Author: dennisconrad

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Wisdom Prayer

God Chose Our Heritage?

God Chose Our Heritage?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who will shout to God with loud songs of joy. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Psalm 47 starts out with songs of joy. By the end, the psalmist is sharing about the heritage of the inhabitants of the Promised Land.

When looking at family pictures, especially wedding albums, there is usually at least one picture that shows multiple generations. Such a snapshot provides a frame of reference for family members to ponder. The family tree can include parents, grandparents, and even great grandparents. That is not to mention all the aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Psalm 47:1-4 tells us that God chose our heritage.

“Clap your hands, all peoples!
Shout to God with loud songs of joy!
For the Lord, the Most High, is to be feared,
a great king over all the earth.
He subdued peoples under us,
and nations under our feet.
He chose our heritage for us,
the pride of Jacob whom he loves. Selah “

When we think of our heritage, acknowledge God. Praise God if you have accepted Christ as Lord and savior. You are a child of God. Do as the Psalm says, “Clap your hands with loud songs of joy!”

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Wisdom Prayer

The Lord of Hosts is With Us?

The Lord of Hosts is With Us?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know the Lord of ost is with us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ever watch the news and wonder about how nations make choices? There is a phrase that describes such behavior: Countries act in their own national self-interest? Is there any wonder nations’ parallel human behavior? Even though nations rage and kingdoms totter, God is in control. God is with us.

Psalm 46:4-7 (ESV):

“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah ”

Are you acting in your own interest? Do you think about God being with you?

The impact of this can be life changing for nations and individuals.

When Ancient Israel was following God, the nation thrived. Conversely, when the people abandoned God, calamity followed. The same is true personally. God is with you as you go about your day. Watch how being aware God is with you changes how you conduct yourself and interact with others.

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Wisdom Prayer

A Very Present Help in Trouble?

A Very Present Help in Trouble?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who do not fear though the earth gives way. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Natural disasters often cause fear in the hearts of men. Earthquakes are of particular concern. Sink holes open unexpectedly. Either of these can be unsettling.

Given these and other disasters, those who have a personal relationship with God know he is in control. There is confidence God will be there to help.

The message of Psalm 46:1-3 is clear: we will not fear.

“God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah ”

Rest assured God can be counted on to provide help in times of trouble.

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Wisdom Prayer

Psalm for a King?

Psalm for a King?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those whose heart overflows with a pleasing theme. In Jesus’ name, amen.

According to the notes in the English Standard Version of the Bible, Psalm 45 is written to honor a king the line of David.

The notes go on to say,
“Whether these words are to be sung by the congregation or by a choir, they are addressed to the king.”

The first words of Psalm 45:1-7 honor a man. By verses six and seven the words point to God.

“My heart overflows with a pleasing theme;
I address my verses to the king;
my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.

You are the most handsome of the sons of men;
grace is poured upon your lips;
therefore God has blessed you forever.
Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one,
in your splendor and majesty!

In your majesty ride out victoriously
for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness;
let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!
Your arrows are sharp
in the heart of the king’s enemies;
the peoples fall under you.

Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.
The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness;
you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness.
Therefore God, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”

Imagine these words being sung by the congregation or a choir. Either way, God ultimately gets the glory. Does your heart overflow with a pleasing theme? If so, maybe you want to write your thoughts. If God is leading, take action.

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Wisdom Prayer

Give Thanks Forever?

Give Thanks Forever?

Dear Lord, I pray for those who will give thanks to God forever. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Shouldn’t we be glad that God has saved us from our foes? The answer is a resounding, “Yes!”

How is it that many believers build a wall between the way they act on Sunday and how they act during the rest of the week? Put your trust in God. Trust him to allow you to boast about him continually. Not just on Sunday.

The psalmist in Psalm 44:4-8 puts in perspective who deserves our thanks forever:

“You are my King, O God;
ordain salvation for Jacob!
Through you we push down our foes;
through your name we tread down those who rise up against us.
For not in my bow do I trust,
nor can my sword save me.
But you have saved us from our foes
and have put to shame those who hate us.
In God we have boasted continually,
and we will give thanks to your name forever. Selah”

Has it been a while since you took time to pause and make a list? Thank God. Now.

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Wisdom Prayer

Send Out Your Light and Your Truth?

Send Out Your Light and Your Truth?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who ask you to send out your light and your truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Early in Psalm 43, the psalmist requests help. He is under attack by the ungodly. He is facing the oppression of the enemy. Yet, even with this opposition, he choses to ask God to intervene. He has hope in God.

Psalm 43 (ESV):

“Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause
against an ungodly people,
from the deceitful and unjust man
deliver me!

For you are the God in whom I take refuge;
why have you rejected me?
Why do I go about mourning
because of the oppression of the enemy?

Send out your light and your truth;
let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy hill
and to your dwelling!
Then I will go to the altar of God,
to God my exceeding joy,
and I will praise you with the lyre,
O God, my God.

Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God.”

Never hesitate to ask God to intervene on your behalf. Realize even in face of insurmountable odds, God leads through his light and truth.

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