Embracing Godly Wisdom Through Prayer and Obedience

Devotional

Day 1: Pray Without Delay

When someone asks for prayer, respond immediately. This practice not only honors the request but also cultivates a discipline of constant prayer, keeping one's spirit attuned to the needs of others and the voice of God. It is a tangible expression of faith and intercession that can have profound effects on both the one praying and the one being prayed for. [17:19]

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Who has recently asked you for prayer, and have you followed through? Can you commit to praying for them right now?

Day 2: Wisdom Beyond the World

Godly wisdom transcends human understanding, blending divine knowledge with life experiences that reflect biblical truths. It is about making choices that honor God, even when they contradict worldly values. This wisdom is not just intellectual but is deeply rooted in a humble and obedient heart. [07:46]

James 3:17 - "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere."
Reflection: How can you seek godly wisdom in a decision you are facing today, and what might that look like in practical terms?

Day 3: Obedience as an Act of Love

Obedience to God is an immediate response to His call, reflecting a heart that trusts and loves Him. Delayed obedience is akin to disobedience, as it shows a lack of urgency in aligning with God's will. True obedience is a journey of the heart, demonstrating one's commitment to God's sovereignty and love. [27:47]

1 Samuel 15:22 - "But Samuel replied: 'Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.'"
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you're practicing delayed obedience? What steps can you take today to correct this?

Day 4: Longing for God's Presence

A deep desperation for God fuels a passionate pursuit of His presence and will. This longing is not born out of lack but out of a desire to know God more intimately and to be involved in what He cares about. It is in this pursuit that one finds true fulfillment and purpose. [33:20]

Psalm 42:1-2 - "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?"
Reflection: What does being desperate for God look like in your daily life, and how can you cultivate this passion?

Day 5: Humility in Habitual Practice

Simple daily habits, when done with intentionality, can keep us grounded in our faith and remind us of our dependence on God. By integrating spiritual practices into our routines, we can maintain a posture of humility and constant awareness of God's presence in our lives. [40:50]

Colossians 3:17 - "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: What is one routine task you can pair with a spiritual practice, like prayer or gratitude, to keep you mindful of God's presence today?

Sermon Summary

The discourse begins with an emphasis on the importance of prayer, particularly the practice of praying immediately when someone requests it. This is illustrated through a personal anecdote about learning to pray on the spot to avoid forgetting to do so later. The narrative then transitions to a childhood memory of sitting next to a man in church who was constantly whispering to himself. This man turned out to be a missionary who had established a church in Kolkata, India, which had grown significantly and expanded into various charitable works, including a hospital and school. The missionary's constant prayer was a testament to his deep communication with God, which left a lasting legacy.

The discussion then shifts to the concept of godly wisdom, distinguishing it from earthly wisdom. Godly wisdom is described as a combination of knowledge of God's desires, experiences that align with biblical themes, and making decisions that honor God. The importance of immediate obedience to God's commands is highlighted, with the assertion that delayed obedience is equivalent to disobedience. This is supported by biblical references and the idea that obedience is an expression of love and trust in God's sovereignty.

The narrative continues with practical advice on developing habits that build godly wisdom, starting with the habit of observation—learning to see God in all aspects of life. This is followed by the habit of communication with God through prayer, emphasizing the need to pray at all times. The habit of obedience is then discussed, encouraging immediate action when God prompts one to do something. The final habit presented is desperation for God, which involves a deep passion for God and the things He cares about.

The speaker shares another personal story about a conversation with a successful friend, Craig Rochelle, who leads a large church. Despite his success, Craig remains humble and attributes the growth of his church to Jesus. He practices a simple habit of flossing his teeth while praying, which keeps him grounded and reminds him of his dependence on God.

The discourse concludes with an invitation to commit one's life to following Christ, offering a prayer for those who wish to make this commitment. The speaker encourages those who have prayed the prayer to take the next step in their faith journey by obtaining a Bible and connecting with the church community.

Key Takeaways

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Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Proverbs 1:7 say is the foundation of true knowledge?
According to James 3:13, 17, what are the characteristics of godly wisdom?
In Psalm 63:1-3, how does the psalmist describe his longing for God?
What personal anecdote did the pastor share about learning to pray immediately when someone requests it? ([17:19])

Interpretation Questions

How does the fear of the Lord serve as the foundation of true knowledge according to Proverbs 1:7? What does this imply about the nature of wisdom?
James 3:13, 17 describes godly wisdom as being pure, peace-loving, gentle, and full of mercy. How do these characteristics contrast with earthly wisdom? ([07:46])
Psalm 63:1-3 speaks of a deep longing for God. How can this kind of desperation for God transform a person's spiritual life? ([33:20])
The pastor mentioned that delayed obedience is equivalent to disobedience. How does this concept challenge our understanding of obedience in our daily lives? ([25:42])

Application Questions

Reflect on your prayer habits. Do you tend to delay praying for others when they ask? How can you develop the habit of immediate prayer as suggested by the pastor? ([17:19])
Think about a recent decision you made. Did it honor God and reflect godly wisdom as described in James 3:13, 17? How can you ensure your future decisions align with godly wisdom?
The pastor shared a story about a missionary who constantly prayed for the poor and suffering. How can you incorporate more consistent and heartfelt prayer into your daily routine? ([22:18])
The sermon emphasized the importance of immediate obedience to God's commands. Can you recall a time when you delayed obedience? What steps can you take to respond more promptly to God's guidance in the future? ([25:42])
Psalm 63:1-3 describes a deep thirst and longing for God. Identify one area of your life where you feel spiritually dry. What practical steps can you take this week to seek God's presence more earnestly? ([33:20])
The pastor mentioned simple daily habits, like Craig Rochelle's habit of flossing while praying, to maintain humility and a sense of purpose. What small habit can you incorporate into your daily routine to remind you of your dependence on God? ([40:50])
Reflect on the concept of godly wisdom involving humility and meekness. How can you cultivate these traits in your interactions with others this week? ([07:46])

Sermon Clips

"Godly wisdom for 2024 and some simple habits that we can put in our lives to experience God using us and actually building wisdom in our lives this coming year." [00:33] (Download)

"We should view our spiritual life as our whole life." [12:36] (Download)

"Learn to observe God everywhere and all the time. Imagine if you treated every conversation as an opportunity to observe how God is working through you or through somebody else." [08:25] (Download)

"Delayed obedience is disobedience. It's not merely about the outward expressions that people around us see, but it's about our heart tuned to God's voice and ready to respond." [27:10] (Download)

"To trust and obey God means to have faith in his sovereignty and his goodness even when the path ahead seems uncertain. It's about believing that he knows best for us and his plans for us are for good." [27:47] (Download)

"The habit of desperation let me give you a simple definition of desperation for God: having passion for God and the things God is passionate about." [33:20] (Download)

"Your life may be okay or even good, but without Jesus, it will never be great. Let go of the good and grab hold of the better." [41:36] (Download)

"Now is the best time to pray. Pray, pray now. If you ask me, Andrew, will you pray for me? I rest assure you that I will pray for you right then." [17:19] (Download)

"I've just stopped right then and say let's pray right now and we've just begun to pray right there." [17:49] (Download)

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