Wisdom-Trek ©

Putnam Church Message – 09/22/2024

Last week, we began the letter of Colossians and ended the first 14 verses encouraging us to pray for three specific items that all believers need. Pray for knowledge, Pray for God-honoring lives, and Pray for strength.

Today’s passage is Colossians 1:15-23, on page 1832 of your Pew Bibles. This section is titled Christ is Supreme. I am reading from the NLT.

He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,[e]

16 for through him God created everything

in the heavenly realms and on earth.

He made the things we can see

and the things we can’t see—

such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.

Everything was created through him and for him.

17 He existed before anything else,

and he holds all creation together.

18 Christ is also the head of the church,

which is his body.

He is the beginning,

supreme over all who rise from the dead.[f]

So he is first in everything.

19 For God in all his fullness

was pleased to live in Christ,

20 and through him God reconciled

everything to himself.

He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth

by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.

The hymn that comes to mind with this passage is also our closing hymn today. “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.” It is referred to as the “Diadem” or  “National Anthem of Christendom.” All hail the power of Jesus’ name! Let angels prostrate fall. Bring forth the royal diadem, And crown him Lord of all. Bring forth the royal diadem, And crown him Lord of all!

The writing of such God-exalting hymns has gone on for millennia. Throughout the Old Testament, we find songs composed to praise and thank the Lord for His marvelous works. The book of Psalms is an entire inspired collection of ancient hymns that many churches still set to music and sing in worship services. For two thousand years, gifted Christian songwriters and composers have been writing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs for worshiping the Lord through music (see Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16).

As we turn our attention to Colossians 1:15–20, we find embedded in this little letter one of the earliest distinctly Christian hymns written in praise of Christ. Like “The Diadem,” its purpose was to “hail the power of Jesus’ name” and to “crown Him Lord of all.” Its words are packed with deep reverence for Christ and profound theological truth. It focuses on His unique person and work, underscoring the absolute sufficiency of Christ as Lord.

Most scholars today agree that Colossians 1:15–20 contains a first-century hymn to Christ. Many Bibles structure these verses in the form of poetry, with the indentation of separate stanzas. This is how it is listed in the NLT. This hymn was either written by Paul or, more likely, adapted by Paul from a hymn previously written by another apostle, prophet, or early church leader.

Like most great hymns of the faith, Paul’s hymn in Colossians 1 centers on the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. This passage is one of the most extraordinary statements in all of Scripture regarding the authority, supremacy, headship, and sufficiency of Jesus Christ. For a church struggling with forms of false teaching that were shifting the attention from the central truths of the gospel of Christ toward mythical, mystical, and mysterious speculations, Paul used this memorable hymn to refocus all eyes on Jesus. (Bulletin)

I see six realms in this hymn in which Christ is supreme. I’ll treat these topically to see what Paul asserts regarding Christ rather than moving through the passage in strict order.

First, Christ is supreme in eternity (1:15, 17). Paul establishes Christ’s eternal relationship with the Father, affirming that God the Son “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.” (1:15). God, who is by nature utterly transcendent and unable to be looked at by finite mortals, has made known His attributes, character, power, will, and works through His Son. Hebrews 1:3 conveys a parallel idea: The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God. He is equal to the Father. The point for Paul’s original readers—and us—is clear: To truly know God, we must focus on God the Son, through whom the transcendent Godhead has been revealed.

Christ also “existed before anything else” (Col. 1:17). Before planets, before galaxies, before matter and energy, before time and space—as far back as our finite minds can hope to imagine—God the Son was already there. Theologians call this the “coeternality” of the Son with the Father. Although not addressed in this Christ hymn, the Holy Spirit, too, is coeternal with the Father and Son. Never was the eternal Father without His eternal Son and eternal Spirit. All things visible and invisible originate from the Father, through the Son, and by the Holy Spirit.

Second, Christ is supreme in creation (1:15–17). Not only is Christ the visible image of the invisible God.” but He is “supreme over all creation,[e]” (1:15). Paul explains, “for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth.” (1:16). Paul notes that He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. In short, nothing—from subatomic particles to massive galaxies—exists apart from His creative power. This thought is similar to a statement in the opening lines of the Gospel of John: “God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.” (John 1:3).

Paul then adds, “He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.” (1:17). This statement is true both literally and figuratively. All things in heaven and earth are literally held together by Christ’s supreme authority over all creation. The author of Hebrews puts it this way: “he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command” (Heb. 1:3). Figuratively, all things hold together as a meaningful whole because of Christ. That is, they find their ultimate meaning and purpose in Him, because all things were created not only “by Him” and “through Him” but also “for Him.”

Third, Christ is supreme in the church (Col. 1:18). Having presented a clear picture of Christ’s absolute supremacy over time and space (1:15–17), Paul brings the cosmic and abstract down to an area more tangible for his readers. Remember, believers have been rescued “from the domain of darkness” and transferred into “the kingdom of the Son he loves” (1:13). We are no longer subject to sin and the evil forces of the world. We who are in the church are now under Christ…the head of the church (1:18).

Although Paul doesn’t elaborate on the image of the “body of Christ” here, he does so in other writings, especially in letters to the Corinthians and the Ephesians. In Ephesians, the portrayal of the headship of Christ over the body emphasizes not only His sole authority over the church but also the unity of the members with one another (see Eph. 1:22–23; 4:15–16; 5:23). The unity of the body of Christ isn’t comparable to the unity of a man-made society like a club or organization. Instead, the Holy Spirit baptizes believers into spiritual union with Christ (1 Cor. 12:13), joining them all into one spiritual body, united to Christ as the head. Note that Christ—and Christ alone—is the head of the church. Not a pastor or a pope. Not a council or a congregation. Not elders or deacons or bishops. Not an archbishop or a monarch. Though Christ has established undershepherds to carry out His earthly ministry (Eph. 4:11–12; 1 Pet. 5:1–3), He is the “Chief Shepherd” (1 Pet. 5:4). The church must never surrender the headship of the church to anyone but Christ alone.

Fourth, Christ is supreme in resurrection (Col. 1:18). Paul doesn’t mean that Christ was the first one to experience a restoration to bodily life after dying. In the Old Testament, the prophet Elisha prayed to the Lord to restore life to a dead child (2 Kgs. 4:32–37). And during His earthly ministry, Jesus also raised the dead as a sign of the coming kingdom (Matt. 11:5; Mark 5:35–43; Luke 7:11–17; John 11:41–44). However, in each of these cases, those restored to mortal bodies were again subject to death. Their resurrections were temporary resuscitations.

The resurrection of Christ, however, was the first of its kind. He was raised in a glorious, incorruptible body that could never again suffer death. “Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.” (1 Cor. 15:20). Later in 1 Corinthians 15, Paul compares the present body with the future resurrection body, demonstrating the qualitative difference between the two: Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever. 43 Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. (1 Cor. 15:42–43).

Because Christ’s resurrection is superior to death, death has lost its sting (1 Cor. 15:55). Because He is our head, we are united with Him in all things, including the experience of our own glorious resurrection. In Philippians 3:21, Paul says, He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control. This means we should no longer fear death. If we are in Christ—united to Him by the Holy Spirit through faith—we have absolute confidence in our own resurrection. Because of the supremacy of Christ in resurrection, we, too, have victory over death.

Fifth, Christ is supreme in redemption (Col. 1:19–20). In these last two verses of the Christ hymn, Paul describes in two statements the person of Christ in relation to His work of redemption. First, For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, (1:19). Second, because of who He is—fully divine and fully human— and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. (1:20).

Since the fall of Adam, all of humanity has been in disharmony with God. However, because of Christ’s substitutionary death in our place—the righteous for the unrighteous—we have been reconciled with God (see 2 Cor. 5:18–21). In our helpless, hopeless state, God took the initiative to make peace by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. (Col. 1:20). Our whole being—body and soul—is saved by the work of Christ.

