Author: dennisconrad

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Wisdom Prayer

Actually Touch Christ?

Actually Touch Christ?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who believe that Jesus appeared in the flesh after his crucifixion and resurrection. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Some would like to undermine the Gospel of Christ by suggesting that Jesus appeared to throngs of people after his resurrection as some kind of spirit and not as in flesh and blood. This is specifically refuted when John writes about having touched Jesus physically.

1 John 1:1-2 (ESV) says,
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us.”

Don’t be misled. Christ arose physically from the dead. He was touched by others. This testimony is blessed assurance that Scripture is true. Believe!

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Wisdom Prayer

Associating with Bad Company?

Associating with Bad Company?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know that bad company ruins good morals. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Parents are often concerned when their children associate with the wrong crowd. Why is associating with the wrong group of people so dangerous?

Apostle Paul writing in 1 Corinthians 15:33 (ESV) explains why.

“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’”

Is there someone you should not be associating with on a regular or irregular basis? If so, take Paul’s comment seriously. Take steps to distance yourself. Don’t hesitate. Do it now!

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Wisdom Prayer

Believe in the Resurrection?

Believe in the Resurrection?

Dear Lord I pray for wisdom for those who believe Christ has been raised from the dead. In Jesus’ name, amen.

There is independent evidence written about Jesus in ancient writings other than Scripture.

Consider what Josephus, a Jewish historian, wrote about Christ:

“3. (63) Now, there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works-a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews, and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ; (64) and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day. (The Antiquities of the Jews, Book 18, Chapter 3; From The Works of Josephus, translated by William Whiston; Hendrickson Publishers, 1987)”

Apostle Paul states clearly that Christ’s resurrection has to be true or else. Or else what? See 1 Corinthians 15:14 (ESV):

“And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.”

Even independent verification from the time of the apostles is not enough to convince some. Trust the Bible is true. Trust the evidence of Christ’s resurrection, and know your faith is not in vain.

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Wisdom Prayer

O Death, Where Is Your Victory?

O Death, Where Is Your Victory?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for believers who know they have victory over death. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The very thought of victory over death is powerful. Believers are assured of eternal life in John 3:16 (ESV):

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

This is reinforced by the Apostle Paul writing in 1 Corinthians 15:53-56 (ESV):

”For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’
‘O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?’”

Be confident of victory over death.

This is Good News indeed. It is time to sing the song,
“Go Tell it On The Mountain.” Go tell it now.

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The Two-Dollar Bill and the declaration of independence

The Two-Dollar Bill and the Declaration of Independence

The Two-Dollar Bill and the Declaration of Independence

Independence Day provides a time to watch fireworks explode and see the rocket’s red glare. As you ponder the significance of 4th of July, take time to be thankful we live in America, the home of the brave, and the land of the free.

Not long ago, I stepped up to a bank teller’s window and boldly asked, “Do you have any two-dollar bills?” I wasn’t optimistic.

The teller smiled, and said, “Yes, I do. We just got some.” She excused herself, and in less than a minute she returned.

As she looked through the bills to be sure the ones I was getting were crisp, I was getting excited. Then I recalled what a friend had told me a few days earlier. “They never have any when I ask. I think the tellers and the other bank employees must be keeping them for themselves.”

The ones I got were issued in 1976, America’s Bicentennial. The two dollar-bill beautifully commemorates the signing on July 4, 1776. The picture on the back is entitled Declaration of Independence. It was painted by John Trumbull and hangs in the United States Capitol.

I urge you to look closely at a two-dollar bill. Ponder the fact that by signing the Declaration, the founding fathers were risking their lives and property. And also recall that the freedom of religion was guaranteed by the Bill of Rights when it was ratified in 1791. Keep the faith.

Give away a two-dollar bill to a young person, and keep the flame of freedom alive for generations to come.

The two-dollar bill is the inspiration for one of my forthcoming children’s picture books. Sign up for my newsletter to get information about when it will be released.

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

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Wisdom Prayer

Are You Watchful?

Are You Watchful?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who are watchful and standing firm. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Lookouts towers on mountaintops are set up to watch for the first signs of fire. Once detected, resources can be called upon to deal with the blaze. Likewise, believers need to be watchful and more. 

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (ESV) issues a call to action:

“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”

Apostle Paul’s twelve-word statement is worth unpacking.
Be watchful for those who try to spread false doctrine and sow discontent among believers.

Stand firm in personal faith in Christ and in the face of persecution and temptation. When it says, “act like men,” Apostle Paul gives two men of faith as examples: Apollos and Stephanas.

Being strong can mean physical and mental toughness when it comes to defending the faith against false teachers. All of these need to be done in love.

Imagine yourself in a lookout tower. It all starts with being watchful.

Tell me what you think below.