WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.120 Well, today, as we mentioned earlier, marks the first Sunday of a new year. 00:00:06.400 --> 00:00:10.060 2020 is over, and 2021 has now begun. 00:00:11.419 --> 00:00:17.080 And I don't know about you, but in some ways, 2020 felt a little bit like this for me. 00:00:17.920 --> 00:00:19.100 Can anyone relate to that? 00:00:22.440 --> 00:00:26.400 As I got thinking about it, last year was kind of like riding a bull. 00:00:27.000 --> 00:00:29.920 In bull riding, you don't get to practice on the bull. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:31.460 Before it all begins. 00:00:32.079 --> 00:00:39.140 There's no chance to try and bond with your bull or tame your bull before you come to sit on it. 00:00:39.799 --> 00:00:44.899 What you experience in that brief moment of time after the gate is opened is brand new, 00:00:45.159 --> 00:00:48.320 both to you and to the beast that you are riding. 00:00:49.379 --> 00:00:55.379 And just like with last year, you just don't know which way it's going to twist and turn. 00:00:55.380 --> 00:01:00.920 And there's a pretty good chance that something is going to happen that will catch you by surprise. 00:01:01.679 --> 00:01:04.480 Something that you weren't quite ready for. 00:01:05.439 --> 00:01:13.079 For some of us, 2020 was a bull that we made our best efforts to ride, only to be bucked off near the end. 00:01:14.359 --> 00:01:17.079 Others of us were maybe bucked off three or four times. 00:01:17.079 --> 00:01:21.200 2020 was a difficult bull to ride. 00:01:21.200 --> 00:01:26.280 And while we might be thankful that we are now done with 2020, 00:01:26.780 --> 00:01:31.040 the reality is that we now have a different bull to ride. 00:01:32.000 --> 00:01:33.799 His name is 2021. 00:01:35.159 --> 00:01:39.859 And as of right now, most of us are probably just sitting on him in anticipation, 00:01:41.020 --> 00:01:42.800 waiting for the gate to be opened. 00:01:42.799 --> 00:01:49.679 And we might assume that after 2020, this ride ahead is just going to be so much better. 00:01:50.000 --> 00:01:52.859 But the truth is, we don't know. 00:01:53.920 --> 00:01:56.280 We've never ridden 2021 before. 00:01:57.500 --> 00:02:03.140 Just like with 2020, there will likely be some unexpected twists and turns. 00:02:03.799 --> 00:02:08.539 Perhaps even some that will send us flying through the air and landing on our heads. 00:02:08.539 --> 00:02:13.039 So how do we get better at bull riding? 00:02:14.579 --> 00:02:19.780 What can we do to prepare ourselves for the unknown ride of 2021? 00:02:21.519 --> 00:02:24.759 Apparently, bull riders put a lot of time into training. 00:02:25.620 --> 00:02:27.060 They study the sport. 00:02:27.379 --> 00:02:29.899 They learn as much as they can about the animal. 00:02:30.919 --> 00:02:35.739 They watch video clips of other riders riding different bulls. 00:02:35.740 --> 00:02:42.020 And they try to learn from those riders' mistakes and try to add to their own understanding and their own intuition. 00:02:42.960 --> 00:02:48.140 They do exercises and stretches to build their muscles and to increase their flexibility. 00:02:49.439 --> 00:02:52.560 And they ride practice bulls in between competitions. 00:02:54.219 --> 00:03:02.400 None of these things can perfectly ready a person for the unknown bull that they will ride on the day of competition. 00:03:02.400 --> 00:03:13.659 But having some kind of understanding and some kind of built-up intuition will make a huge difference with whatever happens when the gate is opened up. 00:03:14.800 --> 00:03:19.400 The same principle applies to riding this new year of 2021. 00:03:19.400 --> 00:03:33.960 Having a strong understanding, a built-up intuition, a growing wisdom will make a huge difference with whatever happens in the weeks and months ahead. 00:03:35.080 --> 00:03:36.439 Let me be honest. 00:03:37.280 --> 00:03:43.640 I don't want to get bucked off of 2021 again and again and again. 00:03:43.639 --> 00:03:47.259 I want this year to be different for me. 00:03:47.879 --> 00:03:52.599 Even if it turns out that it's more challenging than last year. 00:03:54.459 --> 00:03:56.699 What will make that difference? 00:03:58.759 --> 00:04:02.439 We all have some experience now with all this COVID stuff. 00:04:03.179 --> 00:04:04.459 And that may help us some. 00:04:05.119 --> 00:04:06.259 But I need more. 00:04:06.259 --> 00:04:10.639 I need a deeper wisdom for life. 00:04:12.159 --> 00:04:16.819 And not just for a few specific things in life, but for everything in life. 00:04:18.180 --> 00:04:23.439 I know I'm tempted to think that I might only need wisdom for a few specific things in 2021. 00:04:24.899 --> 00:04:31.339 But the truth is, just like with 2020, this year may go totally different than I expect. 00:04:31.339 --> 00:04:36.379 I need more wisdom in all areas of my life. 00:04:37.199 --> 00:04:41.819 I need more wisdom to be a better father to my dear children. 00:04:42.799 --> 00:04:47.459 I need more wisdom to be a better husband to my precious wife. 00:04:48.199 --> 00:04:52.779 I need more wisdom to grow in skill in my work as a pastor. 00:04:52.779 --> 00:05:02.159 I need more wisdom for how to handle those tricky conversations and situations that are likely to come up in this new year. 00:05:02.879 --> 00:05:08.119 I need more wisdom for how to balance the many responsibilities of my life. 00:05:08.939 --> 00:05:15.000 I need more wisdom to keep from getting distracted by less important things. 00:05:15.639 --> 00:05:18.859 And to keep those most important things as my priorities. 