Sixth, Christ is supreme in everything (1:18). At the heart of the Christ hymn, Paul makes the ultimate statement for Christ’s all-supremacy: So he is first in everything. Because of who Christ is and what He has done, we can surrender everything to Him. Over little things and big things, over the past, present, and future, and over things seen and unseen—Jesus Christ is Lord. He is to have first place in everything.

The resounding chorus of the Christ hymn reached its climax in 1:20. With the profound lyrics still echoing in the air, Paul picks up the theme of Christ’s work of reconciliation and turns it into a personal challenge for his readers and for us. The hymn of Colossians 1:15–20 has spoken generally of “all things,” “the church,” and “the dead.” Now Paul moves from the general to the particular, from the universal to the personal, with one little phrase: This includes you.

All of us, being sinful by nature and by choice, need reconciliation. It isn’t enough to think Christ has abstractly reconciled heaven and earth through His incarnation, death, and resurrection. This reconciliation must be made personal and practical. The Colossians experienced this when they received reconciliation with God by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Those who were once far away from God manifested in wickedness (1:21). Paul didn’t have to make a list of their sins; You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. But when the reconciliation Christ accomplished| became theirs through His sacrificial death for them, |their transformation from sinful to holy had begun. The purpose of their salvation was not only forgiveness of sins<(1:14). Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. <(1:22).

Whatever the specific danger threatening some among the Colossian church, Paul saw the need to add a sobering warning to this positive statement. He says, But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. (1:23). At first glance, this conditional phrase seems to suggest that if they failed to continue steadfastly in faith and hope, then they would lose their salvation and forfeit their reconciliation with God, once again becoming alienated and hostile toward the One who had redeemed them. Does this mean that our salvation is ultimately based on our own faithfulness?

It is true that an “if” phrase can sometimes indicate that kind of conditional relationship, as in the statement every child dreads: “If you eat your vegetables, then you can have ice cream.” The implication is clear: If you don’t eat the green food, no dessert for you! However, an “if” phrase can also be used to demonstrate the genuineness of something, as in the declaration, “If you can play this rhapsody by Franz Liszt, then you’re a real pianist.” Playing the music doesn’t make you a pianist; being a true pianist is evidenced by playing a difficult piece. This is how Paul is using the “if” phrase here. He’s saying that if the Colossians persevere in their original faith and hope, it will prove they are truly members of the body of Christ. Paul set the record straight with the Christ hymn in 1:15–20 and a personal application in 1:21–23. Jesus Christ was sufficient as their supreme Lord.

After proclaiming the absolute superiority of Christ over everything (1:15–20), Paul places a burden on his readers; you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News.  (1:23). As we are reminded in Jude 1:24, God is ultimately responsible for preserving us: He is referred to as “Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault.” It is not us but God. However, He has also called us to faithfulness and perseverance in order that we might receive the abundant blessings of the Christian life.

Both of these aspects of perseverance are needed. We rest in the security of our salvation by grace through faith, and we take responsibility to walk with integrity before God by the power of the Spirit, knowing that God is working His power in and through us. But what specifically should we do to stand firm in the faith, according to Paul’s message in Colossians 1:15–23? Let me suggest a couple of practical instructions that true believers in Christ can adhere to in their desire...

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2468 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 are diving into one of the most cherished and well-known passages in all of Scripture—Psalm 23.

This psalm, written by David, is often called “The Shepherd’s Psalm,” and for good reason. It paints a beautiful picture of God as our caring and protective shepherd, guiding us through the ups and downs of life. Whether you’re familiar with these verses or hearing them for the first time, I believe Psalm 23 holds timeless truths that can bring peace and reassurance to our souls.

Today, we will focus on Psalm 23:1-6 from the New Living Translation. We’ll walk through these six powerful verses, reflecting on the profound truths they convey, and how they apply to our lives. So, let’s begin by reading the passage in full.

2 He lets me rest in green meadows;

he leads me beside peaceful streams.

3 He renews my strength.

He guides me along right paths,

bringing honor to his name.

4 Even when I walk

through the darkest valley,

I will not be afraid,

for you are close beside me.

Your rod and your staff

protect and comfort me.

in the presence of my enemies.

You honor me by anointing my head with oil.

My cup overflows with blessings.

6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me

all the days of my life,

and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

The psalm begins with one of the most profound declarations in all Scripture: “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” In just a few words, David paints a powerful picture of God’s relationship with His people. He identifies the Lord as his shepherd, who watches over, protects, and provides for him.

In the ancient world, shepherds were responsible for the safety and well-being of their sheep. They guided their flocks to food and water, protected them from danger, and ensured they didn’t wander off into harm. David, having been a shepherd himself in his youth, understood the responsibilities of a shepherd and knew the intimate care required for the sheep.

David acknowledges that he is under God’s care by calling God his shepherd. He trusts that the Lord will meet all his physical and spiritual needs. The phrase “I have all that I need” reflects a sense of complete contentment. When God is our shepherd, we lack nothing. We may not always have everything we want, but we will always have everything we need.

This verse invites us to consider the same truth in our own lives. When we allow the Lord to shepherd us, to guide and direct us, we can trust that He will provide for us in every situation. We can rest in the assurance that we are cared for by the Creator of the universe.

In verses 2 and 3, David elaborates on the blessings that come from having the Lord as our shepherd. “He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength.” These verses speak of God’s provision of rest, peace, and restoration.

Sheep, like us, need rest. A good shepherd ensures the flock is well-fed and watered, providing peaceful places to rest. David describes God leading him to “green meadows” and “peaceful streams,” imagery that evokes a sense of tranquility and care. In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, this is a beautiful reminder that God provides not just for our physical needs but for our need for peace and rest as well.

“He renews my strength” speaks to God’s ability to refresh and restore us when we’re weary. Life can be exhausting, and there are times when we feel depleted—physically, emotionally, or spiritually. But when we come to the Lord, He renews us. He gives us the strength we need to continue the journey.

In addition to renewing our strength, God “guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.” The shepherd’s role is to lead the sheep on safe and proper paths—paths that will protect the sheep and reflect the shepherd’s care and wisdom. Likewise, God guides us in the way we should go. When we follow His leading, we bring honor to His name. Our lives, lived obedient to Him, reflect His goodness and faithfulness.

As much as Psalm 23 speaks of peace and rest, it also acknowledges that life will not always be easy. In verse 4, David writes, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”

Dark valleys are an inevitable part of life. We will face challenges, pain, loss, and uncertainty. But in these moments, we are not abandoned. David declares that he will not be afraid even in the darkest valley. Why? Because the Lord, his shepherd, is with him. The presence of God makes all the difference.

Notice that David doesn’t say we avoid the dark valleys. Instead, he acknowledges that we walk through them. Life’s difficulties must be faced, but we do not face them alone. God’s presence is a source of comfort and protection. The rod and the staff were tools of a shepherd—used both to defend the sheep from predators and to guide them back on track if they strayed. In the same way, God protects and guides us through life’s darkest moments.

The assurance of God’s presence should bring us comfort and confidence. No matter what we are going through or how deep the valley or how dark the night is, we can trust that God is with us, leading us, protecting us, and giving us the strength to keep moving forward.

In verse 5, David shifts from the imagery of the shepherd to that of a host: “You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.”

This is a striking image. As the gracious host, God prepares a feast for David—not in the absence of his enemies, but in their presence. Despite the opposition and threats around him, David enjoys the abundance and blessing of God. This speaks to the victory and peace that God provides, even amid conflict or adversity. When we trust in God, we can experience His provision and blessing, no matter the circumstances.

The act of anointing the head with oil was a sign of honor and blessing in ancient times. By anointing David, God is showing favor and care. And the image of the cup overflowing with blessings reminds us that God’s provision is not just enough—it is abundant. When we walk with God, His blessings overflow in our lives, spilling over into every area.

Psalm 23 concludes with a beautiful promise in verse 6: “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”

Here, David expresses confidence in God’s ongoing care. God’s goodness and unfailing love, or mercy, will pursue him throughout his life. This is not a passive kind of love; it is active and relentless. God’s goodness and love will chase after us, following us wherever we go. We can trust that, no matter what life brings, God’s love will be with us every step of the way.

