Welcome to Day 2303 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Proverbs 24:1-7 Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2303 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2303 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. It’s a joy to have you with me on this journey. Today, our exploration takes us into the insightful verses of Proverbs 24:1-7 from the New Living Translation. As we delve into these verses, let’s seek the timeless wisdom that can guide us in building a strong and secure life, avoiding destructive behaviors, and establishing a foundation of wisdom. Reflect… Without further delay, let’s head out to the wisdom trail and dive into the wisdom of Proverbs. Verse 1-2: “Don’t envy evil people or desire their company. For their hearts plot violence, and their words always stir up trouble.” These verses offer a clear warning against envying the ways of the wicked and cautioning us about the destructive nature of their actions. How can we build a strong and secure life by avoiding the influence of those who plot violence and stir up trouble? We must Build a Strong and Secure Life by Recognizing the danger of envying the ways of the wicked. Choose to distance yourself from those whose hearts plot violence and words stir up trouble. Cultivate a life anchored in righteousness, avoiding destructive influences, and establishing a foundation of wisdom that promotes strength and security. Reflect… Now, let’s turn our attention to verses 3-4. “A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. Through knowledge, its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables.” These verses draw a parallel between building a physical house and constructing a life fortified by wisdom, good sense, and knowledge. How can we apply the principles of wisdom, good sense, and knowledge to build a life filled with precious riches and valuables? By Building a Life Filled with true Precious Riches and Recognizing the parallels between building a physical house and constructing a life. Choose to build your life with wisdom, good sense, and knowledge. Cultivate a mindset that values these principles, allowing your life to become strong and filled with precious riches and valuables that extend beyond material wealth. Reflect… Verse 5-6 continues with reflections on the importance of wisdom in strategic planning. “The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger. So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers.” These verses emphasize the might of wisdom and the strength that comes from knowledge, highlighting the importance of strategic planning. How can we apply the wisdom of seeking guidance and having many advisers to ensure success in our endeavors? We need to Seek Wise Guidance for Strategic Planning and Recognize the might of wisdom and the strength derived from knowledge. Choose not to venture into endeavors without wise guidance....

Welcome to Day 2302 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Proverbs 23:26-35 Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2302 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2302 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. It’s a pleasure to have you with me on this journey. Today, our exploration takes us into the profound insights of Proverbs 23:26-35 from the New Living Translation. As we delve into these verses, let’s seek the timeless wisdom that can guide us in guarding our hearts, avoiding the snares of excessive indulgence, and recognizing the importance of self-control. Pause… Without further delay, it is time to head out and dive into the wisdom of Proverbs. Verse 26: “My son, give me your heart. May your eyes take delight in following my ways.” This verse expresses the desire for a deep and committed connection, urging us to align our hearts and desires with the ways of wisdom. How can we give our hearts fully to the ways of wisdom and find delight in following God’s path? We need to Give our Hearts to the Ways of Wisdom and Recognize the invitation to give our hearts fully to the ways of wisdom. Choose to align your desires with God’s principles, finding delight in following His path. Cultivate a heart that is surrendered to the guidance of God, understanding that true fulfillment comes from a life lived in harmony with His ways. Pause… Now, let’s turn our attention to verses 27-28. “A prostitute is a dangerous trap; a promiscuous woman is as dangerous as falling into a narrow well. She hides and waits like a robber, eager to make more men unfaithful.” These verses caution against the dangers of immoral relationships and the destructive consequences they can bring. How can we guard our hearts against the snares of immoral relationships and maintain faithfulness? Guard Your Heart Against Immoral Relationships by Recognizing the dangers of immoral relationships and the potential consequences they bring. Choose to guard your heart against the snares of such relationships, understanding the importance of faithfulness and integrity. Cultivate a commitment to moral purity, avoiding situations that could lead to compromise and staying true to the values of fidelity and honor. Pause… Verse 29-30 continues with reflections on the perils of excessive indulgence. “Who has anguish? Who has sorrow? Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining? Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?” These verses paint a vivid picture of the consequences of excessive indulgence and the toll it takes on a person’s well-being. How can we avoid the perils of excessive indulgence and the accompanying anguish and sorrow? Avoid the Perils of Excessive Indulgence by Recognizing the toll that excessive indulgence takes on your well-being. Choose to avoid habits and behaviors that lead to anguish, sorrow, and physical harm. Cultivate a lifestyle of...