00:05:18.860 --> 00:05:27.780 I need more wisdom to know how to sift through the news and understand something of what's really going on in the world around me. 00:05:28.660 --> 00:05:33.240 I need more wisdom to fight and win against temptation. 00:05:34.379 --> 00:05:35.939 Against discouragement. 00:05:37.080 --> 00:05:39.660 Against frustration and sometimes even anger. 00:05:40.720 --> 00:05:44.500 And the list can go on to touch every area of my life. 00:05:44.500 --> 00:05:46.420 Finances. 00:05:47.100 --> 00:05:47.680 Friendship. 00:05:48.500 --> 00:05:49.060 Decisions. 00:05:50.060 --> 00:05:50.459 Planning. 00:05:51.379 --> 00:05:51.920 Habits. 00:05:52.519 --> 00:05:53.560 When to speak up. 00:05:54.379 --> 00:05:55.540 When to be silent. 00:05:56.079 --> 00:05:56.800 And on and on. 00:05:57.680 --> 00:06:02.139 I need more wisdom in all areas of my life. 00:06:03.500 --> 00:06:12.439 And I believe that putting my time and intention into growing in wisdom will make a huge difference in the year ahead. 00:06:12.439 --> 00:06:13.579 Not just for me. 00:06:13.579 --> 00:06:14.759 But for anyone. 00:06:16.120 --> 00:06:17.740 So how do we do it? 00:06:18.899 --> 00:06:21.519 Where does wisdom come from? 00:06:22.759 --> 00:06:27.259 A long time ago a man named Job asked this very question. 00:06:28.540 --> 00:06:30.740 Where can wisdom be found? 00:06:32.120 --> 00:06:33.920 Where does understanding dwell? 00:06:35.819 --> 00:06:38.740 No mortal comprehends its worth. 00:06:39.639 --> 00:06:42.019 It cannot be found in the land of the living. 00:06:42.019 --> 00:06:45.639 The deep says it is not in me. 00:06:46.439 --> 00:06:49.500 The sea says it is not with me. 00:06:50.620 --> 00:06:53.279 It cannot be bought with the finest gold. 00:06:54.060 --> 00:06:58.159 Nor can its price be weighed out in silver. 00:06:58.299 --> 00:07:01.719 That's Job 28 verse 12 to 15. 00:07:03.319 --> 00:07:06.959 Job tells his friends that wisdom is not something easily found. 00:07:06.959 --> 00:07:10.279 It doesn't come from among us. 00:07:10.419 --> 00:07:10.959 He says. 00:07:12.159 --> 00:07:14.680 But it is exceedingly valuable. 00:07:16.379 --> 00:07:18.919 So where can wisdom be found? 00:07:20.319 --> 00:07:22.279 Where does understanding come from? 00:07:22.279 --> 00:07:25.539 Well before we get to the answer. 00:07:25.539 --> 00:07:29.079 Let's think about how so many in our world would answer this question. 00:07:29.799 --> 00:07:33.000 Imagine you just go to some random person on the street. 00:07:33.339 --> 00:07:34.559 Or at the post office. 00:07:34.719 --> 00:07:35.659 And just ask them. 00:07:36.039 --> 00:07:37.619 Where can wisdom be found? 00:07:38.279 --> 00:07:39.599 Where do you get your wisdom? 00:07:39.959 --> 00:07:40.759 Your understanding? 00:07:40.759 --> 00:07:44.939 A few people might say experience. 00:07:45.719 --> 00:07:47.920 A few others might say from books. 00:07:48.879 --> 00:07:51.639 Some might say from other wise people. 00:07:52.779 --> 00:07:54.500 Though that kind of begs the question. 00:07:54.680 --> 00:07:57.599 Where did that wise person get their wisdom from? 00:07:57.600 --> 00:08:01.260 How did they become wise? 00:08:02.220 --> 00:08:04.120 But I suspect that a lot of people. 00:08:04.260 --> 00:08:05.620 Whether they will admit it or not. 00:08:06.879 --> 00:08:08.720 Are getting their wisdom. 00:08:08.920 --> 00:08:09.480 Their wisdom. 00:08:10.080 --> 00:08:11.160 From Google. 00:08:12.680 --> 00:08:13.360 YouTube. 00:08:14.860 --> 00:08:15.820 Online sources. 00:08:16.879 --> 00:08:17.780 Blog posts. 00:08:18.560 --> 00:08:19.060 Wikipedia. 00:08:20.320 --> 00:08:24.060 Things that trusted friends or family members share through Facebook. 00:08:24.620 --> 00:08:25.700 Or email. 00:08:25.699 --> 00:08:29.240 This is the kind of world that we live in. 00:08:29.839 --> 00:08:31.060 The digital age. 00:08:34.080 --> 00:08:36.399 Where can wisdom be found? 00:08:37.980 --> 00:08:40.740 Where does understanding come from? 00:08:41.819 --> 00:08:43.460 Job may be asking the question. 00:08:44.019 --> 00:08:46.240 But in reality he's already given the answer. 00:08:46.240 --> 00:08:47.379 Earlier on. 00:08:48.039 --> 00:08:49.000 In chapter 12. 00:08:49.240 --> 00:08:50.559 Verse 13. 00:08:51.439 --> 00:08:52.879 This is what Job says. 00:08:53.980 --> 00:08:54.659 To God. 00:08:55.700 --> 00:08:56.300 Belong. 00:08:57.379 --> 00:08:57.879 Wisdom. 00:08:58.680 --> 00:08:59.620 And power. 00:09:01.000 --> 00:09:01.600 Counsel. 00:09:01.860 --> 00:09:02.860 And understanding. 00:09:03.520 --> 00:09:04.520 Are his. 00:09:06.800 --> 00:09:07.860 True wisdom. 00:09:08.480 --> 00:09:12.200 Is not just something that we can go to the local bookstore and buy. 00:09:13.200 --> 00:09:19.240 It's not something that you can gain by scrolling for hours through your Facebook or Twitter feeds. 00:09:19.240 --> 00:09:23.100 Google may put a wealth of information at your fingertips. 00:09:23.100 --> 00:09:26.120 But Google can't give you discernment. 00:09:27.120 --> 00:09:31.519 It can't give you the ability to correctly sort through all that information. 00:09:32.060 --> 00:09:34.039 And know what's true and right. 00:09:34.159 --> 00:09:36.460 And what actually applies to your situation. 00:09:36.460 --> 00:09:37.799 Or to your relationship. 00:09:39.580 --> 00:09:40.779 And what doesn't. 00:09:40.779 --> 00:09:45.120 So where does true wisdom and understanding come from? 00:09:47.259 --> 00:09:48.319 Job's answer. 00:09:48.740 --> 00:09:49.819 Is from God. 00:09:51.100 --> 00:09:52.919 True wisdom comes. 00:09:53.600 --> 00:09:55.799 From the one who possesses it. 00:09:56.799 --> 00:09:58.679 To God belongs. 00:09:59.179 --> 00:09:59.699 Wisdom. 00:09:59.700 --> 00:10:01.920 Understanding. 