Dudley Rutherford - Accepting God's Wisdom (Part 1)

May 1, 2026 | 27:29

Pastor Dudley Rutherford seeks to "lift up the name of Jesus across the country and the world through uncompromising biblical teaching."

#Bible #SpiritualGrowth #Wisdom #SeekGod #TrustGod #GoodShepherd

Closed captions

Show Timecode

| Dudley Rutherford - Accepting God's Wisdom (Part 1) | May 1, 2026

...
00:00:00.633 --> 00:00:01.354
...
00:00:01.821 --> 00:00:05.558
♪♪♪
00:00:05.925 --> 00:00:10.897
Male announcer: you make decisions that shape
00:00:10.897 --> 00:00:12.232
Your future.
00:00:12.232 --> 00:00:13.566
You don't need another trend.
00:00:13.566 --> 00:00:15.135
You need truth from above.
00:00:15.135 --> 00:00:17.370
In pastor dudley's new series, "just don't survive; flourish,"
00:00:17.370 --> 00:00:21.408
He uncovers the bible's divine nuggets of truth,
00:00:21.408 --> 00:00:24.544
Guidance, and instruction.
00:00:24.544 --> 00:00:26.813
This year, don't just survive; open god's word and flourish.
00:00:26.813 --> 00:00:32.585
Join us next on "lift up jesus" for the series
00:00:32.585 --> 00:00:36.122
"don't just survive; flourish."
00:00:36.122 --> 00:00:39.759
Pastor dudley rutherford: you don't need a guru.
00:00:42.195 --> 00:00:44.631
You need the good, good shepherd.
00:00:44.631 --> 00:00:46.633
You don't need to read the astrology charts.
00:00:46.633 --> 00:00:48.935
You need the author of the stars.
00:00:48.935 --> 00:00:52.072
You don't need to trust the universe.
00:00:52.072 --> 00:00:54.240
You need to trust in the creator of the universe.
00:00:54.240 --> 00:00:58.511
♪♪♪
00:00:58.511 --> 00:01:19.899
Pastor dudley: welcome to "lift up jesus."
00:01:08.521 --> 00:01:21.701
I'm dudley rutherford, senior pastor
00:01:21.701 --> 00:01:23.703
Of shepherd church, and i wanna thank you
00:01:23.703 --> 00:01:26.539
For joining me here today.
00:01:26.539 --> 00:01:29.275
I'm sharing a message that i believe
00:01:29.275 --> 00:01:31.177
Will impact your life in a powerful way.
00:01:31.177 --> 00:01:34.714
You're here for a reason, and god has
00:01:34.714 --> 00:01:36.683
An important plan for your life.
00:01:36.683 --> 00:01:39.085
So take a quick moment, grab your bible, a pen,
00:01:39.085 --> 00:01:41.955
Your notes, and let's begin today's lesson.
00:01:41.955 --> 00:01:46.025
Pastor dudley: so, today is the first message
00:01:49.395 --> 00:01:52.298
In a brand-new series that we're going to
00:01:52.298 --> 00:01:53.733
Kick off the year with a series called--
00:01:53.733 --> 00:01:56.836
And we kind of got this off the television show
00:01:56.836 --> 00:02:00.340
"survivor" logo, but it says, "don't just survive; flourish."
00:02:00.340 --> 00:02:08.681
And if you ever watched that show,
00:02:08.681 --> 00:02:10.750
I kind of enjoy watching that show.
00:02:10.750 --> 00:02:12.252
It's--they put these people on an island,
00:02:12.252 --> 00:02:15.321
They starve them half to death.
00:02:15.321 --> 00:02:18.224
And the winner is the one who survives.
00:02:18.224 --> 00:02:21.161
The rest of them don't even make it.
00:02:21.161 --> 00:02:23.663
It's the last survivor wins the show.
00:02:23.663 --> 00:02:28.535
And this year, what i-- what we want is 12 months
00:02:28.535 --> 00:02:33.006
From today, 1 year from now, if you--if you're still alive
00:02:33.006 --> 00:02:37.777
And if the lord hadn't returned, we want you to look back
00:02:37.777 --> 00:02:41.748
Over this year.
00:02:41.748 --> 00:02:43.082
We don't want you to think, "man, i survived this year."
00:02:43.082 --> 00:02:46.986
We don't want you just to survive.
00:02:46.986 --> 00:02:48.688
God doesn't want you just to survive.
00:02:48.688 --> 00:02:52.492
If you're stagnant, if you're stuck in neutral,
00:02:52.492 --> 00:02:55.695
God wants you to grow.
00:02:55.695 --> 00:02:57.030
He wants you to flourish.
00:02:57.030 --> 00:02:58.364
He wants you to thrive.
00:02:58.364 --> 00:03:00.833
He wants you to be blessed.
00:03:00.833 --> 00:03:02.335
I believe that.
00:03:02.335 --> 00:03:03.670
And so we want you this year, as you look back
00:03:03.670 --> 00:03:06.773
Over this year, we want you to know
00:03:06.773 --> 00:03:09.776
That you have been blessed by god.
00:03:09.776 --> 00:03:11.978
So with that in mind as we kick off this new series,
00:03:11.978 --> 00:03:15.081
We're going to go through the book of proverbs.
00:03:15.081 --> 00:03:17.617
So if you have your bibles, i want you to open them
00:03:17.617 --> 00:03:20.220
Up to the book of proverbs, and we're going to start here
00:03:20.220 --> 00:03:22.822
In the very first chapter.