Welcome to Day 2301 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom The Characters of Christmas-6 The First to Know - Shepherds – Daily Wisdom Putnam Church Message – 12/03/2023 The Characters of Christmas – The First to Know: Shepherds Last week, we focused on dealing with dilemmas as we saw how Paul found himself “Between a rock and a hard place.”   Today is the first message of Advent as we continue from last year and investigate some of the Characters of Christmas.  The First to Know: Shepherds.   Let’s read Luke 2:1-21, on page 1590, in your Pew Bibles. The Birth of Jesus 2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had...

Welcome to Day 2300 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Proverbs 23:17-25 Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2300 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2300 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. It’s wonderful to have you with me on this journey. Today, our exploration takes us into the profound insights of Proverbs 23:17-25 from the New Living Translation. As we venture into these verses, let’s seek the timeless wisdom that can guide us in cultivating a heart of reverence, avoiding envy, and recognizing the value of parental guidance in shaping our character. Without further delay, come along with me, and let’s dive into the wisdom of Proverbs. Pause… Verse 17: “Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the Lord.” This verse provides a clear directive to avoid envy and instead maintain a heart of reverence for the Lord. How can we cultivate a heart of reverence and guard against the destructive emotion of envy? We must cultivate a heart of reverence by recognizing the importance of cultivating a heart of reverence for the Lord. Choose to focus on the fear of the Lord rather than envying the ways of sinners. Cultivate a mindset that values God’s guidance and seeks to align with His principles, fostering a heart that is grounded in respect and awe. Pause… Now, let’s turn our attention to verse 18. “Surely you have a future ahead of you; your hope will not be disappointed.” This verse offers a message of hope and assurance for those who fear the Lord. How can we anchor our hope in the fear of the Lord and trust in His promising future for us? Anchor Hope in the Fear of the Lord and Recognize that your hope is anchored in the fear of the Lord. Choose to trust in God’s promises and align your aspirations with His principles. Cultivate a hopeful mindset that is grounded in the assurance of a promising future under God’s guidance. Pause… Verse 19 continues with reflections on the importance of listening to wise counsel. “Hear my son, and be wise; and guide your heart in the way.” This verse emphasizes the role of wise guidance in shaping our hearts and choices. How can we actively listen to wise counsel and guide our hearts in the right direction? Actively Listen to Wise Counsel by Recognizing the importance of actively listening to wise counsel. Choose to be attentive to the guidance of mentors, parents, and those with wisdom. Cultivate a heart that is open to instruction, understanding that wise counsel plays a crucial role in guiding your choices and shaping your character. Pause… Now, let’s explore verses 20-21. “Don’t carouse with drunkards or feast with gluttons, for they are on their way to poverty, and too much sleep clothes them in rags.” These verses caution against the company of those given to excess and the consequences it brings. How can we make wise choices in our associations to avoid the pitfalls...

Welcome to Day 2299 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom The Characters of Christmas-5 Room for Jesus - the Innkeeper – Daily Wisdom Putnam Church Message – 12/24/2022 The Characters of Christmas: Room For Jesus: The Innkeeper   On this blessed Christmas Eve, we have one more character for this Advent series. We will call this person “The Innkeeper.” Our scripture for tonight is Luke 2:1-7, on page 1591 in the pew Bible. Follow along as I read.  The Birth of Jesus 2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. You’ve probably heard the story before. Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem because of a Roman census. Joseph and Mary’s ancestral home was Bethlehem because they were both descendants of King David from the tribe of Judah. Unfortunately, when they arrived in Bethlehem, the town was packed, and they couldn’t find anywhere to stay.   Over the centuries, an entire narrative was built around verses 6 & 7. So let me read those once again. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. “No guest room available.” Those shameful words describe more than the guest room in Bethlehem. They apply just as aptly to today’s world. Sadly, in our Christmas celebrations' busyness, people still make no room for Jesus. Without even realizing it, they miss Christmas, just like most people in and around Bethlehem on the night Jesus was born.   Although that’s the typical way the story is told, that’s not necessarily what happened. The word translated “inn” in some translations, or “guest room” as we see in the NIV” can also refer to the upper, finished room of a house. If this is what Luke means, then the innkeeper has received a bad rap over the years.   Let me dramatize the story a little differently tonight with the help of others.           Joseph: Mary, we are finally approaching Bethlehem. I am thankful to God. I am certainly getting tired from this long journey.   Mary: I am sorry that you have had to walk the entire time. Thank you for allowing me to ride on the...