00:10:01.920 --> 00:10:02.860 Is his. 00:10:02.860 --> 00:10:03.560 His. 00:10:05.560 --> 00:10:07.360 Listen to the words of Isaiah. 00:10:07.860 --> 00:10:08.700 Long ago. 00:10:09.820 --> 00:10:12.320 This is from Isaiah chapter 40 verse 13. 00:10:14.040 --> 00:10:16.980 Who can fathom the spirit of the Lord? 00:10:17.800 --> 00:10:21.360 Or instruct the Lord as his counselor? 00:10:22.680 --> 00:10:23.360 Answer. 00:10:23.860 --> 00:10:24.460 Implied. 00:10:25.320 --> 00:10:25.900 No one. 00:10:25.899 --> 00:10:26.379 Answer. 00:10:26.379 --> 00:10:26.899 No one. 00:10:26.899 --> 00:10:29.860 Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him? 00:10:30.480 --> 00:10:32.259 And who taught him the right way? 00:10:33.579 --> 00:10:34.259 Answer. 00:10:34.659 --> 00:10:35.620 No one. 00:10:36.840 --> 00:10:39.519 Who was it that taught him knowledge? 00:10:40.019 --> 00:10:42.379 Or showed him the path of understanding? 00:10:43.959 --> 00:10:44.639 Answer. 00:10:45.459 --> 00:10:46.399 No one. 00:10:47.939 --> 00:10:49.720 Ponder this with me for a minute. 00:10:51.199 --> 00:10:52.600 Can you fathom? 00:10:52.600 --> 00:10:54.340 Can you understand. 00:10:54.940 --> 00:10:56.920 Just what goes on in the mind. 00:10:57.740 --> 00:10:58.500 The spirit. 00:10:59.159 --> 00:10:59.779 Of God. 00:11:02.320 --> 00:11:04.019 He's shown us time and time again. 00:11:04.740 --> 00:11:05.800 In his word. 00:11:06.440 --> 00:11:07.159 Through prophecy. 00:11:07.840 --> 00:11:11.779 Even through the words and behavior of Jesus himself. 00:11:11.920 --> 00:11:13.240 When he was here on earth. 00:11:13.700 --> 00:11:16.180 That he knows all things. 00:11:16.179 --> 00:11:20.359 Can you imagine what goes on in the mind. 00:11:21.000 --> 00:11:21.979 Of the one. 00:11:22.299 --> 00:11:23.639 Who knows all things. 00:11:26.000 --> 00:11:27.939 Not only does he know all things. 00:11:29.459 --> 00:11:31.299 He sees all things. 00:11:32.339 --> 00:11:34.579 He is continuously aware. 00:11:35.379 --> 00:11:36.379 Of all things. 00:11:36.859 --> 00:11:38.339 Proverbs 5 verse 21. 00:11:38.799 --> 00:11:39.399 Says this. 00:11:39.620 --> 00:11:40.679 For your ways. 00:11:40.859 --> 00:11:42.019 Are in full. 00:11:42.579 --> 00:11:42.979 View. 00:11:43.459 --> 00:11:44.240 Of the Lord. 00:11:44.240 --> 00:11:44.639 God. 00:11:44.639 --> 00:11:47.820 And he examines all your paths. 00:11:50.019 --> 00:11:50.940 Everything. 00:11:51.419 --> 00:11:53.019 That everyone does. 00:11:53.639 --> 00:11:54.799 God sees. 00:11:55.720 --> 00:11:56.940 In fact. 00:11:57.279 --> 00:11:59.180 God sees even more. 00:11:59.600 --> 00:12:00.799 Than we can see. 00:12:01.960 --> 00:12:02.980 Jesus said. 00:12:03.080 --> 00:12:03.820 You might remember. 00:12:04.180 --> 00:12:06.279 Even the very hairs of your head. 00:12:06.659 --> 00:12:07.519 Are numbered. 00:12:08.580 --> 00:12:10.919 God knows the count on every head. 00:12:10.919 --> 00:12:11.319 God. 00:12:11.319 --> 00:12:12.919 In the world. 00:12:13.099 --> 00:12:14.479 All at the same time. 00:12:14.579 --> 00:12:15.379 He sees that. 00:12:15.959 --> 00:12:16.860 He knows that. 00:12:18.079 --> 00:12:19.939 And it's not just physical things. 00:12:20.019 --> 00:12:21.240 That God sees and knows. 00:12:21.799 --> 00:12:23.799 Even the non-physical things. 00:12:24.839 --> 00:12:26.240 King David said this. 00:12:26.319 --> 00:12:27.299 To his son Solomon. 00:12:27.299 --> 00:12:31.199 For the Lord. 00:12:31.199 --> 00:12:32.500 Searches. 00:12:32.500 --> 00:12:34.159 Every heart. 00:12:34.939 --> 00:12:36.819 And understands. 00:12:36.819 --> 00:12:38.620 Every desire. 00:12:39.339 --> 00:12:41.459 And every thought. 00:12:43.379 --> 00:12:45.779 Think about that for a moment. 00:12:46.279 --> 00:12:47.679 The Lord searches. 00:12:48.219 --> 00:12:49.740 Every heart. 00:12:50.679 --> 00:12:52.579 And understands. 00:12:53.079 --> 00:12:54.419 Every desire. 00:12:54.419 --> 00:12:57.459 And every thought. 00:13:00.259 --> 00:13:01.699 Can you imagine. 00:13:01.979 --> 00:13:03.479 What goes on in the mind. 00:13:03.479 --> 00:13:04.319 Of God. 00:13:05.079 --> 00:13:06.439 As he sees. 00:13:07.179 --> 00:13:08.360 And searches. 00:13:08.759 --> 00:13:09.860 Every heart. 00:13:09.939 --> 00:13:11.099 Of every person. 00:13:11.439 --> 00:13:12.339 Every desire. 00:13:12.559 --> 00:13:13.319 Every thought. 00:13:13.419 --> 00:13:14.259 As he witnesses. 00:13:14.519 --> 00:13:15.459 Every action. 00:13:15.659 --> 00:13:16.500 And interaction. 00:13:16.740 --> 00:13:17.559 In the universe. 00:13:18.059 --> 00:13:19.599 All at the same time. 00:13:19.600 --> 00:13:23.740 Truly. 00:13:23.860 --> 00:13:24.779 God's understanding. 00:13:24.779 --> 00:13:25.920 Is mind-blowing. 00:13:28.519 --> 00:13:29.980 And what's truly amazing. 00:13:30.159 --> 00:13:30.360 Is that. 00:13:30.480 --> 00:13:32.220 He's not just a passive observer. 00:13:32.220 --> 00:13:33.100 Of all this. 00:13:33.639 --> 00:13:34.700 He's not just someone. 00:13:34.700 --> 00:13:36.060 Who sees and knows all. 00:13:36.159 --> 00:13:37.240 But has no idea. 00:13:37.240 --> 00:13:38.360 How to interact. 00:13:38.659 --> 00:13:39.100 Meaningfully. 00:13:39.240 --> 00:13:40.519 With the universe. 00:13:40.519 --> 00:13:41.420 That he's made. 00:13:42.740 --> 00:13:43.899 It's not as though. 00:13:44.300 --> 00:13:44.899 He has. 00:13:45.100 --> 00:13:46.139 All knowledge. 00:13:46.600 --> 00:13:47.500 But doesn't know. 00:13:47.620 --> 00:13:48.540 What to do with it. 00:13:48.539 --> 00:13:51.000 He has all knowledge. 00:13:51.099 --> 00:13:52.939 But he also has all wisdom. 00:13:53.899 --> 00:13:55.439 He knows exactly. 