Wisdom-Trek ©

Putnam Church Message – 07/07/2024

Last week, we compared worldly success with Biblical success. We settled on the formula for Biblical Success: submission to others + humility before God - worry of the world = genuine relief.

Today’s passage is 1 Peter 5:8-14, on page 1892 of your Pew Bibles.

We now arrive at the end of Peter's powerful letter of hope in hurtful times. Peter sounds the battle alarm (5:8-14). He draws the army's attention to their spiritual opponent, who is planning his evil strategy behind their fiery trials (5:8). He tells the soldiers of Christ how the enemy can be defeated (5:9). He reminds us that the fierce conflict will soon be over and that we will one day emerge as victors (5:10). Finally, he points to Christ, who will ultimately triumph and exercise dominion over all (5:11).

Whoever lives under the impression that Satan doesn't exist is living in a dream world. Peter identifies and describes the devil in 5:8 in clear, unmistakable terms.

Satan goes by several titles throughout the Bible. In 5:8, Peter uses the terms “enemy" (antidikos) and “devil” (diabolos). Diabolos refers to how he falsely accuses God's people.  In Revelation 9:11, he is called Abaddon and Apollyon, meaning “Destroyer,” titles that refer to his destructiveness. It could refer to a single divine being or multiple evil beings. These and other labels for the adversary describe him as a dangerous, destructive deceiver who slanders and accuses us at every opportunity. Revelation 12:9-10 describes Satan’s final fall from the heavens in vivid terms that reveal both his nature and his activity. Some scholars believe these verses in Revelation refer to when Christ took on flesh and came to earth.

salvation and power

and the Kingdom of our God,

and the authority of his Christ.[a]

For the accuser of our brothers and sisters[b]

has been thrown down to earth—

the one who accuses them

before our God day and night.

I take Satan very seriously. No, I'm not intimidated by him. I'm not afraid of him. But I don't underestimate his power to inflict significant harm on people through temptation, deception, and destruction. Satan is the source of all kinds of pain and suffering in the world, even in the lives of believers. His activities may come in subtle forms of temptation and discouragement. Or he may unleash absolute fury, tragedy, and destruction. We can't ignore the potential damage he can do to our physical and spiritual lives.

However, there is no reason to overestimate Satan's power. Too many Christians do this. It reminds me of the sitcom from the 70s called The Flip Wilson Show, where his tagline was: “The Devil Made Me Do It.” They believe that anything bad that happens to them comes directly from the devil or his minions. This is as much a mistake as underestimating his power. Satan isn't the immediate cause of all suffering and sin. Fallen, depraved human beings can do enough damage to themselves and others without the devil's prodding. Furthermore, the world system offers its own evil allurements that can take a vicious toll on the believer's walk. (Planting & Harvesting)

Acting on these two extremes—attributing too much or too little power to Satan—leads either to overreaction or a lack of preparation. So, an awareness of some of Satan's tactics is necessary for believers. One writer notes,

No individual can be victorious against the enemy of our souls unless he understands that enemy, his philosophy, his methods of operation, and his methods of temptation.

People often think that Satan is the exact opposite of God—that he is God's mortal enemy, and that the forces of good and evil have battled each other for eons. But this picture is not accurate at all according to the biblical view of God and Satan.

The ancient Zoroastrians believed in dualism—that two equally powerful gods, good and evil, stood in opposition. These two gods engaged in immortal combat with each other over the obedience of humans.

This ancient dualistic image of the spiritual realm has influenced many pagan religions and has even worked its way into popular art and culture. Various ancient heresies advanced a dualistic view of the world that split divinity into balancing forces of good and evil. Numerous superstitious Christians of the medieval period viewed God as the good and Satan as the evil influence in the world. And even today, Star Wars films have popularized the idea of a “Force" with a light and a dark side.

But the Bible teaches that Satan is just an angelic creature of God (Ezek. 28:12-16; cf. Ps. 148:2; 5; Col. 1:16) who can do nothing apart from God's control or permission (Job 1:1-12; Luke 22:31). He maybe an equal-but- opposite counterpart of the archangel Michael (Jude 1:9; Rev. 12:7), but nobody in heaven or earth is an equal of God—opposite or otherwise. Yet he is also the enemy and accuser of humans (Zech. 3:1-2; 1 Pet. 5:8). While we must not deny that Satan has the power to attack and ensnare us (Eph. 4:27; 6:11; 1 Tim. 3:7), we must also guard against attributing to Satan more power than he has.

Peter calls Satan our “great enemy, the devil" (5:8). And because he's on the prowl like a lion hunting for prey to devour, we must be “of sober mind" and remain “on the alert."

Like wanderers in the wild savannahs of Africa, we must always be aware that we're being hunted. The lion lurks quietly in tall grass, stalking our every step, waiting for a moment to catch us off guard. He'll strike if we stray from the group,| put down our weapons,| or doze in the sun. Satan knows our weaknesses and our strengths. He's spent thousands of years observing humankind and becoming an expert on human nature. Satan knows the depths of your depravity far better than you do. We must never forget that we are his prey and that this roaring lion is ravenous with hunger.

Satan's style is to prowl and pounce when we least expect it, which explains our need to be alert and sober. His one purpose is to destroy us— our testimonies, our hope, our holiness, and, if possible, our lives. Therefore, we must be aware of his tactics and respect his power. In the same way that a Pacific islander might respect the volcano's power or a sailor would respect the devastating might of a hurricane at sea, we must never underestimate the adversary's ability to outwit, deceive, and attack us.

— 5:9 —

What are we to do when standing nose-to-nose with the enemy? Panic? Run? Surrender? No! Peter says, “Resist him, standing firm in the faith" (5:9). The word “resist" (anthistëmi) means “stand against" to “oppose." But this command is met with a vital qualification. We don't resist Satan with confidence in our own power or ability. Any time we do that, we're overmatched. We are to be firm in our faith. Peter certainly isn't speaking of faith in self, other humans, some method, mantra, or gimmick. Instead, we stand with unshakable faith in our all-powerful God, relying on His defense to stand against the wicked works of the devil and the evil ones.

James affirms the need to stand confidently against Satan in the shadow of God's mighty presence (Jas. 4:7-8).  7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. In his letter to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul expresses the same wise counsel: 10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. (Eph. 6:10-11). Peter, James, and Paul knew believers can experience decisive victory over Satan. They knew that although our strength is insufficient in and of itself, when we turn to our Lord and draw on His limitless power through faith, we can stand against the enemy.

Peter adds another source of strength: the confidence that comes from knowing that we're not fighting alone (5:9). A great army of saints, stretching throughout history to present-day believers, has taken part in the relentless battle. Our hope is strengthened when we remember that believers are standing shoulder to shoulder with each other across the globe in the same spiritual battle, enduring the same kinds of suffering, facing the same obstacles, and experiencing the same type of victory. The strength that comes from God’s caring and praying community cannot be appreciated enough. Support groups and prayer chains are popular for a reason—they work! God designed the body of Christ to function this way. Remember, we’re not Lone Rangers doing hand-to-hand combat with a superior foe. Instead, we’re a platoon of vigilant soldiers watching each other's backs, awaiting a victory assured by the power of God.

-5:10-11 —

Though victory is certain, Peter reminds us that suffering and pain will accompany the battle. No one who has endured an enemy attack emerges without some measure of pain. The battle will shake us, shock us, and often leave ugly scars. But what happens when the dust settles? Peter lists the benefits that come with God's heavenly version of the Purple Heart: (Bulletin Insert)

He will perfect us.

He will confirm us.

He will strengthen us.

He will establish us.