00:03:22.822 --> 00:03:25.124
And there are some sermon notes inside your bulletin.
00:03:25.124 --> 00:03:28.962
Proverbs was written by a guy named solomon.
00:03:28.962 --> 00:03:32.365
Everybody say solomon.
00:03:32.365 --> 00:03:34.500
Solomon was one of david's sons.
00:03:34.500 --> 00:03:39.372
And solomon became the king of israel.
00:03:39.372 --> 00:03:44.143
He was known as being the wisest man
00:03:44.143 --> 00:03:48.615
Who ever lived.
00:03:48.615 --> 00:03:51.317
And there was a moment, and you can read about this
00:03:51.317 --> 00:03:53.553
Back in 1 kings chapter 3,
00:03:53.553 --> 00:03:55.788
We have all these stories about king solomon,
00:03:55.788 --> 00:03:58.591
And he's the one who wrote the book of proverbs,
00:03:58.591 --> 00:04:01.294
This wise man,
00:04:01.294 --> 00:04:03.096
But there was a moment in his life where he
00:04:03.096 --> 00:04:05.164
Was praying to god, and he could ask god
00:04:05.164 --> 00:04:09.402
For anything, and he thought about everything
00:04:09.402 --> 00:04:12.038
And he said to god,
00:04:12.038 --> 00:04:14.340
He said, "god, here's what i want.
00:04:14.340 --> 00:04:16.876
I just wanna have a wise and discerning heart,
00:04:16.876 --> 00:04:21.714
So i could lead well."
00:04:21.714 --> 00:04:23.349
Now, he could have asked for money, he could have asked
00:04:23.349 --> 00:04:25.385
For wealth, he could have asked for fame,
00:04:25.385 --> 00:04:27.920
He could have asked for glory.
00:04:27.920 --> 00:04:29.555
He could have asked for a lot of things,
00:04:29.555 --> 00:04:31.157
But he didn't ask for any of that.
00:04:31.157 --> 00:04:33.126
He said, "lord, i want one thing,"
00:04:33.126 --> 00:04:34.794
And here's what he wanted.
00:04:34.794 --> 00:04:36.129
He wanted a wise and discerning heart,
00:04:36.129 --> 00:04:38.264
So he could lead well.
00:04:38.264 --> 00:04:40.967
And god says to solomon, "solomon,
00:04:40.967 --> 00:04:45.605
Because you've not asked for wealth
00:04:45.605 --> 00:04:49.475
And because you've not asked for a long life
00:04:49.475 --> 00:04:53.613
And because you've not asked for the death of your enemies,
00:04:53.613 --> 00:04:58.685
I'm going to give you a wise and discerning heart.
00:04:58.685 --> 00:05:02.822
And on top of that, i'm also going to give you
00:05:02.822 --> 00:05:07.093
The things you didn't ask for.
00:05:07.093 --> 00:05:09.329
I'm going to give you the wealth.
00:05:09.329 --> 00:05:10.663
I'm going to give you the honor.
00:05:10.663 --> 00:05:11.998
I'm going to give you the fame."
00:05:11.998 --> 00:05:13.666
And that's exactly what happened.
00:05:13.666 --> 00:05:15.635
One of the greatest stories about solomon,
00:05:15.635 --> 00:05:18.604
Showing his wisdom, was that there were two women
00:05:18.604 --> 00:05:21.007
Who came, and there was one baby.
00:05:21.007 --> 00:05:23.810
And both women claimed that the baby was theirs.
00:05:23.810 --> 00:05:26.546
This woman said, "this is my baby."
00:05:26.546 --> 00:05:28.715
This lady said, "no, no, no, no, this is my baby."
00:05:28.715 --> 00:05:32.151
Solomon looked at these two women arguing
00:05:32.151 --> 00:05:33.953
Over this one baby.
00:05:33.953 --> 00:05:35.388
Solomon made his judgment.
00:05:35.388 --> 00:05:38.124
He said, "here's what i want.
00:05:38.124 --> 00:05:39.926
Saw the baby in half.
00:05:39.926 --> 00:05:41.327
Cut the baby in half, give half to this woman
00:05:41.327 --> 00:05:43.830
And give half of the baby to this woman."
00:05:43.830 --> 00:05:47.834
And one of those two women said, "no,
00:05:47.834 --> 00:05:51.537
Don't cut the baby in half.
00:05:51.537 --> 00:05:54.273
She can have it."
00:05:54.273 --> 00:05:56.075
And solomon said, "give the baby to her.
00:05:56.075 --> 00:05:58.611
That's the mama of the baby."
00:05:58.611 --> 00:06:00.947
So it was a wise and discerning decision,
00:06:00.947 --> 00:06:04.083
And that's the guy that wrote this book.
00:06:04.083 --> 00:06:07.053
He's a wise man, he's a wealthy man,
00:06:07.053 --> 00:06:09.655
He's a powerful man, he's a famous man,
00:06:09.655 --> 00:06:12.558
He's a leader, he's a king.
00:06:12.558 --> 00:06:14.961
He was also an author.
00:06:14.961 --> 00:06:17.096
The bible says in 1 kings 4 that he wrote 1,005 songs.
00:06:17.096 --> 00:06:22.735
I think we sang three today in church.
00:06:22.735 --> 00:06:25.638
He wrote over 1,000 songs, but the bible also says
00:06:25.638 --> 00:06:30.109
That he wrote over 3,000 proverbs--
00:06:30.109 --> 00:06:35.381
3,000 proverbs.