The psalm ends with the ultimate hope: “I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” This speaks to both the present and the future. In the present, David finds joy and fulfillment in being in God’s presence. But it also points to our eternal hope as believers—to dwell with God forever in His heavenly kingdom.

This final verse reminds us that our relationship with God is not limited to this life. His care, love, and provision extend beyond the here and now into eternity. As we follow Him, we have the assurance that we will one day live with Him forever, in His house, enjoying His presence and peace for all time.

Psalm 23 is a psalm of trust and assurance. In these six short verses, David reminds us of the faithful care of the Lord—our shepherd, guide, and protector. We can trust God to provide for our needs, to lead us in the right paths, to be with us in the darkest valleys, and to bless us abundantly, even in the presence of our enemies. His goodness and love will pursue us all the days of our lives, and we have the hope of dwelling with Him forever.

As you reflect on Psalm 23, I encourage you to take comfort in the truth that God is with you, guiding and protecting you each step of the way. No matter what you are facing, you are not alone. Your shepherd is leading you, and His goodness and love are always with you.

Thank you for joining me on this leg of our journey through the Psalms. Until next time, may you continue to seek God’s wisdom, live with purpose, and walk in the peace and assurance of God’s unfailing love.

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 2467 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 focusing on Psalm 22:22-31 from the New Living Translation. This portion of Psalm 22 shifts from a cry for help to a triumphant declaration of God’s faithfulness and a vision of the global impact of His deliverance. Let’s begin by reading the passage together.

In verse 22, we immediately notice the shift in tone. Where the earlier verses of Psalm 22 were filled with cries of desperation and anguish, here David begins with a bold declaration: “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people.” David has moved from personal distress to public praise. It’s a significant transformation—a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always the potential for God’s deliverance and a reason to testify of His goodness.

David promises to proclaim God’s name, not just privately but among “brothers and sisters”—his fellow Israelites, those who fear the Lord. This is a communal celebration of God’s faithfulness, and it sets the tone for what follows. In verse 23, he calls upon all who fear the Lord to join him in praising God: “Praise the Lord, all you who fear him! Honor him, all you descendants of Jacob! Show him reverence, all you descendants of Israel!” David is urging everyone who reveres God, especially the people of Israel, to lift up their voices in worship and honor. The language here is one of corporate praise—a gathering of God’s people united in worship.

This teaches us an important truth: God’s deliverance in our lives is never just for our benefit. When God answers our cries and rescues us from our troubles, it becomes an opportunity to glorify Him and share His goodness with others. Our testimony can encourage others to trust God and praise Him for His faithfulness.

In verse 24, David provides the reason for this collective praise: “For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy. He has not turned his back on them, but has listened to their cries for help.” This is a profound declaration of God’s character. He is not a distant or indifferent deity who turns a blind eye to human suffering. Instead, God is compassionate and responsive, particularly to those who are in need and distress.

This verse reassures us that God does not dismiss our suffering as insignificant. He does not ignore our cries for help, and He certainly does not turn His back on us. God listens. He is attentive to the cries of the brokenhearted, and He acts in response to our pain. This truth should fill us with hope. No matter how desperate our situation may seem, we can trust that God is not indifferent to our suffering. He hears us, and He will act in His perfect timing.

David’s personal experience of God’s deliverance serves as a testimony to this truth. God heard his cry and rescued him, and now David is leading others in the same praise, declaring God’s faithfulness to the needy. It’s a beautiful reminder that God’s compassion extends to all who call upon Him in sincerity and faith.

Moving into verses 25-28, David shifts from the immediate context of personal praise to a broader, more universal vision. “I will praise you in the great assembly. I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who worship you.” David’s vow to praise God is not a solitary act; it takes place in the context of the “great assembly”—a gathering of worshipers. His personal gratitude overflows into a public declaration of worship.

In verse 26, we see an expansion of God’s provision: “The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the Lord will praise him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy.” God’s care extends beyond individual deliverance; it includes provision for the poor and those who seek Him. This is a vision of abundant blessing, where both physical and spiritual needs are met. Those who are hungry will be filled, and those who seek God will find joy that lasts forever.

Then, in verses 27-28, David’s vision broadens even further to encompass the entire earth: “The whole earth will acknowledge the Lord and return to him. All the families of the nations will bow down before him. For royal power belongs to the Lord. He rules all the nations.” What a breathtaking vision of God’s reign! This is not just about Israel; this is about every nation, every family on earth recognizing God’s sovereignty and bowing in worship before Him.

David’s words point to a future time when all people will acknowledge the Lord’s authority and submit to His rule. This is a prophetic glimpse of God’s coming kingdom, when every knee will bow, and every tongue confesses that the Lord is King. It’s a powerful reminder that God’s ultimate plan includes the redemption of all creation. His reign is not limited by geography or ethnicity; it is global and eternal.

As we move into the final verses of this psalm, David’s vision extends even further—into the future. In verse 29, he declares, “Let the rich of the earth feast and worship. Bow before him, all who are mortal, all whose lives will end as dust.” Here, David acknowledges the transient nature of human life. The rich, the powerful, and even the lowly—all will eventually face death. But in the meantime, their proper response is to bow in worship before the Lord.

David recognizes that all humanity, regardless of status or wealth, is called to worship God. Whether rich or poor, strong or weak, all of us are equal before the Lord. We are all mortal, and our lives will one day return to dust. But in our worship, we acknowledge the eternal God who reigns over all.

Then, in verses 30-31, David turns his attention to future generations: “Our children will also serve him. Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord. His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born. They will hear about everything he has done.” David envisions a legacy of faith, passed down from generation to generation. The story of God’s righteous acts will not be forgotten. It will be told to those who are not yet born, and they, too, will serve the Lord.

This is a beautiful picture of the enduring nature of God’s work in the world. The faithfulness of God is not confined to one generation—it stretches into the future. Our task is to pass on the stories of God’s deliverance and righteousness to our children and their children. In this way, the knowledge of God’s greatness will continue to spread, and future generations will come to know and worship Him.

Psalm 22 takes us on a profound journey—from the depths of despair to the heights of praise and global worship. In the final section we’ve explored today, David’s personal deliverance becomes a testimony that echoes through the ages, inviting all of creation to worship the Lord. His vision of God’s reign is both intimate and expansive, personal and universal. It is a vision that culminates in the worship of God by all nations and future generations.

What does this mean for us today? It reminds us that God is present in our suffering, that He hears our cries, and that His deliverance has far-reaching implications. Our stories of God’s faithfulness are part of a larger tapestry of worship that stretches across the world and into the future.

As we reflect on Psalm 22:22-31, let us be reminded of the privilege we have to praise God, both in our personal lives and in the “great assembly.” Let us pass on the stories of God’s righteousness to future generations, ensuring His name is glorified for all time.

Thank you for joining me on this leg of our journey through the Psalms. Until next time, let us continue to seek God’s wisdom, live with purpose, and share the love of Christ with all who cross our paths. May you find peace and hope in God’s unchanging faithfulness.

 

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 2466 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 twenty-third 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, our lesson is: Does God Need a Co-Signer? The Witness in the Clouds.

We all know why co-signing a loan is required. The bank assumes that the person who is being loaned the money may not be able to repay it. Their commitment or ability is in question. In the Bible, God typically swears by His own character when entering a covenant since there is no one above Him who needs to cosign the agreement (Heb 6:13). There is a fascinating exception to this in the book of Psalms.

Psalm 89:35-37 repeats the covenant between God and David from 2 Samuel 7 with an addendum at the end that is not found in 2 Samuel 7. I’ve arranged the verses to show their parallelism, labeling them by letters:

A I have sworn by my Holy One;

B I will not lie to David.

C His descendants shall be forever.

C His throne [his dynastic descendants] shall be as the sun before me.

B It [David’s throne] shall be established forever like the moon,

A And a witness in the clouds will be faithful.

