Author: dennisconrad

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Wisdom Prayer

Building Up Others?

Building Up Others?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who build others up. In Jesus’ name, amen.

As a college public speaking teacher, I would use the term “slang alert” for any off-color language used in my class. Vulgar slang received a grade reduction. Our culture has become very permissive in this area, and in many places, civil discourse is reduced to vulgar name-calling. Language like this can be used to ridicule and harm.

The Apostle Paul warns against this in Ephesians 4:29 (ESV) when he writes:
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

He goes on to say in Ephesians 5:4:
“Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.”

Grace and thanksgiving can be used to build others up. Do these and watch what happens.

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Wisdom Prayer

Will the Sun Go Down On Your Anger?

Will the Sun Go Down On Your Anger?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who will not let the sun go down on their anger. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Words said in anger can change the dynamics of any relationship.

When disputes and disagreements escalate, things can go from bad to worse.

Scripture has advice for anyone involved in a disagreement that has provoked anger.

The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 4:26-27 (ESV):
“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.”

My wife and I have had our share of disagreements. Most resulted in bruised egos and hurt feelings. But sometimes there was anger.

We had a rule. Our rule was to never go to sleep angry with each other. Sometimes disputes led to our having discussions into the wee hours of the morning, but we kept our promise to never let the sun go down on our anger.

If you are angry with another person, take steps to resolve it.

Don’t let Satan drive a wedge between you and the other person. One psychologist gave advice to men something along the lines of apologize early and often. This has worked for me. Keep smiling.

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Wisdom Prayer

Put On the New Self?

Put On the New Self?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know it is important to put on the new self. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Christians who accept Jesus at a very young age are fortunate. Some grow up following Jesus and never fall away. For others there is a distinction between the way a person acts before accepting Christ and how they act after their conversion. In some cases the change can be dramatic.

Apostle Paul in Ephesians 4:20-24 (ESV) writes about life before and after accepting Christ.

“But that is not the way you learned Christ!—assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

Don’t belabor the past. Concentrate on renewal, putting on the new self, and becoming more Christ-like. Your story can draw others to God, so share about how developing a personal relationship with Christ has transformed your life.

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A Tribute Letter

A Tribute Letter to Florence Leona Conrad

A Tribute Letter to Florence Leona Conrad

In 1994, Dennis Rainey, of Family Life, wrote a book with David Boehi titled The Tribute: What Every Parent Longs to Hear… This book was the reason I decided to write a letter of tribute to each of my parents back in the 1990s before they passed away. My wife and I treated my parents to a special meal at an upscale restaurant. It was there that I read the letters to them.

Earlier today, when I rediscovered that Dennis Rainey book on my bookcase, it brought back a flood of memories. Imagine my surprise when I opened the book and discovered the original letters I had written and read to my parents before they passed away.

Thank You, Mother
Written to Florence Leona Conrad

The commandment is clear: “Honor your father and mother.”

In the New Testament, it says in Romans 12:10, “…Honor one another above yourselves.” Now, it is time to pay “tribute” to you, Mom.

I want to you to know I am grateful for so much. As I compiled this list, I got choked up thinking about these and all the selfless decisions you made in favor of our family. I am truly thankful…

For your waving to me as I boarded the bus on my way to elementary school.

For sowing the patches and arrows on my Cub Scout shirt.

For being baptized with me on Pentecost Sunday and supporting my attending Sunday School.

For gingerbread with whipped cream and for letting me lick the whipped cream from the blades of the blender.

For encouraging and putting up with my paraphernalia collecting.

For coming to see me speak at the Optimist Club and attending a special speech night at Los Angeles High School.

For showing concern when my bird, Michael, died.

For hanging plaques and displaying prominently various trophies and other honors. They never seem to tarnish while they resided where you place them.

For serenades you would sing while playing the organ.

For saving truckloads of my old toys and other memorabilia.

For driving me to the Dating Game show and trying to get the tape for so many years.

For going to graduation ceremonies.

For sanding so many pieces of furniture.

For conversations at the end of the day over a snack.

For loving me when I was bad.

I want to acknowledge and praise you for your patience with me. Thank you for forgiving me. You never stopped loving me. For all these things and so many more, I will be eternally grateful.

Love, Dennis.

Join me every day as we pray for wisdom by taking part in the Wisdom Prayer Challenge.

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Wisdom Prayer

Do You Hear God’s Call?

Do You Hear God’s Call?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who are called by God. In Jesus’ name, amen.

I occasionally listen to The Christy Wright Show podcasts. She is affiliated with Dave Ramsey, a radio personality known for his book, The Total Money Makeover.

Christy was recently sharing ideas about the two types of calling: She said there are those who are called to work in a particular profession. Then there are those who are called by God to live through a particular season of life. Although both can be God’s call, the latter can take on great significance for believers.

Apostle Paul writing in Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV) says,
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

These verses provide guidance for walking through work and also the various seasons of life. To be humble, gentle, patient, loving, and having a spirit of unity in the bond of peace can immediately change one’s perspective. Instead of living a life of drudgery at work or just getting by during a difficult season of life, God can walk along side of you on your journey.

Take on the attributes listed in Ephesians 4, so you can best be used by God.

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Wisdom Prayer

Who Gets the Glory?

Who Gets the Glory?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those willing to say, “To God be the glory.” In Jesus’ name, amen.

I was teaching English in South Korea the summer of 2012.

My adult students had been studying about missions and practicing their English pronunciation. After a month of intensive study, it was graduation day.

The keynote speaker was dynamic, and it was the first time I heard Ephesians 3:20-21:

The English Standard Version says,
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

This verse was a wonderful reminder of the power at work within us. Even if life is hard, I urge you to look around for the abundance of blessings in your life and in the lives of others.

Give God the glory for all he has done and will continue to do.

Tell me what you think below.