Welcome to Day 2561 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – Destiny & Destination – I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2561 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2561 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 42nd lesson in our segment, Theology Thursday. Utilizing excerpts from a book titled: I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible written by Hebrew Bible scholar and professor the late Dr. Michael S Heiser, we will invest a couple of years going through the entire Bible, exploring short Biblical lessons that you may not have received in Bible classes or Church. The Bible is a wonderful book. Its pages reveal the epic story of God’s redemption of humankind and the long, bitter conflict against evil. Yet it’s also a book that seems strange to us. While God’s Word was written for us, it wasn’t written to us. Today’s lesson is: “Destiny & Destination.” “I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain,” Paul said while imprisoned. His ambitions are repeated a few verses later: “When therefore I have completed this ... I will leave for Spain by way of you” (Rom 15:28). It’s certainly ambitious for him to be making travel plans. But Paul wasn’t making casual conversation or planning a vacation. He believed his life and ministry would not end until he reached Spain. We aren’t sure if Paul made it, but he was passionate about getting there. Why? He saw himself in the prophecy of Isaiah 66.   Day of Salvation Throughout his letters, Paul quotes Isaiah and other Old Testament books to show that the long-promised day of salvation would come during his lifetime. In the Old Testament, the Jewish belief in Jesus as the Messiah was preceded by something Paul referred to as “the fullness of the Gentiles” (Rom 11:25). In Romans 9-11, Paul says that Gentile (non-Jew) inclusion in the people of God was made possible by the hearts of the Jewish people being temporarily hardened (11:25-26). Accomplishing the mission of Gentile evangelism would undo this hardening. Only then would Paul’s longing for the Jews to believe in Jesus come to full fruition. And only then would the deliverer (Jesus) come again from Zion (11:26). Isaiah 66:18-20 prophesies that the Lord would gather all nations to see His glory. He would give them a “sign” of His promised salvation. The sign would be delivered by Jewish exiles, sent by God into far-off nations—specifically, the lands of Tarshish, Put, Lud, Tubal, and Javan. The conversion of the Gentiles would result in the Jews from those nations returning to the Lord. The Sign Paul Saw Paul interpreted Isaiah 66 through Christian eyes. The “sign” (TH, ’ot,) was the virgin-born Jesus (compare Isa 7:14—“The Lord himself will give you a sign”).- At Pentecost, Jews whose ancestors were exiled to foreign nations came to Jerusalem from those nations. They witnessed a sign of the Holy Spirit coming upon the disciples, heard the gospel miraculously in their own language, and...

Welcome to Day 2560 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2560 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 45:6-11– Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2560 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2560 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 exploring the majestic Psalm 45, focusing on verses 6 through 11 from the New Living Translation. Psalm 45 is often called a royal wedding psalm. It was likely written to celebrate the wedding of an Israelite king, but it also holds deeper significance as a prophetic foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, our eternal King. These verses shift the focus from the king’s strength in battle to his righteous rule and the glory of his bride. This passage is rich in meaning, pointing not only to an earthly king’s wedding but ultimately to Christ’s reign and His bride—the Church. Let’s begin by reading the passage together:

1. Psalm 45:6-11 (NLT)

6 Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. You rule with a scepter of justice. 7 You love justice and hate evil. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else. 8 Myrrh, aloes, and cassia perfume your robes. In ivory palaces, the music of strings entertains you. 9 Kings’ daughters are among your noble women. At your right side stands the queen, wearing jewelry of finest gold from Ophir. 10 Listen to me, O royal daughter; take to heart what I say. Forget your people and your family far away. 11 For your royal husband delights in your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord.