00:13:55.439 --> 00:13:56.459 How to act. 00:13:56.579 --> 00:13:57.519 And interact. 00:13:57.799 --> 00:13:59.799 Within this complex universe. 00:14:00.559 --> 00:14:02.240 With other beings. 00:14:02.860 --> 00:14:03.879 To bring about. 00:14:04.019 --> 00:14:04.919 What he has planned. 00:14:05.599 --> 00:14:06.339 And promised. 00:14:06.519 --> 00:14:07.039 To bring about. 00:14:07.159 --> 00:14:07.899 What is good. 00:14:08.299 --> 00:14:09.139 And right. 00:14:09.339 --> 00:14:10.759 In the midst of the chaos. 00:14:11.199 --> 00:14:12.299 Of our world. 00:14:15.000 --> 00:14:16.759 And so back to our question. 00:14:16.759 --> 00:14:17.460 Where does. 00:14:17.460 --> 00:14:19.039 Wisdom come from. 00:14:21.720 --> 00:14:22.840 It comes. 00:14:23.319 --> 00:14:24.340 From the one. 00:14:24.740 --> 00:14:25.639 Who possesses it. 00:14:27.639 --> 00:14:29.319 And here's something wonderful. 00:14:29.439 --> 00:14:29.960 And amazing. 00:14:31.080 --> 00:14:32.059 The one. 00:14:32.319 --> 00:14:33.080 Who possesses. 00:14:33.159 --> 00:14:34.059 All wisdom. 00:14:35.240 --> 00:14:35.919 Offers. 00:14:36.460 --> 00:14:37.539 To share his wisdom. 00:14:38.220 --> 00:14:38.860 With you. 00:14:39.860 --> 00:14:40.740 And with me. 00:14:42.419 --> 00:14:43.319 Proverbs 2. 00:14:43.700 --> 00:14:44.340 Verse 6. 00:14:44.340 --> 00:14:45.840 For the Lord. 00:14:46.480 --> 00:14:47.080 Gives. 00:14:47.700 --> 00:14:48.320 Wisdom. 00:14:50.180 --> 00:14:51.580 From his mouth. 00:14:51.780 --> 00:14:52.780 Come knowledge. 00:14:53.580 --> 00:14:54.820 And understanding. 00:14:56.019 --> 00:14:56.840 Isn't that amazing? 00:14:57.399 --> 00:14:58.620 The one who alone. 00:14:58.620 --> 00:15:00.220 Possesses all wisdom. 00:15:00.899 --> 00:15:02.259 Gives his wisdom. 00:15:02.740 --> 00:15:03.460 To people. 00:15:05.460 --> 00:15:06.080 How? 00:15:08.080 --> 00:15:09.100 From his mouth. 00:15:09.100 --> 00:15:11.700 He speaks. 00:15:12.240 --> 00:15:13.180 His words. 00:15:13.180 --> 00:15:13.200 His words. 00:15:13.460 --> 00:15:13.980 Of wisdom. 00:15:16.500 --> 00:15:17.100 Google. 00:15:17.100 --> 00:15:17.820 May have a lot. 00:15:17.899 --> 00:15:18.680 To offer us. 00:15:19.440 --> 00:15:20.300 But God. 00:15:20.379 --> 00:15:21.420 Has so much more. 00:15:21.940 --> 00:15:22.779 And better. 00:15:24.120 --> 00:15:25.120 Good books. 00:15:25.240 --> 00:15:26.960 May have some great insights. 00:15:27.139 --> 00:15:28.220 And some great nuggets. 00:15:28.840 --> 00:15:30.580 But none of those books. 00:15:31.220 --> 00:15:31.800 Compares. 00:15:32.259 --> 00:15:32.879 To the one. 00:15:33.279 --> 00:15:33.920 That God. 00:15:34.080 --> 00:15:34.600 Has written. 00:15:34.960 --> 00:15:35.519 For us. 00:15:35.519 --> 00:15:39.159 What is this book. 00:15:39.840 --> 00:15:41.059 We call the Bible. 00:15:42.419 --> 00:15:43.340 Unlike everything. 00:15:43.340 --> 00:15:45.019 That you will find on Google. 00:15:45.299 --> 00:15:46.639 Or in other books. 00:15:46.639 --> 00:15:47.419 Or in the news. 00:15:47.500 --> 00:15:48.139 Or on Facebook. 00:15:49.059 --> 00:15:50.240 What's in this book. 00:15:50.759 --> 00:15:51.960 Comes from God. 00:15:52.199 --> 00:15:52.639 Himself. 00:15:53.600 --> 00:15:55.159 And not just from mere men. 00:15:56.159 --> 00:15:57.779 Think back over the story. 00:15:58.679 --> 00:15:59.379 It's God. 00:15:59.639 --> 00:16:00.720 Who spoke to. 00:16:00.879 --> 00:16:01.819 And through Moses. 00:16:02.819 --> 00:16:03.819 To give us the story. 00:16:03.820 --> 00:16:04.940 Of how our world began. 00:16:04.940 --> 00:16:06.040 And how things went. 00:16:06.040 --> 00:16:06.920 Up until the time. 00:16:07.020 --> 00:16:08.420 The Israelites entered Canaan. 00:16:09.520 --> 00:16:10.140 It's God. 00:16:10.220 --> 00:16:11.040 Who spoke to. 00:16:11.220 --> 00:16:12.200 And through David. 00:16:12.940 --> 00:16:13.800 As he penned. 00:16:13.900 --> 00:16:14.620 The Psalms. 00:16:15.700 --> 00:16:16.540 It's God. 00:16:16.600 --> 00:16:17.700 Who put his spirit. 00:16:17.700 --> 00:16:18.500 Of wisdom. 00:16:18.780 --> 00:16:19.820 Upon Solomon. 00:16:20.460 --> 00:16:21.340 So that he could. 00:16:21.560 --> 00:16:22.040 Write. 00:16:22.300 --> 00:16:23.060 The Proverbs. 00:16:24.500 --> 00:16:25.180 It is God. 00:16:25.500 --> 00:16:25.980 Himself. 00:16:26.140 --> 00:16:26.960 Who spoke to. 00:16:27.140 --> 00:16:27.780 And through. 00:16:28.000 --> 00:16:28.520 Isaiah. 00:16:29.240 --> 00:16:29.940 And Jeremiah. 00:16:30.540 --> 00:16:32.000 And so many of the prophets. 00:16:32.120 --> 00:16:32.920 Of long ago. 00:16:32.919 --> 00:16:36.319 Much later. 00:16:36.459 --> 00:16:37.399 The apostle Peter. 00:16:37.399 --> 00:16:38.179 Was eager. 00:16:38.360 --> 00:16:39.500 To remind Christians. 00:16:40.039 --> 00:16:41.079 About this. 00:16:42.199 --> 00:16:43.679 This is what Peter said. 00:16:44.019 --> 00:16:44.379 He said. 00:16:44.459 --> 00:16:45.139 Above all. 00:16:45.579 --> 00:16:47.019 You must understand. 00:16:47.019 --> 00:16:48.779 That no prophecy. 00:16:48.779 --> 00:16:49.539 Of scripture. 00:16:50.099 --> 00:16:51.159 Came about. 00:16:51.339 --> 00:16:51.939 By the prophets. 00:16:52.120 --> 00:16:52.759 Own interpretation. 00:16:52.759 --> 00:16:53.620 Of things. 00:16:54.639 --> 00:16:55.459 For prophecy. 00:16:55.839 --> 00:16:57.519 Never had its origin. 00:16:58.039 --> 00:16:59.519 In the human will. 00:16:59.519 --> 00:17:01.579 But prophets. 00:17:02.460 --> 00:17:03.519 Though human. 00:17:04.000 --> 00:17:05.639 Spoke from God. 00:17:06.359 --> 00:17:08.119 As they were carried along. 00:17:08.740 --> 00:17:10.259 By the Holy Spirit. 