Wisdom-Trek ©

 

Putnam Church Message – 11/17/2024

Last week, we finished Paul’s letter to the Colossians and learned about the importance of co-laborers in building God’s Kingdom.

This week, we will learn the lessons from the letter to Philemon. Paul’s letter to Philemon has great practical value for us today. It illustrates for us the reality and importance of second chances,/ the equality believers have in Christ, /and the power of the gospel to transcend cultural and social boundaries./ In short, Paul’s postcard to Philemon reminds us about the profoundly Christ-centered concepts of freedom, forgiveness, mercy, and grace.

This brief letter is the shortest of Paul’s writings—just twenty-five verses in our Bibles. But don’t let its size fool you. Although brief compared to Paul’s other New Testament letters, it contains a magnificent study of forgiveness. It is a warm appeal to Philemon, a slave owner, that he accept back into his household the runaway slave Onesimus, who had become a Christ follower because of Paul’s preaching. Just as Jesus Christ acts as the Advocate for Christians before God, Paul acted as Onesimus’s advocate before Philemon. Philemon is found on page 1860 of your Pew Bibles, and I will read it from the NLT.

The setting of Paul’s letter to Philemon is certainly different from our own. Most likely, none of us has ever been or will ever be enslaved. But literally, millions of people in that era would have never known freedom.

Historians believe that slaves in Roman society may have constituted between 25 and 40 percent of the population. A perusal of history books will reveal estimates of between forty-five and sixty million slaves in the Roman Empire during the middle of the first century. They were an indispensable fixture in Roman culture’s daily social and economic realities. As Aristotle once wrote, “The slave is a living tool.” The land crawled with these living, two-legged tools, generally considered a cut below humanity. Any master had the right to control the life and death of his slaves.

In this environment, the slave Onesimus ran away from his master,>Philemon,> and found his way to Paul. In this brief letter, we catch a glimpse of the early church working out how to live the gospel amid an unredeemed culture. As we learn how Paul appealed to Philemon to forgive and free Onesimus, we find an example of how we should treat others and how we have been shown forgiveness ourselves. This makes the story even sweeter and more relevant to us.

Paul’s warm greeting in Philemon 1:1–3 reveals some important things about the recipient of Paul’s request on behalf of Onesimus. First, Philemon was a fellow member of the body of Christ, a “beloved co-worker” (1:1). The Greek term synergos, translated “co-worker,” was used to refer to those who were involved in official>ministry>leadership (Rom. 16:3, 9, 21; 2 Cor. 8:23; Phil. 2:25; 4:3). It seems likely, then, that Philemon was serving in a leadership role in the church at Colossae. Paul refers to “the church that meets in your house.” in Philemon 1:2. Philemon was more than a church member; he was a church leader.

Second, Paul’s language strongly suggests he had a prior personal relationship with Philemon—and possibly his family. Philemon was not simply a “co-worker” but was “beloved” to Paul (1:1). And Paul greets “our sister, Apphia,” who was likely the wife of Philemon, and “our fellow soldier Archippus,” who may have been Philemon’s son. We know that Archippus was a fellow minister in the church of Colossae (Col. 4:17). In any case, the warm tone of this greeting reveals that Paul knew Philemon well.

Third, though this letter is explicitly addressed to Philemon, Paul also extends the greeting (and the letter) to “the church that meets in your house.” (Phlm. 1:2). By broadening his audience to all the believers in Colossae, Paul subtly communicates that even though the matter of Onesimus’s fate is a personal one to be handled by Philemon, such decisions cannot be separated from the accountability of the family and the church, both of which would be impacted by Philemon’s actions.

Before getting to the delicate matter of what to do about Onesimus, Paul praises Philemon. He indicates that he regularly thanks God for Philemon in prayer (1:4). He commends him for his faith in Christ and love for the saints (1:5). He prays that Philemon’s faith would grow in its effectiveness (1:6). And he rejoices in the encouragement that has come from the fruitful ministry of Philemon among the saints at Colossae (1:7).

Paul isn’t flattering Philemon to soften him up for the big ask in the next paragraph. He’s serious about his high regard for his friend. He knows this man, and he considers his reputation praiseworthy. Paul is well acquainted with his ministry of love, faith, fellowship, knowledge, goodness, joy, comfort, and refreshment. Whatever hard feelings Philemon may understandably have toward the runaway slave Onesimus—and whatever legal right he might have to drop the hammer on him—Paul’s words of commendation remind Philemon of his authentic Christian character of grace and mercy. And, as James writes, “There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others.” (Jas. 2:13).

In Philemon 1:8, Paul pivots to his primary purpose by using the phrase “that is why,” which connects what precedes with what follows: But because of our love, I prefer simply to ask you. Though, as an apostle, Paul could pull rank on Philemon, he instead appeals to Philemon from a position of humility (1:8–9). He refers to himself as “Paul, an old man and now also a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus.” (1:9). He doesn’t order Philemon to obey, but instead, he appeals to him, twice using the word parakaleō, a word of gentle encouragement (1:9–10).

In 1:10, Paul first mentions the content of his heartfelt request. Paul arranged the Greek word order in a way that placed the name at the end. I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. The mention of that name may have caused Philemon to stiffen up. Maybe he did a double take, pulling the paper close to his nose to make sure he read that right. Onesimus? Philemon would have been rightly perplexed by this sentence. The Onesimus Philemon knew was “useless” (1:11)—an outlawed runaway slave who probably robbed Philemon of money or property before he fled (see 1:18)! What could motivate Paul to intercede on behalf of a thief and fugitive?

Paul acknowledges that Onesimus had been useless to Philemon, but something had changed—“but now he is very useful to both of us.” (1:11). It may not be evident, but there’s a play on words in 1:11: The name Onesimus literally means “useful.” Onesimus obviously hadn’t lived up to the meaning of his name. It would be like a woman named Grace who holds a grudge, or a man named Earnest who can’t tell the truth! The slave named “Useful” had been nothing but trouble until the Lord Jesus got ahold of his heart and transformed his life.

I can almost picture Philemon’s eyebrows rising as he read how Paul described the new and improved Onesimus. Not only was he now “useful” (1:11)—but he was a born-again child in the faith (1:10). He was Paul’s “very heart” (1:12), whom Paul had become so fond of he wished to keep him in Rome to continue ministering for the gospel (1:13). As such, Onesimus was no longer to be regarded as just a slave, but “He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother” to both Paul and Philemon (1:16). In fact, Paul floats the idea that maybe it had all been part of God’s sovereign plan that Onesimus ran away for a short time—now Philemon could “have him back forever” as a brother in Christ who would be a co-heir of eternal life (1:15).

Paul’s point was clear: The Onesimus standing before Philemon, his family, and the church in Colossae was not the same young man who had run away. The grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ had saved him. He had proven himself a faithful, devoted minister of the gospel with Paul in Rome. Surely, Philemon, who had also experienced the forgiveness and freedom that comes from Christ, could understand the great principle of 2 Corinthians 5:17: This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

Having explained to Philemon the transformation Onesimus had experienced, Paul appeals to Philemon to grant Onesimus not only forgiveness but also freedom. It would be proper for Philemon to extend forgiveness to Onesimus. After all, it is a fundamental principle of brotherly love is: “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (Eph. 4:32). It doesn’t appear that Paul expected anything less from Philemon than to extend full and complete forgiveness to his runaway slave. He expected Philemon to accept Onesimus as he would accept Paul—as a “beloved brother” (Phlm. 1:16–17).

But freedom? That would go above and beyond Philemon’s obligation, which may be why Paul doesn’t outright ask Philemon to free Onesimus. However, as we look closely, we can infer that Paul hoped Philemon would read between the lines: (Bulletin Insert)

Onesimus had been useful to Paul for ministry (1:11, 13).

Paul regarded Onesimus as his “very heart” and “a beloved brother” (1:12, 16).

Paul wished he could keep Onesimus with him (1:13).

Paul would need Philemon’s consent to keep Onesimus (1:14).

Paul desired that Philemon would do this out of his free will (1:14).