God swears a covenant oath to David and promises that David’s descendants will forever have the right to sit on Jerusalem’s throne. This promise is guaranteed by an unidentified witness in the clouds (God’s “Holy One”). Why would God need someone to witness an agreement He initiated? Who in heaven (“the clouds”) has that authority?

It was common in polytheistic religions of the ancient world to have gods witness the covenant agreements made by other gods.- But there are no other gods in Israel’s faith equal to or above the God of Israel. Yet Psalm 89 requires an equal to Yahweh, who will uphold the covenant. Who is this witness in the heavens who will be faithful to the covenant of David’s eternal dynasty? Who will make sure God’s promise comes to pass and never fails?

The New Testament answers these questions in Revelation 1:4-5:

John says to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come; from the sevenfold Spirit[b] before his throne; 5 and from Jesus Christ. He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world.

Jesus, as the son of David, has fulfilled the Davidic covenant of Psalm 89. Since the New Testament presents Jesus as true deity incarnate (true God in flesh) and equal in nature with the God of the Old Testament, Jesus fulfills the role of witness-guarantor eternally.

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 2465 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 focusing on Psalm 22:11-21 from the New Living Translation.

Psalm 22 is one of the most profound and prophetic Psalms, offering a glimpse into deep suffering but also a steadfast trust in God’s deliverance. In the previous verses, David cried out to God in anguish, feeling abandoned and mocked by his enemies. As we move forward, we see his distress intensify, but at the same time, his desperate plea for God’s presence and rescue becomes even more urgent.

Let’s read Psalm 22:11-21 together before we break it down and explore its message.

The first thing we notice in verse 11 is David’s desperate plea for God not to stay far away from him. “Do not stay so far from me, for trouble is near, and no one else can help me.” David acknowledges that God is his only source of rescue. The situation is dire, and there is no one else he can turn to.

This is a common theme throughout the Psalms—turning to God in moments of desperation when human strength and resources have utterly failed. David is surrounded by his enemies, who he describes as being like a “herd of bulls” in verse 12. These aren’t just any bulls, but the “fierce bulls of Bashan,” known for their strength and power. The imagery here is vivid—David feels completely encircled by these mighty, untamable forces.

In verse 13, he takes the metaphor further, likening his enemies to lions who have opened their jaws, roaring and ready to tear into their prey. This vivid imagery paints a picture of the danger David is in—he’s not just threatened, he’s on the verge of being consumed, like a vulnerable animal in the jaws of a predator.

These verses express the urgency of David’s cry for help. The bulls and lions symbolize overwhelming danger, and David is surrounded, without an escape route. What can we learn from this? In moments of crisis, when we feel hemmed in by the forces of life, we, like David, can turn to God. There is a recognition here that no human effort or solution can save him. Only God has the power to deliver.

In verses 14 and 15, David describes his physical and emotional agony in heartbreaking detail. “My life is poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax, melting within me.” The imagery here conveys a total collapse of his strength and spirit. His life is draining away, as if it’s evaporating, and his body feels broken.

This description of being “poured out like water” suggests complete exhaustion, a loss of vitality. It’s as if David’s life force is slipping away, uncontrollably, with nothing left to hold onto. When he says, “all my bones are out of joint,” he’s giving us a picture of physical disintegration—his body is falling apart, unable to hold itself together under the weight of his suffering.

In verse 15, David continues with the metaphor, saying, “My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay. My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead.” His strength is gone, and he is parched, like dried-out clay that’s been left under the scorching sun. He’s physically and emotionally spent, and his situation seems hopeless.

What stands out here is the completeness of his suffering—it affects him physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He feels abandoned, weak, and close to death. And yet, even in this deep distress, he directs his words to God, acknowledging that it is God who ultimately holds his life in His hands. When we face moments of extreme exhaustion—whether it’s physical illness, emotional burnout, or spiritual dryness—we can relate to David’s cry. And like David, we must continue to bring our suffering before God, trusting that He is listening, even when we feel like we’re at the end of ourselves.

In verses 16-18, David shifts from describing his internal suffering to the external threats surrounding him. “My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs; an evil gang closes in on me. They have pierced my hands and feet. I can count all my bones. My enemies stare at me and gloat.”

Here, David uses the imagery of wild dogs, scavengers, circling him as if he’s already dead or dying. These “evil gangs” are not just distant threats—they are closing in, they have pierced him, and he’s in visible, extreme suffering. The piercing of the hands and feet is a chilling detail that foreshadows the crucifixion of Jesus, where He, too, would be pierced and left in the open for His enemies to mock.

David’s body is so emaciated that he can count his bones—a vivid illustration of his frailty and the intensity of his suffering. His enemies mock him, gloating over his misery. “They divide my garments among themselves and throw dice for my clothing,” he says in verse 18, a scene that would later play out during the crucifixion of Christ (Matthew 27:35).

This section is particularly striking because it paints a picture of complete vulnerability. David is exposed, mocked, and physically ravaged by his enemies. It feels as though death is imminent, and those who should be offering him help or comfort are instead mocking and taking advantage of his plight.

And yet, in verses 19-21, we see once again that David’s cry for help is directed to God. “O Lord, do not stay far away! You are my strength; come quickly to my aid! Save me from the sword; spare my precious life from these dogs.”

David pleads with God not to stay distant. He recognizes that God is still his only source of strength despite all of his suffering. This is a powerful lesson for us. Even when it feels like God is far away, and we are surrounded by danger, He is still our strength. David asks God to come quickly to his aid because he knows that there is no hope without divine intervention.

In verse 21, David pleads, “Snatch me from the lion’s jaws and from the horns of these wild oxen.” The lions and wild oxen represent the deadly threats closing in on him, but David’s faith remains—he believes that God can and will rescue him. He calls on God to “snatch” him from the jaws of death, as only God has the power to deliver him from the threats he faces.

David’s plea for rescue reminds us that God is always near, no matter how dire our circumstances may seem. Even when we feel surrounded by overwhelming danger, we can cry out to God for help, trusting He hears us and has the power to save.

As we reflect on Psalm 22:11-21, we are confronted with a deep tension between overwhelming suffering and a steadfast trust in God’s deliverance. David’s vivid descriptions of his pain and vulnerability draw us into his experience of feeling abandoned and attacked from every side. Yet, throughout his desperate cries, there remains a persistent hope—a belief that God can and will intervene.

For many of us, this passage resonates because it speaks to those moments in our lives when we feel utterly overwhelmed, when the weight of our circumstances feels unbearable, and when it seems as though no one can help us. But like David, we are invited to bring our pain and fear to God, trusting that He is not distant, even when it feels that way.

David’s faith amid his suffering offers us a profound example of how we can approach God in our darkest moments. No matter how far away God may seem, He is always present, and His power to deliver us from even the most hopeless situations remains undiminished.

Thank you for joining me today on Wisdom-Trek. As we continue to journey through the Psalms together, let us remember to place our trust in the God who hears our cries and has the power to rescue us. Until next time, keep seeking wisdom, keep living with purpose, and let’s continue to grow together.

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 – 09/15/2024

Last week, we finished the letter of 2 Peter with Four Strong Commands, which were: Be diligent (3:14), Be confident (3:15-16), Be on guard (3:17), Be fruitful (3:18).

Today’s passage is Colossians 1:1-14, on page 1831 of your Pew Bibles.

The theme of Colossians is that Jesus Christ is sufficient as our Lord, our Life, and our Leader.

In the small, newly established church in Colossae, false teachers were trying to take advantage of the believers’ spiritual youth and ignorance. Whatever the spiritual disease brought by these teachers—worldly philosophy, pagan mysticism, Jewish legalism, or pious asceticism—the cure was the same: knowledge of the truth of Jesus Christ and acceptance of His sufficiency for all things.