Peter paints the picture of a well-grounded, seasoned warrior who comes through the battle with maturity and stability that couldn’t have been developed any other way. But even as we go through the necessary fiery ordeal that God allows to refine, strengthen, and grow us, we can continue to have hope because of four unforgettable truths. Every believer should inscribe them in their mind. The suffering is only “for a little while" (5:10a). It is accompanied by God’s grace and calling (5:10b). It has a holy purpose that reverses and spites Satan's pursuits (5:10c). And through it all, thankfully, God remains in control (5:11).

In light of these truths, let's not confuse confidence in Christ with cockiness in the flesh. Never attempt to stand on your own, to wage war against the flesh,| the world,| and the devil| by your own means or with your own methods. As Proverbs 21:31 says, The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord. Always remember that suffering is temporary, but God's rewards are eternal. Paul expresses our hope eloquently: Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. (Rom. 8:18).

-5:12-14 —

If you had been a member of the original Greek-speaking recipients of this letter, you would have noticed a sudden change in 1 Peter 5:12. The style of writing would have suddenly shifted from the elegant, flowing handwriting of a cultured composer to the large, deliberate script of a rugged fisherman. The grammar, syntax, and vocabulary in the greek immediately change. At this point, it becomes obvious that Peter's secretary, Silas, has handed the pen to the aged apostle, who concludes his letter with his own calloused hand.

Besides noting that his loyal brother in ministry, Silas (Silvanus), had assisted in writing the letter, Peter's final lines reaffirm the overall appeal. Because we hold true faith in a trustworthy God, we are to stand firm in God's grace (5:12). Amid all oppression, mistreatment, temptation, or trials, we can endure with hope because of the sustaining power of God. In short, through Christ, we can have unwavering hope.

13 Your sister church here in Babylon[d] sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark. Believers in the early church had a great sense of kinship with fellow believers and churches worldwide. This concern for other Christian churches besides our own is an important lesson to remember today.

Peter's mention of “Babylon," was probably symbolic for Rome. This name was the code language for Rome in both Jewish and Christian circles in the first and second centuries.

Finally, who is the “Mark" mentioned at the end of verse 13? Peter calls him “my son,” though this need not be taken literally, as the term is often used concerning a close assistant or even convert in the faith (1 Tim. 1:2; Titus 1:4). So this probably refers to “John Mark" (Acts 12:12,25; 15:37). This illustrates the essential unity of the apostles' ministries despite strong disagreement along the way. Very early Christian history tells us that this same Mark is responsible for the Gospel that bears his name. This Gospel has always been regarded as Mark's record of Peter's firsthand account. It was likely written while Mark was with Peter in Rome, close to the writing of 1 Peter.

Peter ends this remarkable letter of hope by reemphasizing love and peace. Believers were to greet one another with a “kiss of love” (5:14). This formal kiss was a sign of peace among early Christians, demonstrating their brotherly affection, commitment, and unity (1 Cor. 16:20). The outward kiss reflected the inward peace between believers. This is why he can write, Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Looking back at Peter's letter as a whole, we see these final themes of love, unity, peace, faith, grace, and hope running throughout the letter. He has certainly taken us on a sobering—but encouraging—journey. In short, Peter's magnificent letter accomplishes the vital purpose of providing essential hope in hurtful times.

I can't speak for you, but Peter's life and ministry give me hope. When I consider how that rough-hewn Galilean went from failure to faithfulness through God's transforming grace, I can't help but think that God can do the same for you and me. We can learn at least three key lessons from Peter's example.

First, failure in the past does not nullify purpose in the future. People will try to persuade you (and you'll sometimes convince yourself) that God follows a “one strike and you're out" rule: If you mess things up, He'll check you off and move on to somebody more reliable and faithful. Think of Peter if you're ever tempted to think God has written you off in His plan. After three strikes, he counted himself out, but Christ deliberately restored him, lifting him to a place of leadership among his fellow disciples. I don't believe Peter could have ever led in the infant church had he not come to full terms with Christ's absolute forgiveness of his blatant denials. He received God's forgiveness and, in the process, forgave himself. He saw himself as God saw him, wiped clean and released from the guilt and shame of his past. Don't think for a moment that failure in your past nullifies God's plans for your future.

Second, a broken heart is great preparation for healing fractured lives. Paul said that God...

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2418 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, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’re diving into the awe-inspiring Psalm 8:1-9 from the New Living Translation. This psalm, penned by David, is a beautiful praise hymn reflecting on God’s majesty and the unique place of humanity within His creation. Let’s explore and uncover the profound truths within these verses.

David begins and ends this psalm with the same powerful declaration: “O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!” This repetition frames the entire psalm, emphasizing the overarching theme of God’s majesty and glory. David recognizes that God’s name, His very essence, is evident throughout all creation. This opening line calls us to recognize and celebrate God’s presence and authority over the entire world.

David continues in verse 1, “Your glory is higher than the heavens.” Here, he acknowledges that God’s glory surpasses even the vast expanse of the heavens. With their breathtaking beauty and grandeur, the heavens often symbolize the greatest and most magnificent things we can imagine. Yet, God’s glory is even greater. This verse invites us to look beyond the physical beauty of the world and see the divine hand behind it all.

In verse 2, David writes, “You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength, silencing your enemies and all who oppose you.” This verse highlights a surprising source of strength: the praise of children and infants. It is a reminder that God often uses the seemingly weak and insignificant to demonstrate His power and silence His enemies.

The innocence and purity of a child’s praise have a unique power. It’s a profound truth that God’s strength is made perfect in weakness, as echoed in the New Testament. This verse encourages us to embrace a childlike faith and trust in God’s strength, knowing that even the simplest expressions of praise can have a powerful impact.

Verses 3 and 4 bring us to a moment of awe and wonder: “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you set in place—what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?” David reflects on the vastness of the universe, the moon, and stars that God has meticulously arranged. This contemplation leads him to a humbling question about the significance of humanity in the grand scheme of creation.

The night sky has a way of making us feel small, yet David marvels at the fact that the Creator of such vastness is mindful of us. This realization is both humbling and comforting. It speaks to the incredible value God places on each person, despite the enormity of the universe. It invites us to ponder our place in creation and God’s profound care for each of us.

David continues in verses 5 and 6, “Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor. You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority.” Here, David acknowledges the unique position humanity holds in creation. Although we are mere mortals, God has bestowed upon us honor and glory, making us only a little lower than Himself.

This passage echoes the creation account in Genesis, where humanity is given dominion over the earth. It speaks to our responsibility to steward and care for God’s creation. Being made in God’s image, we are entrusted with the authority to manage the earth, reflecting His character in how we interact with the world around us.

These verses challenge us to consider how we are fulfilling this role. Are we acting as responsible stewards, honoring the glory and honor God has given us? They remind us of the privilege and responsibility that come with our unique place in creation.

Verses 7 and 8 lists the aspects of creation under human authority: “the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents.” This comprehensive list emphasizes the extent of humanity’s dominion. Everything is under human stewardship, from domesticated animals to wild creatures, from the skies to the seas.

This dominion is not about exploitation but about responsible management and care. It calls us to reflect on how we interact with the environment and the creatures within it. Are we exercising our authority with wisdom and compassion or neglecting our responsibility? These verses challenge us to be mindful of our impact on creation and to act in ways that honor God’s trust in us.

Finally, David returns to his opening declaration in verse 9, “O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!” This bookend emphasizes the central theme of the psalm: the majesty and glory of God. It serves as a powerful reminder that, despite our significant role in creation, God’s name and glory ultimately fill the earth.

This repetition reinforces the idea that our lives, stewardship, and praise should all point back to the majesty of God. It calls us to live in a way that reflects His glory and honors His name. As we conclude this psalm, we are invited to join David in praising the Lord for His incredible creation, His thoughtful care for humanity, and the honor and responsibility He has entrusted to us.