Paul was willing to pay back what Onesimus may have cost Philemon (1:18–19).

Paul reminded Philemon that he owed Paul his “own self” (1:19).

Paul asked that he would benefit from Philemon “in the Lord” (1:20).

Paul expected that Philemon would do “even more” than what he said (1:21).

Paul employs another clever play on words in 1:20, when he says, literally, “May I benefit (o/nin/ēmi) from you in the Lord.” He uses a word that shares the same root as the name Onesimus. The message behind this pun may be, “Let me have Onesimus—the ‘beneficial one’ in the Lord.”

Even if Philemon wasn’t paying attention to what Paul was hinting at, I’m sure Apphia or his fellow worker Archippus would have helped him realize it. And if neither of them got the picture, perhaps at least one of the church members in Colossae would have said something like, “You know, Phil, I wonder if Paul would like you to send Onesimus back to minister with him. That’d be a pretty nice thing to do, don’t you think?”

Two things assure me that Philemon forgave Onesimus, accepted him as a brother in Christ, freed him from slavery, canceled his debt, and perhaps even paid for his return trip to the apostle Paul. First, we have the letter to Philemon in the canon of Scripture. I suspect that had Philemon balked at Paul’s request and decided to double down on his rejection of Onesimus as “useless,” this letter probably wouldn’t have been preserved and copied far and wide. Second, I also suspect that the aged Onesimus serving as bishop of Ephesus around AD 110 was the same Onesimus as in the letter to Philemon. In that case, he was likely granted his freedom from bond service to Philemon to become a lifelong bond-servant of Jesus Christ.

Philemon wasn’t obligated to cancel Onesimus’s debt or to free him from service. But was he obligated to forgive him as a brother in Christ? Yes. Conversion to Christ doesn’t mean all our financial debts or contractual obligations are suspended. Paul himself acknowledged this /when he promised to pay whatever financial loss Philemon had incurred because of Onesimus./ He wrote, “If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me…I will repay it.” (1:18–19). I doubt that Philemon wrote an itemized statement and mailed it to Paul. Moved by Paul’s passionate plea on behalf of the useless-turned-useful Onesimus, Philemon probably wrote across his former slave’s tally of wrongs, “PAID IN FULL”—just as Christ had done for Philemon years earlier. (Post)

In his closing remarks, Paul expresses his hope that he will be released in answer to their prayers. If released, he intends to visit Philemon and the church in Colossae. In fact, so confident is he in his deliverance from bondage in Rome that he says, “Please prepare a guest room for me” (1:22). What optimism!

Besides instilling hope that Philemon would likely be seeing his old friend Paul soon, this statement would also put some gentle pressure on Philemon to make a favorable decision regarding Onesimus. Had he expected Paul to languish in prison for many more years, it might have been easier for Philemon to drag his feet, getting a few more years of service out of the runaway slave to help settle his...

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2508 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we’ll be exploring Psalm 35:1-10 from the New Living Translation. This passage is a powerful prayer from David, asking God to intervene in the face of injustice and persecution. It’s a raw, heartfelt plea for divine protection and deliverance, yet it also reflects deep trust in God’s justice and sovereignty.

As we go through these verses, we’ll see David’s honest emotions, his reliance on God, and his commitment to praise God for deliverance. Let’s read Psalm 35:1-10 together:

Fight those who fight against me.

Prepare for battle, and come to my aid.

against those who pursue me.

Let me hear you say,

“I will give you victory!”

turn them back and humiliate those who want to harm me.

a wind sent by the angel of the Lord.

with the angel of the Lord pursuing them.

I did them no wrong, but they dug a pit to catch me.

Let them be caught in the trap they set for me;

let them be destroyed in the pit they dug for me.

I will be glad because he rescues me.

“Lord, who can compare with you?

Who else rescues the helpless from the strong?

Who else protects the helpless and poor from those who rob them?”

David begins this psalm in Verse 1 with a direct and urgent appeal: “O Lord, oppose those who oppose me. Fight those who fight against me.” This is not just a plea for help; it’s a call for God to act as a defender and warrior on David’s behalf. David is facing enemies who seek to harm him, and instead of taking matters into his own hands, he turns to God for deliverance.

In verses 2 and 3, David uses imagery of battle: “Put on your armor, and take up your shield. Prepare for battle, and come to my aid. Lift up your spear and javelin against those who pursue me.” This vivid language paints God as a divine warrior, fully equipped and ready to fight for His people. David’s words reflect his deep faith and recognition that ultimate victory comes from God alone.

The plea, “Let me hear you say, ‘I will give you victory!’” reveals David’s desire for assurance. He’s asking for God’s action and the comfort of hearing God’s promise of deliverance. This request reflects a deeply personal relationship with God—David wants to know that God is with him, fighting for him, and guaranteeing his victory.

These verses remind us that it’s okay to bring our battles to God. Whether facing external opposition, spiritual struggles, or internal conflicts, God invites us to call on Him as our defender. When we rely on Him, we can trust He will fight for us in His perfect way and timing.

In verses 4 through 6, David asks God to bring justice to those who seek to harm him: “Bring shame and disgrace on those trying to kill me; turn them back and humiliate those who want to harm me.” Here, David isn’t seeking personal revenge; he’s asking God to act as the ultimate judge. He trusts God to bring shame and humiliation to those who are unjustly pursuing him, exposing their wrongdoing.

Verse 5 continues, “Blow them away like chaff in the wind—a wind sent by the angel of the Lord.” The imagery of chaff, the lightweight and useless part of the grain, emphasizes the powerlessness of David’s enemies when faced with God’s judgment. The mention of the “angel of the Lord” reinforces that this is divine action, not human retaliation.

In verse 6, David adds, “Make their path dark and slippery, with the angel of the Lord pursuing them.” This vivid description highlights the confusion and instability of those who oppose God’s people. David’s words remind us that when we walk in opposition to God’s ways, our path becomes uncertain and fraught with danger.

These verses demonstrate David’s reliance on God’s justice. He doesn’t take matters into his own hands; instead, he entrusts his cause to God, believing that God will deal with the wicked in His righteousness.

In verses 7 and 8, David turns his focus to the unjust actions of his enemies: “I did them no wrong, but they laid a trap for me. I did them no wrong, but they dug a pit to catch me.” David emphasizes his innocence, highlighting the baseless nature of his enemies’ attacks. Despite doing no harm, he is being targeted by those who seek to destroy him.

This situation is one that many of us can relate to—being wronged or opposed without cause. David’s response is not to retaliate but to bring his case before God. He trusts that God sees the injustice and will act accordingly.

In verse 8, David prays, “So let sudden ruin come upon them! Let them be caught in the trap they set for me; let them be destroyed in the pit they dug for me.” This is a plea for poetic justice—that the wicked would face the consequences of their own schemes. David isn’t asking for vengeance out of malice; he’s asking for justice, for God to turn the plans of the wicked back on themselves.

These verses remind us that we can bring our pain and frustration to God when we face injustice. He sees what we endure, and He promises to act on behalf of His people. Our role is to trust Him and allow Him to work in His perfect way.

In the final verses of this section, David shifts from a plea for justice to a declaration of praise, Verse 9: “Then I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be glad because He rescues me.” David’s faith is evident here—he speaks of rejoicing and gladness even before his deliverance has come. He trusts so deeply in God’s faithfulness that he can already celebrate the victory he knows God will bring.

Verse 10 takes this praise to another level: “With every bone in my body I will praise Him: ‘Lord, who can compare with You? Who else rescues the helpless from the strong? Who else protects the helpless and poor from those who rob them?’” David’s gratitude is all-encompassing. He praises God not just with his words but with “every bone in [his] body.” This imagery reflects the depth of his gratitude and the totality of his devotion.

David also highlights God’s unique ability to rescue the helpless. No one else has the power or compassion of God. He is the defender of the vulnerable, the protector of those who cannot protect themselves. This truth is a source of great comfort, reminding us that God is our refuge and strength no matter how powerless we feel.

These verses remind us of the importance of praising God, even amid our struggles. When we focus on His goodness and faithfulness, our perspective shifts. We move from fear and frustration to trust and joy, knowing God is in control.