Paul begins this letter in his customary fashion: identifying the author and audience. Though the letter is from Paul, he also mentions “Timothy our brother” (1:1). At the time Colossians was written, about a decade had passed since Paul had invited young Timothy—a convert from Lystra in Asia Minor—to participate in his missionary work (Acts 16:1–3). For over a decade, Timothy had accompanied Paul through exciting and dangerous adventures—including establishing churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, Athens, and Corinth (Acts 17–19). Timothy also assisted Paul throughout his third missionary journey, which climaxed with Paul’s arrest and eventual imprisonment in Rome (Acts 21:27–28:31).

We can’t be sure whether this mention of Timothy indicates that the epistle was in some sense coauthored by him |or that Timothy served as Paul’s scribe or secretary. Parts of the letter are written in the first-person plural (“we”), suggesting that Paul and Timothy both expressed those sentiments (see Col. 1:3–12). However, the letter abruptly switches in 1:23 when Paul says, “I, Paul.” From that point on, when employing the first person, the letter primarily uses the singular form (see 1:23–29; 2:1–5; 4:7–18). Regardless of Timothy’s involvement in writing and sending this epistle, the primary authority was clearly the apostle Paul.

The recipients of the letter were “To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters[a] in Christ” (1:2). Though they were almost one thousand miles away as the crow flies, the bond they enjoyed through the Holy Spirit made Paul and the Colossians members of the same spiritual family. They shared the same Father and were brothers and sisters in Christ. As such, Paul felt obligated to aid their spiritual well-being. How easy it would have been for him to think, “Colossae? Never even been there! If they’re having problems, it’s not my responsibility. That’s Epaphras’s and Philemon’s baby! They need to deal with it.” Instead, he went out of his way to intervene for the spiritual health of people he knew only by proxy.

The phrase “grace and peace to you” (1:2) was particularly appropriate, though it was Paul’s standard salutation. The grace he was extending to the Colossians through his letter and his desire for their peace made this not merely a meaningless phrase, like a flippant “God bless you” after somebody sneezes. Even though he hadn’t met them face-to-face, Paul genuinely desired grace and peace for his readers.

Paul’s authentic care and concern for the Colossians is clearly seen in the prayer of thanksgiving in 1:3–8. Paul hadn’t even met the people for whom he was praying, but he was thankful for them because of what he had heard.|By the next chapter, Paul would sharpen his tone, pointing out some areas of grave concern and calling the Colossians to get back to the straight and narrow path. But he expresses his gratitude and praise for them at the beginning of his letter and sets a positive tone. For an audience that knows him only as “an apostle,” his prayer of heartfelt thanksgiving for them is intended to disarm them with grace.

Though Paul didn’t know the Colossians personally, he knew what all believers need: |growth and strength in what theologians often call the “theological virtues” of faith, love, and hope. These three pillars of the Christian life are fundamental, and Paul expresses his thankfulness to God that the Colossians are not lacking in these essentials. Faith is mentioned first in the trio because the Christian life begins with faith (Eph. 2:8–9), and without it, it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6).

From the fountainhead of faith flows love.

Once the Holy Spirit enters our hearts, love wells up—love for God and others. In Paul’s list of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22, love comes first. Paul notes that he had heard of the Colossians ‘ “love you have for all God’s people”—(Col. 1:4). These believers demonstrated a God-given capacity for unconditional love. Then Paul mentions hope (1:5). Though this is a future, heavenly hope, it doesn’t distract believers from trusting God and loving others in the here and now. Quite the opposite! Our assurance of heavenly reward inspires us to greater faith and love.

Faith looks back to the anchor of salvation->Jesus Christ’s person and work.| Love looks around, building up the body of Christ through selfless service toward one another by the power of the Spirit. |Hope looks ahead to the unalterable promise of God the Father, that He will one day usher us into His presence. These inseparable theological virtues form the bedrock upon which everything else in the Christian life rests. When our lives are anchored by faith in Jesus Christ, a love for God and others comes naturally, resulting in harmony and unity. Faith and love point to and are strengthened by a confident hope that will get us through life’s recurring trials and struggles.

Continuing his prayer of thanksgiving for the Colossians, Paul expands on the subject of the gospel, which they had given a notable reception. First, he says the gospel “has come to you“—(1:6). As stated in Colossians 1:7, Epaphras— our dear fellow servant,[c] who is a faithful minister of Christ was the one who brought the saving message to the Colossians. This underscores an obvious but important point: Nobody is born knowing the good news. People usually don’t discover it on their own. They need somebody to tell them. The gospel comes to us through a messenger. In Romans 10:14, Paul puts it this way: But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?

Second, Paul says the gospel is bearing fruit and increasing throughout the world (Col. 1:6). The ministry of Epaphras to the Colossians was just one example of many missionary efforts by which men and women were sharing their faith with a lost world. A closer look at this verse suggests that the Colossians themselves may have been involved in passing on the faith to those around them. The phrase “just as it has been doing” refers to the gospel bearing fruit and increasing in the world. The phrase translated “among you” could mean emphasizing the fruitfulness of the gospel’s work in transforming the Colossians’ lives. But it can also be translated “by you,” highlighting the Colossian believers’ involvement in spreading the gospel throughout the world. If this latter sense is intended, then Paul was commending the Colossians for not bottling up the good news they had received; instead, they were proclaiming it to those around them.

Third, Paul indicates that the gospel was transforming their lives (1:6, 8). The gospel was not simply received and passed on. From the moment they “understood” the grace of “God’s truth”—(1:6), the Spirit began working in the lives of the Colossians to produce love (1:8). The word for “love” (agapē) is not simply about warm feelings or kind regard for others. It refers to self-sacrificial, generous love. Paul had learned of the magnitude of the Colossians’ love from Epaphras, who was so impressed by the transforming work of the gospel in their lives that it was a highlight of his report to Paul.

Seeing the threat of deceptive, false teaching and anticipating a more direct refutation of its deficient claims (Col. 2), Paul’s prayer for the Colossian Christians in 1:9–14 pays particular attention to knowledge (1:9–10). In this prayer, he draws their attention from false spiritual knowledge to the intimate and experiential knowledge of Christian faith, love, and hope. Our understanding of how Paul is using the term knowledge in his letter to the Colossians can be illuminated by how he discusses this concept in his other letters. In 1 Corinthians 8:1, Paul makes an important observation about unbridled knowledge: “Knowledge” makes arrogant, |but love edifies.” The Greek word Paul uses there for “knowledge” is gnōsis, a general term for intellectual content. It often refers to spiritual insight (e.g., Rom. 11:33; 1 Cor. 12:8) or an accurate knowledge of God (e.g., 2 Cor. 2:14). As we will see, some false teachers had begun to promote a kind of deeper gnōsis that went beyond the saving knowledge of Christ as proclaimed through the gospel. In another letter, Paul may be referring to this kind of teaching when he alludes to “what” is falsely called ‘knowledge’ ”—(1 Tim. 6:20).

In response, Paul prays earnestly and continually for the believers in Colossae, that they would be filled with true knowledge, wisdom, and understanding (Col. 1:9). It’s interesting to note that the word Paul uses here for the “knowledge” of God’s will is not mere intellectual or speculative knowledge. He uses the modified term epignōsis, which some commentators interpret as an intensification of the word gnōsis. We might translate epignōsis as “full” knowledge “-or-” complete “knowledge.” Paul prays that they will be “filled” with knowledge of “His” will—(1:9) and growing in the knowledge of God (1:10). I can’t help but think that Paul’s use of this term so prominently here was meant to rescue the Christian concept of knowledge away from the know-it-all false teachers who were trying to twist the term for their own purposes.

The full knowledge of God’s will for which Paul prayed was not just information but “all” spiritual wisdom and understanding—(1:9). This finds its source in God through Jesus Christ, who is sufficient for all things. And it is given to believers not simply to inform but to transform them.

In 1:10, Paul outlines three results of receiving this knowledge of God’s will. First, the way we live will honor and please the Lord so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: Everything we think, say, and do will be in pursuit of God’s glory.

Second, the result of true knowledge, wisdom, and understanding is that our lives will produce healthy fruit: bearing fruit in every good work again, we should think of the theological virtues of faith, love, and hope (1:4–5) and the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22–23 (see also 2 Pet. 1:5–8).

