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Wisdom Prayer

Those Who Are Humble!

Those Who Are Humble!

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

A person with humility can be said to have an unassuming nature.

The relationship between God and men and women is a topic worthy of endless discussion, but once people understand how almighty and powerful God is and how limited we men and women are, then it is possible to realize God is God and we need to be humble in his presence.

Proverbs 15:33 (ESV) is about instruction in wisdom and how humility comes before honor.

“The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom,
and humility comes before honor.”

Won’t you put in perspective God’s power, and humbly come before him with praise and adoration?

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Wisdom Prayer

In the Midst of Trouble?

In the Midst of Trouble?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know you walk with them in the midst of trouble. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ever need an antidote for trouble. Look to the psalms.

Psalm 23:4 (ESV) says,

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.”

Psalm 138:4-8 (ESV) includes a phrase that parallels Psalm 23:4,
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble.”

“All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O Lord,
for they have heard the words of your mouth,
and they shall sing of the ways of the Lord,
for great is the glory of the Lord.
For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly,
but the haughty he knows from afar.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
and your right hand delivers me.
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.”

Fear not! Got will walk with you through the darkest times. Pray. He will draw near.

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Wisdom Prayer

Fear of the Lord?

Fear of the Lord?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

The website biblestudytools.com explains that the word “fear,” in this context, implies respect. Believers respect God so much they will do what they can to avoid sin, humbly worship, and approach God with awe and reverence.

Psalm 111:10 (ESV) tells us the practice of wisdom will lead to good understanding.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!”

A note in the English Standard Version of the Bible explains the word “understanding” means, “Sound insight into God’s moral order for the world.”

God is not some impersonal God who wants us to cower in his presence. Rather, he is worthy of praise. Learn more about what it means to have a personal relationship with God by reading the Four Spiritual Laws:
http://www.4laws.com/laws/englishkgp/default.htm.

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Wisdom Prayer

Fear is Real?

Fear is Real?

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

Fear is real. Some will say that the letters in the word F E A R are an acronym of the words: False, Evidence, Appearing, Real. Not all fears are generated by false evidence.

We learn in Psalm 56:1-4 (ESV) that the psalmist, David, had reason to be afraid.

“Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me;
all day long an attacker oppresses me;
my enemies trample on me all day long,
for many attack me proudly.
When I am afraid,
I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
What can flesh do to me?”

Do you find yourself fearful? Read Scripture. Pray. Ask God for his help. When the psalmist says, “I shall not be afraid,” that may be easy to say and harder to live.

Don’t give up on God. He will walk with anyone through the emotional roller coaster of fear.

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Wisdom Prayer

Love Casts Out Fear?

Love Casts Out Fear?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know that perfect love casts out fear. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Fear can cause many reactions. Some freeze. Others become excited. Then there are those who react violently. Fear should not be trivialized.

Scripture acknowledges that love and fear exist. Yet, what Scripture says about the combination of fear and love gives a different perspective. The author of 1 John 4:17-18 (NIV) says,

“This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

The next time fear strike—stop. Realize how powerful God is. He is in control. Counter fear with love!

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Escape from Danger

Thankful for an Escape from Danger

Ever say goodbye to a friend knowing you may never see them again?

My wife, Diane, and I taught English and public speaking in Central Asia for three weeks during the summer of 2010.

One weekend, when we were not teaching, we went to a restaurant that served hamburgers and other American favorites.

We gathered with friends, and our group of eight enjoyed lively conversation. One friend shared pictures he had on his iPad. Finally, it was time we all started back to our flats (the British English term for the apartments where we stayed).

The friend with the iPad and his wife led the way for Diane and me. He kept his iPad in an over-the-shoulder canvas bag. On our way to see the city’s symphony hall, we walked by a large hotel.

That is when I noticed a six-foot-six, solidly built man walking near us. He stood next to me while we were waiting to cross to the symphony. The light was about to change, but at the last minute, we changed our minds. We stayed across the street from the symphony and walked by a waiting taxi. I looked back and noticed the big man had not crossed. He was following us. Was he after the canvas bag?

I came up to my friend with the iPad. “Be careful,” I said. “We’ve picked up a tail” (the slang term for when a person is being followed).

My friend understood and slowed down, and the man walked past. My friend told me to grab hold of his belt and guide him as he walked backwards. I did. He was facing the big man, who, as we backed up, had turned around and moved toward us. He looked mad.

Within a minute we got to the taxi, negotiated a fare, jumped in, and we were driven away.

True story. We were unharmed. When we talked about what happened, we all agreed God provided our means of escape. For that we were thankful!

Is there some danger you need to escape? If so, do it now.

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