00:06:35.381 --> 00:06:36.916
Each one is a "ted talk" all by itself.
00:06:36.916 --> 00:06:41.487
Divine nuggets of truth, offering guidance
00:06:41.487 --> 00:06:44.724
And instruction to those who want it
00:06:44.724 --> 00:06:48.294
And need it.
00:06:48.294 --> 00:06:49.695
So as we go through the book of proverbs,
00:06:49.695 --> 00:06:51.297
There's several things i want you to know.
00:06:51.297 --> 00:06:52.632
We're going to start here in chapter 1.
00:06:52.632 --> 00:06:53.966
Number one, write this down in your notes:
00:06:53.966 --> 00:06:56.269
That true wisdom, true wisdom, comes from god above.
00:06:56.269 --> 00:07:03.843
True wisdom comes where?
00:07:03.843 --> 00:07:08.981
It comes from god, okay?
00:07:08.981 --> 00:07:10.883
And i'm talking about true wisdom.
00:07:10.883 --> 00:07:12.819
Let's look at proverbs chapter 1.
00:07:12.819 --> 00:07:15.188
"the proverbs of solomon son of david,
00:07:15.188 --> 00:07:18.357
The king of israel."
00:07:18.357 --> 00:07:20.393
You see how many of these things
00:07:20.393 --> 00:07:21.727
That you would like in your life.
00:07:21.727 --> 00:07:23.963
"for attaining wisdom and discipline;
00:07:23.963 --> 00:07:26.632
For understanding words of insight;
00:07:26.632 --> 00:07:29.435
For acquiring a disciplined and prudent life,
00:07:29.435 --> 00:07:32.872
Doing what is right and just and fair;
00:07:32.872 --> 00:07:36.976
And for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge
00:07:36.976 --> 00:07:40.112
To the discretion of the young--
00:07:40.112 --> 00:07:42.949
Let the wise listen and add to their learning,
00:07:42.949 --> 00:07:46.619
And let the discerning get guidance--
00:07:46.619 --> 00:07:48.888
For understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings
00:07:48.888 --> 00:07:53.226
And the riddles of the wise."
00:07:53.226 --> 00:07:56.195
And where does all that come from?
00:07:56.195 --> 00:07:58.331
Well, look at verse 7, it says
00:07:58.331 --> 00:08:00.566
That "the fear of the lord is the beginning of knowledge."
00:08:00.566 --> 00:08:07.173
It all begins with having an understanding, a respect,
00:08:07.173 --> 00:08:11.377
Of the lord because it comes from him.
00:08:11.377 --> 00:08:14.614
If you turn over to chapter 2, look at verse 6,
00:08:14.614 --> 00:08:17.016
It says, "for the lord is the one who gives wisdom.
00:08:17.016 --> 00:08:23.289
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding."
00:08:23.289 --> 00:08:28.828
The entire bible is god pouring into you
00:08:28.828 --> 00:08:33.799
And into me wisdom from above.
00:08:33.799 --> 00:08:38.137
The writer james over in the book of james chapter 1,
00:08:38.137 --> 00:08:41.007
Verses 5 through 8, says that if any of you
00:08:41.007 --> 00:08:46.078
Lack wisdom, all you need to do is
00:08:46.078 --> 00:08:50.316
To ask the lord and he will give you wisdom.
00:08:50.316 --> 00:08:53.686
That's in james chapter 1.
00:08:53.686 --> 00:08:56.522
Now the reason god can give you wisdom is
00:08:56.522 --> 00:08:58.824
Because he is wisdom.
00:08:58.824 --> 00:09:02.028
Wisdom is his voice.
00:09:02.028 --> 00:09:03.362
It's his voice, it's his knowledge.
00:09:03.362 --> 00:09:05.665
This is knowledge from above.
00:09:05.665 --> 00:09:07.433
This is truth from above.
00:09:07.433 --> 00:09:09.068
This is understanding from above.
00:09:09.068 --> 00:09:12.204
I want you to write several things down here.
00:09:12.204 --> 00:09:14.073
First of all, the book of proverbs contains
00:09:14.073 --> 00:09:16.142
800 different what we call proverbs.
00:09:16.142 --> 00:09:22.081
Now, solomon wrote over 3,000.
00:09:22.081 --> 00:09:24.750
We don't have them all written down,
00:09:24.750 --> 00:09:26.886
But this one book has over 800 individual proverbs.
00:09:26.886 --> 00:09:32.124
These are 800 sayings to live by.
00:09:32.124 --> 00:09:34.860
We could have called this sermon series,
00:09:34.860 --> 00:09:36.896
"800 things that can change your life."
00:09:36.896 --> 00:09:41.000
Now some of you think that money
00:09:41.000 --> 00:09:42.335
Will change your life, and money can change your life,
00:09:42.335 --> 00:09:44.904
But it can make your life worse.
00:09:44.904 --> 00:09:48.541
Fame can change your life, not always for the better.
00:09:48.541 --> 00:09:53.980
But there is one thing that can change your life
00:09:53.980 --> 00:09:56.349
For the better, and that's wisdom from above.
00:09:56.349 --> 00:10:00.586
These proverbs, you can write this down,
00:10:00.586 --> 00:10:02.421
Are principles.
