Author: dennisconrad

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Wisdom Prayer

Are You Irritable?

Are You Irritable?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who want to avoid being irritable. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Irritable and ill-tempered people are sometimes said to be “prickly.” There are those who are self-aware enough to recognize they are. Others are oblivious. Whatever the case, scripture is clear when Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (ESV):

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;”

Get rid of the bad temper, and don’t be cross. Rather, turn to The Cross. Realize Christ’s sacrifice is for you personally. Change. And be released from the bondage of irritability. God has a plan for you to be a blessing to others today and in the future. Be ready!

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Wisdom Prayer

Are You Being Rude?

Are You Being Rude?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who want to stop being rude. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The difference between impolite and courteous people can be obvious.

People say, “I know a person is being rude when I see it.”

Some would argue that rudeness in our culture is at an all-time high. Bad mannered and vulgar people can ruin it for everyone.

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (ESV) says,

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.”

No one is perfect.

Even the most respectful person can have a lapse and become rude on occasion. When it happens: Repent. Thank goodness for God’s amazing grace.

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Wisdom Prayer

Insist On Your Own Way?

Insist On Your Own Way?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who do not insist on their own way. In Jesus’ name, amen.

To insist is to be emphatic. Ever encounter a person who has to have everything their own way? Some control fanatics go so far as to organize everything in the lives of those around them. This is not the way of love.

Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (ESV) says,

”Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.”

There is a distinction between the emphatic perfectionism required for complex machine assembly and controlling behavior. As far as the latter is concerned, there are some who conduct themselves as authoritarian dictators.

Living with a control fanatic?

Operating in only-my-way mode?

Break the cycle. Listen. Compromise. Cooperate.

Want more information? The book Boundaries by Cloud and Townsend may help.

Let me know what you think below.

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Wisdom Prayer

Are You Ever Arrogant?

Are You Ever Arrogant?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who want to stop being arrogant. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Arrogant people are offensive.

Egotistical, self-centered types can bring a great deal of pain to others.

By Apostle Paul’s criteria love is in stark contrast to arrogance.

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (ESV) says,

”Love is patient and kind;
love does not envy or boast;
it is not arrogant or rude.
It does not insist on its own way;
it is not irritable or resentful.”

Distain and contempt for others evaporates when love melts away a calloused attitude. Stop being arrogant. Change is possible though Christ. Rely on Jesus. Start. Now.

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Giving Back

Giving Back

Diamond Valley Writers’ Guild Presentation
“Writing for the Children’s Market” – Giving Back

 

I have spent a career helping others learn to speak and write well. From personal experience, I like to say, “There is nothing more exciting for a teacher than to watch students’ preverbal light bulbs go on.” 

I remember being at writers’ conferences as speakers shared what they knew. I became a better writer as a result of listening to and learning from their lessons.

Have a story worth telling? Consider a children’s book. I will introduce the audience to the world of writing for children. Learn about appropriate language for different levels of children’s books. Open the poet’s treasure chest to discover found poetry and how to avoid rhyme crimes. Write more. Find out where to publish. Explore the resources available for continuing education.

Join me this Saturday! It is my turn to give back. 

My hope is the bulbs will light up this coming weekend. Join me and the members of the Diamond Valley Writers’ Guild as I speak to the group.

When: This Saturday, June 26, 2021

Time: 9:30 a.m.

Where: On Zoom

What: “Writing for the Children’s Market

 

To participate in this motivating discussion NON-MEMBERS please request a Zoom invitation. Please contact [email protected] 

 

Categories
Wisdom Prayer

Envy Others?

Envy Others?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who find themselves becoming envious. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scripture warns against coveting in Exodus 20:17.

Still, some believers envy others’ possessions, relationships, and stations in life.

1 Corinthians 13:4 (ESV) says,

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant.”

The way of love is clear. It does not focus on what one does not have or what one wants. Love is other-centered. Find yourself envying others? Take steps to stop jealous desire. Love others.

Tell me what you think below.