Author: dennisconrad

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Wisdom Prayer

Wisdom Cries Aloud!

Wisdom Cries Aloud!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know wisdom cries aloud. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Since time immemorial, people have sought wisdom. King Solomon offered God-given wisdom in the book of Proverbs.

According to the notes in the English Standard Version of the Bible for Proverbs 8:1-5 it says, “This section begins with personification of wisdom as a woman calling of in the streets.” The verses follow:

“Does not wisdom call?
Does not understanding raise her voice?
On the heights beside the way,
at the crossroads she takes her stand;
beside the gates in front of the town,
at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud:
‘To you, O men, I call,
and my cry is to the children of man.
O simple ones, learn prudence;
O fools, learn sense.’”

Rejoice! Wisdom is within reach. This section of scripture implies there is hope even for simple ones and fools.

Don’t take godly wisdom for granted.

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Wisdom Prayer

Stay Away From Forbidden Women!

Stay Away From Forbidden Women!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who heed King Solomon’s message about staying away from forbidden women. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Wise men stay away from the adulteresses with her smooth words.

In Proverbs 7:1-5 (ESV) King Solomon, writing God-given words, urges the readers of Proverbs to treasure up his commandments.

“My son, keep my words
and treasure up my commandments with you;
keep my commandments and live;
keep my teaching as the apple of your eye;
bind them on your fingers;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”
and call insight your intimate friend,
to keep you from the forbidden woman,
from the adulteress with her smooth words.”

Speaking to his son, King Solomon, passes on fatherly advice. He wanted his children to value wisdom. He also wanted them to avoid the pitfalls of sexual sin.

Today, it is important to take the King’s advice to steer clear of temptation.

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From The Author

The SoCal Christian Writers’ Retreat

The SoCal Christian Writers’ Retreat

I had a chance to recharge my mental and emotional batteries at the SoCal Christian Writers’ Retreat. I got to Palomar Christian Conference Center, in northern San Diego County before breakfast.

The mountain-top experience gave me a chance to connect with well-respected authors who shared about how to grow closer to God, how write a compelling first chapter for a non-fiction book, and how to better promote my soon to be released children’s picture book.

During Kelly Herrell’s presentation entitled “Surrender Your Talents,” I was encouraged to reexamine my time, priorities, and dedication. Her message, based on Matthew 25:14-30, pointed out God-given talents are a privilege and come with responsibility. This reminded me of the sacred trust I have as an author to be a faithful servant and wisely use my talents.

Joseph Bentz, an English Professor at Azuza Pacific University, talked about writing nonfiction. During my free time, I found a table in the great outdoors and read a few chapters from his book, When God Takes Too Long: Learning to Thrive During Life’s Delays. Principle 3 resonated with me: “Remember your identity in God during the long days of waiting.”

Joanne Bischof discussed book marketing strategies and about how she created YouTube videos and beautiful book covers. Her refreshing approach to marketing challenged the group to promote books in enjoyable and authentic ways. Joanne also participated in the Genre Meet-up for those interested in fiction.

As I drove home, I thought about the day.

Thank you, God, for my time in the mountains with other like-minded authors. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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

Six Things the Lord Hates and Seven That Are an Abomination!

Six Things the Lord Hates and Seven That Are an Abomination!

Dear Lord, I pray for the wisdom to be able to avoid the six things that you hate, and the seven that are an abomination to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

God makes his boundaries clear, so we know what he considers offensive behavior.

Proverbs 6:16-19 (ESV) is more than just about the things the Lord hates.

“There are six things that the Lord hates,
seven that are an abomination to him:
haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked plans,
feet that make haste to run to evil,
a false witness who breathes out lies,
and one who sows discord among brothers.”

The list is very straight forward. Either a person will avoid these things, or he or she will carry out the things God hates.

Run from the things the Lord hates.

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Wisdom Prayer

Don’t be a Sluggard!

Don’t be a Sluggard!

I pray for wisdom for those who are dedic. In Jesus’ name, amen.

King Solomon uses an example of a creature that would normally be overlooked, and he turns the ant into a hero.

Proverbs 6:6-11 (ESV) compares industrious ants to a person who does not work hard.

“Go to the ant, O sluggard;
consider her ways, and be wise.
Without having any chief,
officer, or ruler,
she prepares her bread in summer
and gathers her food in harvest.
How long will you lie there, O sluggard?
When will you arise from your sleep?
A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest,
and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
and want like an armed man.”

Take what Solomon says to heart. Bring renewed discipline and dedication to your work. Learn from example, and note how well a small creature can be so productive.

Take action steps. Prevent poverty.

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Wisdom Prayer

Don’t Cosign for Another Person’s Debt!

Don’t Cosign for Another Person’s Debt!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who give their eyes no sleep or their eyelids no slumber until they are free from having bound themselves to pay for another’s debt. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Never agree to pay for someone else’s debt, for if he or she defaults, you must repay it.

Proverbs 6:1-5 (ESV) argues a person should urgently plead with your neighbor to release yourself from any obligations.

“My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor,
have given your pledge for a stranger,
if you are snared in the words of your mouth,
caught in the words of your mouth,
then do this, my son, and save yourself,
for you have come into the hand of your neighbor:
go, hasten, and plead urgently with your neighbor.
Give your eyes no sleep
and your eyelids no slumber;
save yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,
like a bird from the hand of the fowler.”

Avoid entanglements that can cost you dearly. If the other person were to default, you could be in serious trouble. The creditors can and will hold you responsible because you agreed to pay back the debt. Don’t let yourself get into such a situation.

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