00:17:11.400 --> 00:17:12.720 In a similar way. 00:17:12.819 --> 00:17:13.859 The apostles also. 00:17:14.359 --> 00:17:15.579 Spoke from God. 00:17:15.940 --> 00:17:17.339 From the Lord Jesus himself. 00:17:18.180 --> 00:17:19.460 They recognized. 00:17:19.619 --> 00:17:20.639 One another's letters. 00:17:20.639 --> 00:17:21.420 As being. 00:17:21.900 --> 00:17:23.019 On the same level. 00:17:23.019 --> 00:17:23.740 As the scriptures. 00:17:23.740 --> 00:17:25.019 That were written long ago. 00:17:25.019 --> 00:17:27.759 He spoke to. 00:17:27.960 --> 00:17:28.319 And through. 00:17:28.420 --> 00:17:28.960 The apostles. 00:17:28.960 --> 00:17:29.859 As well. 00:17:30.579 --> 00:17:31.460 In fact. 00:17:31.599 --> 00:17:32.480 Even Jesus. 00:17:32.980 --> 00:17:34.220 The son of God. 00:17:34.500 --> 00:17:35.319 Made it clear. 00:17:35.420 --> 00:17:36.900 Just where his many words. 00:17:36.900 --> 00:17:37.480 Of wisdom. 00:17:37.480 --> 00:17:38.220 Came from. 00:17:40.220 --> 00:17:40.740 John. 00:17:40.879 --> 00:17:41.519 Chapter 12. 00:17:41.579 --> 00:17:42.319 Verse 49. 00:17:43.039 --> 00:17:44.220 For I did not speak. 00:17:44.220 --> 00:17:44.819 On my own. 00:17:44.960 --> 00:17:45.599 Says Jesus. 00:17:46.279 --> 00:17:47.000 But the father. 00:17:47.000 --> 00:17:47.759 Who sent me. 00:17:47.960 --> 00:17:48.759 Commanded me. 00:17:48.759 --> 00:17:49.339 To say. 00:17:49.720 --> 00:17:50.920 All that I have spoken. 00:17:50.920 --> 00:17:53.320 So whatever I say. 00:17:53.320 --> 00:17:54.740 Is just what the father. 00:17:54.740 --> 00:17:56.340 Has told me. 00:17:56.940 --> 00:17:57.420 To say. 00:17:58.980 --> 00:18:00.560 So from cover to cover. 00:18:00.680 --> 00:18:01.160 This book. 00:18:01.259 --> 00:18:02.840 That we all have a copy of. 00:18:04.220 --> 00:18:05.460 Is the collection. 00:18:05.460 --> 00:18:06.940 Of what God himself. 00:18:07.100 --> 00:18:07.980 Has spoken. 00:18:08.880 --> 00:18:09.560 It's his. 00:18:10.000 --> 00:18:10.500 Collection. 00:18:10.500 --> 00:18:11.460 Of wisdom. 00:18:12.160 --> 00:18:13.660 That he has decided. 00:18:14.100 --> 00:18:15.420 To share with us. 00:18:15.740 --> 00:18:16.960 And preserve for us. 00:18:17.039 --> 00:18:17.800 Through the centuries. 00:18:19.240 --> 00:18:20.400 Think about that. 00:18:21.880 --> 00:18:22.759 The one. 00:18:22.880 --> 00:18:23.600 Who possesses. 00:18:23.600 --> 00:18:24.380 All wisdom. 00:18:25.000 --> 00:18:25.820 Has chosen. 00:18:25.960 --> 00:18:26.660 To put some. 00:18:26.700 --> 00:18:27.440 Of his wisdom. 00:18:27.440 --> 00:18:28.759 Into human language. 00:18:30.080 --> 00:18:31.460 At different points. 00:18:31.820 --> 00:18:32.580 Along the way. 00:18:32.660 --> 00:18:33.180 In history. 00:18:33.180 --> 00:18:34.440 So that we could come. 00:18:34.560 --> 00:18:35.340 To understand. 00:18:35.340 --> 00:18:36.960 Some really important things. 00:18:37.340 --> 00:18:38.160 About him. 00:18:39.080 --> 00:18:40.200 About this world. 00:18:40.200 --> 00:18:41.019 That we live in. 00:18:41.900 --> 00:18:43.180 About relationships. 00:18:43.640 --> 00:18:44.980 About all the important things. 00:18:45.039 --> 00:18:45.460 In life. 00:18:45.680 --> 00:18:46.500 It's all. 00:18:46.700 --> 00:18:47.560 Right here. 00:18:47.559 --> 00:18:51.200 And in many places. 00:18:51.200 --> 00:18:52.559 It's so plainly stated. 00:18:53.500 --> 00:18:54.460 I think of the way. 00:18:54.700 --> 00:18:55.700 Solomon introduces. 00:18:55.700 --> 00:18:56.559 His book of. 00:18:56.919 --> 00:18:57.359 Proverbs. 00:18:58.099 --> 00:18:59.259 The Proverbs of Solomon. 00:18:59.579 --> 00:19:00.200 Son of David. 00:19:00.359 --> 00:19:01.119 King of Israel. 00:19:02.119 --> 00:19:02.899 For gaining. 00:19:03.599 --> 00:19:04.159 Wisdom. 00:19:04.160 --> 00:19:06.940 You want to gain the wisdom. 00:19:06.940 --> 00:19:08.019 That the Lord gives. 00:19:08.740 --> 00:19:10.259 Read what I'm about to write. 00:19:10.800 --> 00:19:11.720 Says Solomon. 00:19:12.540 --> 00:19:13.980 Or in the words of David. 00:19:14.160 --> 00:19:15.040 Solomon's dad. 00:19:15.920 --> 00:19:16.680 David wrote this. 00:19:16.680 --> 00:19:17.940 The law of the Lord. 00:19:18.500 --> 00:19:19.220 Is perfect. 00:19:20.519 --> 00:19:21.720 Refreshing the soul. 00:19:23.080 --> 00:19:24.400 The statutes of the Lord. 00:19:24.519 --> 00:19:25.240 Are trustworthy. 00:19:26.300 --> 00:19:27.580 Making wise. 00:19:28.019 --> 00:19:28.540 The simple. 00:19:29.900 --> 00:19:30.500 You want to. 00:19:30.500 --> 00:19:32.119 Be made wise. 00:19:32.700 --> 00:19:33.460 David says. 00:19:33.859 --> 00:19:35.259 Read the law of the Lord. 00:19:35.980 --> 00:19:37.279 The first five books. 00:19:37.279 --> 00:19:37.880 Of the Bible. 00:19:40.039 --> 00:19:41.579 Or in the words of Paul. 00:19:41.680 --> 00:19:42.200 To Timothy. 00:19:43.619 --> 00:19:44.579 He says. 00:19:44.900 --> 00:19:45.680 From infancy. 00:19:46.220 --> 00:19:47.259 You have known. 00:19:47.940 --> 00:19:48.880 The holy scriptures. 00:19:49.039 --> 00:19:50.660 Which are able to make you. 00:19:51.140 --> 00:19:51.660 Wise. 00:19:52.319 --> 00:19:53.259 For salvation. 00:19:54.079 --> 00:19:55.180 Through faith in. 00:19:55.519 --> 00:19:56.220 Christ Jesus. 00:19:57.420 --> 00:19:58.740 But not just for salvation. 00:19:58.740 --> 00:20:00.900 He goes on. 00:20:01.680 --> 00:20:02.059 He says. 00:20:02.259 --> 00:20:02.859 All scripture. 00:20:03.640 --> 00:20:04.220 All of it. 00:20:04.299 --> 00:20:05.900 Is God breathed. 00:20:06.519 --> 00:20:07.720 And is useful. 00:20:07.720 --> 00:20:09.079 For teaching. 00:20:09.920 --> 00:20:10.680 Rebuking. 00:20:11.240 --> 00:20:11.960 Correcting. 00:20:12.460 --> 00:20:13.660 And training. 