Set Up Your Source

Now we know the goal: seeking his kingdom. A key foundation we need next is guidance. Our devotional life consists of time to pray and read our Bible. This is the time when we are doing two things: worshipping God and receiving wisdom. So, let’s set up our source! This is where we find out the next steps for the journey.

If any of you lacks wisdom , let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. - James 1:5

There is an amazing prayer in 1 Kings 3:3 -15, where Solomon, who had been faithfully worshipping and honouring God, encountered him in a dream where he was able to ask of God whatever he wanted, and God would give it to him. Solomon's response is profound - he doesn't ask for status or material things. He asks for a discerning heart, for wisdom.

We would be wise to be like Solomon and set up a time to worship God and seek his wisdom. It’s a time when we pray, remain in God, worship, and praise him, seeking his guidance on a daily basis. We want to seek his wisdom for our lives, families, and church communities. So, how do we do that?

The Word and Prayer

God is so in love with us and so desires relationship with humanity. One of the ways that he establishes his relationship with us, and speaks to us, is through his Word. He actually requests us to be in his Word and to pray.

The Bible is a big book, and this can all be a little overwhelming without some kind of framework or plan (just like this one)! Let's go through some key principles on why we need a Bible plan.

• This is our food, our daily bread (Matthew 4:4 and Romans 10:7)
• It is truth (John 8:31-32 and John 17:17)
• For discipleship (John 1:1)
• To change your thinking and actions (2 Timothy 3:16)
• It is the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12)

Now, let’s talk about prayer. It’s not about fancy words; it’s about being honest and real with God. The one who has all the answers, who created the universe, who heals us, saves us and sets us free, wants to have a two-way communicative relationship with us.

1. Prayer is about abiding in Christ(John 15:5-8)

2. Prayer is getting wisdom and guidance from God (Philippians 4:16 and Colossians 4:2)

3. It helps us remain strong in God (Ephesians 6:18-20)

Let's pray right now.

Prayer Point:

Lord, I thank you that this year, I will set aside time for prayer and reading the Word. As I set aside time each day, I pray that you would speak clearly, that your Word would be a light to my path and a lamp to my feet. That as I pray, my relationship with you would grow and that I will abide in your wisdom and love, remaining strong in you.