
     The Pastor recently preached on this last chapter of Philippians and stated that 4:13 is the most quoted and the most misquoted Bible verse. He said it was misquoted because it was taken out of context, so I'm including verses 10-12 also and giving you the brief synopsis above so you can have the background information leading up to this verse.
     Personally, I cling to it as a standalone verse. My intent here is not to teach you, only to share what I feel are relevant bible verses and some personal stories to accompany the subjects of our prayers for the week. But since I recently learned this information, I decided to share it as well and you can take away what you want from it.
     Just remember, God is our Father. Go to Him with thanksgiving and with needs. Don't hesitate to ask for help. I derive strength through Christ.

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:10-13 NKJV (emphasis mine)
Remember to share this with someone who's struggling.

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Please join me this week in spreading encouragement to those who are struggling spiritually, mentally, or physically.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Instagram @archadia27
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

When I'm weak I'm strong

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for 

My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 

Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, 

that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, 

in persecutions, in distresses, 

for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NKJV

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Please join me this week in spreading encouragement to those who are struggling spiritually, mentally, or physically.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Instagram @archadia27
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Be strong

Yesterday I had a bad day at work. A lot of it was pride (someone stepping on my toes and doing stuff the wrong way) but regardless, it was tough. My first temptation was to just leave for the rest of the day but I decided to take my own advice and just stop and pray. I put on headphones and listened to an audio version of the bible for a while and calmed down. I prayed for guidance and for God to lead me where He wants me to be, and it just lifted the burden.

Be strong and of good courage, 

do not fear nor be afraid of them; 

for the Lord your God, 

He is the One who goes with you. 

He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV

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Please join me this week in spreading encouragement to those who are struggling spiritually, mentally, or physically.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Instagram @archadia27
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

I will uphold you

Fear not, for I am with you;

Be not dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you,

Yes, I will help you,

I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

Isaiah 41:10 NKJV

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Please join me this week in spreading encouragement to those who are struggling spiritually, mentally, or physically.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Instagram @archadia27
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Ten Thirteen

This is a weird thing...I noticed several years ago, while I was lost, that I happened to look at the clock at 10:13 am and pm nearly every day. It happened so often yet I was always surprised by it (and a little freaked out). Then, I came upon this bible verse and decided that was the reason behind it. Whether it was or not, I found comfort in it.

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; 

but God is faithful, 

who will not allow you to be tempted 

beyond what you are able, 

but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, 

that you may be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV
How encouraging is that?!

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Please join me this week in spreading encouragement to those who are struggling spiritually, mentally, or physically.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Instagram @archadia27
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Physical struggles

This past week we've had prayer requests for people who are sick with a cold, the flu, a break in a woman's spinal cord, breast cancer, lymphedema, recovering from surgery, and a little girl who is sick with a high fever and dehydrated. No matter the struggle, God is there for us. We can rest in the assurances of His love, comfort, and strength.
     We don't have the answers, but we can be an encouragement to those who are struggling. In bad times and in good, we need to glorify God. I saw that so often in chemo. People were weak, sickly, yet they gave thanks. They showed gratitude for having medicine and facilities to help them. They smiled and laughed as they spoke to the nurses and one another. The volunteers told us about their experiences with cancer and gave us hope that we would be back to "normal" soon, too.
     I think having hope and a grateful heart heals us. Pray on what you're thankful for.
     Please share this with someone who needs these words today.

 The Lord is my strength and song,

And He has become my salvation;

He is my God, and I will praise Him;

My father’s God, and I will exalt Him.

Exodus 15:2 NKJV

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Please join me this week in spreading encouragement to those who are struggling spiritually, mentally, or physically.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Instagram @archadia27
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Share words of encouragement

I have met three people in the last few weeks who have shared that they're alcoholics and who are looking for the strength to quit. My heart goes out to them because of all of the struggles they face while trying to quit. Not only the physical side effects of withdrawal but also the mental effect of losing what has been like a friend and comfort for them for years; alcohol cheered them up, made all of their problems go away (temporarily). It was something to do when bored. Something to do when lonely. Something to do when celebrating. It was always there, but as these three people have come to realize, abusing alcohol comes with a price. People die from it, either directly because of what it does to the body, or indirectly because someone chose to drink and drive, accidentally killing an innocent person who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
     Alcoholism is a disease and it can't be cured overnight, and I believe that it can't be cured alone. Some would say you're never cured. Either way, seek help and support. Get out of the house and be around people. If you live in the Dayton area and want to go to an AA meeting, let me know and I'll go with you.
     If you know someone who is struggling with alcoholism (or anything), let's pay forward words of encouragement this week. For this week of prayer, send the bible verse image for each day to someone who needs to hear it. You may just help get them through the day.

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, 

but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
     You have it in you to quit because you have the Spirit of God within you.

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Please join me this week in spreading encouragement to those who are struggling spiritually, mentally, or physically.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Instagram @archadia27
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power