As we reflect on Psalm 8:1-9, several key lessons emerge that we can apply to our own lives:

Recognize God’s Majesty: Acknowledge and celebrate the majesty and glory of God, which is evident throughout all creation. Let His name fill the earth through our praise and actions.

Embrace Childlike Faith: Understand the power of childlike faith and praise. Trust in God’s strength, knowing that even the simplest expressions of faith can silence His enemies and demonstrate His power.

Ponder Our Place in Creation: Reflect on the vastness of the universe and the incredible care God has for each of us. Let this humbling realization deepen our sense of gratitude and wonder.

Fulfill Our Role as Stewards: Recognize the honor and responsibility God has given us to steward His creation. Act as responsible managers, reflecting His character in our interactions with the environment and creatures.

Live to Honor God: Ensure that our lives, actions, and stewardship all point back to the majesty of God. Let everything we do honor His name and reflect His glory.

Applying these lessons to our daily lives can deepen our relationship with God and transform our interactions with the world. Recognizing God’s majesty encourages us to live in awe and reverence. Embracing childlike faith empowers us to trust in God’s strength and praise Him wholeheartedly. Pondering our place in creation fosters gratitude and humility. Fulfilling our role as stewards reminds us of our responsibility to care for the environment and creatures. Living to honor God ensures that our lives reflect His glory and majesty.

As we conclude our exploration of Psalm 8:1-9, let’s carry these lessons with us on our journey. Embrace the majesty of God, trust in His strength, reflect on our place in creation, fulfill our role as stewards, and live to honor His name. By doing so, we align ourselves with this psalm’s timeless wisdom and navigate life’s complexities with faith and assurance.

Thank you for joining me on this episode of Wisdom-Trek. May these insights from Psalm 8 inspire and strengthen you as you continue your trek through life. Until next time, keep seeking God’s wisdom, cherish each moment, and continue positively impacting the world around you.

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 2417 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, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’re delving into Psalm 7:12-17 from the New Living Translation. This passage continues David’s profound reflections on justice, the wicked, and God’s righteous judgment. Let’s explore these verses together and uncover the rich wisdom they offer.

In verses 12 and 13, we vividly depict God’s readiness to execute judgment: “If a person does not repent, God will sharpen his sword; he will bend and string his bow. He will prepare his deadly weapons and shoot his flaming arrows.” This imagery is stark and powerful, emphasizing the seriousness of unrepentant sin. It paints a picture of a God who is prepared to take decisive action against those who persist in their wickedness.

David underscores that God is not passive in the face of evil. He is depicted as a warrior, readying his weapons to enforce justice. This should serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of repentance. The imagery of sharpening a sword and stringing a bow indicates that God’s patience has limits; He is prepared to act decisively when necessary.

For us, these verses highlight the urgency of repentance. They remind us that God’s justice is sure and that continuing in sin without seeking forgiveness has serious consequences. It’s a call to turn away from wrongdoing and seek God’s mercy before it’s too late.

Verse 14 delves into the nature of wickedness: “The wicked conceive evil; they are pregnant with trouble and give birth to lies.” David uses the metaphor of conception and birth to describe the process of evil. Just as a child grows in the womb and is eventually born, evil also starts in the heart and eventually manifests in actions.

This metaphorical language illustrates how deeply ingrained wickedness can become. It starts as a thought or desire and grows if nurtured, eventually leading to harmful actions and lies. The progression from conception to birth shows that sin is often a deliberate process, not a sudden occurrence.

This verse serves as a warning about the seeds of sin. It reminds us to guard our thoughts and desires, to prevent them from growing into actions that cause harm. It calls us to be vigilant against the early stages of sin, addressing it before it takes root and grows.

Verses 15 and 16 describe the inevitable consequences of wickedness: “They dig a deep pit to trap others, then fall into it themselves. The trouble they make for others backfires on them. The violence they plan falls on their own heads.” These verses depict the concept of poetic justice, where their own schemes ensnare the wicked.

David highlights the self-destructive nature of evil. Those who plot harm against others often find themselves caught in their own traps. The deep pit they dig with malicious intent ends up being their downfall. This imagery reinforces the idea that evil ultimately destroys the evildoer.

For us, these verses are a reminder of the principle of sowing and reaping. When we plot harm against others, we often become the victims of our schemes. It encourages us to act with integrity and righteousness, knowing our actions have consequences. It reassures us that justice will be served, and the wicked will not prevail in the end.

Verse 17 shifts from reflection on the wicked to a declaration of praise: “I will thank the Lord because he is just; I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.” David concludes this psalm by expressing his gratitude for God’s justice. Despite the presence of wickedness and the challenges he faces, he remains confident in God’s righteous judgment.

David’s response to God’s justice is one of thankfulness and praise. He recognizes God’s justice is a cause for celebration, even amid adversity. His commitment to praising God underscores his faith and trust in God’s ultimate plan.

For us, this verse encourages a posture of gratitude and worship. It reminds us to thank God for His justice, even when we are confronted with evil and injustice. It calls us to trust in God’s righteous judgment and to praise Him for His unwavering commitment to what is right and just.

As we reflect on Psalm 7:12-17, several key lessons emerge that we can apply to our own lives:

The Urgency of Repentance: We are reminded of the importance of turning away from sin and seeking God’s forgiveness. God’s readiness to execute judgment underscores the urgency of repentance.

Guarding Against Evil: The metaphor of conceiving and giving birth to evil highlights the need to guard our thoughts and desires. We must address sin at its earliest stages to prevent it from growing and causing harm.

Consequences of Wickedness: The principle of poetic justice teaches us that evil actions often backfire on the evildoer. Acting with integrity and righteousness is crucial, as our actions have consequences.

Gratitude for God’s Justice: David’s response of thankfulness and praise encourages us to adopt a similar posture. Even in the face of adversity, we can trust in God’s justice and express our gratitude for His righteous judgment.

Applying these lessons to our daily lives can deepen our relationship with God and transform how we respond to challenges and temptations. Recognizing the urgency of repentance motivates us to seek God’s forgiveness and turn away from sin promptly. Guarding our thoughts and desires helps us to prevent sin from taking root and leading to harmful actions.

Understanding the consequences of wickedness encourages us to act with integrity and avoid plotting harm against others. Trusting in God’s justice reassures us that evil will not prevail and justice will ultimately be served. Finally, expressing gratitude for God’s justice cultivates a heart of worship and thankfulness, even in difficult times.

As we conclude our exploration of Psalm 7:12-17, let’s carry these lessons with us on our journey. Embrace the urgency of repentance, guard against evil, recognize the consequences of wickedness, and be grateful for God’s justice. By doing so, we align ourselves with this psalm’s timeless wisdom and navigate life’s complexities with faith and assurance.

Thank you for joining me on this episode of Wisdom-Trek. May these insights from Psalm 7 inspire and strengthen you as you continue your trek through life. Until next time, keep seeking wisdom, cherish each moment, and continue making a positive impact on the world around you.

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 2416 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 thirteenth 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, Is My Bible Right?

After the great flood, everyone had one language. Humanity congregated in the region of Babylonia (“the land of Shinar”) and started building a tower that would reach into the heavens (Gen 11:1-9). God stopped the project by transforming the single language into many—dispersing humanity over the earth and creating the nations and regions listed in Genesis 10. Most people think it ends there, but there’s more. The story picks up again in Deuteronomy 32:8-9. And the story changes, depending on what Bible version you use.

When the Most High apportioned the nations as an inheritance, when he divided up humankind, he established the borders of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God. But the Lord’s portion is his people, Jacob his allotted heritage.-

Some Bibles may read “sons of Israel” instead of “sons of God.” The difference is due to an ancient manuscript disagreement with major theological ramifications.

