Tag: forgiveness

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Wisdom Prayer

Provoke Children to Anger?

Provoke Children to Anger?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for parents as they bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In the process of disciplining and instructing children, anger can appear out of almost nowhere.

Once at the proverbial boiling point, the anger can move from emotion to action.

Many deeply regret the comments made in anger or actions spurred on by anger.

When either of these happens, stop and ask for forgiveness: Ask for God’s forgiveness, and ask the offended person or person for forgiveness.

The Apostle Paul had a special message for proper family dynamics and wrote specifically about anger in Ephesians 6:1-4 (ESV):

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’ (this is the first commandment with a promise), ‘that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.’ Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

If there a need to address unresolved family issues, do not delay. Take steps to heal. If you have been wronged, be willing to forgive the transgressor.

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Wisdom Prayer

Will the Sun Go Down On Your Anger?

Will the Sun Go Down On Your Anger?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who will not let the sun go down on their anger. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Words said in anger can change the dynamics of any relationship.

When disputes and disagreements escalate, things can go from bad to worse.

Scripture has advice for anyone involved in a disagreement that has provoked anger.

The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 4:26-27 (ESV):
“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.”

My wife and I have had our share of disagreements. Most resulted in bruised egos and hurt feelings. But sometimes there was anger.

We had a rule. Our rule was to never go to sleep angry with each other. Sometimes disputes led to our having discussions into the wee hours of the morning, but we kept our promise to never let the sun go down on our anger.

If you are angry with another person, take steps to resolve it.

Don’t let Satan drive a wedge between you and the other person. One psychologist gave advice to men something along the lines of apologize early and often. This has worked for me. Keep smiling.

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A Tribute Letter

A Tribute Letter to Florence Leona Conrad

A Tribute Letter to Florence Leona Conrad

In 1994, Dennis Rainey, of Family Life, wrote a book with David Boehi titled The Tribute: What Every Parent Longs to Hear… This book was the reason I decided to write a letter of tribute to each of my parents back in the 1990s before they passed away. My wife and I treated my parents to a special meal at an upscale restaurant. It was there that I read the letters to them.

Earlier today, when I rediscovered that Dennis Rainey book on my bookcase, it brought back a flood of memories. Imagine my surprise when I opened the book and discovered the original letters I had written and read to my parents before they passed away.

Thank You, Mother
Written to Florence Leona Conrad

The commandment is clear: “Honor your father and mother.”

In the New Testament, it says in Romans 12:10, “…Honor one another above yourselves.” Now, it is time to pay “tribute” to you, Mom.

I want to you to know I am grateful for so much. As I compiled this list, I got choked up thinking about these and all the selfless decisions you made in favor of our family. I am truly thankful…

For your waving to me as I boarded the bus on my way to elementary school.

For sowing the patches and arrows on my Cub Scout shirt.

For being baptized with me on Pentecost Sunday and supporting my attending Sunday School.

For gingerbread with whipped cream and for letting me lick the whipped cream from the blades of the blender.

For encouraging and putting up with my paraphernalia collecting.

For coming to see me speak at the Optimist Club and attending a special speech night at Los Angeles High School.

For showing concern when my bird, Michael, died.

For hanging plaques and displaying prominently various trophies and other honors. They never seem to tarnish while they resided where you place them.

For serenades you would sing while playing the organ.

For saving truckloads of my old toys and other memorabilia.

For driving me to the Dating Game show and trying to get the tape for so many years.

For going to graduation ceremonies.

For sanding so many pieces of furniture.

For conversations at the end of the day over a snack.

For loving me when I was bad.

I want to acknowledge and praise you for your patience with me. Thank you for forgiving me. You never stopped loving me. For all these things and so many more, I will be eternally grateful.

Love, Dennis.

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