00:10:02.421 --> 00:10:03.856
They're not necessarily what we would call promises,
00:10:03.856 --> 00:10:07.393
And this--it's kind of hard to explain this,
00:10:07.393 --> 00:10:10.096
But this is describing
00:10:10.096 --> 00:10:12.932
Not what is mechanically guaranteed,
00:10:12.932 --> 00:10:16.002
But this-- these things are normally true.
00:10:16.002 --> 00:10:19.639
This book assumes a moral universe,
00:10:19.639 --> 00:10:23.509
Not a mechanical universe, that god designed
00:10:23.509 --> 00:10:27.513
Each and every one of us with this ability.
00:10:27.513 --> 00:10:30.683
It's called freedom of choice,
00:10:30.683 --> 00:10:32.685
And you get to choose every day
00:10:32.685 --> 00:10:34.487
How you live, but he created our lives
00:10:34.487 --> 00:10:37.456
With this moral cause and effect,
00:10:37.456 --> 00:10:40.026
And proverbs is saying, over the arc
00:10:40.026 --> 00:10:42.662
Of your entire lifetime, if over the course
00:10:42.662 --> 00:10:46.032
Of your entire lifetime,
00:10:46.032 --> 00:10:48.367
The decisions that we make, the places that we go,
00:10:48.367 --> 00:10:51.971
The folks that we hang out with,
00:10:51.971 --> 00:10:54.106
At the end of the day, if you follow god's way,
00:10:54.106 --> 00:10:57.943
Your life will be better off because god's ways
00:10:57.943 --> 00:11:00.880
Are always the best way, amen?
00:11:00.880 --> 00:11:04.984
And so every day before you get out of bed,
00:11:04.984 --> 00:11:08.087
Because you wake up usually in bed, you wake up,
00:11:08.087 --> 00:11:11.157
And then you get out of bed.
00:11:11.157 --> 00:11:12.658
Before you get out of bed, if you decide to live
00:11:12.658 --> 00:11:16.328
By these proverbs, these pearls of wisdom
00:11:16.328 --> 00:11:22.001
That come from above, your life will be better off.
00:11:22.001 --> 00:11:26.505
The voice of wisdom is the voice of god.
00:11:26.505 --> 00:11:28.641
When wisdom speaks, god is speaking.
00:11:28.641 --> 00:11:32.244
The authority of wisdom is the authority of god.
00:11:32.244 --> 00:11:35.715
The invitation of wisdom is the invitation of god.
00:11:35.715 --> 00:11:39.652
The warnings of wisdom are the warnings from god.
00:11:39.652 --> 00:11:45.357
And so to neglect wisdom is to neglect god.
00:11:45.357 --> 00:11:47.860
To honor wisdom is to honor the lord.
00:11:47.860 --> 00:11:50.796
The blessings of wisdom are the blessings of god.
00:11:50.796 --> 00:11:54.700
And so, if you ever hear god speaking to you,
00:11:54.700 --> 00:11:57.236
Know that he's trying to give you wisdom.
00:11:57.236 --> 00:12:00.172
And i want to encourage you to read through these
00:12:00.172 --> 00:12:03.275
And to know that god is speaking to you.
00:12:03.275 --> 00:12:05.878
James 3 tells us there are two kinds of wisdom,
00:12:05.878 --> 00:12:09.048
That there's an earthly wisdom, and that there's a wisdom
00:12:09.048 --> 00:12:12.084
That comes from above.
00:12:12.084 --> 00:12:14.820
And if you have to choose between earthly wisdom
00:12:14.820 --> 00:12:17.523
And heavenly wisdom, what you want
00:12:17.523 --> 00:12:19.458
Is the wisdom from above.
00:12:19.458 --> 00:12:21.927
You don't need a shrink.
00:12:21.927 --> 00:12:26.432
You need to read god's word.
00:12:26.432 --> 00:12:32.138
You don't need--you don't need to read your horoscope.
00:12:32.138 --> 00:12:39.912
You just need to open up god's word.
00:12:39.912 --> 00:12:42.915
You don't need someone to read your palm.
00:12:42.915 --> 00:12:50.122
You need to read god's word.
00:12:50.122 --> 00:12:52.658
You don't need a soothsayer.
00:12:52.658 --> 00:12:55.895
You need to read god's word.
00:12:55.895 --> 00:12:58.330
You don't need a life coach.
00:12:58.330 --> 00:13:00.933
You need the living word of god.
00:13:00.933 --> 00:13:03.969
You don't need positive vibes,
00:13:03.969 --> 00:13:05.971
"i gotta have some positive vibes."
00:13:05.971 --> 00:13:07.606
No, you need biblical truth is what you need.
00:13:07.606 --> 00:13:12.578
You don't need to read your fortune cookie.
00:13:12.578 --> 00:13:18.117
It's okay to read it, but you need to read your bible.
00:13:18.117 --> 00:13:23.756
You don't need another podcast.
00:13:23.756 --> 00:13:30.496
You need to stand on the promises of god's word.
00:13:30.496 --> 00:13:33.699
You don't need a guru.
00:13:33.699 --> 00:13:36.135
You need the good, good shepherd.
00:13:36.135 --> 00:13:38.437
You don't need to read the astrology charts.
00:13:38.437 --> 00:13:40.840
You need the author of the stars.
00:13:40.840 --> 00:13:44.109
You don't need to trust the universe.
00:13:44.109 --> 00:13:46.278
You need to trust in the creator of the universe.
00:13:46.278 --> 00:13:52.384
You don't need another opinion.
00:13:52.384 --> 00:13:54.587
You need god's revelation.
00:13:54.587 --> 00:13:58.090
You don't--you don't have to sign up for draftkings.