When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance

When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance

When he divided humanity

When he divided humanity

He fixed the borders of the peoples

He fixed the borders of the peoples

according to the number of the sons of Israel

according to the number of the sons of God

[la] 0 nations, acclaim His people!

[la] Rejoice, O heavenly ones with Him!

[lb] MISSING

[lb] Bow down, all you gods, before Him!

[2a] For he will avenge the blood of his servants;

[2a] For he will avenge the blood of his sons;

[2b] He will exact vengeance on his adversaries,

[2b] He will exact vengeance on his adversaries

[3 a] MISSING

[3 a] He will repay those who hate him,

[3b] And make atonement for his land [and] his people.

[3b] And make atonement for his people’s land.

Many English Bibles have “Sons of Israel” or something similar because the translation is based on the traditional Hebrew text of the Old Testament, known to us as the Masoretic Text. But how does God dividing humankind and fixing the boundaries of the peoples “according to the number of the sons of Israel” make any sense? Deuteronomy 32:8 hearkens back to what happened at Babel—and Israel did not exist at that time! If you read through the “Table of Nations” in Genesis 10, Israel does not even appear.

“Sons of God” is the reading in two other older manuscripts: the Septuagint, an ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament, and the Dead Sea Scrolls, a set of manuscripts discovered in the desert not too far from Jerusalem. Bible translators agree that “Sons of God” is the more original reading, but they usually place it in a footnote at Deuteronomy 32:8, not in the actual text. The English Standard Version (ESV), though, and others, place “sons of God” into their translation.

Deuteronomy 32:8 is a textbook example of how later scribes sometimes changed the biblical text in a misguided attempt to “protect” God’s reputation. Other parts of Deuteronomy were also changed by scribes (e.g., 32:43). When you line up the Dead Sea Scroll reading with the Masoretic Text —the traditional Hebrew text upon which most English translations are based—you can see that the original was altered.

Notice that Deuteronomy 32:43 in the Dead Sea Scrolls has three poetic pairings. Since it’s a poetic section, the symmetry is not only important, it’s expected. The Masoretic Text reading has removed or altered parts of two of the pairings. The first, as in Deuteronomy 32:8, eliminates references to other divine beings (“sons of God” in 32:8: “heavenly ones” and “gods” in 32:43). At some point, a scribe thought this reference to other gods was theologically offensive.- The first line of the final pairing was removed because someone hating God was also offensive.

God, of course, doesn’t need to be protected by a zealous scribe or anyone else. Israel’s doctrine was that Yahweh was unique and above all other divine beings (Pss 29:1: 89:5-7). In a severe judgment, the nations at Babel were disinherited by Yahweh and given over to the administration of other gods (Deut 4:19-20; 32:8), whose actions would be judged by the God of Israel (Psa 82:1, 6). This paved the way for God to create a new people, Israel, in the very next chapter of Genesis. And ironically, it was through Abraham’s seed that the disinherited nations would be reclaimed (Gen 12:1-3).

QUICKBIT: Does your Bible have the reading from the Dead Sea Scrolls?

Include “Sons of God”: ESV, RSV, NRSV, NLT, NET, Message, Good News

Include “Sons of Israel “: NIV, ASB, NASB, HCSB, KJV, NKJV, NCV, Tanakh, 1890 Darby, Young’s Literal, God’s Word Translation, AV (1873)

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 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 2415 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, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’re delving into Psalm 7:6-11 from the New Living Translation. This passage is a powerful continuation of David’s plea for God’s justice and deliverance. Let’s unpack these verses together and discover the rich wisdom they offer.

In verse 6, David urgently calls upon God, “Arise, O Lord, in anger! Stand up against the fury of my enemies! Wake up, my God, and bring justice!” This vivid language underscores David’s desperate need for God to take action. He’s asking God to rise up and confront his enemies with divine fury. David’s plea reflects his confidence in God’s ability to bring justice and his trust that God will not ignore his cries for help.

The use of “Arise” and “Wake up” might sound unusual when referring to God, who is always aware and active. However, this language illustrates David’s deep desire for immediate divine intervention. It’s a passionate call for God to manifest His justice and defend the innocent visibly.

Verse 7 expands the scope of David’s plea: “Gather the nations before you. Rule over them from on high.” David recognizes that God’s sovereignty extends beyond his personal plight to encompass all nations. He’s appealing for God’s rule and judgment to be established universally. By calling on God to gather the nations, David acknowledges that God’s justice is not limited to Israel but is meant for the entire world.

This verse reminds us of God’s ultimate authority over all creation. No matter the scale of the injustice we face, God’s sovereignty remains supreme. He rules from on high, and His judgment is righteous and all-encompassing.

In verse 8, David personalizes his plea: “The Lord judges the nations. Declare me righteous, O Lord, for I am innocent, O Most High!” Here, David is confident in his innocence and seeks God’s vindication. He knows that God, the righteous judge, can discern the truth and will declare him righteous if he is indeed innocent.

David’s request for personal vindication is grounded in his relationship with God. He trusts that God knows his heart and his integrity. This verse challenges us to live lives of integrity, knowing that our ultimate vindication comes from God, who judges justly.

Verse 9 focuses on a broader appeal for justice: “End the evil of those who are wicked, and defend the righteous. For you look deep within the mind and heart, O righteous God.” David is asking God to put an end to wickedness and to uphold the righteous. He acknowledges God’s ability to see beyond outward actions and look deep into the mind and heart.

This verse emphasizes the depth of God’s judgment. Unlike human judges whose appearances can deceive, God sees our true motives and intentions. His judgment is, therefore, perfect and just. David’s prayer here is for his vindication and a universal triumph of righteousness over wickedness.

For us, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of internal purity and integrity. God sees beyond our external actions and knows our hearts. It encourages us to cultivate a heart that seeks righteousness and aligns with God’s will.

Verse 10 is a declaration of trust in God’s protection: “God is my shield, saving those whose hearts are true and right.” David describes God as his shield, a symbol of protection and defense. This imagery conveys a sense of security and safety that comes from trusting in God.

David acknowledges that God saves those “whose hearts are true and right.” This highlights the importance of inner righteousness and sincerity. It’s a call to maintain a pure heart and trust God’s saving power. When we live with integrity, we can confidently rely on God to shield us against all forms of adversity.

In verse 11, David provides a sobering reminder: “God is an honest judge. He is angry with the wicked every day.” This verse underscores God’s continuous and unwavering commitment to justice. He is an honest judge who consistently opposes wickedness.

God’s anger towards the wicked is not a momentary reaction but a constant stance. This ongoing anger signifies His commitment to righteousness and His intolerance of evil. It reassures the righteous that God is always aware of and responding to injustice.

For us, this verse serves as both a warning and an encouragement. It warns us against living wickedly, knowing that God’s judgment is continual. At the same time, it encourages us by affirming that God is always on the side of justice and righteousness.

As we reflect on Psalm 7:6-11, several key lessons emerge that we can apply to our own lives:

Seek God’s Immediate Intervention: When faced with urgent threats or injustice, boldly call upon God for immediate help and intervention, trusting His power to act.

Recognize God’s Sovereignty: Understand that God’s rule and judgment extend over all nations and all creation. Trust in His ultimate authority and justice.

Live with Integrity: Strive to maintain a pure heart and live with integrity, knowing that God sees our true motives and intentions and will vindicate the righteous.

Trust in God’s Protection: Rely on God as your shield and protector, confident that He saves those whose hearts are true and right.

Be Encouraged by God’s Continuous Judgment: Take comfort in knowing that God is always aware of injustice and committed to opposing wickedness daily.

Applying these lessons to our daily lives can transform our relationship with God and how we respond to challenges and injustice. Seeking God’s immediate intervention in times of trouble deepens our trust in His power and love. Recognizing His sovereignty helps us to see the bigger picture and trust in His ultimate plan.

