The real enemy

It never fails that when I start to try to improve myself to be a better image-bearer for Christ that the real enemy comes after me with a vengeance. He tries to distract me from my purpose with either something shiny (like new material possessions) or with insignificant but completely frustrating trials. This week he used both tactics. That's how I know I'm on the right path, though. For him to put so much effort in me, I feel like I'm leveling up, so to speak, in my ambition to become the person Christ wants me to be. I get goosebumps thinking about it!
     How's your week in prayer going so far? I can tell a real difference at work. With me changing my attitude, and praying for both of us, and trying to find likable aspects in the other person, we have been getting along better, even talking a little bit and it's just been an amazing transformation. I pray that you are seeing changes in your own life. The power of prayer is just so amazing! I honestly cannot understand why everyone doesn't pray.
     I found the above image on Pixabay; it was created by Joan Cabras. I know I give credit on the photo's properties but feel like it needs to be included in the body of text here, also because this took some thought. I've said this before, but it continues to amaze me: the outcry for tolerance in this country is almost deafening, yet those same people spread hate and shame others, and are extremely judgmental. They're nearly impossible to deal with because they talk out of both sides of their mouths. So, even though it isn't January 1st (we can make resolutions at any time of the year after all), I thought we could meditate on these things in our pursuit of loving everyone.
1. Delete hate
2. Practice tolerance
3. Demand wisdom
4. Remember compassion/empathy
5. Replace fear with love

Beloved, let us love one another, 

for love is from God, 

and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

1 John 4:7 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for guidance, strength, wisdom, and courage for each of us to love everyone as Jesus commands us.

I'll post daily reminders on:

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

Compassion and tolerance

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Please join our prayer group as we spend the week praying for the elderly. Please ask God for guidance as to how to make a difference in the lives of those older than ourselves. 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

Peace starts here

I have been deep in thought all week. In these times of "political correctness" and "tolerance", there exists a volatility still, that divides us and may someday destroy us. I'm starting to think that the political correctness is just for show. Maybe people really aren't tolerant, but act like it in order to avoid backlash.

Maybe he was elected because his inappropriate comments are what people are really thinking/feeling.

I pray this isn't true.

I ended up taking this past week off from writing, basically, because someone read this post and advised me to be sure to speak the truth. So, I've spent the week researching and thinking and soul searching. I asked God, "What do you want me to do?" He answered, and I have my work cut out for me; which is a good thing.

I was raised to not talk about religion or politics. Additionally, because of  certain episodes in my past, I withdrew into a silent, weak, middle-of-the-road person, and kept most of my thoughts and feelings and opinions to myself. But, I feel that the time has come to break my silence. Surely, there are people like me, who share my feelings and ideas, who could benefit from what I have to say, if only to feel that none of us are alone.

If there's backlash, then, so be it. I want to hear both sides of every story. It's the only way to honestly, truthfully be able to form my own opinions.  For every truth or fact, there may be many interpretations. Those interpretations could be formed from a bias, only hearing what one wants to hear, or from previous knowledge, or any number of reasons.

For example, if I say "The sky is blue." That's a fact, a truth.
But, for the person who's colorblind, he may say, "No. It's grey." or
for the person who is depressed, "No. It's overcast. Looks like rain."
for the person halfway around the world, "No. The sun is setting. The sky is red, orange, and yellow."

I believe that this is what happens with us, and why we all seem to see the exact same thing but, perceive it differently. Each one of us is an individual, unique. That's a good thing. We just need to know that and embrace it; listen to different opinions with an open mind. Let go of the anger, resentment, hatred. Be the blessing.