Wisdom-Trek ©

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 764 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Birth of Christ and the Shepherds – Meditation Monday

Hello, my friend, and welcome to Wisdom-Trek! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your Guide to Wisdom and Creating a Living Legacy.  Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 764 of our trek, and it is time for, Meditation Monday.  Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy.  For some, it may just be a time alone for quiet reflection.  Some may utilize structured meditation practices. In my life meditation includes reading and reflecting on God’s Word, and in prayer.  It is a time to renew my mind, refocus on what is most important, and making sure that I am nurturing my soul, mind, and body.

Due to a heavy travel and activity schedule for the next three to four weeks, our Wisdom-Trek episodes will be shorter so that I can pre-record them in advance of this time.  On Friday we began the telling of the complete Christmas story in chronological order.  Today is Christmas so we will be reading about the birth of Christ.  The remainder of this week will be focused on the events that took place after Christmas day.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. The entire purpose of our celebration of Christmas is the birth of Christ, and here is the story that we find in God’s Word. So today let us reflect on Luke 2:1-20.

The Birth of Christ and the Shepherds

· The Birth of Christ

At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.)  All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee.  He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.

And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger because there was no lodging available for them.

· The Shepherds and Angels

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.  The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!  And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in highest heaven,

and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger.  After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.  All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them. 

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 763 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

'Twas the Year Before Christmas - Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 763 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life, and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

Beginning with today’s podcast and for the next three to four weeks we are going to interrupt our regular podcast schedule. Due to travel and other events this next month, starting next week, the Wisdom-Trek segments may be shorter so that I can pre-schedule them for the next few weeks. Today and all next week Gramps will be telling the Christmas story in chronological order.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Christmas is just a few days away, but often during this busy time of year, we don’t invest the time to reflect on the true Christmas story as it was revealed in the New Testament. So let’s take the time these next six days to quietly reflect on all that took place during the very first Christmas.

Hey Gramps, “Would you please tell us the Christmas story chronologically as it is revealed in the Bible?”

'Twas the Year Before Christmas

To get the entire Christmas story in chronological order, you must go to several passages in the books of Matthew and Luke. We will start with Luke 1:5-56.

· The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold

When Herod was king of Judea, there was a Jewish priest named Zechariah. He was a member of the priestly order of Abijah, and his wife, Elizabeth, was also from the priestly line of Aaron.  Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations.  They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old.

One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week.  As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense.  While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying.

While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar.  Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him.  But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John.  You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth.  And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God.  He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.”

Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.”

Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.”

Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah to come out of the sanctuary, wondering why he was taking so long. When he finally did come out, he couldn’t speak to them. Then they realized from his gestures and his silence that he must have seen...

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 762 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Son of God – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 762 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Dr. Luke, author of one of the four gospels in the New Testament, and it is, "The angel answered, 'The Holy Spirit will come on you [Mary], and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.'" 

Son of God

Jesus is the Son of God and holy because he was conceived in the womb of Mary through the power of the Most High, revealed to us as the Holy Spirit. This conception is not something we can understand logically. It is something we recognize as a miracle of God's power and is reflective of God's divine love.

Even believing in this miraculous conception is both a gift and a miracle of God's grace and comes from the conviction of the Holy Spirit upon our hearts. If we believe that Jesus is God come in human flesh, we know that the truth of this story had to begin in a miracle that is both incomprehensible and yet very simple.

God takes on human flesh as a baby named Jesus. This baby was conceived and carried in the womb of an ordinary young woman. This miracle of conception reveals the character and compassion of the Most High God to bridge the distance from his heavenly perfection to our human mortality.

While we may not fully understand it, we can receive its truth by grace. Let's ask the Holy Spirit who brought this miracle to Mary to open our hearts to this miracle and join with all who share the wonder of God's love, mercy, and grace.

O Father, the One True and Almighty God, I ask that the Holy Spirit that conceived Jesus in Mary deepen my faith and awaken my sense of joy and amazement for the gift of Jesus' birth. I ask for this grace in Jesus' name. Amen.That’s a wrap for today’s Wisdom Unplugged. If you enjoy these quotes, I have created and published a searchable database of over 10,000 quotes that I have collected for many years. If you would like free access to my database of inspirational quotes, the link is available on the main page of Wisdom-Trek.com.