00:13:58.090 --> 00:14:03.529
Some of you don't know what that is.
00:14:03.529 --> 00:14:06.098
That's a good thing.
00:14:06.098 --> 00:14:08.100
But you need the king of kings, amen?
00:14:08.100 --> 00:14:12.171
Now, number two.
00:14:12.171 --> 00:14:14.273
The key to acquiring-- how do we get wisdom?
00:14:14.273 --> 00:14:19.511
The key is in listening.
00:14:19.511 --> 00:14:22.781
The word "listen" is found over 70 times
00:14:22.781 --> 00:14:25.284
In the book of proverbs.
00:14:25.284 --> 00:14:26.619
You ought to, as you read through,
00:14:26.619 --> 00:14:27.953
You ought to mark every time you see the word "listen."
00:14:27.953 --> 00:14:30.489
The word "listen" is found over 700 times in the bible.
00:14:30.489 --> 00:14:37.329
We read it right there in verse 5.
00:14:37.329 --> 00:14:38.998
You might have-- you might not
00:14:38.998 --> 00:14:40.332
Have been listening as we were reading.
00:14:40.332 --> 00:14:42.167
It said, "let the wise-- let the wise listen
00:14:42.167 --> 00:14:48.440
And add to their learning.
00:14:48.440 --> 00:14:52.177
And let the learning get guidance."
00:14:52.177 --> 00:14:56.649
I'm--i've always coached basketball.
00:14:56.649 --> 00:14:58.083
I've coached little tiny, you know, 5-and 6-year-olds
00:14:58.083 --> 00:15:01.921
And 2nd graders,
00:15:01.921 --> 00:15:03.255
And i've coached middle school kids.
00:15:03.255 --> 00:15:04.690
I've coached junior high school kids.
00:15:04.690 --> 00:15:06.325
I've coached high school kids.
00:15:06.325 --> 00:15:07.693
I've coached college kids.
00:15:07.693 --> 00:15:09.495
I've actually coached kids out of college
00:15:09.495 --> 00:15:10.996
Trying to get into the pros.
00:15:10.996 --> 00:15:13.732
And i say i have three rules as the coach.
00:15:13.732 --> 00:15:16.168
Rule number two is to go hard.
00:15:16.168 --> 00:15:18.437
Rule three is to have fun.
00:15:18.437 --> 00:15:20.372
My number one rule in coaching is this,
00:15:20.372 --> 00:15:22.274
When i'm talking to the kid.
00:15:22.274 --> 00:15:23.609
Number one rule i tell them is to have big ears.
00:15:23.609 --> 00:15:28.847
Now what does that mean to have big ear?
00:15:28.847 --> 00:15:30.182
What does that mean?
00:15:30.182 --> 00:15:31.517
A teacher to his class, a coach to the players,
00:15:31.517 --> 00:15:35.287
A parent to their children, when he said have big ears,
00:15:35.287 --> 00:15:38.991
What am i telling those kids?
00:15:38.991 --> 00:15:40.759
You gotta listen.
00:15:40.759 --> 00:15:43.028
You want to be good, you gotta listen.
00:15:43.028 --> 00:15:46.265
Proverbs 1, verse 8 says, "listen, my son,
00:15:46.265 --> 00:15:51.637
To your father's instruction."
00:15:51.637 --> 00:15:54.306
Men, how many of you want your kids to listen to you?
00:15:54.306 --> 00:15:56.675
Yeah, that's exactly what your dad said to you.
00:15:56.675 --> 00:15:58.811
"listen, my son, to your father's instruction
00:16:01.847 --> 00:16:04.083
And do not forsake your mama's teaching,
00:16:04.083 --> 00:16:06.852
Because they will be a garland
00:16:06.852 --> 00:16:09.555
To grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck."
00:16:09.555 --> 00:16:14.560
What does that mean?
00:16:14.560 --> 00:16:16.662
That means that god's wisdom, he gives you his wisdom.
00:16:16.662 --> 00:16:20.265
He wants you to listen, not to restrict your life,
00:16:20.265 --> 00:16:24.370
But to beautify your life.
00:16:24.370 --> 00:16:27.706
People think that listening is a weakness.
00:16:27.706 --> 00:16:30.275
Proverbs says listening looks good on you.
00:16:30.275 --> 00:16:34.213
You should try it.
00:16:34.213 --> 00:16:36.382
You should try listening to god, and listen every day.
00:16:36.382 --> 00:16:40.319
Open up your bible and as you read, just listen.
00:16:40.319 --> 00:16:44.056
And say, "god, what is it that you want me to know?
00:16:44.056 --> 00:16:46.325
What is it that you want me to learn?"
00:16:46.325 --> 00:16:48.594
Now, there's several things about listening
00:16:48.594 --> 00:16:49.928
You need to know.
00:16:49.928 --> 00:16:51.263
Number one, it's active. listening is active.
00:16:51.263 --> 00:16:52.898
It's--you are responding.
00:16:52.898 --> 00:16:57.336
It's what i call, you're nodding as you read.
00:16:57.336 --> 00:17:01.006
I come to church.
00:17:01.006 --> 00:17:02.341
I just walked out here, i haven't even
00:17:02.341 --> 00:17:03.675
Started preaching.
00:17:03.675 --> 00:17:05.010
I look out and some people are, like, nodding like this...
00:17:05.010 --> 00:17:11.417
I haven't even started.
