Author: dennisconrad

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Sharon Norris Elliott Has Just Released Her Latest Book, Why I Get Into Trouble

Sharon Norris Elliott Has Just Released Her Latest Book, Why I Get Into Trouble

I give Why I Get Into Trouble a five star rating.

The story in Sharon’s children’s picture book is told in verse. It is engaging and well-written. The back of the book says,

“God has made us all special. He has also explained in his word, the Bible, what is right and what is wrong. The brother and sister in this book want to behave, but sometimes they are not being good. They would like to know why they get into trouble. Wouldn’t you like to know too?”

Why I Get Into Trouble is beautifully illustrated. To order the book on Amazon, look up Sharon Norris Elliott. When you order, be sure to get the book with the red “Trouble.”

I have known Sharon since March 2008. That year, she was a faculty member at Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. I still remember how she taught a class on brainstorming book ideas. I have a vivid memory of the room where everyone wrote ideas on pieces of paper and posted them on the wall. In less than an hour, the project I was working on came to life.

Fast forward eleven years later to summer 2019. I had a zoom call with Sharon when she was teaching at SoCal Christian Writers Conference. In February 2021, I signed an agreement with Sharon’s AuthorizeMe Literary Agency. As my agent, Sharon arranged the deal for my series of seven children’s picture books with Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. in September 2021.

Want to know more about Sharon and her books? Go to
https://elklakepublishinginc.com/sharon-norris-elliott/.

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

Praise God Seven Times a Day?

Praise God Seven Times a Day?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who praise you seven times a day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Will you make it a habit to look for things for which to praise God? The psalmist claims to praise God seven times a day. Would you be willing to do the same? How about more often? If you do not already, set some time aside each morning or evening and praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Psalm 119:161-168 (ESV) includes the idea of rejoicing at God’s word and praise.

“Princes persecute me without cause,
but my heart stands in awe of your words.
I rejoice at your word
like one who finds great spoil.
I hate and abhor falsehood,
but I love your law.
Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous rules.
Great peace have those who love your law;
nothing can make them stumble.
I hope for your salvation, O Lord,
and I do your commandments.
My soul keeps your testimonies;
I love them exceedingly.
I keep your precepts and testimonies,
for all my ways are before you.”

While you are praising God, will you please praise him for his holy and inspired word?

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

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Wisdom Prayer

The Sum of Your Word Is Truth?

The Sum of Your Word Is Truth?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know the sum of your word is the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Imagine you are a witness in a trial. Bibles are still used in courtrooms for swearing in witnesses. Will you take your oath seriously?

The psalmist is confident in God’s word. “Your righteous rules endures forever.”

Psalm 119:153-160 (ESV)

“Look on my affliction and deliver me,
for I do not forget your law.
Plead my cause and redeem me;
give me life according to your promise!
Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek your statutes.
Great is your mercy, O Lord;
give me life according to your rules.
Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,
but I do not swerve from your testimonies.
I look at the faithless with disgust,
because they do not keep your commands.
Consider how I love your precepts!
Give me life according to your steadfast love.
The sum of your word is truth,
and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.”

Where do you stand with regard to the Bible? Do you believe it is true, or is it just a book of stories? Will you tell the truth if you swear on a Bible? God’s word is truth. Trust it. Read it. Live by it.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

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Wisdom Prayer

Cry Out for God?

Cry Out for God?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who cry out to you for help. In Jesus’ name, amen.

People can cry out the God for a million different reasons. It can be in desperation, in defeat, at a moment of loss, or in a crisis. Whatever the circumstances, God is aware.

Psalm 119:145-152 (ESV) begins with a whole hearted cry to the Lord.

“With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord!
I will keep your statutes.
I call to you; save me,
that I may observe your testimonies.
I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I hope in your words.
My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promise.
Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;
O Lord, according to your justice give me life.
They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;
they are far from your law.
But you are near, O Lord,
and all your commandments are true.
Long have I known from your testimonies
that you have founded them forever.”

Are you at a point where you are crying out to God? If not, consider approaching holy God with reverence and honor. If yes, you are crying out, I believe God led you to read this post. Jesus Christ said in John 14:6 (ESV), “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Will you trust his holy and inspired word? It is okay to cry out like the psalmist. Live expecting God to intervene in yours and other’s lives.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

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Wisdom Prayer

Understanding That I May Live?

Understanding That I May Live?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know you give understanding, so your followers may live. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Students study hard to do well in their classes. They strive to understand what is being taught. A great deal of time is devoted to mastering subjects. How is it that one can understand Scripture, so it leads to life?

Psalm 119:137-144 (ESV) concludes with a plea for this kind of understanding.

“Righteous are you, O Lord,
and right are your rules.
You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness
and in all faithfulness.
My zeal consumes me,
because my foes forget your words.
Your promise is well tried,
and your servant loves it.
I am small and despised,
yet I do not forget your precepts.
Your righteousness is righteous forever,
and your law is true.
Trouble and anguish have found me out,
but your commandments are my delight.
Your testimonies are righteous forever;
give me understanding that I may live.”

Scripture has a life-giving message. The psalmist confirms there is a link between understanding and life. Do you acknowledge Scripture as being the truth? Do you trust God to provide life? Seek him. Praise him. Rejoice. Ask for understanding that you may live.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

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Wisdom Prayer

Your Words Give Light?

Your Words Give Light?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who agree “the unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” In Jesus’ name, amen.

The Bible is God’s word.

According to 2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”

Psalm 119:129-136 (ESV) says that God’s words give light.

“Your testimonies are wonderful;
therefore my soul keeps them.
The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.
I open my mouth and pant,
because I long for your commandments.
Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is your way with those who love your name.
Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
Redeem me from man’s oppression,
that I may keep your precepts.
Make your face shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
My eyes shed streams of tears,
because people do not keep your law.”

Trust what God says in Scripture. Take time to pray. Ask God to show you his truth as you read.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.