Support your local missionary

 

One of the prayers from the IMB.org prayer app had this request:

"Please pray for missionaries as they seek to be wise and organized in how they use their time on stateside. Ask God to provide them times of refreshing and time to invest well in churches."

Notice "...invest well in churches." While missionaries are stateside, they're still working. They visit churches and talk about the work they're doing in the field, how many are saved, hardships, and praises. They do this to raise awareness, and, in raising awareness, they're helping to raise money for IMB. It costs a lot to support a missionary. According to Missionary Portal's website:

"...it takes $59,500 a year to support a missionary,..."

"...if every evangelical gave an extra $6.63 for every $10,000 we earn, that would cover all missionary financial costs."

     IMB missionaries are so blessed to be fully funded by IMB directly. Most missionaries don't have this blessing. They spend their time stateside in order to raise money to support themselves for when they return to the field. It's a definite testament to living by faith and trusting fully in the sovereignty of God. It's a practice that goes back to the first missionaries, the disciples.

     Paul praised the Phillippians for supporting him. Apparently, there was a gap in their assistance, but they gave when they had "opportunity."

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. (Phillippians 4:10 ESV)

     He assured them that he wasn't in need, although it was clear that he did without:

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. (Phillippians 4:11-12 ESV)

     His faith, God got him through the hard times:

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Phillippians 4:13 ESV)

     I love how thankful he is. I so wish I could turn the difficult times around like Paul does and see the good in everything. He not only thanks them, but lets them know that God the Father will reward them for their unselfish acts of giving. They're building up treasure in heaven by bearing the "fruit that increases [their] credit."

Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Phillippians 4:14-20 ESV)

     If you are called upon to help sponsor a missionary or an organization that supports missionaries, rest assured you are an integral part of the Great Commission. 

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Please join me this week in praying for our missionaries. Pray for their safety and for their ministry needs. Pray also for the people they are ministering to and those who are still unreached and unengaged.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #give #missionary #GreatCommission #laborers #finance

Kindness and favor

May the LORD now show you kindness and faithfulness, 

and I too will show you the same favor because you have done this. 

2 Samuel 2:6

I pray for you

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God's people. 

Colossians 1:3-4

The importance of supportive parents

I'm very blessed to have been born to my parents. I can't remember one time when they didn't support me Even as a child, they supported whatever interests I developed whether it was dancing, drawing, piano, they made sure I had lessons and the right tools to be the best ballerina, artist, or pianist I could be. The time that means the most to me, though, was when I decided I wanted to become an interior designer. Our high school allowed girls to take drafting classes for the first time ever when I was a junior. I signed up for it just because it was something that I was previously barred from and I fell in love with it. My parents took me downtown to Dayton Blueprint and got me stocked up with a drafting table, t-square, scale, portfolio, graphite and probably twenty other tools of the trade. I still have most of those items because they meant so much to me. While I didn't make it through the interior design program initially, I did get into the architectural field and have been using those initial drafting skills for over 26 years. I feel so very blessed. Thank you, Mom and Dad. 

I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 

2 Timothy 1:3

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Join me this week in praying with an appreciation and gratitude for the person(s) who supports you in life.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Instagram @archadia27
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Bless you

Send this to someone special in your life who has given freely of themselves. Let them know that you lift them up in prayer.

The Lord bless you and keep you;

The Lord make His face shine upon you,

And be gracious to you;

The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,

And give you peace. 

Numbers 6:24-26

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Join me this week in praying with an appreciation and gratitude for the person(s) who supports you in life.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Instagram @archadia27
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Sister girlfriends

I have been blessed with so many wonderful friends. With all of the negative effects of social media, I have been blessed to experience the positive aspects of it. Over ten years ago, I was encouraged by my daughter to join Etsy. I didn't consider myself particularly crafty but I found something that I could make and sell...my husband at the time would joke that at least the dog would eat my cooking, so I took that to heart and made dog treats. Back then, Etsy had forums where you could chat with other Etsians and I met a wonderful young woman there who became my very first customer. I formed a group for people who made handmade items for pets and this woman suggested we have a pet photo contest. That grew into a large group of us who checked in with each other every single day on a forum style format, sharing our lives, trials, and triumphs. Over the years, the group has dwindled down to just 3 of us, the first young woman I met in 2008 and another woman who is so upbeat and encouraging even though she faces daily challenges. We still "talk" every single day. No matter what's going on in our lives, we find time to at least check in with each other. We're like a band of sisters, only more special because we chose each other. Over the past 10 years, these ladies have gotten me through so much, including losing a husband, getting cancer, a new marriage. They are two of the most amazing blessings of my life. I love them and can't imagine the past decade without them. Thank you, my Sister Girlfriends <3

May the Lord reward you for your kindness. 

