the f-22 Raptor one of the newest fighter jets in the u.s. Arsenal cost 390 million dollars
and it doesn't even have in-flight movie but you know what it does have stuck somewhere and
that complex - is an old-fashioned compass it's actually filled with liquid and it's called a
wet compass so if all of the electronics in the planes shut down god forbid that little
liquid-filled compass will still spin around and point to North Sea where I'm going here in
spite of all the worldly things we turn to for guidance in our life when they leave a
stranded we need a little wet compass that will always spin around and point us to north so join
me today as we meditate and deeply reflect and pray for a wisdom from James chapter one
verses five and six but first would you join me in a time of brief opening prayer dear Lord
God you are the lighthouse you are the true north you are the anchor and actually you are
the creator and the controller of the Seas and the sky help me to seek you and rely on
you and you alone regardless of what comes into my life and it's in Jesus name I pray
so now as we begin I want you to find that place of stillness just take a few
deep breath and close your eyes or bow your head get on your knees if you have
to just find a place where you can listen to what God has to say to you today do that now
if you can't seem to focus ask what it is that's sidetracking
confess that stain or give it to God right now
God is the well of all knowledge and he is gracious enough to give us the wisdom and
discernment that we need ask him to help you here one big idea to take away today as I read
from James chapter 1 verses 5 & 6 now if any of you lacks wisdom he should ask God who gives to
all generously and without criticizing and it will be given to him but let him ask him faith
without doubting but the doubter is like the surging sea driven and tossed by the wind what
stood out to you from this passage reflect on it now and let your reflection be your prayer
when was the last time you earnestly ask God the wisdom let's practice that
because if we're honest we all need a little more wisdom open your hands
to him now and humble your heart remember that even the faith the size of a mustard
seed can move mountains so in faith ask God now to give you wisdom today
with eyes still closed listen again as I read from James chapter one verses five and six from
the amplified version if any of you lacks wisdom to guide him through a decision or
circumstance he is to ask our benevolent God who gives to everyone generously and without
rebuke or blame and it will be given to him but he must ask for wisdom in faith without
doubting God's willingness to help for the one who doubts is like a billowing surge of
the sea it is blown about and tossed by the wind what did you hear different this time
what stood out in a new way reflect on this and let it be your time of quick
I like the idea that wisdom guides us through a decision or circumstance we often say we
ask God to help us with decision sir have you ever considered the mechanisms music we often
look for giant flashing signs but more often he guides us through the wisdom that he gives what
decisions do you have to make right now ask God to show you what to do through his gift of wisdom
the second half of this passage deals with doubt how did it describe the doubter it's
a picture of waves crashing and receding growing and falling never constant never
steady by contrast wisdom guides it is like the North Star it's like that compass never
changing always right always leading home ask God to take away any doubts
that might be creeping into your heart and to replace them with his steadying wisdom
listen one in final time as I read and you reflect on James chapter one verses five
and six now if any of you lacks wisdom he should ask God he gives to all generously
and without criticizing and it will be given to him but let him ask in faith without doubting so
the doubter is like the surging sea driven and tossed by the wind I want you to consider this
proverbs calls wisdom a thing to be chaste and treasured proverbs chapter 3 says it like this
blessed is the one who finds wisdom and the one who gets understanding for the gain from
her is better than the gain from silver and her profit better than gold so in your mind
using your imagination picture wisdom as a tangible thing the glitter is like gold but
it's stronger than steel it gleams like silver but holds more hope focus on this picture for a moment
so what exactly is wisdom made of proverbs chapter 1 verse 7 says the fear of the Lord
is the beginning of wisdom ah there is the connection between wisdom and doubt to have
wisdom you must start with a belief that the Lord is who he says he is that he is a power
to be revered and feared in such a way that his commands beg to be follow there is no room for
doubt ask God now to give you a picture of his power ask him to bring to mind something
from your life or a biblical story that exhibits his off inspiring glory take time now to picture
so where do we start proverbs chapter 2 verses 3 & 5 says yes you can call
out for insight and raise your voice for understanding if you seek it like silver
and search for it as for hidden treasures then you will understand the fear of the
Lord and find the knowledge of God we ask for it this might be the easiest quest ever
for even if you do not have a true fear of the Lord all we need to do is ask so ask God
to give you a righteous fear of himself or to increase your all of him and do that now
join me in closing prayer from James chapter one without seeking God's wisdom dear faithful
and knowing God your word assures me that if I lack wisdom to guide me through a decision or
circumstance I am to ask for you our benevolent wise God who gives to everyone generously and
without rebuke or blame and when I do that it will be given to me but you also tell me that
I must ask for wisdom in faith without doubting your willingness to help for the one who doubts
is like a billowing surge of sea that is blown and tossed by the wind thank you God for being
my compass it is always true always present and always reliable through your son Jesus Christ
amen so slowly and softly to start to open your eyes and let the world back in start to come out
of that place of prayerful stillness but before you go rushing into your day resolve to pursue
wisdom in your life today make a commitment to ask God for increased wisdom as you make
decisions and go about your daily path no matter how big no matter how small begin a habit today
of anchoring on God's wisdom for everything and I hope you do that often and I invite
you to join us again for more guided prayer and meditation and reflection here at abide