Am I Wise? Seeking God's Wisdom for Decisions

May 09, 2026

Devotional

Day 1: Squirrels in the Wiring

James’ hands gripped the steering wheel as dashboard lights flashed erratically. His Jeep lurched between speeds while crossing Missouri highways. Years later, mechanics found chewed wires - a squirrel family’s nest disrupting critical connections. Like that sabotaged vehicle, James warns our human wisdom falters without divine alignment. Earthly “solutions” create spiritual short-circuits, while God’s wisdom restores proper function. [01:02:10]

True wisdom isn’t accumulated knowledge but applied obedience. When disciples fished all night empty-handed, Jesus told them to cast nets again. Their compliance - not experience - brought miraculous haul. God’s ways often defy human logic yet always bring life.

What decision have you been handling through limited human understanding rather than Christ’s wisdom? “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God…” (James 1:5, CSB). Where could surrendered obedience redirect your trajectory today?

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.”
(James 1:5, CSB)

Prayer: Ask Christ to reveal one situation where you’ve relied on human logic over biblical wisdom.
Challenge: Write down three current decisions. Circle one to surrender to God’s guidance before sunset.

Day 2: Ripples in the Pond

A single stone breaks still water, radiating rings to distant shores. The sermon highlighted two family legacies - Jonathan Edwards’ 285 college graduates versus Max Jukes’ 440 addicts. Both men’s daily choices cascaded through generations. James 3:18 reminds us peacemakers plant righteousness-seeds yielding eternal harvests. [44:38]

Jesus knelt to wash feet before the Last Supper. This humble act still shapes Christian service two millennia later. Our small obediences - bedtime prayers, forgiven quarrels, honest work - build spiritual momentum in unseen ways.

When did someone’s “small” godly choice profoundly impact you? What daily action could become your legacy-stone rippling through eternity?

“For whatever a man sows he will also reap.”
(Galatians 6:7, CSB)

Prayer: Thank God for three people whose faithful choices blessed your life. Name them aloud.
Challenge: Text one person today describing how their godly example influenced you.

Day 3: Wisdom’s Emergency Call

The pastor’s panicked calls to his wife during her retreat revealed his unpreparedness. James 3:13-18 contrasts frantic earthly wisdom with heaven’s peaceful clarity. Like new parents learning through midnight feedings, we grow wise by practicing dependence, not self-sufficiency. [07:28]

Jesus calmed the storm after disciples’ desperate cry. He responds similarly to our wisdom-crises. Godly discernment comes through humble admission of need, not perfected performance.

Where are you “faking” spiritual competence instead of seeking help? What situation requires your urgent prayer for guidance?

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his works are done in the gentleness of wisdom.”
(James 3:13, CSB)

Prayer: Confess one area where pride hinders your request for wisdom.
Challenge: Set a 3pm phone alarm today to pause and pray James 1:5 over your toughest decision.

Day 4: Two Family Trees

Jonathan Edwards’ morning prayers and Max Jukes’ tavern visits grew into forests of blessing or thorns. James 3:14-16 exposes bitter envy’s roots, while verses 17-18 describe wisdom’s nourishing soil. Like Mary’s costly perfume anointing Jesus, small sacrifices yield eternal fragrances. [43:24]

The Samaritan woman’s testimony transformed her village after encountering Christ. Our consistent godliness - even in secret - prepares soil for others’ salvation.

Which “tree” are you fertilizing through daily habits? What spiritual sapling needs your nurturing today?

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense.”
(James 3:17, CSB)

Prayer: Ask God to prune one unfruitful habit and water one Christ-honoring practice.
Challenge: Plant a physical seed or seedling today as a prayer for spiritual legacy.

Day 5: Wiring Harness Revival

Mechanics found the Jeep’s chaos stemmed from invaded wiring. James 1:5 promises God’s wisdom repairs our soul’s sabotaged systems. Like Naaman dipping seven times in the Jordan, obedience restores proper function despite initial reluctance. [01:01:54]

Peter’s net-breaking catch followed frustrated obedience. Our breakthroughs come through surrendered repetition, not self-engineered solutions.

What malfunctioning area needs Christ’s rewiring? Where must you trade self-help for Spirit-led repair?

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his instructions have good insight.”
(Psalm 111:10, CSB)

Prayer: Request fresh awe of God’s holiness to displace earthly fears in one struggle.
Challenge: Disconnect from technology for 15 minutes to meditate on Psalm 111:10.

Sermon Summary

We honor mothers for sacrificial care, prayer, and daily investment that shape families and communities. We give in their honor to support life and ministry, and we bring gratitude to God for mothers whose faithful prayer and example leave lasting legacies. We turn to James 3:13 to 18 and confront a vital question: Am I wise? We recognize that wisdom, not mere knowledge, governs how we live, speak, and decide.