1. The Eternal Reign of the King (Verses 6-7)

Verse 6 begins with a bold and powerful declaration: “Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. You rule with a scepter of justice.” Here, we see a remarkable transition. The psalmist, who was speaking about the earthly king, now directly addresses God. This shift is significant because it suggests that the king’s reign is not merely human—it is divinely appointed and foreshadows Christ’s eternal kingdom. The imagery of the throne enduring forever reminds us that God’s rule is not temporary. Earthly kings and rulers come and go, but God’s reign is everlasting. Unlike human governments that can be corrupt or unstable, His kingdom is built on perfect justice. Verse 7 reinforces this idea: “You love justice and hate evil. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.” This passage highlights the King’s character—He is not just powerful; He is righteous. He loves justice and hates evil, which is why He is anointed above all others. This verse is directly quoted in Hebrews 1:8-9, where it is applied to Jesus Christ. This confirms that Psalm 45 is not just about an earthly ruler but ultimately points to Jesus, the true King who reigns in righteousness. Illustration: Imagine a...

Welcome to Day 2559 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Putnam Church Message – 02/02/2025 Sermon Series: Old Testament Orientation Message 4: “The Books of the Pentateuch” Last week, we continued our Old Testament Orientation series with ‘The Language, Cosmology, Geography, and Interpretation of the Old Testament.’ This week, we will begin exploring the Old Testament’s different groups of books (genres), starting with The Books of the Pentateuch from an ancient Israelite perspective and insights into the Divine Council Worldview. Opening Prayer Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, eager to learn and grow through Your Word. As we delve into the Pentateuch, the foundation of Your covenant and story with humanity, open our eyes to the wisdom within these books. Help us see through the perspective of Your people, ancient Israel, and to apply these timeless truths to our lives. Guide our hearts to understand Your purpose, Your love, and Your sovereignty. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Introduction The Pentateuch, also known as the Torah, consists of the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These books form the foundation of God’s covenantal relationship with His people. To the ancient Israelites, these texts were not merely stories or laws; they were the blueprint for life, the anchor of their identity, and the revelation of Yahweh’s character. Today, we will explore these books from the perspective of an ancient Israelite, uncovering the themes of creation, covenant, worship, and faithfulness. These books teach us who God is, who we are in relationship to Him, and how to live in faithfulness to His commands. We will examine four main points: (Bulletin Insert)

1. The Creation and Covenant of Genesis
2. The Redemption and Revelation of Exodus
3. The Holiness and Worship of Leviticus
4. The Journey and Renewal of Numbers and Deuteronomy

Through each of these points, we will discover the richness of the Pentateuch and its relevance for our faith today. Main Points

1. The Creation and Covenant of Genesis

Genesis lays the foundation for understanding God’s relationship with humanity. It begins with the grand narrative of creation, establishing Yahweh as the sovereign Creator. The ancient Israelites would have contrasted this with the pagan creation myths of their neighbors, which depicted chaotic battles among competing gods.     Key Themes:

• Creation: In Genesis 1, God speaks the universe into existence. Unlike other ancient Near Eastern accounts, Yahweh creates without struggle, emphasizing His supreme authority.
• Covenant: In Genesis 12, God calls Abraham, establishing a covenant that will shape Israel’s identity. This covenant is marked by promises of land, descendants, and blessings.

Expanded Narrative: For an Israelite, Genesis was more than just an origin story. It explained their very existence and purpose. Imagine an Israelite child asking, “Father, why do we live in this land?” The father would tell the story of Abraham, who left everything to follow Yahweh, trusting His promise of land and descendants. This story instilled a sense...

Welcome to Day 2558 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2558 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 45:1-5 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2558 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2558 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we’ll explore the majestic and poetic Psalm 45, focusing on verses 1 through 5 from the New Living Translation. Psalm 45 is unique among the psalms because it is a royal wedding song. It celebrates the beauty, strength, and righteousness of the king and paints a picture of majesty and divine favor. While it originally may have been written for an earthly king, many see it as a prophetic foreshadowing of Christ, the ultimate King. As we go through these verses, we’ll reflect on the significance of the King’s glory, his strength in battle, and how his reign points to God’s eternal rule. Let’s begin by reading the passage together: Psalm 45:1-5 (NLT) 1 Beautiful words stir my heart. I will recite a lovely poem about the king, for my tongue is like the pen of a skillful poet. 2 You are the most handsome of all. Gracious words stream from your lips. God himself has blessed you forever. 3 Put on your sword, O mighty warrior! You are so glorious, so majestic! 4 In your majesty, ride out to victory, defending truth, humility, and justice. Go forth to perform awe-inspiring deeds! 5 Your arrows are sharp, piercing your enemies’ hearts. The nations fall beneath your feet.