Third, the result is that we will continue to grow deeper in our knowledge of God. Because Christians enjoy a personal relationship with God, our potential knowledge of Him is infinitely deep. We can never cease growing in our knowledge of and relationship with God. Having prayed for their complete knowledge, Paul next prays for the Colossians’ spiritual strength (Col. 1:11–12). He has just mentioned honoring and pleasing the Lord through lives marked by spiritual fruit and deeper spiritual growth (1:10). Now, he reminds his readers that God is the source of the true spiritual power that fosters that growth. We depend on Him alone for everything.  Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience (1:11).

The word hypomonē, translated as “endurance and patience,” refers to “the capacity to hold out or bear up in the face of difficulty.” It emphasizes persevering strength exhibited through triumphing in adverse situations. The word rendered “patience,” makrothymia, suggests inner resolve or mental and emotional fortitude, the “state of remaining tranquil while awaiting an outcome.” Anybody who has faced challenges against all odds or encountered people who are impossible to please knows how desperately we need these God-given strengths. Paul knew that the Colossians needed this kind of heavenly strength to be shielded from the flurry of false teachings challenging their faith in the sufficiency of Christ.

When God gives this kind of miraculous inner resolve and persevering strength, the result is joyful thanksgiving—not for the pain, suffering, trials, and tribulations we are enduring, but for the firm hope that God has “qualified you[f] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” (1:12).

This hope of future glory is firm because it’s already accomplished in Christ! In 1:13–14, Paul connects our future deliverance to the past and present. He doesn’t say that one day, in the sweet by and by, we may find ourselves in God’s kingdom. He says we were “rescued” (past tense) from the dark domain of depravity and death in which we were born and “Brought...

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2463 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 diving into a profound and emotional passage: Psalm 22:1-10 from the New Living Translation.

Psalm 22 is known for its deep anguish and sorrow, as well as its prophetic elements that point to the suffering of Jesus on the cross. It is often referred to as the “Psalm of the Cross” because of its vivid depiction of suffering that would later be mirrored in the crucifixion of Christ. As we walk through these first ten verses, we’ll see a range of emotions: despair and loneliness, but also trust and hope in God.

Let’s begin by reading the entire passage and then breaking it down together.

We begin with a cry of deep anguish: “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” These words resonate through the ages, famously spoken by Jesus on the cross in Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34. In this moment of despair, David, the psalmist, feels utterly forsaken by God. His heart is breaking, and he can’t understand why God seems so distant in his time of need.

Many of us can relate to this feeling of abandonment at various points in our lives. There are moments when we cry out to God, and it seems like our prayers are met with silence. Like David, we may groan for help, wondering why God seems far away when we need Him the most.

Verse 2 continues this plea: “Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief.” David’s pain is unrelenting, day and night, and despite his fervent prayers, he finds no solace. This paints a vivid picture of what it’s like to be in a season of deep suffering, where it feels as though God has turned His back, and no answer comes despite our cries.

It’s important to note that David addresses God as “my God.” Even in his despair, he hasn’t lost his connection to God. He’s still calling out in faith, even though it feels like God isn’t listening. This teaches us something powerful about faith—it persists even when we don’t feel God’s presence. David’s relationship with God is still intact, even in his anguish.

After expressing his anguish, David shifts his focus in verses 3-5 to remind himself of God’s holiness and faithfulness. “Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.” Despite feeling abandoned, David acknowledges that God is holy and sovereign. God’s character doesn’t change based on David’s current experience of suffering. This is a crucial lesson for all of us—God remains holy, good, and just, even when we are struggling.

David then recalls how God has been faithful to His people in the past. “Our ancestors trusted in you, and you rescued them. They cried out to you and were saved. They trusted in you and were never disgraced.” This remembrance of God’s faithfulness serves as a way for David to anchor himself amid his suffering. By looking back at how God delivered His people in the past, David finds a glimmer of hope.

We can apply this to our own lives. When we feel abandoned or when life is overwhelming, it can help to remember how God has been faithful in the past—both in our personal lives and throughout history. God’s track record of faithfulness can give us confidence that He hasn’t forgotten us, even when it feels like He’s far away.

But David’s sorrow doesn’t immediately disappear. In verses 6-8, he plunges back into describing the depth of his suffering. “But I am a worm and not a man. I am scorned and despised by all!” David feels utterly dehumanized, as if he’s less than human. This intense feeling of worthlessness is compounded by the rejection and mockery of those around him.

He goes on to say, “Everyone who sees me mocks me. They sneer and shake their heads, saying, ‘Is this the one who relies on the Lord? Then let the Lord save him! If the Lord loves him so much, let the Lord rescue him!’” This mocking echoes what would later be said about Jesus on the cross, where bystanders mocked Him, challenging Him to save Himself if He truly was the Son of God (Matthew 27:39-43).

David’s enemies are not just rejecting him—they’re mocking his trust in God. They taunt him, essentially saying, “If your God is so great, why hasn’t He saved you?” This can be one of the most painful aspects of suffering: when others mock or question our faith because of the hardships we’re facing. It adds insult to injury when people suggest that our suffering is proof that God doesn’t care.

Yet, even in the face of this mockery, David doesn’t turn away from God. He doesn’t let the taunts of others erode his faith. Instead, he continues to seek God, even in his despair.

In verses 9-10, David once again shifts his focus, this time reflecting on the intimate relationship he’s had with God since birth. “Yet you brought me safely from my mother’s womb and led me to trust you at my mother’s breast. I was thrust into your arms at my birth. You have been my God from the moment I was born.”

David remembers that God has been with him from the very beginning of his life. God’s care and protection were evident even when David was a helpless infant, unable to do anything for himself. This reflection brings David comfort because it reminds him of God’s constant presence in his life. Even though he feels abandoned now, the truth is that God has been faithful to him from the start.

These verses remind us that God’s involvement in our lives doesn’t begin when we first acknowledge Him or when we start praying. He has been caring for us and watching over us from the moment we were born. Knowing that God’s love and care are not dependent on our actions or circumstances is a profound comfort. They have been there since the beginning and will continue to be there, even in our moments of doubt and despair.

As we reflect on these first ten verses of Psalm 22, we can see the tension between despair and trust. David’s emotions swing between deep sorrow and firm faith. On the one hand, he feels abandoned by God, surrounded by enemies, and mocked for his trust in the Lord. On the other hand, he knows that God is holy and faithful. He remembers God’s past acts of deliverance and recognizes that God has been with him since birth.

This tension is something that many of us experience in our own walk with God. Sometimes, we feel like God is distant, our prayers seem to go unanswered, and we wonder if God has forgotten us. But even in those moments, we can cling to the truth of who God is. Like David, we can acknowledge our pain and despair, but we can also remind ourselves of God’s faithfulness, holiness, and intimate care for us.

Psalm 22 doesn’t shy away from the reality of suffering, but it also points us toward hope. And, as we’ll see in the rest of the psalm, David’s lament eventually gives way to praise and confidence in God’s ultimate deliverance.

As we wrap up today’s trek through Psalm 22:1-10, we’re left with a powerful picture of what it looks like to wrestle with despair while still holding on to faith. David’s raw honesty in this psalm is both heart-wrenching and comforting. It reminds us that it’s okay to cry out to God in our pain and to express our feelings of abandonment and sorrow. God can handle our deepest emotions.

At the same time, this psalm challenges us to remember God’s faithfulness, even when we don’t feel His presence. He is holy, He is good, and He has been with us since the beginning.

I encourage you to take time to meditate on this psalm, especially if you’re going through a difficult season. Let David’s words inspire you to be honest with God about your struggles, but also to hold fast to the hope that He is with you, even in the darkest moments.

Thank you for joining me today on Wisdom-Trek. I’m Guthrie Chamberlain, and I look forward to continuing this journey with you. Until next time, keep seeking wisdom, keep living with purpose, and let’s continue to grow together.

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 our 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 wisdom from God’s Word!

