Trail Life Troop
NC-613
Devotional – Wisdom
Opening
- We learned today about living wisely not foolishly, now let’s see what the bible says about wisdom.
- Read, or someone read the Teaching verse. FYI: The memory verse is further down
Ephesians 5:15 Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Devotional
Big picture You need to make the wise choice, every day and in every situation.
- Q: Is it possible to make the wise choice every time, in every situation? (Yes, if you are very careful)
- Q: Ok, so what does being very careful look like with respect to living wisely?
- In Ephesians, Paul doesn’t tell us exactly what being very careful looks like, he just tells us the outcome: living wisely makes the most of every opportunity.
- But we know what being very careful means, don’t we? 1) Be aware, 2) Slow down, 3) Stop & Think, 4) Get Wise Help (prayer, bible, wise others). Satan wants us to not be careful, to rush into decisions.
- Sadly, most people aren’t very careful how they live. And, we get no help from the World, for it is evil.
- No one is perfect. We all make unwise choices. But BEWARE: the older we get, the harder the consequences for unwise living. And, when we die, we will be judged for how we live.
- So, now is when you should be learning to make wise choices, and practicing being very careful.
- One of the ways you can practice wisdom NOW is STEWARDING God’s CREATION.
- Q: So, what does making the most of our time outdoors STEWARDING God’s CREATION look like? (remember STEWARD means to manage or take care of someone else’s property):
- Clean up after yourself
- Clean up after other (unwise) people. “Leave No Trace” means even picking up others’ trash.
- Don’t pollute (water, air, noise, environment).
- Recycle, Reuse, Repurpose.
- Don’t waste. (water, energy, time)
- Teach/remind others how to be good stewards (kindly, in love).
- Follow posted and verbal warnings and direction signs: Be safe, not sorry.
- Be respectful of others enjoying the outdoors, too.
- Have a plan. Know where you are going. Be prepared (be very careful). Tell others your plan.
- Be safe. Use the “Buddy System.” Don’t hike/camp alone.
- Remember that God is the source of wisdom. Seek his wisdom in prayer and in reading your Bible.
Memory Verse #3
Ask if anybody knows it yet and can say it? Read it together 2X Consider having a memory verse pamphlet for kids take home.
Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
Topical Questions
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What does Ephesians mean by “be wise, because the days are evil”?
We live in a Fallen World -
How does being “very careful” about being wise defeat Satan’s attack on us?
No foothold for him -
Why does the bible say being wise is better than being rich? What would kids choose (wise or rich)?
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When is a time you made the wise choice by being careful?
Closing Prayer
Father God, all wisdom comes from You. You are infinitely wise. We thank You for sharing Your wisdom with us. We ask You now for wisdom for these boys. Help them to ask daily for Your wisdom and to be very careful how they live, for the days are evil. Help them to be wise in Your eyes, not their own eyes. To follow You. In Jesus Christ’s name we pray, Amen!