• A Song Overflowing with Praise (Verse 1)

The psalm begins with a personal declaration from the writer: “Beautiful words stir my heart. I will recite a lovely poem about the king, for my tongue is like the pen of a skillful poet.” Right from the start, we see that this psalm is not just an ordinary song—it is a work of deep admiration and love, meant to honor the king. The imagery of the poet’s tongue being like a pen suggests that the psalmist is filled with inspiration, compelled to speak of the king’s greatness. This reminds us that when we reflect on God’s majesty and goodness, our hearts should overflow with praise. Illustration: Think about a time when you were so moved by someone’s kindness, leadership, or character that you couldn’t help but speak highly of them. Perhaps it was a mentor, a family member, or a friend who inspired you deeply. The psalmist feels this same passion when speaking of the king’s majesty. Application: How often do we let our hearts overflow with praise for God? When we take time to meditate on His goodness, our natural response should be worship. Like the psalmist, we can let our words be an offering of gratitude and admiration.

• The King’s Beauty and Divine Favor (Verse 2)

In verse 2, the psalmist describes the king’s appearance and speech: “You are the most handsome of all. Gracious words stream from your lips. God himself has blessed you...

Welcome to Day 2557 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2557 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 44:17-26 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2557 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2557 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 concluding our exploration of Psalm 44 by focusing on verses 17 through 26 from the New Living Translation. Psalm 44 is a heartfelt and raw psalm of lament, where the psalmist reflects on God’s faithfulness in the past but struggles with present suffering and apparent silence from God. In these final verses, we see a deep cry for deliverance and a powerful reminder that even in the midst of unexplainable suffering, we can confidently turn to God. Let’s begin by reading the passage together: Psalm 44:17-26 (NLT) 17 All this has happened though we have not forgotten You. We have not violated Your covenant. 18 Our hearts have not deserted You. We have not strayed from Your path. 19 Yet You have crushed us in the jackal’s desert home. You have covered us with darkness and death. 20 If we had forgotten the name of our God or spread our hands in prayer to foreign gods, 21 God would surely have known it, for He knows the secrets of every heart. 22 But for Your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep. 23 Wake up, O Lord! Why do You sleep? Get up! Do not reject us forever. 24 Why do You look the other way? Why do You ignore our suffering and oppression? 25 We collapse in the dust, lying face down in the dirt. 26 Rise up! Help us! Ransom us because of Your unfailing love.

• Faithfulness Amid Suffering (Verses 17-19)

The psalmist begins this section with a remarkable declaration: “All this has happened though we have not forgotten You. We have not violated Your covenant.” Despite their intense suffering, the psalmist asserts that the people have remained faithful to God. They haven’t turned away from Him or abandoned His covenant, yet they’re still experiencing crushing trials. In verse 18, the psalmist reinforces this point: “Our hearts have not deserted You. We have not strayed from Your path.” This heartfelt plea emphasizes the seeming contradiction between their faithfulness and their suffering. By verse 19, the psalmist vividly describes their plight: “Yet You have crushed us in the jackal’s desert home. You have covered us with darkness and death.” This section highlights one of the most challenging aspects of faith: remaining steadfast when suffering doesn’t make sense. The psalmist doesn’t sugarcoat the pain or pretend to understand why it’s happening, but he continues to direct his questions and concerns to God. Illustration: I once heard a story about a young missionary who faced relentless hardship while serving in a remote area....