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.If you would like to listen to any of our past 761 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 761 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Creation vs. Evolution - Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 761 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. We continue this Wednesday to explore our trek of interpreting life through a Biblical worldview.

As a Christ follower, it is important to view all situations and events in life through the lens of the Bible. That is a view of the world that is aligned with what the Bible teaches us. We are exploring current issues that impact our world and society and comparing them through the lens of the Bible, instead of the lens of our society, culture, modern media, or social media.

I do not desire to tell you what to think but teach you how to think, so that you may be able to filter current issues and events through your Biblical worldview. I may explore opposing views and challenge you to think. You may not always agree with my view, and that is okay. I am open to any comments that you may have on the subjects that we explore.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. A Biblical worldview, at its core, is grounded in the fact that the Bible is God’s Word and contains all truth that God chose to reveal to us. Even with that understanding, there are many interpretations of parts of the Bible, and even the most learned Bible scholars will disagree. As finite humans living within the constraints of time and space, it is difficult for us to comprehend the mind of God. This gap was partially bridged when God came to earth as Jesus Christ, but not completely. As the Prophet Isaiah wrote in Isaiah 55:9,"For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."

 So today we will start with the creation of humans in Genesis 1:26-27, "Then God said, 'Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.' So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."

Even though we cannot understand fully all that God has done and is doing, there are three points that we want to consider today about…

Creation vs. Evolution

Creation vs. Evolution - A Question of Origins

The creation vs. evolution debate is a question of origins. How did we get here? Were we created or did we evolve randomly? Are we the product of purposeful intelligence or are we merely the end result of countless cosmic accidents? Does it even matter?

Creation vs. Evolution - Reason vs. Religion

The popular media often portrays the creation vs. evolution debate as science vs. religion, with creation being religious and evolution being scientific. Unfortunately if you don't agree with this label, you too are labeled. Regardless of whether you're a creationist or an evolutionist, if you disagree with the stereotype, you're condemned and "exposed" as a religious fanatic who is secretly trying to pass religion off as science or, even worse, trying to disprove science in order to redeem a ridiculous, unscientific, religious worldview. The fact is neither model of origins has been established beyond a reasonable doubt (otherwise, the theory of evolution wouldn't be called the "theory" of evolution). Whether we like to admit it or not, those of us who subscribe to the theory of evolution do so by faith. It is by faith that we interpret creation through a Biblical worldview. While the recognition of intelligent design in biology may have theological implications,

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 760 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

What Is Christmas? – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 760 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Agnes M. Pahro, and it is, "What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace."

What Is Christmas?

Christmas is that special time of year throughout the world where many people will take time to reflect on the blessings that overflow in their lives. We give gifts to each other in celebration of the gift that God gave to us. John 1:17 - For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. 

Because of this love for us, we can reflect on the tenderness of the past. We can have courage for the present, regardless of our circumstances. We can have hope for the future. Because of God’s love for us, He became flesh and moved in alongside us. Why did he do this? Hebrews 2:14 - Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death.It is because of this we can share our rich and eternal blessings, which will overflow into the lives of others thereby establishing true peace with everyone.

That’s a wrap for today’s Wisdom Unplugged quote. If you would like free access to my database of over 10,000 inspirational quotes, the link is available on the main page of Wisdom-Trek.com. Just as you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.If you would like to listen to any of our past 759 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 759 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Shepherds Were Astonishing – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 759 of our trek, and it is time for our new segment which we started last week called Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy.

For some, it may just be a time alone for quiet reflection. Some may utilize structured meditation practices. In my life meditation includes reading and reflecting on God’s Word and praying. It is a time to renew my mind, refocus on what is most important, and make sure that I am nurturing my soul, mind, and body. As you come along with me on our trek each Meditation Monday, it is my hope and prayer that you too will experience a time for reflection and renewing of your mind. 

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Only two weeks until Christmas! When God became human on that very first Christmas, it was not ushered in with great fanfare that would normally be part of a new king being born. Instead, God shared this great proclamation with the least likely people.

First, He was born in a manger with a few smelly animals to witness his birth as He was laid in their feeding bin. The next account was before those who were charged with taking care of yet more animals that smell and are rather dumb. That was the shepherds as they cared for their flocks in the hills around Bethlehem.