Living with integrity and maintaining a pure heart aligns us with God’s will and assures us of His protection. Trusting in God as our shield gives us confidence and peace in the face of adversity. And being encouraged by God’s continuous judgment reassures us that He is always at work, upholding justice and righteousness.

As we conclude our exploration of Psalm 7:6-11, let’s carry these lessons with us on our journey. Seek God’s intervention, recognize His sovereignty, live with integrity, trust in His protection, and be encouraged by His continuous judgment. By doing so, we align ourselves with this psalm’s timeless wisdom and navigate life’s complexities with faith and assurance.

Thank you for joining me on this episode of Wisdom-Trek. May these insights from Psalm 7 inspire and strengthen you as you continue your trek through life. Until next time, keep seeking wisdom, cherish each moment, and continue making a positive impact on the world around you.

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!

Putnam Church Message – 06/30/2024

Last week, we focused on those with leadership positions within a local church, which also applies to all of us as we partner to further God’s Kingdom on earth.

Today’s passage is 1 Peter 5:5-7, on page 1892 of your Pew Bibles. If we want to grasp what true success is and how to obtain it, we need to tune out the seductive message from the world and tune in to the instructive message from God’s Word.

but shows favor to the humble.”

Our society has gorged itself on the pursuit of success. Upward mobility, getting ahead, snagging that promotion—only one direction will do: up ... up … UP! We've stuffed ourselves with money-making schemes and binged on books and seminars teaching us how to make ourselves great. Not long ago, our gluttony for financial success inflated an economy until it exploded. But not to worry! We'll pick up the pieces and start all over again.

The world tells us that to be satisfied, we need fortune: Make a lot of money—make a boatload of money! Society persuades us that to be significant, we need fame, which means being well-known and well-connected. The culture tries to convince us that to have true success, we need influence: wield power, be in control, and don't take orders—give them! And if this “big three" of success doesn’t do it, the real secret lies in indulgence: fulfilling your wants, desires, and pleasures. The world's methods of achieving these things aren’t complicated. Work hard, or at least harder than everybody else. Push ahead, even if it means stepping on others. Remove all obstacles, such as friends, family, and faith. And promote yourself even if it means exaggerating a bit or trashing somebody else!

The great irony of all this is that the more success we have, the more we want. History, experience, religion, psychology, and sociology have all taught us that such purposeless pursuits can never ultimately quench our thirst for true meaning or relieve our hunger for true happiness. Instead of fulfillment, we experience the bloated nausea of disappointment. Ultimately, the all-you-can-eat lifestyle leaves us weighed down in our spirit, nauseated with worry, and let down by life.

In an age like ours, the countercultural message of humility is neither popular nor appreciated. At a time when looking good is considered more important than being good, and when a superficial impression makes a bigger splash than solid integrity, who has time for things like submission, dependence, and trust? In our dog-eat-dog, cut-in-line lifestyle, deferring to others looks stupid and sounds silly.

In contrast to the world's narcissistic plan for success, Peter outlines in 1 Peter 5:5-7 the essential ingredients for relief.

In 1 Peter 5:1-4, Peter addressed those elders who were in authority as overseers of the flock. They had been given special responsibilities necessary for effective ministry. Those leadership principles go against the typical human tendency to “lord it over" those under authority. So, when Peter turns to the younger disciples, who were under the authority of those older saints, we can anticipate that he will confound our cultural expectations again.

Peter begins with the adverb “In the same way" (homoiõ). Just as older leaders are to conduct themselves Christlike, younger leaders must also do so counterculturally. Though the positions may differ, our calling to live in conformity with Christ never changes.

Who is Peter addressing in verse 5? The term neos (younger) can mean several things. Our English prefix neo- borrows from this term, which means “new” or “young.” In the New Testament, its most common use is the most general —something new instead of old. It can also refer to a person of physically youthful age in contrast to somebody more mature. It's used once in reference to the “new” identity we have in Christ after salvation (Col. 3:10). It may also generally refer to those under the authority of leaders —that is, servants, disciples, or assistants (Acts 5:6).

How does Peter use the term neos in 5:5? Does it refer to younger believers (novices) in the faith or to literal young people? I think a key to understanding this use comes from Jesus' own words, no doubt recalled by Peter in this context. In the previous section on leaders, we saw the echoes of Jesus' warning about the Gentile method of leadership: “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people...But among you it will be different” (Luke 22:25-26). This corresponds to Peter’s call for leaders to reject “lording leadership” and instead set an example of submissive servanthood (1 Pet. 5:3). Similarly, Jesus continued:  Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, (neos) and the leader should be like a servant. (Luke 22:26). So, according to Jesus, the “greatest” in rank contrasted with the “lowest rank” in the same way a leader contrasts with a servant. Peter likely picks up on this contrast. Having called on leaders to serve in 1 Peter 5:1-4, he then gives directions to those under their leadership, the “newer” believers in verses 5-7.

This brings us to Peter's exhortation to those under the elders’ teaching authority. Simply put, they are to submit to the elders' teaching authority. What a novel idea in this era that promotes an entrepreneurial, independent spirit necessary for personal success! But Peter doesn't stop there. With another possible allusion to the words and work of Jesus before His crucifixion, he instructs believers to “clothe themselves” with humility (1 Pet. 5:5). It may be that Peter was recalling the last meal in the upper room, when Jesus—the greatest leader of all—girded Himself with a towel and washed the disciples' feet (John 13:4-17). (Towel and Apron Object Lesson) The Master served the servants. The spiritually older stooped down and washed the feet of the spiritually younger. The word Peter used for “clothe yourself" literally means to “put or tie something on oneself.” Wuest notes that this word “speaks of the act of tying or tucking up the long outer garments . . . around the waist as a roll or band or girth.... In its noun form, the word refers to a slave's apron under which the loose outer garments were gathered"! Jesus even looked like their servant. What humility!

Peter's main appeal in 5:5 is to submit to (learn from) spiritually wise people. He calls the younger believers under the authority of the elders to listen to their counsel. Be open to their teachings. Watch their lives and follow their good examples. Respect their years of experience and honor their seasoned lives. All of this is included in the call for the younger believers to submit yourselves to your elders.

To support his call for humility and submission, Peter quotes Proverbs 3:34, “The Lord mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble.”

He expresses an idea in various forms throughout the Old and New Testaments.

God has demonstrated His ability to humble the proud; He reduces to nothing those world leaders who are puffed up with pride (Isa. 14:4-21; Ezek. 28:1-10; Dan. 4:28-3 7). He also has a penchant for promoting the humble. We see this clearly in the lives of both Joseph and Daniel, two men who suffered unjustly and ended up in slavery. But God used their humble status to raise them up through the ranks to accomplish His purposes. This twin theme is woven through the fabric of the Old and New Testaments.

So, the first strong word of counsel for those who want to find genuine satisfaction and true success comes from a whole parade of passages in Holy Scripture—submit yourself to those who are wise instead of flaunting your own authority. God will provide a greater measure of grace to those who genuinely submit with humility.

The second in Peter's series of three commands concerns our attitude. To experience true success in life, we must “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand” (5:6). In the Old Testament, God's “hand” was a metaphor for his power displayed in two ways: discipline (Exod. 3:20; Job 30:21; Ps. 32:4) and deliverance (Deut. 9:26; Ezek. 20:34). So, humbling ourselves means we accept whatever comes from God. We follow our sovereign Lord along the smooth highways and the bumpy back roads. In other words, we don't manipulate events or people. We don't hurry things to conform to our timetable. Instead, we allow our God to orchestrate things at His tempo. Only in this way will the promise of 1 Peter 5:6 be fulfilled in us: “that he may lift you up in due time.”