Welcome to Day 2556 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – Paul's Lost Letters – I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2556 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2556 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 41st lesson in our segment, Theology Thursday. Utilizing excerpts from a book titled: I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible written by Hebrew Bible scholar and professor the late Dr. Michael S Heiser, we will invest a couple of years going through the entire Bible, exploring short Biblical lessons that you may not have received in Bible classes or Church. The Bible is a wonderful book. Its pages reveal the epic story of God’s redemption of humankind and the long, bitter conflict against evil. Yet it’s also a book that seems strange to us. While God’s Word was written for us, it wasn’t written to us. Today’s lesson is: “Paul’s Lost Letters.” Unless you’ve been on an extended vacation from popular culture over the last couple of years, you know there’s been a lot of recent discussion about how we got the New Testament. Dan Brown’s blockbuster novel The Da Vinci Code based its conspiratorial plot in part on the notion that other gospels had been eradicated by spiteful church authorities and an emperor openly partial to orthodoxy. The success of the novel prompted many churchgoers to ask whether or not all the books that should be included in the New Testament actually were. To be sure, Dan Brown took a lot of liberties with facts in his story. But what if we’re not dealing with fiction? The New Testament itself tells us that there were books written by apostles that didn’t make it into in the Bible. Surprised? Let’s take a look. 1 Corinthians 5:9 In 1 Corinthians, Paul himself mentions an earlier letter he wrote to this same church: “I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people” (1 Cor 5:9). While some interpreters have argued that Paul was referring to the letter he was currently writing (1 Corinthians), most acknowledge that this explanation is weak. Taken at face value, 1 Corinthians 5:9 tells us that Paul had written to this church before—but that letter has not survived and thus is not part of the New Testament. Colossians 4:16 In Paul’s letter to the church at Collosae, he says, “And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea” (Col 4:16). What was this letter from Laodicea? What happened to it? The phrase “letter from Laodicea” is a literal translation of the Greek and suggests that the letter came from Laodicea. This is a bit misleading, though. The phrase does not necessarily mean that this letter was written by someone in Laodicea to Paul or to the Colossians. Colossians 4:16 tells us that letters to churches were circulated, and so it may be that this Laodicean letter was written by Paul and sent to the Christians at Colossae—like the Colossian letter was to be sent to the believers in Laodicea. Some scholars have speculated that this letter isn’t actually missing. The region of Laodicea was also identified with the city of Ephesus, indicating that the letter from Laodicea may actually be the epistle to the...

Welcome to Day 2555 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2555 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 44:9-16 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2555 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2555 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 continue our journey through Psalm 44, focusing on verses 9 through 16 from the New Living Translation. While the first part of Psalm 44 celebrates God’s past faithfulness, this section shifts dramatically to lamentation. The psalmist grapples with the tension between God’s promises and their current suffering. These verses reflect feelings of abandonment, shame, and confusion, yet they also show us the importance of bringing even our deepest struggles to God. Let’s start by reading the passage together: Psalm 44:9-16 (NLT) 9 But now You have tossed us aside in dishonor. You no longer lead our armies to battle. 10 You make us retreat from our enemies and allow those who hate us to plunder our land. 11 You have butchered us like sheep and scattered us among the nations. 12 You sold Your precious people for a pittance, making nothing on the sale. 13 You let our neighbors mock us. We are an object of scorn and derision to those around us. 14 You have made us the butt of their jokes; they shake their heads at us in scorn. 15 We can’t escape the constant humiliation; shame is written across our faces. 16 All we hear are the taunts of our mockers. All we see are our vengeful enemies.