00:20:13.880 --> 00:20:14.480 In righteousness. 00:20:15.140 --> 00:20:17.299 So that the servant of God. 00:20:18.039 --> 00:20:19.660 May be thoroughly equipped. 00:20:20.319 --> 00:20:22.740 For every good work. 00:20:24.740 --> 00:20:27.339 Every good work. 00:20:27.339 --> 00:20:30.919 For all you need to do in life. 00:20:32.859 --> 00:20:35.000 You want wisdom for all of life. 00:20:36.039 --> 00:20:37.220 It's right here. 00:20:41.720 --> 00:20:43.519 All the wisdom that we need. 00:20:43.599 --> 00:20:44.919 To face the unknown ride. 00:20:45.500 --> 00:20:46.699 Of 2021. 00:20:47.159 --> 00:20:49.359 And ride it as well as possible. 00:20:50.619 --> 00:20:51.699 Is right here. 00:20:52.279 --> 00:20:53.199 In the pages. 00:20:53.899 --> 00:20:54.619 Of our Bibles. 00:20:54.619 --> 00:20:57.559 From the one. 00:20:58.000 --> 00:20:58.959 Who possesses. 00:20:59.099 --> 00:20:59.759 All wisdom. 00:21:01.039 --> 00:21:01.599 And so. 00:21:01.799 --> 00:21:03.059 How do we get God's wisdom. 00:21:03.059 --> 00:21:03.799 From here. 00:21:04.919 --> 00:21:05.799 Into us. 00:21:06.339 --> 00:21:07.519 That's the final step. 00:21:08.159 --> 00:21:09.859 I think we kind of all know the answer. 00:21:10.159 --> 00:21:11.519 We know some answers. 00:21:13.739 --> 00:21:15.179 Let's talk about it for a minute. 00:21:15.659 --> 00:21:16.959 One of the things I love about. 00:21:17.259 --> 00:21:18.279 God and his word. 00:21:18.359 --> 00:21:19.219 Is that he tells us. 00:21:19.399 --> 00:21:20.359 Right inside of it. 00:21:20.799 --> 00:21:21.979 What we should do with it. 00:21:21.980 --> 00:21:25.000 He doesn't just leave us on our own to guess. 00:21:25.079 --> 00:21:26.220 He actually tells us. 00:21:26.299 --> 00:21:27.779 In many different places. 00:21:27.779 --> 00:21:28.880 That we should read it. 00:21:29.940 --> 00:21:30.860 He tells us. 00:21:30.940 --> 00:21:31.380 That we should. 00:21:31.860 --> 00:21:33.279 Meditate on these words. 00:21:33.400 --> 00:21:34.319 Day and night. 00:21:35.220 --> 00:21:36.000 In Psalm 1. 00:21:36.860 --> 00:21:37.480 He tells us. 00:21:37.480 --> 00:21:37.940 That we should. 00:21:38.360 --> 00:21:39.559 Hide these words. 00:21:39.559 --> 00:21:40.620 In our hearts. 00:21:42.620 --> 00:21:43.980 In Psalm 119. 00:21:44.059 --> 00:21:44.579 Verse 11. 00:21:45.120 --> 00:21:46.319 Which at the very least. 00:21:46.400 --> 00:21:47.680 Includes memorizing. 00:21:47.980 --> 00:21:48.539 Some of them. 00:21:48.539 --> 00:21:50.859 He tells us. 00:21:50.859 --> 00:21:51.920 That we should live. 00:21:51.920 --> 00:21:53.099 Off these words. 00:21:53.420 --> 00:21:54.440 Just like we live. 00:21:54.440 --> 00:21:55.240 Off food. 00:21:56.700 --> 00:21:57.960 Man shall not live. 00:21:58.139 --> 00:21:58.980 By bread alone. 00:21:59.720 --> 00:22:01.559 But by every word. 00:22:01.799 --> 00:22:02.799 That proceeds. 00:22:03.139 --> 00:22:04.119 From the mouth of God. 00:22:05.940 --> 00:22:06.819 Not only that. 00:22:06.899 --> 00:22:07.680 But God knows. 00:22:07.779 --> 00:22:08.599 That we have a tendency. 00:22:09.039 --> 00:22:10.019 To get into his word. 00:22:10.119 --> 00:22:10.940 For a little while. 00:22:11.159 --> 00:22:12.619 And then to get away from it. 00:22:12.700 --> 00:22:13.420 For a little while. 00:22:14.279 --> 00:22:15.680 And so Jesus tells us. 00:22:15.680 --> 00:22:18.940 To have his words. 00:22:19.160 --> 00:22:20.580 Stay in us. 00:22:22.060 --> 00:22:22.500 Remain. 00:22:22.720 --> 00:22:23.259 Abide. 00:22:23.460 --> 00:22:24.080 In us. 00:22:24.920 --> 00:22:26.220 For the long term. 00:22:27.920 --> 00:22:28.779 John 15. 00:22:28.880 --> 00:22:29.180 7. 00:22:30.720 --> 00:22:31.720 One of the questions. 00:22:31.720 --> 00:22:32.700 That often comes up. 00:22:32.900 --> 00:22:32.960 Is. 00:22:33.519 --> 00:22:34.600 How often. 00:22:34.600 --> 00:22:36.019 Do we need to read the Bible. 00:22:36.539 --> 00:22:38.000 To be a faithful follower. 00:22:38.000 --> 00:22:38.539 Of Jesus. 00:22:39.740 --> 00:22:41.259 It's kind of a weird question. 00:22:42.279 --> 00:22:43.320 I don't think. 00:22:43.319 --> 00:22:43.939 It's a question. 00:22:43.939 --> 00:22:44.879 That we ask. 00:22:45.299 --> 00:22:46.460 By the spirit. 00:22:48.439 --> 00:22:49.379 In faith. 00:22:49.899 --> 00:22:50.339 I think. 00:22:50.339 --> 00:22:51.059 That's a question. 00:22:51.059 --> 00:22:51.859 That we ask. 00:22:52.419 --> 00:22:53.299 Out of our. 00:22:53.599 --> 00:22:54.299 Sinful nature. 00:22:54.460 --> 00:22:55.319 Out of our flesh. 00:22:55.799 --> 00:22:56.519 Let me phrase it. 00:22:56.559 --> 00:22:57.019 Another way. 00:22:57.139 --> 00:22:57.480 God. 00:22:58.339 --> 00:22:59.759 What's the bare minimum. 00:22:59.759 --> 00:23:01.319 Of your priceless wisdom. 00:23:01.980 --> 00:23:03.319 That I can take in. 00:23:03.379 --> 00:23:04.740 And still be on good terms. 00:23:04.740 --> 00:23:05.139 With you. 00:23:07.859 --> 00:23:08.659 Try asking. 00:23:08.779 --> 00:23:09.539 Something like that. 00:23:09.599 --> 00:23:10.220 To your wife. 00:23:10.639 --> 00:23:11.359 If you're married. 00:23:11.359 --> 00:23:12.839 Honey. 00:23:13.339 --> 00:23:14.639 What's the bare minimum. 00:23:14.639 --> 00:23:15.559 Amount of time. 00:23:15.559 --> 00:23:16.240 I can spend. 00:23:16.339 --> 00:23:17.339 Listening to your words. 00:23:17.339 --> 00:23:17.859 This year. 00:23:18.799 --> 00:23:19.939 And you still think. 00:23:19.939 --> 00:23:20.500 That I'm. 00:23:20.699 --> 00:23:21.379 A faithful husband. 00:23:22.500 --> 00:23:23.939 It's our sinful nature. 00:23:23.939 --> 00:23:25.459 That asks that question. 00:23:25.639 --> 00:23:26.699 A question like that. 00:23:27.359 --> 00:23:28.719 If we really believe. 