Psalm 35:1-10 is a powerful reminder of God’s role as our defender, deliverer, and source of justice. David’s heartfelt prayer shows us that it’s okay to bring our struggles and frustrations to God. He is a God who hears, who fights for us, and who brings justice in His perfect way.

David’s words also challenge us to trust in God’s timing and to resist the temptation to take matters into our own hands. When we face opposition, we can follow David’s example by turning to God, trusting Him to intervene, and committing ourselves to praise Him regardless of the outcome.

As we conclude today’s Wisdom-Trek, I encourage you to reflect on how God has been your defender in the past and to trust Him with whatever challenges you may be facing today. Remember, He sees you, He hears you, and He is fighting for you.

Thank you for joining me on this journey through Psalm 35. Until next time, may God’s wisdom guide your steps, and may His love fill your heart with peace.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

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

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

 

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2507 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we’ll be wrapping up our exploration of Psalm 34 by diving into verses 15 through 22. This final section of the psalm reveals God’s compassionate nature and His faithfulness to those who are brokenhearted, facing hardships, or enduring injustice. David reminds us that God is both near to us in our pain and powerful enough to deliver us from it.

These verses offer both comfort and hope, assuring us that God’s watchful eye is on His people and that He responds to their cries for help. Let’s begin by reading Psalm 34:15-22 in the New Living Translation, and then we’ll unpack it together.

His ears are open to their cries for help.

He will erase their memory from the earth.

He rescues them from all their troubles.

He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.

not one of them is broken!

and those who hate the righteous will be punished.

No one who takes refuge in Him will be condemned.

David begins this section with verse 15, a beautiful reminder of God’s attentive care: “The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; His ears are open to their cries for help.” Here, David paints a picture of a watchful and responsive God. God isn’t distant or disengaged; He is fully aware of His people and actively listens for their cries. This image of God’s eyes watching over the righteous emphasizes His protective presence. He sees the paths we walk, the challenges we face, and the moments when we feel overwhelmed. He is with us, watching over us with love and care.

The phrase “His ears are open to their cries for help” assures us that God sees and hears. In our moments of distress, our cries do not fall on deaf ears. God listens with compassion and readiness to respond. This is a powerful reminder that we don’t have to face life’s hardships alone; we have a loving Father who hears and cares.

Verse 16, however, presents a contrast: “But the Lord turns His face against those who do evil; He will erase their memory from the earth.” This may seem like a harsh statement, but it reflects God’s commitment to justice. God’s face is turned away from evil, meaning He doesn’t align Himself with those who act unjustly or harm others. His justice ensures that wrongdoing will ultimately be brought to account. Those who persist in wickedness will not stand in God’s presence, and their legacy will fade.

These verses reveal both God’s mercy toward the righteous and His commitment to justice. They remind us that God is attentive to our cries, but He also stands against evil, ensuring that wrongdoing will not have the final say.

In verse 17, David reassures us further: “The Lord hears His people when they call to Him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.” This verse reinforces the idea that God listens and responds. He’s not an indifferent observer; He actively intervenes to rescue His people. When we call out to Him in our times of need, He is faithful to respond, bringing us deliverance and peace.

Verse 18 is one of the most comforting in all of Scripture: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” David tells us that God draws especially near to those who are hurting, heartbroken, or struggling under the weight of sorrow. God’s closeness is not just a vague presence—it’s an intimate companionship. When our hearts feel shattered, He is right there with us, offering comfort, strength, and healing.

This verse speaks to those times when life feels overwhelming, when we’re grieving or feeling lost. God’s presence with the brokenhearted reminds us that He isn’t just near us in our joy but especially close in our sorrow. God doesn’t expect us to carry the weight when we feel crushed. He is there, lifting us up and bringing us through our pain.

Together, these verses show us a compassionate God who is close to those in distress and who hears every cry. In our lowest moments, we can turn to Him, knowing He is near and His heart is tender toward us.

David continues in verse 19, “The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.” This verse is important because it acknowledges a reality we all face: even those who seek to live righteously are not exempt from troubles. Sometimes, we may wonder why difficulties arise even when we’re trying to live in alignment with God’s will. David answers this here, affirming that troubles are part of life, even for the righteous.

But notice the promise in the second half of the verse: “the Lord comes to the rescue each time.” This doesn’t mean we won’t encounter hardship, but it assures us that God will always be there to bring us through it. Every challenge we face is an opportunity to experience God’s deliverance, and to witness His strength in our weakness.

In verse 20, David says, “For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken!” This verse is often understood as a poetic way of saying that God’s protection is thorough and complete. He watches over every part of us, ensuring that we are not ultimately destroyed even in our troubles. While life may bring hardship, God’s protection surrounds those who trust Him.

These verses remind us that God doesn’t promise a life free of difficulty, but He does promise His presence, protection, and rescue. In every trial, He is faithful to come alongside us, to strengthen us, and to lead us to safety.

In verse 21, David contrasts the future of the wicked with that of the righteous: “Calamity will surely destroy the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished.” David assures us that God’s justice will ultimately prevail. While it may seem at times that injustice goes unchecked, David reminds us that there is a day of reckoning for those who do evil. Calamity will not go unanswered, and those who harm others will face the consequences of their actions. This verse speaks to God’s commitment to righting wrongs and upholding justice.

Finally, verse 22 wraps up the psalm with a beautiful promise of redemption: “But the Lord will redeem those who serve Him. No one who takes refuge in Him will be condemned.” This is a powerful declaration of God’s grace and mercy. To “redeem” means to rescue, to bring back, to save from harm. David assures us that God will redeem those who choose to serve Him, those who make Him their refuge.

David’s words also remind us that no matter our past mistakes, we are forgiven and not condemned when we turn to God and take refuge in Him. God’s grace exceeds our failures, and His mercy covers us. Those who trust in Him are safe from judgment and held secure by His love.

These final verses bring Psalm 34 to a hopeful conclusion, reassuring us of God’s justice, mercy, and commitment to those seeking Him. God is our protector and redeemer, the One who delivers us from trouble and surrounds us with His love.

Psalm 34:15-22 gives us a vivid picture of God’s compassion, His justice, and His unwavering commitment to those who turn to Him. David’s words remind us that we serve a God who watches over us, listens to us, and is near to us in every situation. Whether we’re facing hardship, heartbreak, or the consequences of injustice, we can take comfort in knowing that God is with us, fighting for us, and ready to redeem us.

As we close our journey through Psalm 34, may we remember that God’s love is steadfast. He hears our cries, He draws near to our pain, and He redeems us with His unfailing mercy. No matter what we face, we can place our trust in Him, knowing that He is our refuge and our strength.

Thank you for joining me today on Wisdom-Trek. Until next time, may God’s wisdom guide your steps, and may His love fill your heart with peace.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

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

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

 

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2506 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

 

Today is the thirty-first lesson in our segment, Theology Thursday. Utilizing excerpts from a book titled: I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible written by Hebrew Bible scholar and professor the late Dr. Michael S Heiser, we will invest a couple of years going through the entire Bible, exploring short Biblical lessons that you may not have received in Bible classes or Church.

The Bible is a wonderful book. Its pages reveal the epic story of God’s redemption of humankind and the long, bitter conflict against evil. Yet it’s also a book that seems strange to us. While God’s Word was written for us, it wasn’t written to us. Today’s lesson is: Do the Dead Sea Scrolls Answer the Canon Question?

The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered between 1947 and 1956, transformed biblical studies. Found in a series of caves near an archaeological site on the northwestern shore of the Dead Sea known as Qumran, they contributed to research on ancient scribal practices and the history of the Hebrew language. But beyond this research, the scrolls also directly affected an issue that has long been debated—the Old Testament canon. Did this find solidify what should or should not be included in our Bibles?

The word “canon” refers to the collection of books considered sacred and authoritative by a religious community—in this case, Judaism and Christianity. Historical evidence reveals that within the Jewish community, there was still uncertainty about some books (e.g., Esther and the Song of Solomon) or portions of books (Ezekiel 40-48) after ad 100. The question of whether Jewish leaders of earlier centuries had similar doubts—or different ones—was shrouded in mystery before the discoveries at Qumran.