• The Pain of Feeling Abandoned by God (Verses 9-11)

The psalmist begins this section with a stark contrast to the earlier celebration of God’s victories: “But now You have tossed us aside in dishonor. You no longer lead our armies to battle.” This abrupt shift captures the psalmist’s sense of abandonment. After recounting God’s past faithfulness in delivering His people, the writer now wrestles with the reality that God seems absent in their current struggles. In verses 10 and 11, the psalmist describes their defeat and suffering: “You make us retreat from our enemies and allow those who hate us to plunder our land. You have butchered us like sheep and scattered us among the nations.” The imagery here is striking and brutal—God’s people feel defenseless, humiliated, and dispersed. The psalmist isn’t afraid to express these raw emotions, showing us that even our feelings of abandonment can be brought to God. Illustration: Imagine a child who, after years of being lovingly guided by their parent, suddenly feels left alone in a confusing situation. They cry out, “Why aren’t you helping me?” This is the psalmist’s cry—a heartfelt expression of confusion and grief. Even though they feel abandoned, they direct their lament toward God, showing that they still trust Him enough to share their pain. Application: Have you ever faced a season where God seemed

Welcome to Day 2553 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2553 – Old Testament Orientation – The Language, Cosmology, Geography, and Interpretation of the Old Testament– Joshua 1:8 Putnam Church Message – 01/26/2024 Sermon Series: Old Testament Orientation Message 3: “The Language, Cosmology, Geography, and Interpretation of the Old Testament”   Last week, we continued our Old Testament Orientation series with ‘The Grand Narrative of the Old Testament.’ This week, we will cover the four key themes of language, cosmology, geography, and interpretation from an ancient Israelite perspective and Divine Council Worldview insights. Next week, we will begin to review the various groups of books based on their genre. Opening Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Word, which transcends time and culture. As we gather to explore the rich tapestry of language, cosmology, geography, and interpretation in the Old Testament, guide our hearts and minds. Help us see through the eyes of the ancient Israelites, and may this understanding deepen our faith and relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Introduction Imagine standing on the hills of ancient Israel, gazing at the horizon. The world, as you know it, is filled with tangible signs of God’s provision—the rains that water the crops, the stars that mark the seasons, and the sacred land promised by Yahweh. As an ancient Israelite, your understanding of life and faith is profoundly shaped by your language, your view of the cosmos, the land you call home, and how you interpret the laws and stories passed down through generations. Today, we will explore these four key aspects of the Old Testament:

1. The Language of the Old Testament
2. The Cosmology of the Ancient Israelites
3. The Geography of the Promised Land
4. The Importance of Interpretation
5. The Language of the Old Testament

The Old Testament was written primarily in Hebrew, a language deeply connected to the culture of the ancient Near East. It’s a language of pictures and symbols, where words evoke images and emotions. For example, the Hebrew word ruach means both “spirit” and “wind,” emphasizing the unseen yet powerful presence of God. Object Lesson #1: The Breath of Life (Fan with Ribbons) Bring a small fan or a balloon. As the fan blows or the balloon inflates, explain how the unseen wind represents ruach. Just as the wind is invisible but powerful, so is the Spirit of God moving through creation and history (Genesis 1:2). The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Cultural Insight For the Israelites, language wasn’t just a means of communication; it was an act of creation and covenant. In Genesis 1, God spoke the universe into existence. The Ten Commandments, spoken by God, weren’t just rules—they were a covenant (contract) sealed by His Word. Words carried weight and authority, shaping reality and relationships. But beyond its theological significance, Hebrew also shaped the daily lives of the Israelites. The act of reciting prayers, like the Shema,...

Welcome to Day 2553 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2553 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 44:1-8 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2553 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2553 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 dive into Psalm 44:1-8 from the New Living Translation. These verses reflect on God’s mighty deeds in the past, His faithfulness to His people, and a call to trust Him in the present. Psalm 44 is attributed to the sons of Korah, a group of temple musicians known for their heartfelt and poetic psalms. In the first eight verses, the psalmist recalls God’s great works in history and expresses confidence that His power and guidance remain active. It’s a reminder that while we honor what God has done, our faith must be alive in the present. Let’s begin by reading the passage together: Psalm 44:1-8 (NLT) 1 O God, we have heard it with our own ears— our ancestors have told us of all You did in their day, in days long ago: 2 You drove out the pagan nations by Your power and gave all the land to our ancestors. You crushed their enemies and set our ancestors free. 3 They did not conquer the land with their swords; it was not their own strong arm that gave them victory. It was Your right hand and strong arm and the blinding light from Your face that helped them, for You loved them. 4 You are my King and my God. You command victories for Israel. 5 Only by Your power can we push back our enemies; only in Your name can we trample our foes. 6 I do not trust in my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me. 7 You are the one who gives us victory over our enemies; You disgrace those who hate us. 8 O God, we give glory to You all day long and constantly praise Your name.