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2462 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 trek through the Psalms, and we’re going to explore Psalm 21:8-13 from the New Living Translation.

In this passage, David reflects on the justice and power of God, especially as it relates to how God deals with His enemies and defends His people. While Psalm 21 began with a focus on God’s blessings and favor toward the king, these verses shift to describe God’s righteous judgment against those who oppose Him.

Let’s read the passage in full and then break it down together.

In verse 8, David begins by proclaiming God’s power and authority over His enemies. “You will capture all your enemies. Your strong right hand will seize all who hate you.” This imagery of God’s “strong right hand” is a common biblical expression that symbolizes God’s power and might. David is acknowledging that no enemy can escape God’s justice—His hand will capture them all.

It’s essential to recognize that the enemies referred to here aren’t just David’s personal adversaries, but they represent all who oppose God and His purposes. This verse emphasizes that God will not allow evil to prevail indefinitely. Those who stand against Him and His people will ultimately face His righteous judgment.

For us, this is both a sobering and comforting truth. It’s sobering because it reminds us of God’s holiness and the reality of His justice. But it’s also reassuring to know that God is in control in a world where evil often seems unchecked. He sees everything and will act in His perfect timing to bring about justice.

David continues this thought in verse 9, saying, “You will throw them in a flaming furnace when you appear. The Lord will consume them in his anger; fire will devour them.” This vivid language of fire and consuming anger is used throughout Scripture to describe God’s judgment. Fire is often a symbol of purification and destruction—burning away the impurities and eradicating what is evil.

Here, David is describing the fate of those who rebel against God. When God appears—when His presence is fully revealed—His enemies will not be able to stand. They will be thrown into a fiery judgment, consumed by the righteous anger of the Lord. This isn’t an arbitrary or capricious punishment—it’s a response to the deep and willful rebellion of those who have rejected God’s authority.

In verse 10, David states, “You will wipe their children from the face of the earth; they will never have descendants.” This verse may sound harsh to modern ears, but it reflects the gravity of opposing God. In the ancient world, a person’s legacy was closely tied to their descendants. To be without descendants was considered a sign of complete defeat and disgrace.

By saying that God will “wipe their children from the face of the earth,” David is emphasizing the totality of God’s judgment. Not only will the enemies of God be defeated, but their legacy and influence will be completely erased. This highlights the inevitable consequences of standing against God—there is no future for those who reject Him.

While this imagery is strong, it also serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and rebellion against God. In our world today, we often downplay the idea of judgment or consequences for wrongdoing, but this passage reminds us that God is holy and just. He cannot and will not allow evil to continue unchecked.

At the same time, we must remember that God’s judgment is always righteous and fair. He is not vindictive or unjust—He is a loving and merciful God who desires that all people turn to Him. However, there are consequences for those who refuse to repent and continue in their rebellion.

Verse 11 brings this point home even further: “Although they plot against you, their evil schemes will never succeed.” Here, David acknowledges that the enemies of God are often plotting and scheming against Him and His people. Throughout history, we see examples of individuals, nations, and powers that have tried to oppose God’s plans. But no matter how clever or powerful they seem, David assures us that their schemes will ultimately fail.

This verse reminds me of Proverbs 21:30, which says, “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.” No matter how much the enemies of God may scheme or plot, their plans are futile in the face of God’s sovereignty. They may try to defy Him, but in the end, their efforts will come to nothing.

For us, this is a comforting truth, especially when we feel like the world is full of opposition to God’s ways. Sometimes, it can seem like evil is winning, like those who oppose God are succeeding in their plans. But this verse reassures us that God’s purposes will prevail no matter how things may look on the surface. The evil schemes of the wicked will never succeed against Him.

In verse 12, David gives us a glimpse of what happens to those who plot against God: “For they will turn and run when they see your arrows aimed at them.” The imagery here is that of a battle, where God’s enemies, who once seemed confident and bold, are now fleeing in terror when they realize that God is against them.

God’s “arrows” represent His judgment, and once His enemies see that judgment coming, they will turn and run. They may have thought they could stand against God, but when they are faced with His power and righteousness, they have no choice but to flee. This image of enemies running in fear contrasts sharply with their earlier scheming and plotting, showing just how powerless they are in the face of God’s strength.

This verse also serves as a reminder to us that God is our defender. Just as He protects and defends His people from physical enemies, He also protects us from the spiritual forces of evil that seek to harm us. When we feel overwhelmed by the opposition we face in life, we can take comfort in knowing that God is fighting for us, and He will cause our enemies—whether physical or spiritual—to flee.

Finally, in verse 13, David concludes this section of the psalm with a call to praise: “Rise up, O Lord, in all your power. With music and singing we celebrate your mighty acts.” After reflecting on God’s righteous judgment and the defeat of His enemies, David’s response is to call for God to rise up in His power.

David’s prayer for God to rise up is not because God has been inactive—instead, it’s a request for God to demonstrate His power in an undeniable way. When God rises up in His power, His enemies are scattered, and His people are saved. This is a prayer of confidence and trust in God’s ability to deliver His people and defeat their enemies.

The final line of the verse, “With music and singing we celebrate your mighty acts,” is a fitting conclusion to this passage. David ends with a note of celebration and worship. After reflecting on God’s power, justice, and protection, the only appropriate response is to praise Him.

As we reflect on this passage, we should be moved to worship. When we consider the power of God, His justice, and the way He defends His people, it should stir within us a desire to celebrate His mighty acts. God is worthy of all our praise—not only for what He has done but also for who He is.

As we close out today’s trek through Psalm 21:8-13, we are reminded of several important truths about God. First, we see that God is just, and He will not allow evil to prevail forever. His enemies will face judgment, and their schemes will ultimately fail. We also see that God is powerful and that He protects and defends His people. No enemy, no matter how strong or clever, can stand against Him.

Finally, we are called to respond to these truths with praise. When we recognize God’s power and justice, our hearts should be filled with gratitude and worship. He is worthy of all our praise for the mighty acts He has done and for the protection He provides.

Thank you for joining me on this trek through Psalm 21. I encourage you to reflect on these verses and consider how they apply to your own life. As you face challenges and opposition, remember that God is with you, and His purposes will always prevail.

Until next time, keep seeking wisdom, keep walking the path of righteousness, and may God’s unfailing love guide you on your journey.

Live with purpose, follow the path of wisdom, and keep moving forward on this journey we call life.

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 our 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 wisdom from God’s Word!

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2461 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 twenty-second 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, our lesson is: Slaying the Sea Monster!

When we think of creation, we think of everything beginning with God’s spoken word—as Genesis 1 tells us. But some Old Testament writers concentrate on another aspect of creation—and a weird one at that. In Psalm 74, in the middle of God’s ordering of the sea and dry land, His establishing of the sun, moon, stars, and the seasons, we find another event: God destroying sea monsters.

bringing salvation to the earth.

13 You split the sea by your strength

and smashed the heads of the sea monsters.

14 You crushed the heads of Leviathan[a]

and let the desert animals eat him.

15 You caused the springs and streams to gush forth,

and you dried up rivers that never run dry.

16 Both day and night belong to you;

you made the starlight[b] and the sun.

17 You set the boundaries of the earth,

and you made both summer and winter.

(Psa 74:12-17).

The reference to God breaking “the heads of the sea monster” and crushing “the heads of Leviathan” has led many on a desperate study of Old Testament zoology. But this, along with many other confusing Old Testament images, has a cultural context.

In the ancient world, the original (“primordial”) chaotic conditions of creation were often portrayed as a monstrous dragon. This is reflected in stories from ancient Babylon and Israel’s closest neighbor, Ugarit (ancient Syria, just north of Israel).

In the literature of ancient Ugarit, the god Baal battles Yamm, who is portrayed as a chaotic, churning sea, and a terrifying sea dragon named Tannun or Litanu. These terms are equivalent to the Hebrew words in Psalm 74:13-14: “You split the sea (□’, yam) by your strength and smashed the heads of the sea monsters. (D’Tin, tanninim) You crushed the heads of Leviathan (| n’lb, liwyatan)”

Other parallels are found elsewhere in the Old Testament. In Ugaritic stories, Litanu is described as a “twisting serpent” and a “fleeing serpent.” Those precise phrases are used to describe the sea beast Leviathan in the Old Testament (Isa27:l: lob 26:13).