Fragments of all the Old Testament books in the current Protestant evangelical canon have been found among the scrolls—all except the book of Esther. However, its omission by the Jewish community at Qumran does not indicate much about its canonical position today.

The omission of the book tells us nothing about how the Qumran community actually felt about Esther. The Dead Sea Scrolls discovered in modern times are only a fraction of the material originally stored at Qumran. The ravages of time have left us with an incomplete picture, nullifying such a definitive conclusion.

In addition, the Jews at Qumran were one sect of Judaism among several. Even if there was evidence that they had rejected Esther, that position would have represented only a segment of opinion. Even today, major segments of modern Christendom do not agree on the canon.- That certain books meet approval or disapproval provides no guidance as to which opinion is correct.

Beyond this, Qumran scribes often indicated a book’s sacred status by citing the book as authoritative for some point of belief or practice in their community documents. They also indicated a book’s sacred status through produced commentaries. However, not every biblical book of today’s Old Testament canon meets this criterion. For example, Judges, Jeremiah, and Job are never cited in community documents; they have not been the focus of a commentary. The incomplete nature of the discovery makes this no surprise.

Conversely, the scribes at Qumran considered some books canonical that were not included later in the Old Testament canon by either the Jewish or Christian communities. Examples include the books later known as 1 Enoch and Jubilees. Although the Dead Sea Scrolls provide fascinating insights into how one group of Jews thought about their canon, ultimately, they offer no definitive conclusion to the broader modern discussion.

QUICKBIT: Originally, no fragments of Nehemiah were found among the Qumran scrolls. Since Ezra and Nehemiah were originally combined in the ancient Jewish canon—and fragments of Ezra were found at Qumran —Esther was considered the only omission. However, in the spring of 2012, scholars discovered the first Nehemiah fragment among the scrolls that were found in Qumran Cave 4.

The lessons that make up Theology Thursday on the Wisdom-Trek Podcast for the next couple of years will satisfy the statement, “I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible.” I trust you’ll enjoy them—and, of course, not be bored.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

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

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2505 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we continue our exploration of Psalm 34, focusing on verses 8 through 14. This section of the psalm is a powerful call to taste and see God’s goodness, live in the fear of the Lord, and pursue peace. David’s words remind us that a life centered on God brings joy and purpose. It’s an invitation to experience God deeply and to live a life marked by goodness, integrity, and reverence.

Let’s begin by reading Psalm 34:8-14 together from the New Living Translation:

Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him!

for those who fear Him will have all they need.

but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.

and I will teach you to fear the Lord.

and your lips from telling lies!

Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

David opens this passage with a warm invitation: “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him!” This is one of the most memorable verses in the Psalms, inviting us to experience God’s goodness personally. To “taste” suggests a direct encounter, not just hearing about God or observing Him from afar. David invites us to engage with God, to experience His goodness firsthand, much like savoring a delicious meal. It’s an invitation to come close, to test and know for ourselves that God is truly good.

The second part of the verse speaks of the joy that comes from taking refuge in God. When we choose to rely on Him, to find safety and shelter in His presence, we experience a peace and joy that cannot be found elsewhere. God offers stability and a deep sense of well-being in a chaotic and uncertain world. David is saying, “Come and find out for yourself—see that God is trustworthy, loving, and a true source of joy.”

This verse challenges us to move beyond mere knowledge about God to a personal encounter with Him. It’s a reminder that faith isn’t just intellectual; it’s experiential. Our lives are transformed when we truly “taste and see” God’s goodness.

In verse 9, David continues, “Fear the Lord, you His godly people, for those who fear Him will have all they need.” Here, David speaks to “His godly people,” those who have chosen to follow God and honor Him. To “fear the Lord” doesn’t mean to live in terror but to live with reverence, respect, and awe of God. It means recognizing His greatness, His authority, and our dependence on Him. When we fear God, we place Him in the highest place in our lives, acknowledging His sovereignty over all things.

David assures us that those who live in this reverence for God “will have all they need.” This doesn’t imply that we’ll always have everything we want but that God will meet our true needs. It’s a promise of provision and sufficiency—God is attentive to the needs of those who honor Him.

In verse 10, David reinforces this idea with a vivid comparison: “Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.” Lions, especially young ones, represent strength, power, and self-sufficiency, yet even they experience hunger and lack. In contrast, those who trust in God are promised that they will “lack no good thing.” This doesn’t mean life will be without challenges, but it does mean that God will ensure we have what we truly need.

These verses encourage us to live in faith, trusting God knows and will provide what is best for us. David’s words remind us that true provision comes from God in a world that often pressures us to rely on ourselves or amass wealth and security. When we place our needs before Him, He is faithful in providing in ways that surpass our understanding.

In verse 11, David shifts to a more instructional tone, saying, “Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord.” Here, David speaks as a teacher or mentor, encouraging us to learn what it means to “fear the Lord.” He addresses us with warmth and care, inviting us to approach God with reverence, humility, and a desire to honor Him. David understands that fearing God doesn’t come naturally; it’s something we learn and grow into as we draw closer to Him.

Verse 12 poses a question to grab our attention: “Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous?” David is appealing to our natural desire to have a good and meaningful life. This isn’t a selfish wish; it’s about living a fulfilling life that honors God and brings us joy and peace. David connects this desire for a good life with fearing God, showing that the key to true prosperity lies in living a life aligned with God’s ways.

David’s approach here reminds us that fearing God isn’t about restriction but flourishing. It’s about understanding that God’s principles are given not to limit us but to lead us into a life of purpose, joy, and peace. When we learn to honor God, our lives naturally align with His will, which brings true fulfillment.

In verses 13 and 14, David gets practical about what it means to fear the Lord: “Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.” These verses provide clear guidance on living a life that reflects our reverence for God. David addresses two areas: our speech and our actions.

First, David instructs us to “keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.” Our words hold great power. They can build others up or tear them down, bring healing or harm. David encourages us to use our speech with care and integrity. We must guard our words to honor God, ensuring they align with truth, kindness, and respect. Honesty and integrity are marks of a life that honors God.

Next, David says, “Turn away from evil and do good.” This call to action urges us to actively reject wrongdoing and pursue what is right. Living in reverence for God isn’t passive—it involves making choices that reflect His goodness and righteousness. We’re called to distance ourselves from evil and intentionally seek ways to do good.

Finally, David tells us to “search for peace, and work to maintain it.” Peace is a precious gift but often requires effort to establish and protect. David urges us to pursue peace in our relationships, to be intentional about resolving conflicts, and to be peacemakers in a world that often leans toward division and discord.

These verses show us that fearing God is a daily, practical commitment. It shapes how we speak, act, and relate to others. When we honor God with our words, actions, and pursuit of peace, we live in a way that reflects His love and goodness to those around us.

Psalm 34:8-14 is a powerful call to experience God deeply and to live out our faith in a way that reflects His goodness. David invites us to “taste and see” the Lord’s goodness, assuring us that a life centered on God is a life filled with provision, peace, and purpose. He teaches us that true fulfillment doesn’t come from self-sufficiency but from a reverent, humble relationship with God.

David’s words challenge us to live with integrity, guard our words, and seek peace in all we do. When we embrace this way of life, we draw closer to God and become vessels of His love and grace to the world around us.

So, as we go about our day, let’s take David’s invitation to heart. Let’s choose to taste and see God’s goodness in our lives. Let’s commit to living with reverence, honesty, and peace. May we find joy and purpose in knowing and honoring God, and may our lives reflect His love to all we encounter.

Thank you for joining me on this journey through Psalm 34. Until next time, may God’s wisdom guide your steps, and may His love fill your heart with peace.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

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

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

 

Putnam Church Message – 11/10/2024

Last week, we explored The Big Deal About “Little” Things and how important our vertical and horizontal communications are: our talk and our walk reflect our new life in Christ.