Let me illustrate. Let's say you write music and you’re reasonably talented. But you’re just starting and are unknown except in your small church and circle of Christian friends. But you love the Lord and want to serve Him with the talents He's given you. So you have a quandary. Do you push hard to be discovered by the world? How hard? After all, your gifts are only good if you use them, right? What would it mean to humble yourself under God's mighty hand in this situation? We're not left to wonder.

King David serves as an excellent biblical example. In 1 Samuel 16, you find a young, homegrown musician who kept his father's sheep. He had never heard the applause of the public. His world was limited to bleating sheep. But he kept playing his music, writing his songs . . . and all the while, he had no idea that one day his original compositions would find their way into the book of Psalms. David didn't pursue fortune and glory with his music. He didn't hire an agent or rent an oxcart to take his songs on the road.

Nevertheless, more than any other collection of “hits' David's inspirational psalms have brought glory to God. In God's timing, He found young David. His attitude of humility exalted him and his work to a place he could never have reached on his own. Look at what Psalm 78 says about David:

calling him from the sheep pens.

He took David from tending the ewes and lambs

and made him the shepherd of Jacob’s descendants—

God’s own people, Israel.

He cared for them with a true heart

and led them with skillful hands. (Ps. 78:70-72)

When David humbled himself under God's mighty hand, God exalted Him at the proper time.

I've never been jumped out of airplanes with a parachute on my back or to leap off high bridges strapped to a giant rubber band. But I suppose the feeling of free fall one experiences by skydiving or bungee jumping is similar to how we feel when we've totally submitted to the authority of others and humbled ourselves before God. The feeling of absolute surrender and powerlessness could initially cause us to panic. But when we realize that our lives depend not on a parachute or bungee cord, but on the living God, we'll recognize that we've traded insecurity for true security. We'll discover that we depended on our manufactured devices rather than trusting God's supernatural strength.

This leads to Peter's third strategy for true success: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (5:7). The term “casting . . . on" (epiriptõ) means “to throw upon”! This represents a decisive action on our part, neither passive nor partial. When Peter tells us to cast all our anxiety on Him, this is how we “humble ourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand” (5:6). We surrender all those anxieties, questions, and concerns. Psalm 55:22 reflects the same thought: “Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” Similarly, Peter accompanies His exhortation of radical surrender with a reminder of the character of God. We can cast everything on Him because He cares for us (5:7).

Do you want a simple formula that will enable you to handle whatever success God may bring and provide the relief you need? Peter gives us just such a formula in 1 Peter 5:5-7. It's unpopular and doesn’t conform to the world's advice. I should warn you: When you try to put it into practice, your natural instinct will be to resist it. But it's the raw material of a life lived in hope:

If we want to grasp what true success is and how to obtain it, we need to tune out the seductive messages from the world and tune in to the instructive messages from God’s Word. We need to look to Christ as the model of humility and turn away from Satan as an example of hubris. As I see it, our great need for this reorientation involves direction, discipline, and discernment.

First, we need direction so we can know to whom we should submit. We aren't called to submit to everybody indiscriminately. But neither are we to follow our own ways in our own wisdom. Peter identifies the ones to whom we must submit: our “elders.” But how do you know they’re trustworthy? One way is to ensure they're pointing to Christ, not themselves. Paul wrote, “And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.” (1 Cor. 11:1). We should also follow those who guide us by the light of God's Word, not their own suggestions and opinions. Psalm 119:105 describes, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Another indication to determine if an elder is trustworthy, filled with the Holy Spirit, and worth following is whether their lives reflect the “Fruit of the Spirit” as listed in Galatians 5:22-23, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” If elders meet this 3 step litmus test, we should follow those whom God has placed in authority over us, who are in official church leadership/elders. Hebrews 13:17 says, “Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.”

Second, we need discipline to restrain our hellish pride. Pride will keep rearing its ugly head. The more successful you are, the more you'll be tempted to chuck God's plan for the world's plan. You’ll start out just dabbling in the world's ways, but before you know it, you’ll find yourself on the wrong road heading in the wrong direction. Paul provided Timothy with a good perspective on this issue: “But have nothing to do with worldly fables. Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself< to be godly. 8 “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come,” (1 Tim. 4:7-8). Paul contrasts “worldly fables” and “bodily discipline” on the one hand |and godliness and future-oriented hope on the other. Our pride will never sit down and stay quiet. It needs strong discipline to keep it in its place.

Third, we need discernment so we can spot the beginnings of anxiety. If we don't pounce on our fears the moment they creep in, they'll soon latch onto our hearts and minds, choking out our joy and peace. Have you ever had some little worry that started to nag you? You can't get it out of your head. Like a poison, it starts to eat away at your insides, and soon you're paralyzed with fear. It takes discernment to spot that kind of anxiety before it gets out of control.

Do you find yourself caught up in the success syndrome, hopelessly running on the treadmill of discontent? Are you still convinced that the world's path to success is the best? Do you find yourself manipulating people and pulling strings to get ahead or get your way? Stop! That kind of success never satisfies. Only God's formula for success brings real relief. Through submission to mature believers,| humility toward God, |and turning our anxieties over to Him, we can experience lasting relief. Direction, discipline, and discernment are essential components to our having enduring hope in hurtful times.

Next week, the final message in the third section of the letter of 1 Peter called “Our Fiery Ordeal.” Our message is titled “Standing Nose-to-Nose with the Adversary.” Invest some time reading 1 Peter 5:8-14 for next week’s message. After next week, we will move on to 2 Peter.

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...

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2413 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, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’re delving into Psalm 7:1-5 from the New Living Translation. This Psalm is a passionate prayer of David, expressing his plea for God’s justice and deliverance in the face of false accusations and persecution. Let’s explore these verses together and uncover their profound insights for our spiritual journey.

David begins this Psalm with a desperate plea for protection: “I come to you for protection, O Lord my God. Save me from my persecutors—rescue me!” (verse 1). In this opening verse, David seeks refuge in God, recognizing that only God can provide the protection and deliverance he desperately needs. David’s use of “O Lord my God” signifies a personal relationship with God, highlighting his deep trust and reliance on Him.

David’s plea for rescue is urgent because he feels the imminent threat of his enemies. He understands that without God’s intervention, his persecutors will “maul me like a lion, tearing me to pieces with no one to rescue me” (verse 2). The vivid imagery of being mauled by a lion emphasizes the severity of the danger he faces and his utter helplessness without God’s protection.

These verses serve as a powerful reminder to seek God’s protection in times of trouble. When we face threats or persecution, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, we can turn to God, our protector, and trust in His ability to rescue us from harm. David’s example encourages us to cultivate a personal relationship with God, one that is rooted in trust and reliance on His strength and deliverance.

In verses 3-5, David boldly declares his innocence: “O Lord my God, if I have done wrong or am guilty of injustice, if I have betrayed a friend or plundered my enemy without cause, then let my enemies capture me. Let them trample me into the ground and drag my honor in the dust.” This declaration reflects David’s confidence in his own integrity and his willingness to face the consequences if he is found guilty of wrongdoing.

David addresses specific accusations: wrongdoing, injustice, betrayal, and plundering. By listing these potential sins, he is essentially opening himself up to God’s scrutiny and judgment. He is willing to accept whatever consequences come his way if he is guilty. This level of transparency and accountability before God is a testament to David’s character and desire for righteousness.

David’s appeal is a plea for justice and a declaration of his commitment to living a life that honors God. He is confident that he has not wronged others and that any accusations against him are baseless. This confidence allows him to boldly ask God to vindicate and protect him from his enemies.

For us, David’s example is a call to live with integrity and to be willing to stand before God with a clear conscience. It encourages us to examine our lives, confess and repent of any wrongdoing, and strive for righteousness. When we face false accusations or unjust persecution, we can take comfort knowing that God is our ultimate judge and defender.