God didn’t really fight a literal dragon at the beginning of creation. This imagery reflects the mindset of the ancient world, which viewed the sea as unpredictably violent and unable to be tamed. It frightened the ancients. Only the power of a mighty God could produce a habitable world from the chaotic sea—a deed portrayed as a battle with the untamed deep. God was victorious in this conflict, as told in Psalm 74.

This imagery was intentionally repurposed throughout the Old Testament. In Isaiah 51:9-10, the sea monster image (this time called “Rahab”) is applied to the Israelites’ escape from Egypt. It was the arm of the Lord “who cut Rahab in pieces” and “who pierced the dragon (| ‘3J1, tannin)... [and] the one who dried up the sea, making a path of escape through the depths so that your people could cross over?” This imagery—the same imagery used in creation stories—effectively describes the birth of a new nation after God’s defeat of Egypt.

Isaiah also describes the end of days with the same language: In that day, the Lord will take his terrible, swift sword and punish Leviathan,[a] the swiftly moving serpent, the coiling, writhing serpent. He will kill the dragon of the sea. (Isa 27:1). The book of Revelation, taking its cue from Isaiah 27:1, describes a time when there will be “no more sea” (Rev 21:1). The elimination of all that opposes God will only come with His final reign on earth. Only when the new heaven and new earth are brought into being will the violent sea monster truly be slain.

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 2460 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 will focus on Psalm 21:1-7 from the New Living Translation. This psalm is a song of thanksgiving and celebration for the victories and blessings that God has given to His chosen king. As we journey through these verses, we’ll see how King David acknowledges God’s provision, strength, and favor. We’ll also uncover how this psalm speaks to our own lives, especially in the ways we experience God’s blessings and victories.

Let’s start by reading the passage in full:

Psalm 21 begins with King David expressing his joy in the strength of the Lord. He says, “How the king rejoices in your strength, O Lord! He shouts with joy because you give him victory.” The very first verse sets the tone for the entire psalm—it’s a song of praise and gratitude for what God has done.

As the king, David had been victorious in battle many times, but he knew that those victories weren’t because of his own strength or wisdom. He was fully aware that it was the Lord who gave him the strength to succeed. Therefore, his joy is rooted not in his accomplishments but in God’s power and provision.

This is a profound reminder for us as well. When we experience victories in life—whether they are big or small—it’s essential to recognize that our strength ultimately comes from the Lord. It’s easy to take credit for our successes or to attribute them to our hard work, intelligence, or resources. But like David, we should rejoice in God’s strength, knowing that He is the source of every victory.

David’s response is one of joy—he shouts with joy because of the victory God has given him. His heart is filled with gratitude, and he can’t help but praise the Lord. As we reflect on our own lives, how often do we stop to truly rejoice in what God has done? We should be intentional about celebrating the ways God has shown up in our lives and given us strength, even when we face challenges.

In verse 2, David continues, saying, “For you have given him his heart’s desire; you have withheld nothing he requested.” Here, we see the king acknowledging that God has answered his prayers, providing him with the desires of his heart.

David recognizes that God, in His goodness, has given him not only what he needed but also what he deeply desired. This verse speaks of the generosity of God—He is a God who delights in giving good gifts to His children. When our hearts are aligned with His will, God is eager to respond to our requests, just as He did with David.

The relationship between David and God is one of trust and intimacy. David asked for something in His grace, and God withheld nothing from him. This isn’t to say that God gives us everything we want without question, but when we seek Him and ask according to His will, He often grants the desires of our hearts.

For us, this verse is a reminder to bring our desires and requests to God in prayer. He is not distant or indifferent to our needs—He cares deeply about the things that matter to us. Whether we are asking for strength, guidance, healing, or provision, we can be confident that God hears our prayers and will respond in the way that is best for us.

Verses 3-5 further describe the blessings David has received from God: “You welcomed him back with success and prosperity. You placed a crown of finest gold on his head. He asked you to preserve his life, and you granted his request. The days of his life stretch on forever. Your victory brings him great honor, and you have clothed him with splendor and majesty.”

These verses paint a picture of God’s abundant blessing and favor toward the king. David acknowledges that his success and prosperity come directly from God. When he returned from battle, victorious and honored, it was God who welcomed him back and crowned him with gold.

The imagery of a crown of finest gold symbolizes the honor and authority that God bestowed upon David. This wasn’t just a material crown—it represented the king’s position as one chosen and blessed by God. Similarly, when David asked God to preserve his life, God granted his request, extending his days and ensuring his ongoing reign.

These verses remind us that God is the one who grants us success and honors us in His timing and in His way. Just as David’s victory brought him great honor and clothed him with splendor and majesty, so too does God bless us when we walk in His ways. The splendor and majesty mentioned here speak not only of outward glory but also of the inner transformation that comes from being in a right relationship with God.

When we are faithful to Him, God blesses us beyond what we can imagine. It may not always look like earthly success or prosperity, but it’s a blessing that brings honor and eternal significance. David’s victory, honor, and splendor resulted from God’s faithfulness, and the same is true for us.

Verse 6 says, “You have endowed him with eternal blessings and given him the joy of your presence.” This verse reveals two incredible gifts that David recognizes: eternal blessings and the joy of God’s presence.

First, let’s consider the eternal blessings. David understands that the blessings he has received from God are not just temporary—they have an eternal significance. God’s favor is not fleeting or dependent on circumstances. When God blesses His people, those blessings endure, even beyond this life. For David, this likely included the physical blessings of a long life and a successful reign and the spiritual blessings of God’s covenant faithfulness.

The second part of this verse highlights the joy that comes from God’s presence. David knew that the greatest blessing of all was the presence of the Lord in his life. No matter how many victories or honors he experienced, nothing compared to the joy of being in God’s presence.

This is a truth we need to remember in our own lives. We may experience many blessings—material, relational, or spiritual—but the greatest gift we can ever receive is the presence of God with us. We find fullness of joy, peace, and purpose in His presence. Our relationship with God is the source of our deepest satisfaction and delight.

Finally, in verse 7, David concludes by saying, “For the king trusts in the Lord. The unfailing love of the Most High will keep him from stumbling.”

This verse is a beautiful summary of David’s relationship with God. It is rooted in trust—David trusted in the Lord for every aspect of his life. He knew that his victories, blessings, and success all came from God’s hand, and he placed his confidence in God’s unfailing love.

The phrase “unfailing love” is particularly powerful. It speaks of God’s covenant love, and His steadfast and unchanging commitment to His people. David trusted that this love would sustain him and keep him from stumbling. He recognized that God’s love would protect and guide him, even when faced with challenges and uncertainties.

For us, this verse is an invitation to place our trust in the Lord, just as David did. When we rely on God’s unfailing love, we can be confident that He will keep us from stumbling. His love is a firm foundation that will never fail us, no matter what we face.

As we conclude our journey through Psalm 21:1-7, we see a beautiful picture of a king who trusted in the Lord and experienced the fullness of God’s blessings. David’s victories, his success, his joy, and his security all flowed from his relationship with God. And the same is true for us today.

When we place our trust in the Lord, we can rejoice in His strength, experience His generosity in answering our prayers, and rest in the joy of His presence. We can be confident that God’s unfailing love will keep us from stumbling and will guide us through every challenge and blessing in life.

Thank you for joining me today on this trek through Psalm 21. I encourage you to reflect on these verses and consider how God has blessed you and shown you His faithfulness. Remember to trust in the Lord and rejoice in His strength daily.

Until next time, keep seeking wisdom, keep walking the path of righteousness, and may God’s unfailing love guide you on your journey.

Live with purpose, follow the path of wisdom, and keep moving forward on this journey we call life.

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!