Tag: in Jesus’ name

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Wisdom Prayer

Iron Sharpens Iron!

Iron Sharpens Iron!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know that iron sharpens iron and the importance of support from like-minded brothers. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Decades ago, when the Promise Keepers Movement was first beginning, I went to an event at Dodger Stadium. The first night, I could not locate any of my friends from church. The next day, I did connect with my friends.

The night I was alone, I took time to reflect on all Christ was doing with the men in the stadium. It was dynamic to think there were that many active believers from all over southern California in one place.

The next day, I had a greater feeling of personal accountability when I was among friends.

Fellowship with other men was a key ingredient of what made Promise Keepers so dynamic.

Proverbs 27:17 (ESV) was quoted often during that era.

“Iron sharpens iron,
and one man sharpens another.”

Are you in fellowship with other believers?

If not, seek out a few faithful men. Ask them to join with you as accountability partners. Sharpen each other with God’s holy and inspired word.

Keep the faith.

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Wisdom Prayer

Change Quarrelsome Behavior!

Change Quarrelsome Behavior!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who want to change their quarrelsome behavior. In Jesus’ name, amen.

A drip, drip, drip can be nerve-racking.

Some people have traits that get on other’s nerves.

Combine these two elements, and Proverbs 27:15-16 (ESV) comes to mind.

“A continual dripping on a rainy day
and a quarrelsome wife are alike;
to restrain her is to restrain the wind
or to grasp oil in one’s right hand.”

Solomon does a good job with his comments about restraining the wind and grasping oil when he articulates how hard it is to control a quarrelsome individual – husband or wife.

If you have been the quarrelsome one in a relationship, it is time to trust the Lord and turn from this way of life.

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Wisdom Prayer

Blessing Your Neighbor!

Blessing Your Neighbor!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who bless their neighbor. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Considering proclaiming a blessing over someone? Make sure to pick the right time and place.

Ever heard the phrase, “It is not what you say, but how you say it.”

It is the last part about “how” that can make all the difference.

Tone and volume can change how the person on the receiving end of the communication thinks about what was said.

Proverbs 27:14 (ESV) considers the time and the effect the volume has on listeners.

“Whoever blesses his neighbor with a loud voice,
rising early in the morning,
will be counted as cursing.”

Solomon provides an interesting observation. A blessing was given. Yet, the time it was given and the way it was given brought about the opposite of the intended effect.

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Wisdom Prayer

Praise from Others!

Praise from Others!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who receive genuine compliments and praise from others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Television commercials often include a famous person endorsing a product or service.

Proverbs 27:2 (ESV) is not about goods and services. Rather, it is about others praising you personally.

“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;
a stranger, and not your own lips.”

Don’t brag about your accomplishments, nor say how great you are.

When others pay compliments, graciously accept the praise. But keep in mind who gets the ultimate glory for all you do and say. It is the Lord God Almighty.

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Wisdom Prayer

Boast about Tomorrow?

Boast about Tomorrow?

Dear Lord, I pray for those who do not boast about tomorrow. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Some people tend to brag about what they will do in the future.

Proverbs 27:1 (ESV) has something important to say about this type of boasting.

“Do not boast about tomorrow,
for you do not know what a day may bring.”

King Solomon seems to be wise when he declares this proverb.

It seems when someone becomes so preoccupied with their exaggerated claim about what the future holds, they forget about God’s sovereignty.

God holds the future. Tomorrow is not promised to us.

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Wisdom Prayer

Sluggard!

Sluggard!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who are not sluggards. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Thesaurus.com offers some synonyms for the word sluggard including “dawdler,” “lazybones,” “loafer,” and “slouch.”

Proverbs 26:13-16 (ESV) characterizes a sluggard.

“The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road!
There is a lion in the streets!”
As a door turns on its hinges,
so does a sluggard on his bed.
The sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth.
The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes
than seven men who can answer sensibly.”

Knowing something about what King Solomon says about a sluggard, could prevent others from adopting a sluggard’s lifestyle.

Don’t be someone who does just enough to get by. There are opportunities for those who are willing to adopt a serious work ethic.

Don’t be a sluggard. Be wise, and be one of seven who can answer sensibly.

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