00:23:28.719 --> 00:23:30.099 That this is God's word. 00:23:30.219 --> 00:23:30.339 And. 00:23:30.919 --> 00:23:31.939 As he said in here. 00:23:31.939 --> 00:23:32.740 That he speaks. 00:23:32.740 --> 00:23:33.240 Through it. 00:23:33.339 --> 00:23:33.859 To us. 00:23:34.579 --> 00:23:35.679 How can we ask. 00:23:35.779 --> 00:23:36.639 What's the bare minimum. 00:23:38.659 --> 00:23:40.079 In the book of Proverbs. 00:23:40.079 --> 00:23:41.599 Solomon. 00:23:42.799 --> 00:23:43.859 As he speaks. 00:23:43.859 --> 00:23:45.059 From the spirit of God. 00:23:45.179 --> 00:23:46.259 Words that will help us. 00:23:46.319 --> 00:23:46.879 Gain wisdom. 00:23:47.000 --> 00:23:47.879 He does something. 00:23:47.939 --> 00:23:48.659 Rather clever. 00:23:49.919 --> 00:23:51.199 He personifies. 00:23:51.399 --> 00:23:51.819 Wisdom. 00:23:52.480 --> 00:23:53.559 He writes a bit. 00:23:53.619 --> 00:23:54.240 As if he were. 00:23:54.399 --> 00:23:55.299 Wisdom itself. 00:23:57.579 --> 00:23:58.419 Proverbs 8. 00:23:58.500 --> 00:23:59.139 Verse 1. 00:23:59.179 --> 00:23:59.599 I'll just read. 00:23:59.639 --> 00:24:00.399 A little bit here. 00:24:01.460 --> 00:24:02.500 Does not wisdom. 00:24:02.659 --> 00:24:03.279 Call out. 00:24:04.159 --> 00:24:05.500 Does not understanding. 00:24:05.679 --> 00:24:06.720 Raise her voice. 00:24:06.720 --> 00:24:09.140 At the highest point. 00:24:09.180 --> 00:24:09.860 Along the way. 00:24:09.960 --> 00:24:10.759 Where the paths meet. 00:24:10.940 --> 00:24:12.140 She takes her stand. 00:24:13.140 --> 00:24:14.039 Beside the gate. 00:24:14.140 --> 00:24:15.180 Leading into the city. 00:24:15.600 --> 00:24:16.339 At the entrance. 00:24:16.519 --> 00:24:17.400 She cries aloud. 00:24:18.000 --> 00:24:19.259 And this is what wisdom says. 00:24:19.360 --> 00:24:19.960 To you. 00:24:20.039 --> 00:24:20.600 Oh people. 00:24:20.660 --> 00:24:21.600 I call out. 00:24:22.319 --> 00:24:23.880 I raise my voice. 00:24:23.880 --> 00:24:24.920 To all mankind. 00:24:26.200 --> 00:24:27.500 You who are simple. 00:24:28.180 --> 00:24:28.880 Gain prudence. 00:24:30.000 --> 00:24:31.339 You who are foolish. 00:24:31.920 --> 00:24:33.360 Set your hearts on it. 00:24:33.359 --> 00:24:34.799 Listen. 00:24:35.419 --> 00:24:37.799 For I have trustworthy things to say. 00:24:38.399 --> 00:24:41.079 I open my lips to speak what is right. 00:24:41.559 --> 00:24:43.399 And Solomon goes on like this. 00:24:43.459 --> 00:24:44.199 For some time. 00:24:44.240 --> 00:24:46.019 Until he finally comes to these words. 00:24:46.419 --> 00:24:47.979 In verse 32. 00:24:49.139 --> 00:24:50.979 This is still wisdom talking. 00:24:51.819 --> 00:24:52.699 Now then. 00:24:52.779 --> 00:24:53.379 My children. 00:24:54.199 --> 00:24:54.959 Listen to me. 00:24:56.000 --> 00:24:58.719 Blessed are those who keep my ways. 00:24:59.959 --> 00:25:01.539 Listen to my instruction. 00:25:01.819 --> 00:25:02.619 And be wise. 00:25:02.619 --> 00:25:04.639 Do not disregard it. 00:25:05.559 --> 00:25:06.779 Here it is. 00:25:07.500 --> 00:25:09.719 Blessed are those who listen to me. 00:25:10.159 --> 00:25:11.000 Watching. 00:25:11.799 --> 00:25:12.239 Daily. 00:25:13.059 --> 00:25:14.279 At my doors. 00:25:15.239 --> 00:25:16.079 Waiting. 00:25:16.359 --> 00:25:17.179 At my doorway. 00:25:18.399 --> 00:25:20.599 For those who find me. 00:25:21.759 --> 00:25:22.759 Find life. 00:25:23.819 --> 00:25:25.000 And receive favor. 00:25:25.479 --> 00:25:26.519 From the Lord. 00:25:26.519 --> 00:25:26.579 Lord. 00:25:29.579 --> 00:25:31.099 What do you think it means. 00:25:31.460 --> 00:25:32.579 To watch daily. 00:25:33.059 --> 00:25:34.440 At the doors of wisdom. 00:25:35.900 --> 00:25:37.579 The picture we get here. 00:25:37.920 --> 00:25:39.900 Is of a person who's waiting at the door. 00:25:40.000 --> 00:25:41.859 For wisdom to come out and speak. 00:25:42.400 --> 00:25:43.180 To him. 00:25:45.839 --> 00:25:48.039 And let's not miss that word daily. 00:25:48.480 --> 00:25:49.819 Not just once in a while. 00:25:50.059 --> 00:25:50.960 But daily. 00:25:51.539 --> 00:25:52.379 Every day. 00:25:52.380 --> 00:25:55.800 Not just going on our way in life. 00:25:55.920 --> 00:25:58.500 And waiting for wisdom to come to us somehow. 00:25:59.040 --> 00:26:01.540 But going to wisdom's very house. 00:26:01.980 --> 00:26:03.540 The place where she lives. 00:26:03.760 --> 00:26:04.820 Searching her out. 00:26:05.500 --> 00:26:06.660 Waiting at the door. 00:26:07.380 --> 00:26:09.120 And doing it every single day. 00:26:09.119 --> 00:26:10.279 To listen. 00:26:10.699 --> 00:26:11.019 To what. 00:26:11.559 --> 00:26:12.579 She has to say. 00:26:14.139 --> 00:26:16.379 So if you're looking for an answer to that question. 00:26:16.439 --> 00:26:17.979 Of how often you should read your Bible. 00:26:18.079 --> 00:26:18.719 I think this is. 00:26:18.879 --> 00:26:20.359 This is a good one right here. 00:26:21.479 --> 00:26:23.739 This character that Solomon describes. 00:26:24.139 --> 00:26:25.539 Is wisdom itself. 00:26:27.279 --> 00:26:30.079 But we've already talked about where wisdom comes from. 00:26:31.219 --> 00:26:33.000 And where wisdom lives. 00:26:33.819 --> 00:26:37.779 This is not just Solomon telling us to listen to some fictional character. 00:26:37.779 --> 00:26:38.619 Named wisdom. 00:26:38.619 --> 00:26:40.859 And watch daily at her doors. 00:26:41.299 --> 00:26:42.680 This is God. 00:26:43.200 --> 00:26:44.200 Telling us. 00:26:44.319 --> 00:26:45.319 Through Solomon. 00:26:45.700 --> 00:26:47.579 To seek for his wisdom. 00:26:49.920 --> 00:26:50.639 Daily. 00:26:51.359 --> 00:26:52.799 To come to him. 00:26:53.200 --> 00:26:54.940 The one who gives wisdom. 