This week, we will finish Paul’s letter to the Colossians chapter 4:7-18 in a message titled ‘A Friendly Farewell.’ It is on page 1835 of your Pew Bibles, but I will read it from the NLT

The great poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge wrote a poem, “Friendship is a sheltering tree.” How right he was. Think about it. Friends reach out to us and offer us refuge like the branches of a tree. They give us shade, shelter, provision, and protection. They invite us to a familiar place of refreshment, retreat, and repose.

In particular, true friends provide three vital things for a quality life. Friends provide companionship, without which we’d be lonely and isolated. They provide comfort—a pat on the back, a shoulder to cry on, and kind words of consolation when we need them. They provide accountability and perspective to keep us on the straight path. By sharing our lives with others outside our immediate families, our world enlarges, our hearts are strengthened, and our minds are sharpened with fresh insight.

One psychologist notes the importance of friendship to our overall health:

If we look to Christ as our Leader and example, we see He, too, had friends who labored with Him—some very close, others more on the periphery of His ministry. He had the “more than 500 of his followers” to whom He appeared after His resurrection (1 Cor. 15:6). He had the seventy whom He sent out in pairs to preach (Luke 10:1). And He had the twelve disciples who were with Him day in and day out (Matt. 10:2–4). Within that group were three individuals (Peter, James, and John) with whom He had an especially personal bond (Mark 5:37; 9:2; 14:33). And even among these three, he seemed to have an especially intimate friendship with one, “the disciple whom He loved”—John (John 19:26; 21:20). All of these and many others were involved in Jesus’ life and ministry. Many women traveled and supported Christ as disciples. Think also about Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. They provided companionship not only for Jesus Himself but also for one another. These concentric circles of friends were like sheltering trees, giving comfort and accountability.

In the closing twelve verses of the letter to the Colossians, the apostle Paul names no fewer than ten friends who had been a vital part of his life and ministry. Among these friends are those who stayed with him through thick and thin, those who prayed for him and supported him, and even one who strayed, for whom Paul continued to be concerned.

Let’s examine Paul’s friendly farewell to the Colossian Christians, |exploring his close circle of friends and gleaning wisdom and insight for our own lives, lived under the leadership of Jesus Christ.

Paul first mentions two close friends, one of whom carried this letter to the Colossian church and the church in Ephesus (Eph. 6:21–22). (Bulletin Insert)

Tychicus (Col. 4:7–8). Paul regarded Tychicus as a much-loved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant. He is portrayed as consistent, loyal, trustworthy, and reliable—someone intimately familiar with Paul’s condition. This wasn’t the only time Tychicus served as one of Paul’s trusted personal envoys. In Titus 3:12, Paul says, I am planning to send either Artemas or Tychicus to you. As soon as one of them arrives, do your best to meet me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to stay there for the winter. Being from Asia Minor himself (see Acts 20:4), Tychicus knew the culture and could be trusted to represent Paul well.

Onesimus (Col. 4:9). As we will see when we explore the single-chapter book of Philemon next week, Onesimus was a runaway slave from Colossae who had come to know Christ when he had encountered Paul in Rome. He had fled from his owner,>Philemon, who was the letter’s recipient now bearing his name. When he escaped from his service to Philemon, Onesimus traveled west, all the way to Italy, ending up by God’s providence in Paul’s rented home in Rome. This encounter led to his conversion to Christ, resulting in a desire to make things right with his owner, Philemon. Paul describes Onesimus as a “faithful and beloved brother” (4:9).

I find it interesting that Onesimus, who was legally a slave, was simply called a “brother” in Christ, while Tychicus, who was free, was called a “fellow bond-servant” (literally, “slave”) in the Lord (4:7). Surely Paul recognized the irony. Perhaps he was intentionally trying to put things in perspective. Though believers’ unity in Christ as brothers and sisters doesn’t cancel out social distinctions, |we must regard those distinctions as secondary to our primary identity as members of the same family, regardless of ethnicity, social status, or gender (see Gal. 3:28).

At the end of Colossians 4:9, we’re told that both these men—the veteran minister Tychicus and the new convert Onesimus—would represent Paul to the church in Colossae. They would give an oral report about what was happening to him in Rome. While stuck in Rome under house arrest, Paul depended on them as his hands, feet, and mouth.

Next Paul mentions six more friends who were remaining with him in Rome: Aristarchus, Mark, Jesus (Justus), Epaphras, Luke, and Demas. The first three are Jews; the second three are Gentiles. Paul mentioned one of them earlier in the letter—Epaphras (1:7). Two of them—Mark and Luke—are well-known as Gospel writers. Three of them are probably new to most of us—Aristarchus, Justus, and Demas.

Aristarchus (4:10). Aristarchus is mentioned in Acts 20:4 as one who, along with Sopater, Secundus, Gaius, Timothy, Tychicus, and Trophimus, was traveling with Paul during his ministry in Greece, Macedonia, and Asia Minor. Luke also joined that group at some point (Acts 20:5–6). We’re told that Aristarchus was originally from Thessalonica (Acts 20:4). In Colossians 4:10, Paul says, “Who is in prison with me.” Aristarchus may have been placed under house arrest with Paul, although this can’t be verified.

In any case, Aristarchus had shared some harrowing ministry experiences with Paul. He and Gaius were “dragg[ed] along” by the rushing mob during a riot in Ephesus (Acts 19:29). He was also with Paul during the long and treacherous voyage by ship to Italy when Paul went to appeal his case to Caesar (Acts 27:2). On that journey he survived a shipwreck in the Adriatic Sea and ended up on the island of Malta (Acts 27:14–28:1). The fact that Aristarchus was still with Paul in Rome when he wrote this letter to the Colossians demonstrates the tenacious loyalty he had toward Paul and toward their mutual leader, Jesus Christ. The trials and hardships they experienced together served to strengthen their bond.

Mark (Col. 4:10). Paul refers to John Mark as “Barnabas’s cousin.” It’s likely that the Colossians had heard of Barnabas, but they may not have been as familiar with the young man who had earlier abandoned Paul and Barnabas midway through the first missionary journey (Acts 13:5, 13), and whose departure had later caused a break in the relationship between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:37–40). Some years later, Mark reconciled with Paul and served alongside him in Rome. In fact, toward the end of his life, Paul would request Mark’s presence, for he was “helpful to me in my ministry.” (2 Tim. 4:11). Though the friendship between the young John Mark and Paul had been strained early on, both of them grew through their struggles—Mark grew in maturity and fortitude, and Paul grew in patience and forgiveness.

Jesus (Justus) (Col. 4:11). The third of the three Jewish believers in Christ mentioned here shared the same name as the Lord, the Hebrew name Joshua. His Latin name was Justus, a name shared by two other men in the book of Acts (Acts 1:23; 18:7). We know nothing about this Justus except that he, Aristarchus, and Mark were “working with me here for the Kingdom of God” and were an encouragement to Paul (Col. 4:11).

Epaphras (4:12–13). Among any group of Christian friends,| one or two are usually known for their faithful intercession. In Paul’s circle of friends, Epaphras filled this role. Originally a member of the Colossian church and, in fact, the one who had brought the gospel to them (1:7; 4:12), he was an all-in servant of Jesus Christ who prayed earnestly and specifically not just for the Colossians but also for the neighboring congregations in Laodicea and Hierapolis (4:12–13). Paul probably had such a deep knowledge of the Colossians’ spiritual condition not simply because he and Epaphras had discussed it but also because he had heard Epaphras’s passionate prayers and deep concern for them.

Luke (4:14). Like Aristarchus, Luke had been with Paul through many ups and downs in ministry over a long period of time. Here, we’re told that Luke had been trained as a physician. How great is that! Not only could he attend to the spiritual and practical needs of those with whom and to whom he was called to minister, but he could also address medical needs. It may be that Luke served as Paul’s personal physician, helping him cope with the lingering condition he referred to as a “thorn in the flesh” (2 Cor. 12:7). We also know that Luke was a gifted researcher and writer, being personally responsible for the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts.