Today in our Monday Meditation let us consider lowly shepherds and the proclamation made by God’s Messengers. So today let us reflect on:

The Shepherds Were Astonishing

If you were a shepherd in the time when God came to earth in the form of a baby and chose to dwell among us, you would never have expected anyone to be astonished at anything you could ever say or do. You would have been "just" a lowly and despised shepherd. Most shepherds (like those who celebrated Christ’s birth) were quite young and most often ignored. Like all good shepherds, they smelled like sheep — they were not the kind of folks you invite into your house for a long conversation or a dinner party. Shepherds, in general, were not considered intellectually astute. Most people felt that shepherds would have little to say that was important. In fact, the occupation of a shepherd was looked down on, as one of the lowest occupations.

Then came Jesus’s birth. Look at what God made of these shepherds. They were the first to share the good news of Jesus’s birth. They were the first "missionaries" sent to tell the story of God coming down to live with people. These shepherds were told this good news by God’s messengers sent from the glory of heaven.

People were astonished. They were astonished that God would use shepherds. They were astonished at what the shepherds told them about the angels. They were astonished at the story the shepherds told about who Jesus was and where He was born.

Look at what the Father made of these shepherds. They were the first to know and to proclaim the astonishing good news of God coming to the world as a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and placed in a feed bin — the glory of the newborn King of the Jews, the Messiah of Israel, and the Savior of the world.

And what about you? Are you astonishing?

If you listen closely to the passages below, you will see that Jesus has done something just as astonishing with you as He did with the shepherds. Because of Jesus, you are now "holy, blameless, and totally free of imperfection." Just like the shepherds, you have been given the opportunity to be astonishing!

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 758 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Blessed Are the Peacemakers - Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 758 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

As we continue on this trek called life, sometimes we have questions about life, so our Friday trek is a time where we can “Ask Gramps.” Gramps will answer questions that you would like to ask your dad or granddad, but for whatever reason, you are unable to. No matter how old we are, I know that all of us would like the opportunity to ask Dad or Gramps questions about life in many areas.

We will address areas such as finances, relationships, health/fitness, business/work, home repairs/renovations, seasons of life, spiritual/Biblical questions, and any other areas that come our way.

As your fellow sojourner and mentor on this trek that we call life, it is my goal to provide you with practical wisdom and advice about any area of life. It is crucial that I receive a constant flow of questions, so please submit your questions to [email protected]. And I will answer your questions on our Friday podcast.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. During the holiday season of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, there are many opportunities for getting together with family, friends, and associates. During those gatherings there are usually conversations that come up that you may not agree with whether it is politics, raising kids, religion, or a myriad of other topics. So the question for today is:

Hey Gramps, “How can I avoid getting involved with conversations that may cause conflict when I get together with others?”

Blessed Are the Peacemakers

When you are either hosting or attending gatherings and parties during this festive Christmas and New Year’s season, your focus should be to enjoy the food, fun, and fellowship with others. Realize though there is always a potential for topics and conversations to come up that can cause tension and disagreements. You must understand that everyone has an opinion about every topic, and opinions are like armpits…Everyone has at least two, and if they are not maintained, they usually stink, including yourself.

That being understood, you need to comprehend that for an argument or conflict to proceed you are choosing to be an active participant. You do not need to air your opinion, regardless of how “wrong” another person may appear to be. We are told in Proverbs 17:14, "Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out."

Also understand that you do not have to be right about everything, or as a matter of fact, anything. Be willing to keep your mouth closed, even when you are burning with the desire to reply or retort. You probably will not change another person’s strong opinion about the topic, and even if they do concede, the old adage will probably apply, “A man convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still.”

Office parties and family gatherings are also a hotbed for gossip about others. Four short words…Just don’t do it! As we are told in Proverbs 26:20, “Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.” If the people you are with talk about others behind their back, they are doing the same about you. If you participate, you are just as prone to gossip about them. It is never wise, kind or loving to gossip.

Enjoy your family, friends, and office gatherings and parties,

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 757 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Christmas Choices – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 757 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Charles Dickens, and it is, "I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys."