00:26:55.579 --> 00:26:56.379 And listen. 00:26:59.779 --> 00:27:02.519 God wants to speak many words of wisdom. 00:27:03.079 --> 00:27:03.720 To you. 00:27:04.539 --> 00:27:05.759 In this year ahead. 00:27:05.759 --> 00:27:08.640 Words which will keep you. 00:27:09.680 --> 00:27:10.879 On the right path. 00:27:12.059 --> 00:27:14.440 Words which will help you stay on the bull. 00:27:15.099 --> 00:27:15.859 Of 2021. 00:27:16.279 --> 00:27:17.339 And ride it well. 00:27:18.640 --> 00:27:22.460 Words which may keep you from doing or saying things that you'll later regret. 00:27:23.799 --> 00:27:26.960 Words which may give you just the right thing to say. 00:27:27.500 --> 00:27:30.700 In that very significant moment. 00:27:30.700 --> 00:27:33.920 Words which will help you keep the main thing. 00:27:34.000 --> 00:27:34.740 The main thing. 00:27:35.080 --> 00:27:36.080 In 2021. 00:27:36.880 --> 00:27:38.100 And so much more. 00:27:39.140 --> 00:27:40.799 And so I want to encourage all of us here. 00:27:41.039 --> 00:27:42.220 Now is the time. 00:27:42.660 --> 00:27:44.120 At the start of this new year. 00:27:44.480 --> 00:27:47.400 To make it our daily habit. 00:27:48.120 --> 00:27:51.019 To be in God's word. 00:27:51.680 --> 00:27:53.080 To take time. 00:27:53.460 --> 00:27:53.960 To listen. 00:27:54.480 --> 00:27:55.700 To his wisdom. 00:27:55.700 --> 00:27:57.000 And we need it. 00:27:58.279 --> 00:27:59.279 We need it. 00:28:00.160 --> 00:28:01.840 For every area of our lives. 00:28:05.319 --> 00:28:06.779 If you're not sure what to do. 00:28:09.340 --> 00:28:12.500 I'd be happy to have a conversation with you after the service. 00:28:12.600 --> 00:28:13.340 Come and talk to me. 00:28:13.380 --> 00:28:15.059 I'd love to listen to what you've tried. 00:28:15.299 --> 00:28:16.440 What you've done before. 00:28:17.539 --> 00:28:19.000 Maybe I could suggest to you. 00:28:19.100 --> 00:28:21.420 Something you can try that's new in the year ahead. 00:28:21.500 --> 00:28:24.460 Or a Bible reading plan that you've never done before. 00:28:24.460 --> 00:28:27.960 And one final word. 00:28:29.259 --> 00:28:32.900 I know many of you like to listen to preaching and teaching. 00:28:33.039 --> 00:28:35.920 Whether it's online or DVD or on the radio. 00:28:36.259 --> 00:28:37.720 And that's a good thing. 00:28:38.240 --> 00:28:41.519 There's so many benefits to listening to good preaching and teaching. 00:28:42.299 --> 00:28:44.059 But there's no substitute. 00:28:44.759 --> 00:28:47.380 For having your own personal time. 00:28:47.799 --> 00:28:48.559 And attention. 00:28:49.180 --> 00:28:50.160 In the word of God. 00:28:50.160 --> 00:28:53.580 What you get from me on Sunday morning. 00:28:53.880 --> 00:28:56.100 Or from Charles Stanley on the radio. 00:28:56.240 --> 00:28:57.740 Or from whoever else online. 00:28:58.060 --> 00:28:59.560 It's all second hand. 00:29:01.220 --> 00:29:03.779 It's like the food that's been pre-chewed. 00:29:04.380 --> 00:29:06.420 And then given to someone else to eat. 00:29:07.240 --> 00:29:09.060 I hope it feeds your soul. 00:29:09.059 --> 00:29:12.339 I hope that it applies well to you. 00:29:12.480 --> 00:29:14.539 As you hear what I say on Sunday mornings. 00:29:14.679 --> 00:29:19.339 But there's no substitute for you having time directly with God. 00:29:19.559 --> 00:29:20.480 Right here. 00:29:21.460 --> 00:29:22.279 Every day. 00:29:24.379 --> 00:29:26.980 Don't just seek wisdom from preachers and teachers. 00:29:27.679 --> 00:29:29.000 Be like the Bereans. 00:29:29.740 --> 00:29:30.819 In the book of Acts. 00:29:31.119 --> 00:29:33.039 And go directly to the source. 00:29:33.159 --> 00:29:35.119 And let him speak to you. 00:29:35.119 --> 00:29:36.700 To your own spirit. 00:29:39.059 --> 00:29:39.899 Every day. 00:29:41.240 --> 00:29:44.259 If I have only half an hour that I could spend each day. 00:29:45.159 --> 00:29:48.519 I would rather spend it discovering the riches and wisdom. 00:29:48.859 --> 00:29:50.440 Of God's word for myself. 00:29:52.099 --> 00:29:55.720 Than merely listening to what someone else has discovered. 00:29:56.299 --> 00:29:57.579 In their reading of the Bible. 00:29:58.419 --> 00:30:02.779 So don't allow other people to be the only ones who open your Bible. 00:30:03.559 --> 00:30:04.919 I want to encourage you. 00:30:05.819 --> 00:30:07.179 Open it for yourself. 00:30:07.180 --> 00:30:09.160 And feast. 00:30:09.759 --> 00:30:10.940 And find strength. 00:30:11.600 --> 00:30:12.480 And wisdom. 00:30:13.140 --> 00:30:14.799 For this new year ahead. 00:30:16.360 --> 00:30:17.019 Let's pray. 00:30:19.740 --> 00:30:20.539 Father in heaven. 00:30:20.660 --> 00:30:23.299 We thank you so much for this incredible gift. 00:30:24.160 --> 00:30:25.460 That you have given us. 00:30:25.820 --> 00:30:27.759 Help us to see it for what it is. 00:30:29.759 --> 00:30:30.700 Help us to. 00:30:32.019 --> 00:30:33.580 Find the discipline. 00:30:33.820 --> 00:30:34.920 The self-control. 00:30:34.920 --> 00:30:36.600 Whatever it is that we need. 00:30:37.259 --> 00:30:38.360 To make this. 00:30:39.580 --> 00:30:40.940 Have the place it should. 00:30:42.019 --> 00:30:43.360 In this year ahead. 00:30:44.140 --> 00:30:45.759 We want the benefits. 00:30:47.100 --> 00:30:49.120 Of what you have said. 00:30:49.779 --> 00:30:52.140 To ripple through every area of our lives. 00:30:53.600 --> 00:30:54.640 And so come. 00:30:55.140 --> 00:30:56.200 And work in us. 00:30:57.480 --> 00:30:59.060 We ask this in Jesus name. 00:31:00.380 --> 00:31:00.820 Amen. 00:31:00.820 --> 00:31:00.920 Amen. 00:31:05.420 --> 00:31:06.140 For that. 00:31:30.640 --> 00:31:31.120 Amen. 00:31:31.259 --> 00:31:32.100 Amen.