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The Choice of Wisdom Ashley Herr Sermon NotesSermon Series: Ecclesiastes - Striving After Wind Sermon Title: The Choice of Wisdom Passage: Ecclesiastes 8:1-15 Preacher: Ashley Herr 5x choices the wisdom of God leads us in making, knowing that “you always have a choice”, as my Mom would say: 1. Chose to Obey (8:2-5a) 2. Chose to Discern (8:5b-6) 3. Choose to Release Control (8:7-9) 4. Choose to Fear God (8:10-13) 5. Choose Joy (8:14-15) As we enter what has the potential to be a very polarizing time in our nation during the upcoming election season, instead of choosing to get caught up in the hate and vitriol, choose joy Instead of isolating yourself from everyone, waiting for the storm to pass: invite others over, enjoying a meal together, finding joy in each other’s presence. Instead of worrying about everything that might happen tomorrow: be fully present in what God has before you today, recognizing where He is at work and joining Him in that work. Instead of endlessly doom scrolling, allowing an algorithm to choose how you feel: put your phone down, go outside, touch grace, and enjoy the beauty of fall as God uses the lives to paint a masterpiece on His canvas of creation. Pick some apples, carve a pumpkin, rake a pile of leaves and jump in them like a five year old, and get to know your neighbors on Saturday. Instead of focusing on what you don’t have: use this season of thanksgiving to practice gratitude, enjoy good gifts God already graciously given to you. Instead of binging a show you’ve already seen a hundred times already: enjoy a good book - or better yet, spend time with God in the best book ever written. Reflection Think about a choice you are wrestling with, that you need to make, seeking the wisdom of God to lead you in making it. Maybe a choice you’re struggling to make, unsure of the best way forward. Maybe one you’re unsure of, feeling as though there isn’t a good choice. Maybe one you’re avoiding, afraid of making, because of what it might cost you. Or a situation where you feel as though you’ve been backed into a corner without a choice. Know this: you always have a choice. So ask God for the wisdom needed in making that choice and the courage to carry out that choice and the joy that comes with living in obedience to God. Jesus said “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) Lord, lead me in choosing to obey You. Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation. (Psalm 25:4–5) Lord, lead me in choosing to discern Your will. Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7) Lord, lead me in choosing to release control to You. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 9:10) Lord, lead me in choosing to fear You. Jesus said “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11) Lord, lead me in choosing joy, joy that can only be found in You. Small Group Guide A Prayer for Wisdom

Ecclesiastes 7:15-29

Ecclesiastes 6:10-7:14

Ecclesiastes 5:10-6:9

Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

Ecclesiastes 4:1-16

Ecclesiastes 3:16-22

Ecclesiastes 3:1-15

Ecclesiastes 2:1-11,18-26

Ecclesiastes 1:12-18, 2:12-17

Ecclesiastes 1:1-11

Psalm 103

Acts 28:30-31

Acts 28:1-28

Acts 27