Welcome to Day 2298 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Proverbs 23:9-16 Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2298 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2298 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. It’s a joy to have you with me on this journey. Today, our exploration takes us into the profound insights of Proverbs 23:9-16 from the New Living Translation. As we delve into these verses, let’s seek the timeless wisdom that can guide us in understanding the importance of discernment in our interactions, valuing correction for personal growth, and appreciating the richness of wisdom over material wealth. Pause… Without further delay, let’s dive into the wisdom of Proverbs. Verse 9: “Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice.” This verse underscores the futility of offering wisdom to those who are unwilling to receive it. How can we exercise discernment in our interactions and wisely invest our time and energy? We need to exercise discernment in Interactions by recognizing the importance of discernment in choosing where to invest our time and energy. Avoid wasting valuable advice on those who are unwilling to receive it. Choose to share wisdom with those who have open hearts and minds, fostering relationships that contribute positively to personal and collective growth. Pause… Verse 10: “Don’t cheat your neighbor or rob them. Don’t withhold wages from an employee.” This verse emphasizes the principles of honesty and fairness in our dealings with others. How can we cultivate a mindset of honesty and fairness in our interactions? We can cultivate honesty and fairness by recognizing the importance of honesty and fairness in our dealings with others. Choose to treat your neighbors and employees with integrity, avoiding dishonest practices such as cheating or withholding wages. Cultivate a mindset that values honesty and fairness, contributing to a community built on trust and mutual respect. Pause… Verse 11 continues with a reflection on valuing correction for personal growth. “If you search for good, you will find favor; but if you search for evil, it will find you!” This verse highlights the connection between seeking goodness and finding favor, contrasting it with the consequences of pursuing evil. How can we prioritize the search for goodness and embrace correction for personal growth? Prioritize the search for goodness and embrace correction by recognizing the correlation between seeking goodness and finding favor. Prioritize the search for goodness in your thoughts, actions, and relationships. Choose to embrace correction as a valuable tool for personal growth, understanding that it leads to favor and positive outcomes. Cultivate a mindset that actively seeks and promotes goodness in all aspects of life. Pause… Now, let’s explore verse 12. “Be wise enough to know the difference.” This concise...

Welcome to Day 2296 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Proverbs 23:1-8 Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2297 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2297 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. It’s a pleasure to have you with me on this journey. Today, our exploration takes us into the profound insights of Proverbs 23:1-8 from the New Living Translation. Pause… As we delve into these verses, let’s seek the timeless wisdom that can guide us in understanding the importance of attentiveness in various settings, exercising self-control, discerning motives, and cultivating a healthy perspective on wealth. Without further delay, let’s strap on our hiking boots and dive into the wisdom of Proverbs. VERSE 1-3: “While dining with a ruler, pay attention to what is put before you. If you are a big eater, put a knife to your throat. Don’t desire all the delicacies, for he might be trying to trick you.” In these verses, we are advised to be attentive and exercise self-control, especially when dining with a ruler. The caution is against excessive desires, recognizing that the ruler’s intentions might not align with our well-being. How can we apply the principle of attentiveness and self-control in our interactions and relationships? Cultivate Attentiveness and Self-Control: Recognize the importance of paying attention and exercising self-control in various settings. Cultivate attentiveness in your interactions, demonstrating respect for others. Choose to be mindful of your impulses and desires, practicing moderation and discipline. Pause… Now, let’s turn our attention to verse 4. “Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit.” This verse offers practical advice about the pursuit of wealth, emphasizing the importance of balance and wisdom. How can we maintain a healthy perspective on wealth and success in our endeavors? Pursue Wealth with Balance and Wisdom: Recognize the importance of balance and wisdom in the pursuit of wealth. Avoid wearing yourself out by being overly consumed with the quest for riches. Choose to pursue wealth with a balanced perspective, understanding the value of wisdom in knowing when to pause and prioritize other aspects of life. Pause… Verse 5 speaks to the transient nature of wealth. “In the blink of an eye, wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle.” This vivid illustration emphasizes the fleeting nature of wealth, highlighting its impermanence. How can we develop a healthy relationship with material possessions and the transient nature of wealth? Cultivate a Healthy Relationship with Wealth: Recognize the transient nature of wealth and material possessions. Cultivate a healthy perspective by understanding that these things can disappear suddenly. Choose to prioritize values and relationships that endure beyond material wealth, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from a well-rounded and balanced life....

