Author: dennisconrad

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Wisdom Prayer

Give Ear?

Give Ear?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who ask you to give ear to their cry. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Today, some people are so preoccupied with themselves that their listening skills have deteriorated.

Studies indicate that even though people rank high when it comes to listening to their bosses at work, they often have poorer listening habits when it comes to interactions with family.

In Psalm 39:12-13, the psalmist, David, pleads with the Lord to listen:

“Hear my prayer, O Lord,
and give ear to my cry;
hold not your peace at my tears!
For I am a sojourner with you,
a guest, like all my fathers.
Look away from me, that I may smile again,
before I depart and am no more!”

Avoid selective hearing and poor listening habits. Make every effort to become attentive. Go ahead. Ask the Lord to hear the cry of your heart.

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Wisdom Prayer

Do Not Forsake Me?

Do Not Forsake Me?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who are desperate for God’s help. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Around the globe, many live in cultures of instant gratification, fast food, and on-demand viewing. One benefit is convenience. Yet, when dealing with God, his timing is not our timing. We should not expect to have an instant answer to prayer, for God can answer “yes, “no,” or “wait.”

The Psalmist, David, in Psalm 38:21-22 (ESV) asks for a prompt response:

“Do not forsake me, O Lord! O my God, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!”

Thank God for his perfect timing. Praise him for access to his throne room.

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From The Author

Data Mining Leads to Great Discoveries

Data Mining Leads to Great Discoveries

Data mining is the process of sifting through a large amount of unusable raw data to extract useful information.

A few years ago, I set out to data mine the accumulation of things in my garage. I started to go through file cabinets with drawers filled to the brim, bankers boxes with reams of filed and unfiled paper, journals, and notebooks.

Inside my home, I looked through long-forgotten computer files and shelves of pamphlets and books.

In the process of systematically searching, I made a host of discoveries along the way.  One example follows:

A square envelop revealed a single folded card with the words “Certificate of Baptism.”

Would it be my mother’s or mine?

Opening it revealed a thin sheet of slightly transparent tissue paper concealing the name.

The left side offered an engraved image of Jesus in robes with long hair and a beard. He was holding a staff. There was a picture with sheep and scenery.

Under the picture it read, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. St. Matthew 28:19”

On the other side of the card written in ornate calligraphy printing the words:

“Certificate of Baptism, This Certifies that DENNIS ALAN CONRAD ,,,California, was by me Baptized in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost On the Tenth day of June In the Year of our Lord 1962.

At Bethel Lutheran Church.

Los Angeles, CA.

Willis F. Erickson

Pastor”

Don’t delay. Start data mining today. You never know what discoveries you may find. Happy hunting.

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.

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Wisdom Prayer

Declare, Proclaim, and Shout?

Declare, Proclaim, and Shout?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom about when and how to proclaim your wondrous deeds. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Declare what the Lord has done. Proclaim his holy name. Shout it from the rooftops. Go tell it on the mountain.

Psalm 40:4-5 (ESV) encourages us to share the Good News:

“Blessed is the man who makes
the Lord his trust,
who does not turn to the proud,
to those who go astray after a lie!
You have multiplied, O Lord my God,
your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;
none can compare with you!
I will proclaim and tell of them,
yet they are more than can be told.”

Pray for those who have never heard about the Lord. Trust God to give you the right words the next time you have an opportunity to share the Gospel.

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Wisdom Prayer

Sing a New Song?

Sing a New Song?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who sing a new song to the Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Hymns that combine familiar melodies and lyrics with a message warm hearts.

Likewise, praise songs and newer songs with warm sentiments inspire genuine worship.

The fellowship I attend offers three services every Sunday with three different musical styles. In one service there are hymns, another has both praise songs and hymns, and still another has very contemporary worship music.

Psalm 40:3 (ESV) reminds us the goal of sacred music is praise.

“He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the Lord.”

The result is a person trusting the Lord.” Take a moment and think of a favorite song. Right now hum or sing praise to the Lord.

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Wisdom Prayer

Out of the Pit of Destruction?

Out of the Pit of Destruction?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who trust God to draw them out of the pit of destruction. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ever walk on an uneven path? In doing so, a person becomes acutely aware of their balance, and takes each step cautiously.

In Psalm 40:1-2 (ESV), the psalmist takes us on a journey from the pit of destruction to being surefooted.

“I waited patiently for the Lord;
he inclined to me and heard my cry.
He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
making my steps secure.”

God can make our way safe and secure.

Seek the Lord. Be wise. Ask for help.

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