Author: dennisconrad

Categories
Wisdom Prayer

God Bears Us Up?

God Bears Us Up?

Dear Lord, I pay for wisdom for those who realize it is the Lord who daily bears us up. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Jesus says in Matthew 11:28 (ESV), “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

The notes in the English Standard Version explains that the word “us” in Psalm 68:19-20 (ESV) refers to Israel. “Salvation” in the verse refers to protection from enemies, which means military victories over them:

“Blessed be the Lord,
who daily bears us up;
God is our salvation. Selah
Our God is a God of salvation,
and to God, the Lord, belong deliverances from death.”

Although the context of this verse may be Ancient Israel, the ideas of blessed be the Lord and God providing salvation—even if it is a military victory—gives us hope. The psalmist knows God is involved in the daily lives of God’s people.

When enemies swarm against you, won’t you ask God to bear you up? Praise him for his deliverance from death via the cross.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

Categories
Wisdom Prayer

Kings Will Bear Gifts?

Kings Will Bear Gifts?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know kings will bear gifts to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The story of God’s power goes back to the time of creation.

David, the psalmist, in Psalm 68:28-29 (ESV) appeals God to use his power. Moreover, David knows the Temple at Jerusalem provides a testimony to the greatness of the God of Israel, so much so, kings will bear gifts.

“Summon your power, O God,
the power, O God, by which you have worked for us.
Because of your temple at Jerusalem
kings shall bear gifts to you.”

Today, God has power. A person can be reborn a new creation. (See the story of Nicodemus in John 3:1-5). If you are king or not, will you bear gifts to God?

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

Categories
Wisdom Prayer

Make His Face to Shine Upon Us?

Make His Face to Shine Upon Us?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who want your face to shine upon them. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In the verses of Psalm 67:1-7 (ESV), the psalmist asks for God’s grace and blessing. He goes on to declare that God’s way should be known on earth.

67 May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face to shine upon us, Selah
2 that your way may be known on earth,
your saving power among all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you!

4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you judge the peoples with equity
and guide the nations upon earth. Selah
5 Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you!

6 The earth has yielded its increase;
God, our God, shall bless us.
7 God shall bless us;
let all the ends of the earth fear him!

Ponder the power of this one Psalm to make God a personal God. The optimism is contagious. “God shall bless us.” How powerful is that? Jesus, God’s Son, has the saving power that can be among all nations.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

Categories
Uncategorized

A Different Kind of Christmas

A Different Kind of Christmas

Remember the good old days when everything came together for Christmas.

All seemed to fall into place including the preparation, decorations, friends, family, and food. The celebrations made for a perfect holiday.

This year will not be the same. Whether it is because of the pandemic, or a family member with chronic illness, special needs, or dementia, this Christmas season will not replicate the fond memories of the past.

It is time to create new memories.

If this is going to be a different kind of Christmas, why not make the best of it. Adjust expectations and cater to your loved one’s needs.

One idea is to stretch out the season over a number of days. Instead of everything happening on Christmas day, schedule several more manageable events and activities like the following:

Tree Shopping                         Decorate the Tree

Family Visits                           Gift Exchange

Go See Christmas Lights        Bake Christmas Cookies

Watch a Holiday Movie          Enjoy Hot Coco

Listen to Christmas Music      Sing Christmas Carols

Send Christmas Cards            Go Christmas Shopping

Have a Special Dinner            Enjoy a Pizza Lunch

Attend a Church Service        Watch a Christmas Special

As things become more hectic, please be flexible. Give yourself grace. Take time to enjoy the season for what it truly is, the celebrations of the birth of Jesus Christ. Enjoy!

Tell me what you think below and please join me every day as we pray for wisdom by taking part in the Wisdom Prayer Challenge.

Categories
Wisdom Prayer

God Listens?

God Listens?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know that God has listened and attended to the voice of their prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Listening skills are vital to good relationships. According to statistics gathered by communication researchers, best friends bond because of good listening habits. God listens to the pleas of his people.

Psalm 66:16-20 (ESV) declares, ‘Blessed be God.’

“Come and hear, all you who fear God,
and I will tell what he has done for my soul.
I cried to him with my mouth,
and high praise was on my tongue.
If I had cherished iniquity in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened.
But truly God has listened;
he has attended to the voice of my prayer.

Blessed be God,
because he has not rejected my prayer
or removed his steadfast love from me! ”

How are your listening skills? Do you take time to listen to what God is saying and what God is asking you to do? Do you believe, like the psalmist, that God listens well? Ponder answered prayers and give praise.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

Categories
Uncategorized Wisdom Prayer

The Red Sea and Jordan River?

The Red Sea and Jordan River?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know God led his chosen people through the Red Sea and the River Jordan. In Jesus’ name, amen.

A sign reads “Jordan River” at the entrnace to Bethany-Beyond-the-Jordan, a popular tourist site where people can visit the Jordanian side of the Jordan River.

When faced with the everyday challenges, how often do most people think of how mighty God is. If he can part the Red Sea and make the Jordan River passable, we should never underestimate what he is able to do.

Psalm 66:5-7 (ESV) beckons one to recall God’s power and to rejoice.

“Come and see what God has done:
he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.
He turned the sea into dry land;
they passed through the river on foot.
There did we rejoice in him,
who rules by his might forever,
whose eyes keep watch on the nations—
let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah ”

Imagine what it would have been like to be with those who walked through the Red Sea or the Jordan River. How awesome are God’s deeds. Indeed!

Tell me what you think in the comments below.