Tag: wisdom

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Wisdom Prayer

The Whole Armor of God?

The Whole Armor of God?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who put on the whole armor of God, so they may stand against the schemes of the devil. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Spiritual warfare is real.
Scripture says to put on the whole armor of God. What does that look like?

I used to have a poster of a Roman soldier dressed in his armor and holding a shield. Each piece was labeled with a corresponding spiritual meaning.

Apostle Paul writing in Ephesians 6:11 (ESV) tells us:

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”

If you haven’t already, begin the discipline of praying on each part of the armor as Apostle Paul describes in Ephesians 6:14-18:

“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”

Start each day by putting on the whole armor of God. Not just part of it. Wonder how to begin? Read the verses. Then memorize the verses. Or, make a list of the full armor. Commit it to memory. Do not go without spiritual protection.

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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

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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