00:17:11.417 --> 00:17:15.454
That's not what i'm talking about,
00:17:15.454 --> 00:17:16.789
That kind of nodding.
00:17:16.789 --> 00:17:18.924
I'm talking about while the preacher's preaching
00:17:18.924 --> 00:17:20.726
From god's word, you're looking at the--
00:17:20.726 --> 00:17:22.528
You're looking at these words and you're going...
00:17:22.528 --> 00:17:29.701
Let me see you try it.
00:17:29.701 --> 00:17:31.303
Yeah, now, i'm preaching, i look out
00:17:31.303 --> 00:17:33.138
And i see you doing that, what do i know?
00:17:33.138 --> 00:17:34.473
What do i know? you're listening.
00:17:34.473 --> 00:17:37.109
What does a coach want when he's talking to the kids?
00:17:37.109 --> 00:17:39.011
He wants the kid--you know, there's one kid looking around,
00:17:39.011 --> 00:17:41.547
And the coach wants the kid looking him right in the eyes
00:17:41.547 --> 00:17:43.382
And just even if you don't even understand him,
00:17:43.382 --> 00:17:44.917
Just keep doing this...
00:17:44.917 --> 00:17:46.251
The coach will think you understand.
00:17:46.251 --> 00:17:48.687
Number two, listening implies humility.
00:17:48.687 --> 00:17:52.925
If you're really listening, you're actually admitting
00:17:52.925 --> 00:17:55.461
That you don't know everything.
00:17:55.461 --> 00:17:58.931
If you're listening, you're actually admitting
00:17:58.931 --> 00:18:01.567
You still have a ways to go.
00:18:01.567 --> 00:18:03.268
Have you ever noticed that god gave you
00:18:03.268 --> 00:18:05.037
Only one mouth and two ears?
00:18:05.037 --> 00:18:08.874
Why?
00:18:08.874 --> 00:18:11.243
'cause he wants us to listen.
00:18:11.243 --> 00:18:14.713
The loudest person in the room is rarely the wisest.
00:18:14.713 --> 00:18:20.419
My wife says that i have a listening problem.
00:18:20.419 --> 00:18:23.288
She says, "dudley, you have a listening problem."
00:18:23.288 --> 00:18:26.091
At least, i think that's what she said.
00:18:26.091 --> 00:18:35.167
You know, we are to be in relationship
00:18:35.167 --> 00:18:36.768
With our heavenly father.
00:18:36.768 --> 00:18:41.306
And he wants us and desires for us to listen.
00:18:41.306 --> 00:18:46.411
Wise people, like, truly wise people,
00:18:46.411 --> 00:18:48.814
If you look at them, study them, they're always leaning in.
00:18:48.814 --> 00:18:54.786
Prideful people are always tuned out
00:18:54.786 --> 00:18:58.690
And rarely listen.
00:18:58.690 --> 00:19:00.325
And the third thing about listening,
00:19:00.325 --> 00:19:01.660
It carries the idea of obedience.
00:19:01.660 --> 00:19:04.096
I'm listening to what god has to say.
00:19:04.096 --> 00:19:07.132
And after i hear what he says, i'm going to adjust my path.
00:19:07.132 --> 00:19:10.602
I'm going to adjust my words.
00:19:10.602 --> 00:19:12.804
I'm going to adjust my priorities
00:19:12.804 --> 00:19:15.641
Based on what i've heard.
00:19:15.641 --> 00:19:19.578
Now, i'm going to give you an exercise
00:19:19.578 --> 00:19:22.548
That's really helpful.
00:19:22.548 --> 00:19:24.917
You just, whatever day it is, like, what is today's date?
00:19:24.917 --> 00:19:30.689
Today is january 11, so this is just
00:19:30.689 --> 00:19:34.726
A fun exercise, and you can do this
00:19:34.726 --> 00:19:36.662
No matter what the month is, no matter what the day is.
00:19:36.662 --> 00:19:39.364
Today's the 11th.
00:19:39.364 --> 00:19:41.300
So you would read, go over to proverbs chapter 11.
00:19:41.300 --> 00:19:44.536
I'll show you how this works.
00:19:44.536 --> 00:19:46.638
And so today's the 11th, so you'll read--now,
00:19:46.638 --> 00:19:49.174
Tomorrow will be the 12th.
00:19:49.174 --> 00:19:51.043
So tomorrow you'll read chapter 12.
00:19:51.043 --> 00:19:52.844
There's 31 chapters in proverbs.
00:19:52.844 --> 00:19:57.115
So like, january 11, february 11, march 11,
00:19:57.115 --> 00:20:02.120
April 11, just whatever day of the week
00:20:02.120 --> 00:20:04.289
When you get up, read that--read that chapter.
00:20:04.289 --> 00:20:07.192
Now it just so happens in chapter 11, which
00:20:07.192 --> 00:20:09.461
Is today, the 11th, there's 31 verses.
00:20:09.461 --> 00:20:12.397
It just happens to be like that.
00:20:12.397 --> 00:20:15.601
And every one of these is a pearl of wisdom
00:20:15.601 --> 00:20:19.638
That comes from god to help you, to bless you,
00:20:19.638 --> 00:20:24.509
To beautify you.
00:20:24.509 --> 00:20:26.878
And so, you know, you could pick any of them.
00:20:26.878 --> 00:20:28.447
Look at verse 2, for example.
00:20:28.447 --> 00:20:29.881
This is just an example: "when pride comes,
00:20:29.881 --> 00:20:34.052
Then comes," what?