Ruth 1:8

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Join me this week in praying with an appreciation and gratitude for the person(s) who supports you in life.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Instagram @archadia27
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Earth angel

Hopefully, you have someone in your life you can lean on; someone who will just listen to you when you want to rant but will offer advice when you need it. Hopefully, you have someone in your life who says or does just the right thing just when you need it. Maybe it's a family member, an online friend, a Pastor. Identify that person and send them a text or email today letting them know how grateful you are for them being such an important part of your life, and that you appreciate them. You can include this bible verse:

I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 

Ephesians 1:16 ESV

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Join me this week in praying with an appreciation and gratitude for the person(s) who supports you in life.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Instagram @archadia27
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

He hears you cry

I waited patiently for the Lord;

And He inclined to me,

And heard my cry.

He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,

Out of the miry clay,

And set my feet upon a rock,

And established my steps.

Psalm 40:1-2 NKJV

If you have a drinking problem, God hears your cries. Ask Him for help and guidance. He will answer.

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Please join us this week as we pray for those with a drinking problem. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

An alcoholic

I was so intrigued by the Proverbs 23:29-35 description of one consumed and ruled by alcohol, but I wasn't completely sure what it all meant so I looked to John MacArthur's commentary*. The text in red describes the italicized verse(s) that follows.

This is a riddle:
29 Who has woe?
Who has sorrow?
Who has contentions?
Who has complaints?
Who has wounds without cause?
Who has redness of eyes?
This is the answer:
30 Those who linger long at the wine,
Those who go in search of mixed wine.
This is when it's most intoxicating:
31 Do not look on the wine when it is red,
When it sparkles in the cup,
When it swirls around smoothly;
This is the hangover:
32 At the last it bites like a serpent,
And stings like a viper.
This is the delusion experienced when drunk:
33 Your eyes will see strange things,
And your heart will utter perverse things.
34 Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea,
Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying:
35 “They have struck me, but I was not hurt;
They have beaten me, but I did not feel it.
This is the alcoholics waking thought:
When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?”
Proverbs 23:29-35 (NKJV)

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

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Please join us this week as we pray for those with a drinking problem. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Pray for those who drink

     It's difficult dealing with a loved one who drinks too much. I don't know at what point they go from "drinking too much" to "alcoholic" but it doesn't really matter because both need help. If it's someone you're really close to, you feel hurt, frustrated, angry toward the person for putting you through this and resentment that they won't get help. A lot of the time, they maybe won't even be willing to admit that they need help, and those that do aren't "ready" to do anything about it because deep down, they don't want to quit.
     It's the Spirit fighting the flesh. Our sinful human hearts want the things we want, but deep down, we know it's wrong.
     The Bible often lists drunkenness right up there with idolatry, stealing, and adultery:

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 ESV

     Let's pray for the people who we know have a drinking problem that they may seek help. If you don't know anyone who drinks, then please pray for those within the church who have a problem, maybe that they will even seek you out and ask for help.

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Please join us this week as we pray for those who are alcoholics. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

you did it to Me

     And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

     “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’

     “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’
Matthew 25:40-45 NKJV

Help the poor

He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord,

And He will pay back what he has given.

Proverbs 19:17 (NKJV)

He who gives to the poor will not lack,

But he who hides his eyes will have many curses.

Proverbs 28:27 (NKJV)

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Please join our prayer group as we spend the week praying for the homeless. Please ask God for guidance as to how to make a difference in the lives of those who are struggling. Listen for God's direction. He answers all prayers.