Demas (Col. 4:14). In Colossians, the only thing we learn about Demas is that he sends greetings; in Philemon, we are merely told that he was a “fellow worker” with Paul (Phlm. 1:24). However, he is also mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:10: Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica. All of us have known friends whose camaraderie cooled and whose faithfulness waned. They began to drift, ultimately becoming absent. Whereas John Mark had a similar lapse in his youth but returned to service, Demas had apparently lapsed in his later years, and we’re not told if he ever repented and returned.

Finally, Paul sends greetings to the believers in Laodicea and two more friends—a woman named Nympha and a man named Archippus.

Nympha (Col. 4:15). In the early centuries of church history, churches met in private homes when Christianity was an illegal religion in the Roman Empire. Usually, the owners of these homes were wealthy members of the congregation who had large enough houses to host a sizable group. The message to the church in Laodicea recorded in Revelation 3:14–22 indicates that Laodicea was a wealthy church, having enough material goods to be self-sufficient. Nympha may have been a wealthy matron of the church in Laodicea who opened her doors and served the entire congregation. Women were deeply involved both in the ministry of Jesus (Matt. 27:55–56; Luke 8:1–3; 10:38–39) and in the ministry of Paul (Acts 16:14–15, 40; Rom. 16:1–6, 12, 15). The women listed by Paul were not just committed servants of the church, but also faithful friends of the apostle.

Archippus (Col. 4:17). In Philemon 1:2, Paul calls Archippus “our fellow soldier,” implying that he was a hardworking, committed, faithful minister of Christ. In Colossians, Paul has a specific message for Archippus: “Be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you.” (4:17). We don’t know what kind of ministry Paul was addressing here, but regardless, he sought to extend encouraging, strengthening words to Archippus, essentially saying, “Stay at it!” Perhaps Archippus was one of the pastoral leaders of the church in Colossae, and these words were meant to encourage him in defending the faith against the threat of budding Gnostic heresy.

Paul wraps up his letter to the Colossians with a touching, handwritten farewell. As was his custom, he took the stylus from his secretary—in this case, probably Timothy, who assisted him in writing—and provided his own personal signature: HERE IS MY GREETING IN MY OWN HANDWRITING—PAUL. Remember my chains. May God’s grace be with you. (4:18). With these brief words, he asks for their prayers of concern and intercession (“Remember my chains”) and prays a blessing over them (“May God’s grace be with you”).

It is fitting that Paul’s farewell demonstrates his priority on prayer, reminding us again that our sufficiency comes not from ourselves but from Jesus Christ, who is sufficient as our Lord, our Life, and our Leader.

Several significant figures in my life have impacted me—My parents and grandparents the most. Certainly, Paula has, and even our children. Many others, like teachers, professors, and dozens of authors I have studied, have significantly impacted my life. Most of these men and women whose names probably wouldn’t yield a single entry in an online search. To the world at large, they’re nobodies. They didn’t invent anything world-changing, write a best-selling novel, star in a blockbuster movie, go platinum in record sales, or run for president, and history has forgotten them—except for names etched in headstones or brief summaries of their lives in newspaper obituaries. But when I close my eyes and review the newsreels of my life, those nobodies make the headlines. These valuable men and women, whom the world may consider nobodies, proved invaluable to me during the maturing years of my life. If I could quantify influence, I’d conclude that their effect on me—through words and actions—equaled that of the “big names.” |And this is probably true for you, too.| It’s always been true.

|A nobody taught the reformer Martin Luther his theology. A nobody visited evangelist Dwight L. Moody at a shoe store and spoke to him about Christ. A nobody financed William Carey’s ministry to India. A nobody faithfully prayed for Billy Graham for over twenty years. A nobody found the Dead Sea Scrolls, which revolutionized biblical studies in the twentieth century. And a nobody refreshed the apostle Paul in a Roman prison as he wrote his last letter to Timothy. Think about it. (Bulletin Insert) The visible 10 percent of the iceberg wouldn’t be seen without the 90 percent of its mass that is obscured under the water.

The executive branch of the US government would be paralyzed if the president didn’t have the support of a competent cabinet and several wise counselors. Whether small or massive, each local church, including Putnam, could not function week in and week out without the behind-the-scenes work...

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2503 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we’ll explore Psalm 34, focusing on verses 1 through 7 from the New Living Translation. This psalm is a powerful expression of gratitude, praise, and the assurance of God’s care, written by David during a time of personal hardship. Despite his circumstances, David found joy and confidence in God, and he shares this joy with us, encouraging us to do the same.

Let’s read these verses together, and then we’ll explore the richness of David’s words and how they can strengthen our faith and perspective today.

I will constantly speak His praises.

let all who are helpless take heart.

let us exalt His name together.

He freed me from all my fears.

no shadow of shame will darken their faces.

He saved me from all my troubles.

He surrounds and defends all who fear Him.

David begins this psalm with verse 1 in an unwavering declaration of praise: “I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises.” In the opening line, we see David’s determination to make worship and gratitude a constant part of his life, regardless of his circumstances. Notice he doesn’t say he’ll praise God only in good times or when things are going well—he says “at all times.” This is a powerful choice that requires a commitment to keep God at the center, even in the most challenging moments.

David goes on in verse 2, “I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart.” Here, David is not boasting in his own strength, wisdom, or accomplishments, but solely in God. By directing his focus entirely to the Lord, he sets an example for those who feel weak or helpless. David’s experience of God’s faithfulness offers encouragement to anyone who feels overwhelmed or powerless. He’s saying, “Take heart, because God is with you, and He is more than enough.”

In verse 3, David invites us to join him in this praise: “Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt His name together.” David recognizes that worship is more powerful and fulfilling when shared with others. He invites his community—and now, us—to celebrate the goodness of God together. This is a beautiful picture of corporate worship, where our voices join to lift up God’s name, reminding each other of His greatness and strengthening our collective faith.

These verses remind us that praising God shouldn’t be limited to specific moments or emotions. Genuine praise flows from a heart that acknowledges God’s goodness in all situations. When we choose to praise Him “at all times,” we are making a powerful declaration of trust, confidence, and joy in the Lord.

In verse 4, David moves from a call to praise to a personal testimony: “I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” Here, David recounts his own experience of calling out to God in a time of fear and uncertainty. He doesn’t describe God simply as a distant observer—he says God answered him. This answer wasn’t just a verbal response; it came in the form of freedom from his fears. David’s fear was real, but God’s presence and deliverance were even more powerful.

This is an essential reminder for us. Like David, we can come to God with our anxieties and fears, knowing He hears us. God doesn’t just listen passively; He often responds in ways that exceed our immediate expectations. While He may not always remove every challenging circumstance, He can free us from the grip of fear, giving us peace that transcends our situations.

In verse 5, David shares a promise for all who look to God: “Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.” This verse paints a beautiful image of the transformative power of God’s presence. When we turn to God, our faces “radiate with joy.” This radiance comes from a deep sense of confidence in God’s goodness and protection. The joy comes when we know we are not alone and trust that God is with us.

The phrase “no shadow of shame” speaks to the complete restoration and dignity God offers. Shame often accompanies feelings of failure or worthlessness, but David assures us that when we look to God, He lifts us out of shame. He replaces it with a sense of value, joy, and purpose.

These verses invite us to bring our fears and insecurities to God, knowing He will replace them with joy and hope. When we turn to Him, our worries diminish, and our hearts are filled with peace.

Verse 6 brings us deeper into David’s experience: “In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; He saved me from all my troubles.” David doesn’t shy away from his vulnerability. He openly admits his desperation and need for God. But in that place of need, David finds that God is not only listening but actively rescuing him. This reminds us that God is close to the brokenhearted and is moved by our prayers. When we’re at our lowest, He doesn’t turn away; instead, He draws near and offers His deliverance.

David’s honesty about his desperation is something we can all relate to. Life has its share of challenging moments—times when we feel like we’re at the end of our resources and strength. But just as God was present and responsive to David, He is present for us. Our desperation doesn’t disqualify us from God’s care; it often brings us closer to Him. When we turn to Him, we discover He is a source of comfort and strength.