Christmas Choices

If we are not careful, Christmas can be a time of hectic schedules, frantic preparations, and spending money we don’t really have. Instead, let this and every Christmas be a time for relaxing, reflection, and sharing with others. We need to be prepared and then choose to see that enough is enough. Yes, Christmas should be a time of giving and charity, but only within what we can afford. The most special and appreciated gifts cost us nothing and mean everything to those who receive them. Here are a few suggestions:

Making a visit

Writing letter

Making a phone call

Showing kindness to a complete stranger

Helping someone in need

Sharing what you do have with those who have less

Encouraging others who are discouraged

Inviting others into your home who do not have anyone near to share Christmas with you.

There are so many ways to give gifts in abundance that will richly bless others and not strap you financially.  In return, your lives will also be blessed. Choose to make a difference in the lives of others this Christmas, just as God chose to make a difference in your life.

As we are told in Colossians 3:12, "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."That’s a wrap for today’s Wisdom Unplugged. If you enjoy these quotes, I have created and published a searchable database of over 10,000 quotes that I have collected for many years. If you would like free access to my database of inspirational quotes, the link is available on the main page of Wisdom-Trek.com.

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.If you would like to listen to any of our past 756 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 756 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Creation or The Big Bang? - Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 756 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. We continue this Wednesday to explore our trek of interpreting life through a Biblical worldview.

As a Christ follower, it is important to view all situations and events in life through the lenses of the Bible. That is a view of the world that is aligned with what the Bible teaches us. We are exploring current issues that impact our world and society and comparing them through the lens of the Bible, instead of the lens of our society, culture, modern media, or social media.

I do not desire to tell you what to think, but to teach you how to think so that you may be able to filter current issues and events through your Biblical worldview. I may explore opposing views and challenge you to think. You may not always agree with my view, and that is okay. I am open to any comments that you may have on the subjects that we explore.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. A Biblical Worldview, at its core, is grounded in the fact that the Bible is God’s word and contains all truth that God chose to reveal to us. Even with that understanding, there are many interpretations of parts of the Bible, and even the most learned Bible scholars will disagree.

As finite humans living within the constraints of time and space, it is difficult for us to comprehend the mind of God. This gap was partially bridged when God came to earth as Jesus Christ, but not completely. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:12, "Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely."

So today we will start at the very beginning and analyze Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."

Creation or The Big Bang?

This is quite a complex issue to deal with, so we may extend it over multiple episodes. Realize that there is no way to categorically prove that Genesis 1:1 is true or untrue. No human was present to verify this. All of what we consider truth in God’s word must be recognized and believed by faith.

As you look at the conflict between creation vs. evolution those who believe evolution say that they have scientific facts to prove it. Evolution is strictly a theory, as is creationism. One basis for science is that it has to be verified and proven by in-person observation. No one living today, nor any written narrative can prove evolution or creation. So an evolutionist argument must also be recognized and believed by faith.

In order to be transparent with you, throughout my life, I have maintained, by faith, a young earth view. I have to admit though, the more I study God’s word, the universe, and all of creation from my limited perspective, the more I realize that a young earth theory cannot be proven.

If somehow there was a way to prove that the earth and indeed the entire universe, was millions or billions of years old, would that negate the truth of Genesis 1:1?  Absolutely not! Again by faith, I have no doubt in my mind that, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." Although I cannot scientifically prove this verse, within the scope of my Biblical Worldview this is the very bedrock and foundation of my life. 

There are so many weak areas within the camp of those who believe that the universe was some sort of happenstance and earth was the result ...

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 755 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Christmas Gift Suggestions – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 755 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Oren Arnold, and it is, "Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect."

Christmas Gift Suggestions

The old adage that "it is better to give than receive" rings loud and clear in nearly everyone’s heart during the Christmas season. Too often though the focus is on buying presents for family, friends, and associates which many times they don’t need and you can’t afford.

The gifts that are truly precious are those that we can give away and still keep them for ourselves. The best part of this is they are the gifts which are cherished above any other gifts. Another positive factor is that these gifts cost us nothing except for a little time and effort to give them away in love. Forgiveness, tolerance, heart, service, love, a good example, and respect.

I would also add to this list encouragement, mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. During this blessed Christmas time and then throughout the year, let us put aside our differences and be united in love. As we are taught in Colossians 3:11-15, "In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.  Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful."That’s a wrap for today’s Wisdom Unplugged quote. If you would like free access to my database of over 10,000 inspirational quotes, the link is available on the main page of Wisdom-Trek.com. Just as you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 754 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!