We face a torrent of choices every day, small and large, and each choice plants a seed that produces a future harvest. We reap blessings when we obey and pain when we compromise. We must not underestimate the ripple effects of words, a single compromise, or a single act of faith. Lives, families, careers, and even future generations respond to the pattern of decisions we set in motion.

We distinguish understanding from wisdom. Understanding collects facts and ideas; wisdom applies those truths in hard places. Biblical wisdom transforms daily practice: it shapes speech, tempers impulse, guides parenting, steers finances, and moderates relationships. Wisdom protects by steering us away from destructive impulses and by nurturing peace, gentleness, mercy, and good fruit in our conduct.

We must admit our deficiency and ask God for wisdom. The Bible commands seeking wisdom from the Lord, who gives generously. God offers practical guidance through Scripture and the Holy Spirit so that we do not navigate life by our own will. Wisdom prepares us to honor God now and to invest in eternity. Choosing Christ and choosing to repent recalibrates our decisions toward a kingdom aim.

We see vivid illustrations: the stark contrast between legacies produced by faith and those produced by self-centered living, the real consequences of reckless acts, and the odd ways our wiring fails when disconnected from wise care. We respond now: surrender, repentance, baptism, renewed obedience, and communal support for those who begin the walk. We commit to seek wisdom daily so our words build, our decisions bless, and our lives glorify God.

Key Takeaways

1. Every choice shapes future Every decision plants a seed that multiplies over time, so we must think beyond immediate comfort. Small, habitual choices compound into character and into consequences that touch family, church, and civic life. Choosing obedience cultivates a trajectory of blessing; choosing compromise multiplies harm in ways we often only see later. [38:44]
2. Seek practicing wisdom, not knowledge Knowing scripture or right ideas proves empty unless we learn to live them out in tough moments. Wisdom translates truth into action, teaching when to speak, when to be silent, and how to love through conflict. We must prioritize applied faith above mere intellectual assent to Godly claims. [48:50]
3. Ask God for daily wisdom Wisdom functions as daily guidance, not a one-time download, and God invites us to ask because we remain needy and fallible. Prayer opens the flow of divine insight that steers words, finances, parenting, and crisis response. Regular dependence on God prevents living by impulse and preserves peace. [51:04]
4. Wisdom protects and cultivates peace True wisdom produces gentleness, mercy, and steady fruit while shielding against reckless destruction. Wise living reduces chaos, guards relationships, and forms a culture of stability that honors God. We should weigh choices by their capacity to create peace and to bear righteous fruit over time. [65:44]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[07:07] - Honoring Mothers
[08:08] - Prayer and Donation
[33:41] - Reading James 3:13-18
[34:31] - The Question: Am I Wise?
[36:37] - Daily Decisions Explained
[39:36] - Sowing and Reaping Choices
[43:01] - Legacy: Two Lineages Compared
[48:50] - Wisdom Versus Understanding
[51:04] - Ask God For Wisdom
[73:30] - Call To Surrender
[75:02] - Altar Responses and Baptism
[82:08] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading
James 3:13-18 (CSB)
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.

Galatians 6:7 (CSB)
Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a person sows he will also reap.

Proverbs 4:7 (CSB)
Wisdom is supreme—so get wisdom. And whatever else you get, get understanding.

Observation Questions

According to James 3:17, what are the specific characteristics of wisdom that comes "from above"?
The sermon mentions that "one act of obedience can open doors to many years of blessing" ([40:30]). What biblical examples or stories illustrate this principle?
How does the contrast between Jonathan Edwards’ and Max Jukes’ legacies ([43:01]) reflect the idea of sowing and reaping in Galatians 6:7?
In the sermon, what practical examples were given of decisions that seem small but have long-term consequences? ([39:56])

Interpretation Questions

Why does James contrast "earthly" wisdom with "heavenly" wisdom using terms like "gentle," "peace-loving," and "full of mercy" (James 3:17)? How do these traits combat envy and selfish ambition?
The sermon states, "Wisdom is not a one-time download but daily guidance" ([51:04]). How does this align with Proverbs 4:7’s command to "get wisdom" as an ongoing pursuit?
How does the "ripple effect" of decisions described in the sermon ([38:44]) connect to the biblical principle of sowing and reaping in Galatians 6:7?
The pastor said, "Understanding collects facts; wisdom applies truth" ([48:50]). How does this distinction help explain why knowledge alone isn’t enough to honor God?

