Tag: in Jesus’ name

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Wisdom Prayer

Love and Respect?

Love and Respect?

Dear Lord, I pray for the wisdom for husbands to love their wives and wives to respect their husbands. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Dr. Emerson Eggerichs wrote Love and Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Most needs. I remember opening the book and reading about the “crazy cycle.” The Love and Respect PDF summary (https://blog.12min.com/love-and-respect-pdf/) describes it this way:

“Without love, she reacts in a disrespectful way; without respect, he reacts in an unloving way.”

The book is based on what Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 5:33 (ESV):

“However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”

Marriages face all kinds of challenges. Don’t be discouraged. There is an another verse that may be instructive. Ephesians 5:20-21  addressed relationships between believers:

“Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.”

Marital relationships can be fulfilling and, at times, difficult. Yet, the reciprocity of love and respect when coupled with mutual submission will hopefully provide a construct for discussion, healing, and resolution.

God be with you.

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Wisdom Prayer

Boldly Proclaim?

Boldly Proclaim?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who are willing to open their mouth boldly to proclaim the Gospel. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

What does it mean to be bold? Synonyms include: brave, daring, and courageous. Why is boldness in spiritual matters so important? Some people fear sharing their faith. People cite various reasons. The most common reasons are probably fear of rejection and dislike of confrontation.

Pray for boldness before sharing. Why? God can give you confidence and exactly the right words to say. Your tone of voice and the words you use may fit perfectly into God’s plan.

Apostle Paul was held in chains when he wrote Ephesians 6:18-20 (ESV):

“…To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”

Boldly proclaim the Good News. What you share may the beginning of another person’s journey to faith. Just casually mention what Jesus has done in your life. Your words may not impact them now, but years later they may think back and remember what you said.

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Wisdom Prayer

Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs

Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those willin to address each other with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Imagine how life would be if people started to greet each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. It would certainly be uplifting, and it would likely bring smiles and head nods.

Apostle Paul in Ephesians 5:19 (ESV) writes about this:

“Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.”

Greet the next person you meet with one of the Psalms, a hymn, or a spiritual song. Start to sing the words and the melody of a traditional hymn or a modern Christian praise song. Will they be shocked? Will they join you? 

Relationships build upon such shared experiences and a memorable greeting will go a long way toward affirming those we encounter. Greet someone in this way. Tell me what happens. Oh! But remember Proverbs 27:14: “Whoever blesses his neighbor with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, will be counted as cursing.”

Please tell me what happened in the comments below.

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Wisdom Prayer

Don’t Get Drunk with Wine?

Don’t Get Drunk with Wine?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who avoid getting drunk with wine, but are filled with the Holy Spirit. In Jesus name, amen.

If and when drinking becomes an obsession, it can be devastating on many levels. It can change a person’s behavior, affect their heath, and impact the lives of those around them.

In Ephesians 5:15-18 (ESV) the admonition against drinking wine in excess is clear.

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”

Are you affected by alcoholism? In recovery? In either case, rely on the Spirit of God within you. It may require taking one day at a time. Celebrate Recovery® is one Christ-centered program that offers practical help to combat alcohol, hurts, hang ups, and addictions. Don’t hesitate to reach out before matters get out of control. If things are already out of control, make a bold move. Call someone for help. Or perhaps you know someone in need. Reach out and lend support.

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Wisdom Prayer

Building Up Others?

Building Up Others?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who build others up. In Jesus’ name, amen.

As a college public speaking teacher, I would use the term “slang alert” for any off-color language used in my class. Vulgar slang received a grade reduction. Our culture has become very permissive in this area, and in many places, civil discourse is reduced to vulgar name-calling. Language like this can be used to ridicule and harm.

The Apostle Paul warns against this in Ephesians 4:29 (ESV) when he writes:
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

He goes on to say in Ephesians 5:4:
“Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.”

Grace and thanksgiving can be used to build others up. Do these and watch what happens.

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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.

Tell me what you think below.