• Remembering God’s Faithfulness in History (Verses 1-3)

The psalm begins with a reflection on God’s past faithfulness: “O God, we have heard it with our own ears—our ancestors have told us of all You did in their day, in days long ago.” This verse highlights the importance of remembering and passing down stories of God’s mighty works. The psalmist recalls how God delivered His people, drove out nations, and gave the land to Israel as an inheritance. In verses 2 and 3, the psalmist emphasizes that these victories were not achieved by human strength: “They did not conquer the land with their swords; it was not their own strong arm that gave them victory. It was Your right hand and strong arm and the blinding light from Your face that helped them, for You loved them.” These verses acknowledge that Israel’s success came solely from God’s power and love. This historical perspective is significant because it reminds us that the same God who worked in the past is still at work today. The psalmist’s words challenge us to recognize that our victories, too, are the result of God’s hand, not merely our efforts. Illustration: I once heard a story about a family who, at every Thanksgiving, took time to recount how God had provided for them

Welcome to Day 2552 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2552 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 43:1-5 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2552 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2552 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we’ll be exploring Psalm 43 in its entirety, focusing on verses 1 through 5 from the New Living Translation. Psalm 43 is a short but powerful psalm, expressing a heartfelt cry for God’s help amid adversity. It’s closely connected to Psalm 42, as it echoes the same themes of longing for God, wrestling with discouragement, and choosing to hope in Him. In this psalm, the writer turns to God as his source of justice, light, and joy, offering us a beautiful model of faith amid trials. Let’s begin by reading the passage together: Psalm 43:1-5 (NLT) 1 Declare me innocent, O God! Defend me against these ungodly people. Rescue me from these unjust liars. 2 For You are God, my only safe haven. Why have You tossed me aside? Why must I wander around in grief, oppressed by my enemies? 3 Send out Your light and Your truth; let them guide me. Let them lead me to Your holy mountain, to the place where You live. 4 There I will go to the altar of God, to God—the source of all my joy. I will praise You with my harp, O God, my God! 5 Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again— my Savior and my God!

• A Cry for Justice and Rescue (Verse 1)

The psalm begins with a direct and urgent plea: “Declare me innocent, O God! Defend me against these ungodly people. Rescue me from these unjust liars.” The writer is seeking vindication, asking God to defend him against those who are unjustly accusing him. This plea for justice reflects a deep trust in God as the ultimate judge and defender. What stands out in this verse is the writer’s understanding that true justice comes from God. Instead of taking matters into his own hands or retaliating against his enemies, he turns to God, trusting Him to act on his behalf. Illustration: I’m reminded of a story about a young man who was falsely accused of wrongdoing at work. Rather than becoming defensive or lashing out, he chose to act with integrity and trust that the truth would eventually come to light. In time, his innocence was proven, and his reputation was restored. Like the psalmist, this young man placed his confidence in a higher authority, knowing that justice ultimately belongs to God. For us, this verse encourages us to bring our struggles with injustice to God. When we feel wronged or misunderstood, we can trust Him to be our defender, knowing He sees the truth even when others do not.

• Questioning Yet Trusting God (Verse 2)

In verse 2, the psalmist expresses a profound tension between trust and doubt: “For You are God, my only safe haven. Why have You tossed me aside? Why must I wander around in grief, oppressed by my...