Application Questions

What is one decision you’re facing this week that feels small but could have a lasting impact? How can you seek God’s wisdom to ensure it aligns with His purposes?
Reflect on a past choice that produced unintended consequences. How might applying James 3:17’s traits (gentleness, peace, mercy) have changed the outcome?
The sermon warns about "reckless destruction" from unwise choices ([01:06:17]). Are there areas in your life (words, habits, relationships) where you’ve ignored warnings? What step will you take to seek God’s protection?
How can you intentionally cultivate "good fruit" (James 3:17) in your daily interactions—especially in moments of conflict or stress? Name one practical action.
The pastor shared, "Your life is preaching a message" through daily choices ([42:37]). What message do your current habits (e.g., prayer, spending, screen time) preach to others? What needs to change?
Identify one area where you rely on "knowledge" but struggle to apply it as wisdom (e.g., forgiveness, finances). How will you invite the Holy Spirit to bridge that gap this week?
The story of tourists ignoring warnings ([01:06:17]) illustrates ignoring wisdom. Where are you tempted to dismiss God’s guidance for short-term comfort? Pray for courage to obey.

Sermon Clips

31s

#ChoicesShapeYou

35s

#PrayBeforeDecisions

“So, how do we make the best decision possible in every situation? How do we ensure that God receives the glory? How do we make sure that every step I take, every decision I make, every choice I make in one way or another brings God glory, not only today, but tomorrow? Well, James has already told us. In chapter one verse five, he says, if any of you like wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all men liberally and unbraideth not.”

35s

#SpeakWithWisdom

“Wisdom, what does it teach us? It teaches us to guard our hearts and our mouths so when we speak and how to speak and when we are to remain silent. This is so important because James chapter three verses one to 12 shows us that speech reflects the spiritual condition of the person. Just imagine if we use wisdom when we speak in our to our spouses or to our children or to our friends or to our coworkers or people at church.”

40s

#LiveForEternity

“Biblical wisdom prepares a person for eternity. We're focused on the things that are from above. We're consumed with the kingdom, we want God to receive the glory. A wise person asks, am I living for Jesus? Am I walking in obedience? Am I investing in souls? Am I honoring God with my life? You know, Jesus taught in the new testament that it's foolish to gain the whole world but lose their soul.”

25s

#SubmitToGod

“Real wisdom starts when a person submits to God's authority. Real wisdom starts when the person recognizes that in and of themselves, they are frail and broken and sinners and need God to reprogram us, to transform us, to change us. The closer you become to the Lord, the closer you walk with God, the wiser you will be.”

29s

#YourChoicesRipple

“The reality is that your decisions are not isolated. They have a ripple effect into your own life and the life of people around you. That's why Galatians chapter six verse seven says, for whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap. Your decisions, your decisions shape your future, and really that's a frightening thing to consider.”

25s

#PowerOfPrayer

“Think about the friend who shared the gospel with you. Think about the parents who have stayed faithful. I'm here today because there was a mother and her son who prayed for me when I didn't even know it. Prayed. It was years later that I realized that it was them that got on their knees praying for me, and God finally answered their prayers, 05/21/1996.”

41s

#DecisionsEveryday

“Did you know that the moment you wake up, your day is filled with decisions? And the moment that I rolled out of bed, it's not even 11:30 and I can promise you this that I have made a ton of decisions. Harvard Journal did a study last year and they said, in an article full of decision making, they said that it's estimated that the average person makes about 35,000 decisions a day. These decisions include both conscious and subconscious choices.”

56s

“Decisions. Your decisions shape your future. Choosing today to commit to prayer will strengthen your walk with the Lord. Choosing today to remain bitter will harden your heart. Choosing today to be a person of integrity can build trust. Choosing today to sin will damage peace and fellowship with God. In fact, you are becoming something by the choices that you and I make. And so decisions shape your future. Decisions affect the people around you. In fact, every decision you and I make somehow will affect somebody else, not just you. Your choices influence your spouse, they influence your children, they influence your church, they influence your friends, they influence coworkers, future generations.”

56s

55s

“Why do we need wisdom? Because wisdom impacts eternity. You see James is going to address the fact that worldly wisdom is focused on the temporary, what we can get now. Biblical wisdom prepares a person for eternity. We're focused on the things that are from above. We're consumed with the kingdom, we want God to receive the glory. A wise person asks, am I living for Jesus? Am I walking in obedience? Am I investing in souls? Am I honoring God with my life? You know, Jesus taught in the new testament that it's foolish to gain the whole world but lose their soul.”

55s

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First Baptist Church of Strafford, Missouri This sermon · AI assistant

How does wisdom differ from mere understanding?

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Am I Wise? Seeking God's Wisdom for Decisions

Devotional

Day 1: Squirrels in the Wiring

Day 2: Ripples in the Pond

Day 3: Wisdom’s Emergency Call

Day 4: Two Family Trees

Day 5: Wiring Harness Revival

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Am I Wise? Seeking God's Wisdom for Decisions

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