In verse 7, David concludes this section with a powerful statement: “For the angel of the Lord is a guard; He surrounds and defends all who fear Him.” Here, David reminds us of God’s protective presence. The “angel of the Lord” is often seen in Scripture as representing God’s power and care. To say that God surrounds and defends us means that He places a barrier of protection around us, guarding us from harm.

This doesn’t mean we’ll never face challenges, but it assures us that we are not alone. God’s presence is like a shield, surrounding us with His care and watching over every step we take. This protective care is a reassurance that God is actively involved in our lives, defending us even when we’re unaware of the dangers around us.

These verses reveal a God who listens, responds, and protects. In our moments of fear, weakness, or desperation, we can find strength in knowing that God is our defender, surrounding us with His love and grace.

Psalm 34:1-7 gives us a glimpse into the heart of David—a man who, despite his challenges, chose to trust and praise God. His words remind us that God is near, that He hears our prayers, and that He delivers us from our fears and troubles. David’s commitment to praise the Lord “at all times” is a powerful example for us. It encourages us to see worship not as a reaction to our circumstances but as a constant expression of gratitude and faith in God’s character.

In these verses, David’s personal experience of God’s goodness becomes an invitation for us. We’re encouraged to bring our fears, weaknesses, and needs to God, trusting He will respond with love and protection. When we look to Him, our faces are “radiant with joy,” free from the weight of shame and fear. And even in our desperation, we can find hope, knowing that God listens and saves.

May we hold onto this assurance as we go about our lives: God surrounds and defends us. His love is steadfast, His presence is constant, and His deliverance is sure. Let’s commit, like David, to praise God in all circumstances, knowing He is worthy of our trust and adoration.

Thank you for joining me today on Wisdom-Trek. Until next time, may you walk in the joy, peace, and protection that comes from trusting in the Lord.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

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

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

 

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2502 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before..

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we’ll look at Psalm 33, verses 18 through 22, from the New Living Translation. In these verses, we see a beautiful shift in perspective, moving from focusing on human limitations to God’s boundless strength, compassion, and reliability. This passage reveals God’s faithful character and the importance of placing our trust and hope in Him alone.

Let’s start by reading Psalm 33:18-22:

those who rely on His unfailing love.

and keeps them alive in times of famine.

He is our help and our shield.

for we trust in His holy name.

for our hope is in You alone.

Psalm 33:18 opens with a powerful truth: “But the Lord watches over those who fear Him, those who rely on His unfailing love.” Here, David assures us that God is aware of those who honor Him and actively watches over them. In this verse, the Hebrew concept of “fear” isn’t about terror or dread, but rather a reverence and respect for God’s holiness and authority. It’s a posture of humility, recognizing our dependence on Him and honoring His place in our lives.

This watchful care is not random or conditional. It’s directed toward those who choose to lean on God, who rely on His unfailing love. This idea of “unfailing love” is such a beautiful aspect of God’s character. It’s the Hebrew word chesed, which encompasses loyal love, mercy, and faithfulness. God’s love is steadfast and unwavering, and we can cling to this reliable, enduring love.

When we truly understand that God watches over us, we can rest in His protection and guidance. We can trust that we’re not alone or lost or forgotten in a world full of challenges. Instead, we have a God who sees us and is actively involved in our lives. Knowing this can bring us a profound sense of security and peace, especially when life feels uncertain or overwhelming.

Verse 19 builds on this theme by describing God’s role as our protector and provider: “He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine.” This verse speaks to the essential truth that God is both a deliverer and a sustainer. When it mentions that He “rescues from death,” it’s a reminder that God is ultimately sovereign over life itself. He holds us in His hands, and our lives are under His protection.

In times of famine or scarcity, God promises to keep His people alive. Now, “famine” here doesn’t just refer to physical hunger; it can represent any season of hardship or lack, whether it’s spiritual, emotional, or physical. In every kind of famine, God has the ability to provide what we need. This doesn’t mean we won’t face challenges or that life will always be easy. But it does mean that God is with us in every situation, sustaining and providing in ways we may not even recognize at the time.

When we look at our own lives, we might see times when we felt depleted, whether financially, relationally, or spiritually. And in those seasons, we may be reminded of how God provided, often in unexpected ways. Perhaps through the support of others, a sudden provision, or even an inner strength to keep moving forward. God is faithful to sustain us, even in the hardest of times.

In verses 20 and 21, David leads us into a response to God’s protection and provision: “We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name.” This is where the psalm moves from simply acknowledging God’s role in our lives to expressing a personal commitment to trust and rejoice in Him.

“We put our hope in the Lord.” Hope, in the biblical sense, is not just wishful thinking. It’s a confident expectation in God’s faithfulness and His promises. To hope in the Lord is to anchor our lives on His character, knowing He is reliable and unchanging. Our hope in God provides a firm foundation when the world around us is unstable.

David also describes God as our “help and our shield.” God is both our source of support and our protection. When we feel weak or uncertain, He is there to help us. And when we feel vulnerable or exposed, He is there to shield us. This image of God as a shield reminds us that He stands between us and whatever might harm us. He is our defender, and in Him, we find a refuge.

In response to this protection, our hearts are called to rejoice. When we trust in God’s “holy name,” we acknowledge His purity, power, and perfection. Our trust is not in an idea or a ritual; it’s in the holy, living God. And this trust brings joy. Even in difficult times, there is a joy that comes from knowing that our lives are secure in God’s hands.

Finally, verse 22 concludes this psalm with a heartfelt prayer: “Let Your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in You alone.” This is a prayer for God’s (chesed)—His steadfast, covenant love—to encompass and protect us. It’s a beautiful way to end, acknowledging that our hope is in God’s love alone, not in our own strength, achievements, or resources.

To ask for God’s love to “surround” us is to desire His presence in every part of our lives, in every situation we face. When we ask God to surround us with His love, we’re seeking a deep connection with Him, where His love becomes our constant companion and shield.

This ending prayer is a reminder that our hope isn’t in temporary things. When we look around us, we may see things that appear secure but are, in fact, fragile—jobs, possessions, even relationships. While these things are important, our ultimate hope should rest in something far more enduring: God’s unfailing love.

So, as we reflect on Psalm 33:18-22, we’re invited to look at life through a new lens. We’re called to place our confidence not in the things of this world but in the One who created it. We can live each day knowing that God is watching over us, sustaining us, protecting us, and surrounding us with His unfailing love.

When we face challenges or uncertainties, we can be reminded that God’s eyes are on us, that He understands our every need, and that He will provide and protect us according to His perfect will. His love is our anchor, and we find our joy, hope, and peace in Him.

So, friends, as we journey through life, let’s choose to put our hope in the Lord. Let’s allow His love to surround us, giving us the courage to face each day with trust and joy. May this truth guide us and encourage us, no matter what lies ahead.

Thank you for joining me today on Wisdom-Trek. Until next time, may God’s wisdom guide your steps, and may His love fill your heart with peace.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

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

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

 

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2501 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

 

Today is the thirtieth lesson in our segment, Theology Thursday. Utilizing excerpts from a book titled: I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible written by Hebrew Bible scholar and professor the late Dr. Michael S Heiser, we will invest a couple of years going through the entire Bible, exploring short Biblical lessons that you may not have received in Bible classes or Church.

The Bible is a wonderful book. Its pages reveal the epic story of God’s redemption of humankind and the long, bitter conflict against evil. Yet it’s also a book that seems strange to us. While God’s Word was written for us, it wasn’t written to us. Today’s lesson is: Bizarre Visions for the Worst of Times.

We are prone to make assumptions about God and His favor when life has us down due to sin, mistakes, or incomprehensible circumstances. Of all the Scripture passages we might turn to during these times, the bizarre vision that opens the book of Ezekiel would not register high on our list. However, reading this passage with its original ancient context in mind reveals a powerful message for its original recipients and for every believer.