David’s declaration of innocence and his plea for protection are rooted in his trust in God’s justice. He knows God is a righteous judge who will vindicate the innocent and bring justice to the oppressed. This trust in God’s justice allows David to confidently place his situation in God’s hands and seek His intervention.

For us, trusting in God’s justice means believing He will right the wrongs we face and defend us against false accusations and unjust persecution. It means relinquishing our desire for revenge and allowing God to be our defender and judge. This trust frees us from the burden of seeking justice and will enable us to rest in God’s righteous and fair judgment.

As we reflect on Psalm 7:1-5, several key lessons emerge that we can apply to our own lives:

Seek God’s Protection: In times of trouble and persecution, turn to God for protection and deliverance, trusting in His strength and ability to rescue us from harm.

Live with Integrity: Strive to live a life that honors God, be willing to stand before Him with a clear conscience, and accept accountability for our actions.

Trust in God’s Justice: Believe in God’s righteous judgment and trust that He will vindicate the innocent and bring justice to the oppressed.

Cultivate a Personal Relationship with God: Develop a deep, personal relationship with God rooted in trust and reliance on His protection and deliverance.

Applying these lessons to our daily lives can transform our relationship with God and others. Seeking God’s protection in times of trouble deepens our trust in His strength and deliverance. Living with integrity encourages us to strive for righteousness and to be willing to stand before God with a clear conscience.

Trusting in God’s justice frees us from the burden of seeking our revenge and allows us to rest in His righteous judgment. Cultivating a personal relationship with God helps us develop a deep trust and reliance on Him, knowing He is our protector and defender.

As we conclude our exploration of Psalm 7:1-5, let’s carry these lessons with us on our journey. Seek God’s protection, live with integrity, trust in His justice, and cultivate a personal relationship with Him. By doing so, we align ourselves with this Psalm’s timeless wisdom and navigate life’s complexities with faith and assurance.

Thank you for joining me on this episode of Wisdom-Trek. May these insights from Psalm 7 inspire and strengthen you as you continue your trek through life. Until next time, keep seeking wisdom, cherish each moment, and continue making a positive impact on the world around you.

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 2412 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, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’re delving into Psalm 6:1-10 from the New Living Translation. This Psalm is David’s heartfelt prayer, expressing deep sorrow and an emotional plea for God’s mercy and deliverance. Let’s explore these verses together and discover their profound insights for our spiritual journey.

David begins this Psalm with a heartfelt cry to God: “O Lord, don’t rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your rage. Have compassion on me, Lord, for I am weak. Heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony. I am sick at heart. How long, O Lord, until you restore me?” (verses 1-3).

Here, David is acutely aware of his own frailty and the weight of God’s discipline. He pleads for mercy, recognizing that he is weak and in desperate need of God’s compassion and healing. This plea is for physical healing and spiritual and emotional restoration.

David’s cry, “How long, O Lord, until you restore me?” echoes a deep sense of longing and urgency. It reminds us that in times of distress, it’s natural to feel impatient and to question how long our suffering will last. Yet, this questioning also reveals a trust in God’s ability to restore and heal.

These verses serve as a powerful reminder to turn to God in our moments of weakness and seek His mercy and healing. When we feel overwhelmed by the challenges we face, we can come before God with honesty and vulnerability, trusting in His compassion and unfailing love.

David continues his prayer in verses 4 and 5 with a plea for deliverance: “Return, O Lord, and rescue me. Save me because of your unfailing love. For the dead do not remember you. Who can praise you from the grave?”

In these verses, David appeals to God’s unfailing love as the basis for his plea for rescue. He understands that only through God’s intervention can he be saved from his dire situation. David’s reference to the dead not remembering God or praising Him from the grave highlights his desire to continue living a life that honors and glorifies God.

This plea underscores the importance of God’s presence and deliverance in our lives. It reminds us that our ability to worship and praise God is rooted in His sustaining grace and love. When we find ourselves in desperate situations, we can call upon God to rescue us, confident that His love for us is unwavering.

This means recognizing our dependence on God’s deliverance and seeking His help in times of need. It’s about trusting that His love will carry us through and enable us to live lives that reflect His glory and goodness.

In verses 6 and 7, David vividly expresses his sorrow and anguish: “I am worn out from sobbing. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears. My vision is blurred by grief; my eyes are worn out because of all my enemies.”

These verses capture the depth of David’s emotional and physical exhaustion. His continuous weeping and blurred vision from grief paint a powerful picture of his profound distress. The mention of his enemies adds to the weight of his sorrow, as he feels surrounded and overwhelmed by those who oppose him.

David’s raw honesty in expressing his pain serves as a model for us. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to pour our hearts to God and acknowledge the depth of our suffering. God invites us to bring our pain and sorrow to Him, knowing He is a compassionate and understanding Father.

This means embracing the freedom to be honest with God about our struggles and emotions. It’s about trusting that He cares deeply for us and is present with us in our moments of deepest sorrow.

David’s tone shifts in verses 8 and 9 as he declares his confidence in God’s response: “Go away, all you who do evil, for the Lord has heard my weeping. The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord will answer my prayer.”

In these verses, David’s assurance of God’s hearing and responding to his prayers brings a sense of hope and strength. He boldly addresses his enemies, confident that God has heard his cries and will act on his behalf. This declaration of faith highlights David’s trust in God’s faithfulness and justice.

This assurance encourages us to have confidence in God’s responsiveness to our prayers. When we bring our concerns and pleas to Him, we can trust He hears us and will answer according to His perfect will. This trust in God’s faithfulness strengthens us to face our challenges with hope and courage.

David concludes this Psalm with a prayer for justice in verse 10: “May all my enemies be disgraced and terrified. May they suddenly turn back in shame.”

This closing verse reflects David’s desire for his enemies to be held accountable for their actions. He prays that they will experience disgrace and fear, ultimately leading them to turn back in shame. David’s plea for justice underscores his trust in God’s righteous judgment.

For us, this verse serves as a reminder to trust in God’s justice and to bring our concerns about wrongdoing and opposition to Him. It’s about believing God will address injustice and act according to His righteousness. This trust frees us from the burden of seeking revenge and allows us to rest in God’s sovereign judgment.

As we reflect on Psalm 6:1-10, several key lessons emerge that we can apply to our own lives:

Seek God’s Mercy: In moments of weakness and distress, we can turn to God with honesty and vulnerability, seeking His mercy and healing.

Trust in God’s Deliverance: Recognize our dependence on God’s intervention and trust in His unfailing love to rescue us from our dire situations.

Be Honest About Our Sorrow: Embrace the freedom to express our pain and sorrow to God, knowing that He cares deeply for us and is present with us in our suffering.

Have Confidence in God’s Response: Trust that God hears our prayers and will respond according to His perfect will, bringing hope and strength to face our challenges.

Trust in God’s Justice: Bring our concerns about injustice and opposition to God, believing He will address them according to His righteous judgment.

Applying these lessons to our daily lives can transform our relationship with God and others. Seeking God’s mercy in our moments of weakness deepens our dependence on His grace. Trusting in His deliverance helps us navigate life’s challenges with faith in His unfailing love.

Being honest about our sorrow allows us to experience God’s comfort and presence in our suffering. Having confidence in God’s response strengthens our hope and courage, enabling us to face our trials with assurance. Trusting in God’s justice frees us from the burden of revenge and allows us to rest in His righteous judgment.

As we conclude our exploration of Psalm 6:1-10, let’s carry these lessons with us on our journey. Seek God’s mercy, trust in His deliverance, be honest about your sorrow, have confidence in His response, and trust in His justice. By doing so, we align ourselves with this Psalm’s timeless wisdom and navigate life’s complexities with faith and assurance.