Welcome to Day 2296 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom The Characters of Christmas-4 The Song of the Angel – Daily Wisdom Putnam Church Message – 12/18/2022 The Characters of Christmas: The Song of the Angels   Last week we continued with our third Advent series character as we explored Mary, the Simple Girl at the Center of Everything   Today, we continue with our fourth Advent series character as we listen to The Song of the Angels Our initial scripture for today is Luke 2:8-15, on page 1591 in the pew Bible. Follow along as I read.  8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”   There is one character—or rather, a series of characters—hovering over the Christmas story. They are not quite human, but not quite divine, and sometimes they seem to float in the background, and at other times, they come to the foreground, announcing the good news of the birth of Jesus. We cannot step into any of the incarnation narratives in Scripture without running into them: the angels. (messengers) Heavenly beings of the unseen realm, a variety of beauty.   An angel named Gabriel first shows up in the temple while a stunned priest named Zechariah is minding his business lighting the incense on the altar (Luke 1:11-19). As Zechariah trembles, dumbfounded, the angel announces that Zechariah's wife, Elizabeth, will soon conceive a special, Elijah-like son, John the Baptizer.   Six months later, Gabriel shows up in the home of a poor teenager named Mary. Here the angel announces an even more impossible conception: a child by this young virgin, the Son of God. And not once, but twice, an angel was sent to reassure Mary's not-so-sure husband that this conception was indeed of God and not the result of her infidelity (proving that sometimes thick-headed husbands require angels to work overtime.) Angels were the ones who filled a normally quiet Bethlehem sky and hillside one night, hovering and standing among a shepherd's field, announcing to these lowly men that something big and extraordinary was happening in their sleepy town. The first Christmas pageant was not written by songwriters in Nashville, but by messengers from heaven.   Angels didn't just announce the good news. God also sent...

Welcome to Day 2295 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Proverbs 22:22-29 Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2295 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2295 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. It’s a joy to have you with me on this journey. Today, our exploration takes us into the profound insights of Proverbs 22:22-29 from the New Living Translation. Pause… As we delve into these verses, let’s seek the timeless wisdom that can guide us in understanding the importance of justice, the impact of generosity, the value of diligence, and the consequences of dishonesty. Without further delay, let’s dive into the wisdom of Proverbs. Verse 22: “Don’t rob the poor just because you can, or exploit the needy in court.” This verse emphasizes the importance of justice and cautions against exploiting the poor and needy. How can we cultivate a sense of justice and avoid exploiting those who are vulnerable? Cultivate Justice and Compassion: Recognize the importance of justice and compassion. Avoid robbing the poor or exploiting the needy in court. Cultivate a sense of justice in your actions, advocating for fairness and righteousness. Choose to be a voice for those who may not have the means to defend themselves. Pause… Now, let’s explore verse 23. “For the Lord is their defender. He will injure anyone who injures them.” This verse reassures that the Lord is the defender of the poor and will intervene against those who harm them. How can we trust in the Lord as the ultimate defender and protector of the vulnerable? Trust in the Lord as Defender: Recognize the Lord as the ultimate defender of the poor and needy. Trust in His justice and intervention against those who harm the vulnerable. Choose to place your trust in the Lord, understanding that He is the defender of the defenseless and the protector of those in need. Pause… Verse 24 continues with reflecting on the consequences of forming alliances with angry people. “Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people.” This verse warns against forming alliances with those who are prone to anger. How can we navigate relationships wisely and avoid the pitfalls of associating with hot-tempered individuals? Choose Relationships Wisely: Recognize the warning against befriending angry people or associating with hot-tempered individuals. Choose relationships wisely, surrounding yourself with those who contribute positively to your life. Cultivate friendships that are based on understanding, patience, and mutual respect, avoiding alliances that may lead to conflict and trouble. Pause… Now, let’s turn our attention to verse 25. “Or you will learn their ways and get yourself trapped.” This verse underscores the potential danger of adopting the ways of those with anger issues. How can we guard ourselves...

Welcome to Day 2294 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom The Characters of Christmas-3 Mary, The Simple Girl at the Center of Everything – Daily Wisdom Putnam Church Message – 12/11/2022 The Characters of Christmas: Mary, The Simple Girl at the Center of Everything   Last week we continued our Advent series as we explored A Christmas Miracle: The Story of Zachariah and Elizabeth.   Today, we continue our third Advent series character as we explore Mary, the Simple Girl at the Center of Everything. Our initial scripture for today is Luke 1:26-45, on pages 1588-89 in the pew Bible. Follow along as I read.  The Birth of Jesus Foretold 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Mary Visits Elizabeth 39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” The city of...