Ezekiel had his vision in Babylon as one of the captive exiles (Ezek 1:1- 3). Comparing his vision to Babylonian iconography reveals that Ezekiel saw a divine “throne chariot” of the heavens—widely described in the ancient biblical world. Just as human kings had chariots, so did deities. A deity would traverse the heavens in his chariot throne, inspecting his domain and exercising authority over it. In Ezekiel’s vision, this throne sits atop the “expanse” (vpl, raqia, 1:26)—the same word used in Genesis 1:6-8 for the heavens (see also Psa 29:10) and to describe God’s abode (Psa 150:1).

Wheels supported the chariot throne, along with four unusual creatures (identified as cherubim in Ezek 10:4). Each creature had four faces: human, lion, eagle, and ox (Ezek 1:10).- Next to each cherub were four gleaming wheels (Ezek 1:15-16). These wheels were set on edge, since they are described as “tall” (Ezek 1:18). They had wheels within them—that is, each one had at least one concentric circle within it. The vision describes the outer edge, or “rim,” of each wheel as having “eyes” (py, ‘ayin). The prophet Daniel, who was also in Babylon, described the very same blazing throne with wheels (Dan 7:9).

The four faces of the four animals or cherubim correspond to the iconography of the Babylonian zodiac. Each represents a seasonal constellation in Babylonian astrology, and each face or constellation also represented one of the four directions (N, S, E, W) or quadrants of the sky. Babylonians knew that the heavens were connected to what happened on earth (times, seasons, crops, weather, etc.), and they believed their gods controlled those functions. Information about the stars was laid out on Mesopotamian astrolabes, clay tablets whose concentric circles could well correspond to the “wheels within wheels” imagery.

English translations of Ezekiel’s vision often break down at the point where the prophet describes “eyes” (py, ‘ayin) on the rims of the wheels. ‘Ayin occurs in several places in the vision but is not always translated. Taking the ESV as an example, ‘ayin occurs six times in chapter 1 (vv. 4, 7,16,18, 22, 27) but is left untranslated three times (w. 4, 7, 27). In the vision’s description of the wheels, the word ‘ayin is translated once as “sparkling” (Ezek 10:9). Since ancient astronomical texts commonly describe shining stars as “eyes,” ‘ayin can refer to stars or their sparkling appearance. Many translators miss this possibility, failing to consider the astronomical context portrayed by the four faces.

During their time of exile, the Jewish captives might have easily believed Yahweh had abandoned them forever. Likewise, the Babylonians could have simply assumed their gods had defeated Yahweh and ruled the heavens and the earth unchallenged. But Ezekiel’s imagery sends a message to the Jews in exile—and to their Babylonian captors: Both assumptions are flawed. Yahweh has not been defeated, nor has He turned away from His people, Israel. He remains seated in His chariot throne at the center of His domain—the entire cosmos.- When we read Ezekiel 1 through ancient eyes, we can feel the same hope today: Even amid challenging circumstances, we can know that an all-powerful God is active and present in our lives.

The lessons that make up Theology Thursday on the Wisdom-Trek Podcast for the next couple of years will satisfy the statement, “I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible.” I trust you’ll enjoy them—and, of course, not be bored.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

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

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2500 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before..

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we’ll be exploring Psalm 33, verses 13 through 17 from the New Living Translation. These verses are filled with incredible insights into the nature of God’s watchfulness over humanity, His wisdom in assessing our hearts, and the limitations of human strength. We’re invited to recognize that while we might rely on various sources for security or strength, ultimately, God alone is our true source of help and hope.

So, let’s start by reading these verses:

and sees the whole human race.

all who live on the earth.

so He understands everything they do.

nor is great strength enough to save a warrior.

for all its strength, it cannot save you.

Starting with verses 13 and 14, we’re given an incredible image of God’s position and His all-seeing nature. “The Lord looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. From His throne, He observes all who live on the earth.” Here, we’re reminded that God’s perspective is vastly different from ours. He sits enthroned above us, seeing everything—every action, every choice, every hidden motive. From His heavenly vantage point, He isn’t limited like we are by time, location, or understanding.

When we think about God “seeing” us, it’s important to remember that His vision is not just a surface-level glance. God is fully aware of each life, each heart, and every thought. He isn’t just watching; He’s profoundly aware and invested. In our fast-paced world, it can be easy to feel unnoticed or even insignificant, but these verses remind us that no one escapes God’s attention. He’s aware of the entire human race, yet He cares about each individual person.

This truth should be both humbling and comforting. To know that the Creator of the universe watches over us with care gives us assurance. We are not alone, unnoticed, or left to wander aimlessly. God sees each of us, and He is personally aware of what we face, what we need, and what weighs on our hearts.

Verse 15 takes this even further by revealing that God doesn’t just observe us from a distance; He understands the depths of our hearts. The verse says, “He made their hearts, so He understands everything they do.” This is a profound truth. Since God crafted our hearts—our innermost being—He has an intimate understanding of who we are and why we act as we do.

When David says that God “understands everything we do,” it’s a reminder that God’s knowledge of us goes beyond mere observation. He sees beyond appearances, beyond the words we say, and even beyond the actions we take. He understands our motives, our struggles, our fears, and our hopes. There is nothing about us that is hidden from Him.

In one sense, this truth is comforting. God knows our intentions, even when we fail to live up to them. He knows the battles we fight, the desires we hold close, and the reasons behind our actions. Even when others misunderstand us or judge us, God knows the truth. In another sense, though, it’s also a call to humility. There is no pretending with God, no hiding behind masks or façades. He knows us fully, calling us to live honestly and with integrity before Him.

This is an invitation to trust God with our innermost thoughts and feelings. Knowing that He understands us completely, we can come to Him openly, without fear of being misjudged or misunderstood. He is the One who made our hearts, and He is the One who understands us like no other.

Verses 16 and 17 shift our attention to the limitations of human power and resources: “The best-equipped army cannot save a king, nor is great strength enough to save a warrior. Don’t count on your warhorse to give you victory—for all its strength, it cannot save you.” Here, David contrasts the power of human strength with the power of God. He’s addressing a common human tendency to rely on earthly sources of security—armies, strength, and resources—rather than placing our trust in God.

In ancient times, a strong army and well-trained warhorses symbolized power and protection. Kings depended on their armies, and warriors relied on their physical strength or warhorses to secure victory. But David reminds us that, in the end, these things are limited. No amount of physical strength, military power, or human effort can provide the security that only God can offer.

These verses call us to examine where we place our trust. Do we rely on our resources, abilities, or plans as our primary security source? While planning, effort, and strength have their place, they are ultimately insufficient when compared to God’s power. We are reminded that earthly resources have limits, no matter how impressive. Only God’s power is infinite and dependable.

In our context today, we may not rely on armies or warhorses, but we often look to other forms of “security.” This might be our financial stability, career, or personal skills. While these things can be valuable, they are not where our ultimate trust should lie. When we face challenges or uncertainties, it’s easy to turn to what seems most tangible or controllable. But David urges us to look beyond the temporary and trust in the One who holds all things in His hands.

Psalm 33:13-17 reminds us of a profound truth: God sees us, knows us, and understands us like no one else. His perspective is higher than ours, His knowledge is more profound, and His power is unmatched. These verses encourage us to recognize the limitations of human strength and resources and to place our trust entirely in God.

Knowing God looks upon us from heaven with awareness and understanding should bring us peace and security. We don’t have to strive for His attention or worry that He has forgotten us. He is always watching, caring, and ready to provide what we truly need.

Moreover, understanding that God crafted our hearts and knows every detail of our lives calls us to live in openness and honesty before Him. No part of us is hidden from Him; because of that, we can trust Him with our deepest struggles, desires, and fears.

Finally, these verses challenge us to evaluate where we place our trust. Human strength and resources have their place, but they are not what ultimately sustains us. Whether it’s physical strength, financial security, or any other form of earthly power, none of it can replace the strength and security that God provides. Only He is our true source of salvation and victory.

So, as we go about our day, let’s hold onto these truths. Let’s live with the assurance that God sees us and knows us fully, and let’s place our trust in His unchanging power rather than in temporary human resources.

Thank you for joining me today on this journey through Psalm 33. Until next time, my friends, may God’s wisdom guide your steps, and may His love fill your heart with peace.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

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

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!