Tag: in Jesus’ name

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Wisdom Prayer

Childish Ways?

Childish Ways?

Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who desire to give up childish ways. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Know someone with an adult child who doesn’t work? Has their playing video games prevented them from maturing into productive member of society?

Today, our culture accepts “extended adolescence.” When do people grow up? Financial independence and living independently are two criteria.

But there is more to it, according to Apostle Paul who writes in 1 Corinthians 13:11 (ESV):

“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.”

Examine three areas: speech, thoughts, and reasoning. God can equip those interested in spiritual maturity. Are you still holding onto some childish ways of communicating, thinking, or reasoning? Stop. Read Scripture to learn about what it means to grow into a mature believer.

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Wisdom Prayer

Love or Knowledge?

Love or Knowledge?

I pray for wisdom for those who know love remains after knowledge passes away.
In Jesus’ name, amen.

The adage “knowledge is power” is most often attributed to Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626), the man who is also credited with defining the scientific method.

Scripture has something important to say about knowledge. What would remain if knowledge were to disappear?

Apostle Paul reveals the answer when he writes in 1 Corinthians 13:8 (ESV):

“Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.”

I must admit, for a time I was all about acquiring knowledge. I thought it would give me power and control in life. I was deceived. I pursued knowledge for its own sake. I had intellectualized issues of faith and knew about a lot of religions. But God? At that time, I did not know him.

Beware of the false promise that knowledge is power. God has real power. Know him. Humble yourself and seek his face.

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Wisdom Prayer

Optimist or Pessimist?

Optimist or Pessimist?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know love hopes all things. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ever been around a pessimistic person?

He or she can infect others with their sour disposition. In contrast, think of those who tend to be optimistic. These people can bring joy in the face of adversity. Optimism can be contagious.

Optimists spread enthusiasm for life.

Apostle Paul, the optimist, writes about love in 1 Corinthians 13:7 (ESV):

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

We all have a choice. Choose to spread hope. The hope believers have in life everlasting is a powerful message that never gets old.

Pause. Think about whom you meet for the first and only time. Then think about those you have known for a while. Be an optimist and share with them the hope that is within you. Seize the opportunity.

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Wisdom Prayer

Bear All Things?

Love Bears All Things?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know love bears all things. In Jesus name, amen.

Some things in life don’t work out the way people expect or want. When this happens, believers are called to accept life’s circumstances.

Apostle 1 Corinthians 13:7 Apostle Paul says,

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.”

Are you alone? Are life’s burdens overwhelming? God is with the faithful even during hard times. Stand firm. Trust. Keep the faith.

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Wisdom Prayer

Believe and Hope?

Believe and Hope?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who believe in and hope the best for others. In Jesus name, amen.

When trust is broken, relationships can be fractured. Believers in fellowship rely on each other.

The bonds can be strengthened when we consider what Apostle Paul says when he is writing about love in 1 Corinthians 13:7 (ESV):

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

I looked up this verse in the notes of the English Standard Version. “The terms ‘believes’ and ‘hopes’ (my quotations) are sandwiched between ‘bears’ and ‘endures’ (my quotations) and, like them, probably refer to relationships between people rather than to faith and hope in God. Love believes the best of others and hopes the best for them.”

Within the fellowship of believers, God can use relationships to bring others to himself. Do you believe and hope the best of others? If so, praise God. If not, what needs to change?

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Wisdom Prayer

Rejoicing in Misdeeds?

Rejoicing in Misdeeds?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who do not rejoice in wrongdoing. In Jesus name, amen.

The lines between what is right and wrong should be clear.

Yet, today, it seems that the demarcation has become blurred. Scripture is full of examples of right and wrong including the Ten Commandments (See Exodus 20).

Apostle Paul when writing in 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 (ESV) says,

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.”

Believers should not be confused. Love does not rejoice in past wrongdoing, so stop being a wrongdoer. Run from temptation. Don’t rejoice is misdeeds. Rather, do what is right!

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