00:20:34.052 --> 00:20:36.588
"disgrace, but with humility comes," what?
00:20:36.588 --> 00:20:41.994
"wisdom."
00:20:41.994 --> 00:20:43.795
Verse 12, skip over to verse 12, we can't read the whole thing.
00:20:43.795 --> 00:20:46.064
Verse 12: "a man who lacks judgment
00:20:46.064 --> 00:20:48.700
Derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding
00:20:48.700 --> 00:20:52.537
Holds his tongue."
00:20:52.537 --> 00:20:55.774
What does that mean, to "hold your tongue"?
00:20:55.774 --> 00:20:58.477
To not talk negative or to deride your neighbor.
00:20:58.477 --> 00:21:03.315
That's a wise man.
00:21:03.315 --> 00:21:05.517
Verse 17, "a kind man benefits," who?
00:21:05.517 --> 00:21:13.692
"himself, but a cruel man brings trouble," where?
00:21:13.692 --> 00:21:19.998
"on himself."
00:21:19.998 --> 00:21:21.633
Now verse 22 is, you know, it's kind of a funny picture.
00:21:21.633 --> 00:21:26.204
It says, "it's like a gold ring in a pig's snout."
00:21:26.204 --> 00:21:33.145
Now, you would never take a gold ring
00:21:33.145 --> 00:21:36.682
And put it in a pig's nose, why?
00:21:36.682 --> 00:21:40.152
Because that gold ring is expensive,
00:21:40.152 --> 00:21:42.387
It's valuable, it's precious.
00:21:42.387 --> 00:21:44.256
You wouldn't waste it on a pig's nose.
00:21:44.256 --> 00:21:47.426
And he says, "that is as a beautiful woman
00:21:47.426 --> 00:21:51.229
Who shows no discretion."
00:21:51.229 --> 00:21:54.066
So earlier, we read about the man
00:21:54.066 --> 00:21:55.534
Is supposed to hold his tongue and the woman
00:21:55.534 --> 00:21:59.137
Is to show discretion.
00:21:59.137 --> 00:22:00.472
And so all of these proverbs,
00:22:00.472 --> 00:22:02.641
They deal with each and every one of us
00:22:02.641 --> 00:22:04.109
In different areas of our life.
00:22:04.109 --> 00:22:05.744
The last one we'll read here in this chapter is in verse 30.
00:22:05.744 --> 00:22:08.814
It says, "the fruit of the righteous
00:22:08.814 --> 00:22:10.248
Is the tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise."
00:22:10.248 --> 00:22:15.087
One of the wisest things that you can do is
00:22:15.087 --> 00:22:17.756
To look at someone and try to lead them to jesus christ.
00:22:17.756 --> 00:22:21.893
You wanna be a wise man, a wise woman?
00:22:21.893 --> 00:22:24.896
Help people find jesus christ.
00:22:24.896 --> 00:22:29.868
Pastor dudley: oh, i hope you were blessed
00:22:33.739 --> 00:22:35.073
By today's message.
00:22:35.073 --> 00:22:36.808
You can watch it again by visiting our website
00:22:36.808 --> 00:22:39.378
At liftupjesus.com, clicking the "watch and listen" button
00:22:39.378 --> 00:22:44.049
Up there at the top of that page.
00:22:44.049 --> 00:22:46.618
And when you're on the site,
00:22:46.618 --> 00:22:47.986
Would you please consider giving a financial gift
00:22:47.986 --> 00:22:51.223
Or even better, becoming a monthly partner?
00:22:51.223 --> 00:22:55.026
Again, you can find all this at our website, liftupjesus.com.
00:22:55.026 --> 00:22:59.197
God has called us to take this message
00:22:59.197 --> 00:23:01.767
To the world, but we need your help.
00:23:01.767 --> 00:23:05.270
Your prayers and financial support
00:23:05.270 --> 00:23:07.506
Are incredibly important for helping us
00:23:07.506 --> 00:23:10.242
Make a difference in the lives of millions of people.
00:23:10.242 --> 00:23:14.646
I'll see you here again next week, same time,
00:23:14.646 --> 00:23:16.982
Same place, and until then, whatever you're doing
00:23:16.982 --> 00:23:19.885
And wherever you're going, don't forget to always
00:23:19.885 --> 00:23:22.854
Lift up jesus.
00:23:22.854 --> 00:23:25.090
Kathy: hi, my name is kathy, and i lead
00:23:27.092 --> 00:23:29.294
The anchor cancer support group here at shepherd church.
00:23:29.294 --> 00:23:33.698
On august 17, 2011, i heard the words that nobody wants to hear,
00:23:33.698 --> 00:23:38.870
And that is, i had cancer.
00:23:38.870 --> 00:23:40.806
And when i had that diagnosis, i did not want to share it
00:23:40.806 --> 00:23:45.877
With anybody, but god had a different plan in that for me.
00:23:45.877 --> 00:23:49.781
And so, it was pretty clear that during my surgery, my chemo,
00:23:49.781 --> 00:23:55.687
My radiation, all the side effects that i experienced,
00:23:55.687 --> 00:23:59.591
And even losing my hair, that god knew
00:23:59.591 --> 00:24:02.327
That i was going to be where i am today.
00:24:02.327 --> 00:24:05.297
The things that i experienced when i was going
00:24:05.297 --> 00:24:07.833
Through my journey, by getting love
00:24:07.833 --> 00:24:10.135
From other people, getting food, getting prayers,
00:24:10.135 --> 00:24:14.139
Even provisions that i didn't expect,
00:24:14.139 --> 00:24:17.242
Was such a blessing to me, that i knew
00:24:17.242 --> 00:24:19.077
That i had to turn it around and give it to others.