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

Homelessness

A homeless woman

My only encounter with a homeless person was a woman who used to live on the sidewalk in front of the downtown library several years ago. She never asked anything of anyone that I saw. I drove past her every morning on my way to work and she was always diligently transferring her possessions from one trash bag to another. I often wondered what her story was but never had the courage to ask. One time I did stop and give her some food and money. She couldn't eat the food I offered because of allergies, but she accepted the money with a nod of the head. Another time I took her a box of trash bags because I noticed hers were wearing thin. She asked if they were contractor trash bags. I said they weren't, and she waved me on, talking - or rather muttering to herself about quality bags as if I wasn't there. I didn't know what to do or say, so I left. I felt like my two attempts were failures and so I gave up (way too easily).
She was there, day after day for years, surviving really harsh winters, and I only stopped twice in all that time. I see these stories on the news about a good Samaritan helping a homeless person get back on their feet and I feel that I failed her. My hope is that she is with Jesus now and that I've grown in my faith to the point where I'm more confident and able to try again.

 Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.

Proverbs 21:13 ESV

Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. ...

Luke 10:30-37 ESV

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Please join our prayer group as we spend the week praying for the homeless. Please ask God for guidance as to how to make a difference in the lives of those who are struggling. Listen for God's direction. He answers all prayers.

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

Pray for the homeless

     This week we are praying for the homeless. With the below zero temperatures we've been having for the past two days, I'm even more thankful than ever for our house. We have heat, plumbing, electricity, food and a means to cook the food. We have comfortable beds. I can't imagine living outside all of the time even on fair weather days.
     There are many reasons people become homeless, of course, and you never think it will happen to anyone in your family, but it can very easily. That's why I chose the picture above; we don't know the reason a person becomes homeless and it's not fair to make assumptions, especially assumptions that lend itself to a "holier than thou" attitude. I've actually had two family members become homeless in 2018 for just everyday kind of mistakes that anyone could make. Granted, they didn't have to live on the street because they had a family to help them and shelter them, and they were willing to accept that gift. However, it could have easily turned out different. Think about it. A person could become homeless as the result of a messy break-up or divorce, disputes with a landlord or family, loss of job, loss of income when a spouse passes away. It could be bad advice from a bankruptcy attorney, a physical or mental illness, or poor money management skills. Then, there are the more common reasons we think of like a drug or alcohol addiction.
     I have a couple of different aspects I'd like to talk about and pray about this week when it comes to those who are homeless. Hopefully, I'm not the only one with mixed emotions as to how best to help them. The main point though, as a Christian, is to try to help the less fortunate in whatever capacity we can.

“If your brother becomes poor and cannot maintain himself with you, you shall support him as though he were a stranger and a sojourner, and he shall live with you. Take no interest from him or profit, but fear your God, that your brother may live beside you.

Leviticus 25:35-36 ESV

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Please join our prayer group as we spend the week praying for the homeless. Please ask God for guidance as to how to make a difference in the lives of those who are struggling. Listen for God's direction. He answers all prayers.

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

Look for this photo in my posts:

Addiction

Encouragement for those who suffer

Encouragement for the addict and for those who love him/her:
"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."
(1 Peter 5:10 NIV)

Know that this suffering is not forever. Know that God hears your prayers and will answer in His time.

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Please feel free to share if you have any testimony, either about your faith or where you have seen God at work in your life, or someone else's life. Or, share a story of God answering your prayers.
You can either comment below or on our facebook group page: 7th Hour Prayer Power

Pray for someone with an addiction

Addiction is a terrible thing, not only for the physical damage it does to the afflicted person but also for the emotional and spiritual despair it causes for the loved ones of that person. We feel hopeless. We don't know what to do or say and nothing seems to help anyway. However, what we can do is pray. Prayer gives us hope and comfort; we can feel a sense of doing something that will make a real difference because we know that God is listening, and while He's listening, He's also there for us, encouraging us and guiding us, allowing us to minister to the person with the addiction.

Please follow along with our prayer group where we come together with one voice during the 7:00 hour to pray for the people around us. It's our goal to be steadfast and diligent in our prayer lives. As it says in Matthew 18:20 (NIV) Christ stated: "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” I believe that promise to hold true with our online group, also. We know that God hears and answers all prayers. Jesus Himself told us: "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (Matt 7:7-8) Paul wrote: "Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything.” (Phil. 4:6) "and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” (Psalm 50:15 NIV)

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