Thank you for joining me on this episode of Wisdom-Trek. May these insights from Psalm 6 inspire and strengthen you as you continue your trek through life. Until next time, keep seeking wisdom, cherish each moment, and continue making a positive impact on the world around you.

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 2411 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 twelfth 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, Love Potion: Number 5.

When was the last time you heard a sermon on Numbers 5:11-31?

One of the things I enjoy telling people in conversations about Bible study is that “if it’s weird, it’s important.” This passage certainly qualifies in both respects. The strangeness of the passage is easily detectable, but only careful Bible study makes its importance apparent.

Numbers 5:11-31 describes a water ritual to determine the guilt or innocence of a woman suspected of adultery. A husband is to bring the wife under suspicion to the priest, along with a required grain offering that will “bring iniquity to remembrance.” The priest, in turn, prepares a jar of water mixed with dust from the Tabernacle (5:16-17). To this mixture is added the curses against her written “in a book” (5:23). Either the curses were written and erased, so that the erasures are swept into the water mixture, or the ink is washed off into the water mixture. The woman is compelled to drink the concoction after saying “Amen, Amen” in response to the priest’s invocation of blessing or cursing upon her, depending on her innocence or guilt. If she is guilty, the ingested mixture will cause pain and sterility; if there is no such reaction, she is deemed innocent (5:27-31).

Since the instructions in Numbers 5 were given by God (5:11), the water ordeal is a means of divination, whereby it is expected that God will use the ritual to answer a question human beings cannot. That the Israelites could use such divination comes as no surprise, as the high priest had the Urim and Thummim at his disposal, and various biblical characters utilize the casting of lots for discerning the mind of God on a matter (Josh 18:6-8: Prov 16:33: Acts 1:26).

This passage provides a useful starting point for discussing why biblical characters were permitted to practice divination at all, when elsewhere such methods are condemned (e.g., Deut 18:9-14). But let’s instead focus on one practical implication of this passage.

Students of the Bible know that adultery was punishable by death in ancient Israel (Lev 20:10-11). Surprisingly, death is not the penalty for the guilty woman in Numbers 5:11-31. The normal word for adultery (na’af)— the word used in connection with the death penalty—does not occur in this passage, further distancing it from being a capital crime. Why these discrepancies?

The answer lies in the fact that the guilty woman was not discovered in the act of adultery (5:13). Since this is the case, the community and, particularly, the angry husband, is effectively prohibited by the law of the water ordeal from taking matters into their own hands. This would serve as a protection for women suspected of adultery, or who might be the target of someone’s animosity or jealousy. The point is that secret adultery can and will be punished only by God.

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 2410 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, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’re delving into Psalm 5:7-12 from the New Living Translation. In this part of the Psalm, David continues his prayer, focusing on God’s steadfast love, guidance, protection, and justice. Let’s walk through these verses together and uncover the rich insights they offer.

David begins this segment of the Psalm with a profound acknowledgment of God’s unfailing love: “Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house; I will worship at your Temple with deepest awe” (verse 7). This verse highlights David’s awareness that it is only through God’s steadfast love that he can come into His presence and worship.

David’s response to God’s love is one of reverence and awe. Worship, for David, is not a casual act but one filled with deep respect and amazement at God’s goodness and grace. This teaches us that our worship should stem from understanding God’s unfailing love for us. Recognizing His grace and mercy should fill us with awe and gratitude, prompting us to approach Him with a heart full of reverence.

In our own lives, it’s important to remember that worship is a response to God’s love. When we gather to worship, whether in a church setting or our personal devotions, we should do so with a heart that is deeply aware of His love and grace. This awareness transforms our worship from a routine activity into a profound encounter with the divine.

David continues in verse 8 with a plea for guidance: “Lead me in the right path, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer me. Make your way plain for me to follow.” This request underscores David’s dependence on God for direction and protection. He acknowledges the presence of his enemies and recognizes that without God’s guidance, he is vulnerable to their attacks.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking God’s guidance in our daily lives. Just as David needed God’s direction to navigate the threats he faced, we, too, need God’s wisdom to navigate the challenges and decisions we encounter. Asking God to lead us on the right path and make His way plain for us is a powerful prayer demonstrating our trust in His sovereignty and wisdom.

For us, seeking God’s guidance means regularly turning to Him in prayer, studying His Word, and being attentive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. It’s about inviting God to direct our steps and trusting His path is best for us, even when we don’t fully understand where it will lead.

In verses 9 and 10, David describes the nature of his enemies and calls for God’s justice: “My enemies cannot speak a truthful word. Their deepest desire is to destroy others. Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are filled with flattery. O God, declare them guilty. Let them be caught in their own traps. Drive them away because of their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.”

David paints a vivid picture of his enemies’ deceitful and destructive nature. Their words are filled with lies and flattery, aimed at causing harm and leading others astray. This description highlights the destructive power of deceitful speech and the harm it can cause.

David’s plea for God to declare his enemies guilty and to let them be caught in their own traps reflects his desire for divine justice. He recognizes that his enemies are not just opposing him, but they are rebelling against God. This calls for God’s intervention and judgment.

These verses remind us of the destructive nature of deceit and the importance of truthfulness. They also encourage us to trust in God’s justice when we face opposition or deceit from others. Instead of seeking revenge, we can bring our concerns to God, trusting Him to deal with those who act unjustly.

David shifts his focus in verses 11 and 12 to those who take refuge in God: “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy. For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love.”

These verses are a beautiful declaration of the joy and protection that come from taking refuge in God. David calls for those who seek shelter in God to rejoice and sing joyful praises forever. This joy stems from the assurance of God’s protection and the blessing that comes from loving His name.

The imagery of God spreading His protection over His people and surrounding them with His shield of love is deeply comforting. It assures us that when we seek refuge in God, we are protected and blessed with His love and joy.

This means that in times of trouble or uncertainty, we can find joy and security in God’s presence. Taking refuge in Him involves trusting in His protection and resting in His love. It also means rejoicing and praising Him for His faithfulness and goodness.

As we reflect on Psalm 5:7-12, several key lessons emerge that we can apply to our own lives:

Worship with Reverence: Recognize God’s unfailing love and approach Him with a heart full of reverence and awe. Let your worship be a profound response to His grace and goodness.

Seek God’s Guidance: Regularly turn to God in prayer, seeking His direction for your life. Trust that His path is the best one for you, even when it’s unclear where it will lead.

Trust in God’s Justice: When faced with deceit and opposition, bring your concerns to God and trust in His justice. Avoid seeking revenge and rely on God to deal with those who act unjustly.

Rejoice in God’s Refuge: Find joy and security in God’s presence, especially in times of trouble. Trust in His protection and love, and let your heart be filled with praise for His faithfulness.

Applying these lessons to our daily lives can transform our relationship with God and others. Worshiping with reverence deepens our connection with God and reminds us of His unfailing love. Seeking His guidance helps us navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and trust in His sovereignty.

Trusting in God’s justice frees us from the burden of seeking revenge and allows us to rest in His righteous judgment. Rejoicing in God’s refuge fills our hearts with joy and peace, even under challenging circumstances, as we trust in His protection and love.

As we conclude our exploration of Psalm 5:7-12, let’s carry these lessons with us on our journey. Worship reverently, seek God’s guidance, trust His justice, and rejoice in His refuge. By doing so, we align ourselves with this Psalm’s timeless wisdom and navigate life’s complexities with faith and assurance.

Thank you for joining me on this episode of Wisdom-Trek. May these insights from Psalm 5 inspire and strengthen you as you continue your trek through life. Until next time, keep seeking God’s wisdom, cherish each moment, and continue making a positive impact on the world around you.

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!