00:24:19.077 --> 00:24:22.914
So, god put it on my heart to lead a cancer support life group
00:24:22.914 --> 00:24:26.418
In my home.
00:24:26.418 --> 00:24:27.752
We call on each other.
00:24:27.752 --> 00:24:29.254
We take each other to our doctors' appointments,
00:24:29.254 --> 00:24:31.857
And we pray for each other right before we're getting ready
00:24:31.857 --> 00:24:34.092
To go in for our treatments or our scans.
00:24:34.092 --> 00:24:36.661
We also provide food and support for them during their journey.
00:24:36.661 --> 00:24:43.201
Later on, when i was ready to start the group,
00:24:43.268 --> 00:24:45.403
God gave me the name anchor, and i know now why.
00:24:45.403 --> 00:24:49.374
'cause when you think of an anchor,
00:24:49.374 --> 00:24:51.476
You know that it is linked to a chain,
00:24:51.476 --> 00:24:54.145
And the members of this group are
00:24:54.145 --> 00:24:56.014
The links of that chain,
00:24:56.014 --> 00:24:57.949
That we're linked on to one another, strong,
00:24:57.949 --> 00:25:00.919
Standing firm to our father, who is our anchor.
00:25:00.919 --> 00:25:04.990
And together, we walk this journey with them,
00:25:04.990 --> 00:25:07.626
Through the storm, knowing that we need to depend on each other,
00:25:07.626 --> 00:25:11.863
And through our father in heaven.
00:25:11.863 --> 00:25:13.932
This group is for everyone.
00:25:13.932 --> 00:25:15.867
If you're going through cancer, if you've already gone
00:25:15.867 --> 00:25:18.370
Through all of your treatments and you are in remission.
00:25:18.370 --> 00:25:22.674
It's also for those that are part of the family.
00:25:22.674 --> 00:25:25.911
Maybe it's you're the caregiver.
00:25:25.911 --> 00:25:27.712
Maybe it's your coworker.
00:25:27.712 --> 00:25:29.648
It also could be for the spouse or the children.
00:25:29.648 --> 00:25:32.183
And more important, this group is for those
00:25:32.183 --> 00:25:33.885
That have lost someone, that have finally gone to see
00:25:33.885 --> 00:25:36.588
Our father in heaven.
00:25:36.588 --> 00:25:38.390
And they come back, and they share their journey,
00:25:38.390 --> 00:25:41.393
And they love on one another, because they've walked that.
00:25:41.393 --> 00:25:45.497
There are a million and a half people
00:25:45.497 --> 00:25:47.465
In los angeles county living with some form of cancer,
00:25:47.465 --> 00:25:51.303
And i am so grateful to shepherd church
00:25:51.303 --> 00:25:53.471
For opening up their doors to allow us to have
00:25:53.471 --> 00:25:56.374
This amazing ministry here.
00:25:56.374 --> 00:25:58.577
People of this community need this ministry,
00:25:58.577 --> 00:26:02.247
And we are so happy to be able to have it here,
00:26:02.247 --> 00:26:05.350
So that we can give them hope
00:26:05.350 --> 00:26:06.851
And encouragement during their journey.
00:26:06.851 --> 00:26:14.926
Michael north: research proves that it's the regular hearing
00:26:19.164 --> 00:26:20.999
And teaching of the word of god
00:26:20.999 --> 00:26:23.468
That takes our christian life to a new level.
00:26:23.468 --> 00:26:26.137
That's why we invite you to meet dudley rutherford every week
00:26:26.137 --> 00:26:29.140
On this station for another powerful message
00:26:29.140 --> 00:26:31.610
Straight from the bible.
00:26:31.610 --> 00:26:33.511
You can also visit liftupjesus.com to sign up
00:26:33.511 --> 00:26:36.281
For a monthly email devotional, discover pastor dudley's books
00:26:36.281 --> 00:26:40.452
And other resources, and see our national tv
00:26:40.452 --> 00:26:43.355
And radio schedule.
00:26:43.355 --> 00:26:45.357
And don't hesitate to reach out on the phone or online.
00:26:45.357 --> 00:26:48.360
Pastor dudley has a passion and vision to reach more people
00:26:48.360 --> 00:26:52.197
With the message of hope.
00:26:52.197 --> 00:26:54.232
And if you'd like to partner with us to touch the world,
00:26:54.232 --> 00:26:56.901
We'd love to hear from you.
00:26:56.901 --> 00:26:58.703
Your financial gift will do so much to help us impact
00:26:58.703 --> 00:27:01.673
The nations for christ.
00:27:01.673 --> 00:27:03.742
And if you're ever in the southern california area,
00:27:03.742 --> 00:27:06.044
We invite you to visit us at shepherd church
00:27:06.044 --> 00:27:08.380
Here in los angeles.
00:27:08.380 --> 00:27:10.015
It's an amazing experience you'll never forget.
00:27:10.015 --> 00:27:12.817
Until next time, remember to always lift up jesus.
00:27:12.817 --> 00:27:16.688
♪♪♪
00:27:16.688 --> 00:27:21.826
...
00:27:23.762 --> 00:27:23.762

Dudley Rutherford - Accepting God's Wisdom (Part 1)

May 1, 2026 | 27:29

Closed captions

Share