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Welcome to Day 2453 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 19:7-11 Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2453 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2453 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we continue our exploration of Psalm 19, a psalm of David that reveals the glory of God both in the natural world and in His Word. In the previous episode, we looked at the first six verses of this psalm, where David marvels at how the heavens declare the glory of God, and how creation continuously proclaims His handiwork. In verses 7 through 11, David shifts his focus from the general revelation of God in nature to the specific revelation of God in His Word. These verses are a beautiful meditation on God’s law’s perfection, power, and value, which guides, enlightens, and satisfies the soul. So, let’s dive into these verses together and uncover the treasure that is God’s Word. Psalm 19:7-11 (NLT): 7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. 9 Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. 10 They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. 11 They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them. The Perfection and Power of God’s Word: David begins verse 7 with a powerful declaration: “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” David introduces us to the profound truth that God’s Word is perfect and complete. When he speaks of “the instructions of the Lord,” he is referring to the Torah, the law given to Israel through Moses. But in a broader sense, it includes all of God’s revealed will in Scripture. David tells us that these instructions are perfect, meaning they are without flaws or defects. They are precisely what we need to live a life that pleases God. One of the most remarkable aspects of God’s Word is its ability to “revive the soul.” In our busy, often chaotic lives, it’s easy to become weary and burdened. We face challenges, disappointments, and struggles that can drain our energy and sap our enthusiasm. But David reminds us that God’s Word has the power to restore our vitality and renew our inner being. It revives us, not just physically or emotionally, but at the very core of who we are. David also highlights the trustworthiness of God’s decrees. He says they are “trustworthy, making wise the simple.” In a world where so much information is unreliable, God’s Word stands as a beacon of truth. It is a solid foundation on which we can build our lives. Even those who are “simple,” or lacking in understanding, can become wise by following the precepts of the Lord. The wisdom that comes from God’s Word is not dependent on our intellect or education; it is available to all who seek it with...

Welcome to Day 2452 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 19:1-6 Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2452 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2452 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we’ll be diving into the first six verses of Psalm 19, one of the most beautiful and profound passages in Scripture. This psalm, attributed to King David, takes us on a journey from the heavens’ vastness to God’s very presence, revealing His glory through the natural world. David’s words in these verses invite us to open our eyes, hearts, and minds to the magnificence of God’s creation, which constantly speaks of His power, majesty, and divine nature. In this episode, we’ll explore how the heavens declare the glory of God, how the skies proclaim His craftsmanship, and how this continuous testimony of creation impacts our understanding of the Creator. So, let’s set out on this trek together, allowing Psalm 19 to deepen our appreciation of God’s handiwork and draw us closer to Him. Psalm 19:1-6 (NLT): 1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. 2 Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. 3 They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. 4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. 5 It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race. 6 The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat. The Heavens Declare the Glory of God: We begin with verse 1, where David makes a powerful declaration: “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display His craftsmanship.” Here, David invites us to lift our gaze to the heavens, to observe the vast expanse above us—the sun, moon, stars, clouds, and all that fills the sky. In this simple yet profound observation, David recognizes that the heavens are not silent; they are constantly proclaiming the glory of God. The term “glory” here refers to the weightiness, the splendor, and the majesty of God. It is His beauty, His power, and His divine nature, all on display for the world to see. When David speaks of the skies displaying God’s craftsmanship, he is pointing us to the intricate and awe-inspiring design of creation. Just as a skilled artist or craftsman leaves a signature on their work, so too does God leave His mark on creation. The heavens’ symmetry, order, and beauty testify to a wise, powerful, and purposeful Creator in His design. Every cloud, every star, every sunrise and sunset, reflects the meticulous care and attention of our Creator. As we look to the heavens, we are reminded that the universe is not random or chaotic. It is the product of a divine Craftsman who has woven His glory into the very fabric of creation. The vastness of space, the movement of celestial bodies, and the brilliance of the stars—all these things declare that there is a God who is far greater than we can imagine. In our own lives, this verse challenges us...

Welcome to Day 2451 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – 1003 bc - Who Authorized It - God or Satan – I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2451 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2451 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 twentieth 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: 1003 bc Census – Who Authorized It – God or Satan. One of the more vexing problems in the Old Testament is how to parse the parallel accounts of 1 Chronicles 21:1-17 and 2 Samuel 24:1-25. 1 Chronicles 21:1-2 2 Samuel 24:1-2 Satan rose up against Israel and caused David to take a census of the people of Israel. 2 So David said to Joab and the commanders of the army, “Take a census of all the people of Israel—from Beersheba in the south to Dan in the north—and bring me a report so I may know how many there are.” Once again the anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and he caused David to harm them by taking a census. “Go and count the people of Israel and Judah,” the Lord told him. 2 So the king said to Joab and the commanders[a] of the army, “Take a census of all the tribes of Israel—from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south—so I may know how many people there are.”   The two accounts are nearly identical, save for one glaring disparity: The Chronicler’s version has Satan as David’s instigator, while 2 Samuel names Yahweh, the God of Israel, as the provocateur. The Chronicler’s account notes that David’s act “was evil in the sight of God,’ but this line is omitted in 2 Samuel. Both accounts have God posing three punishments before David, but David leaves the decision to the Lord. The Angel of Yahweh executes a plague on the land in both versions. The two accounts are contradictory. The options for resolution are all somewhat disconcerting. If we want to blame Satan, we must identify Yahweh as Satan. The reverse strategy requires that we identify Satan with the sovereign Yahweh. If Satan can somehow be removed from the picture, then we are faced with the fact that Yahweh incited David to do something, and then punished him for doing so. Is there any way out of this mess? The solution is surprisingly straightforward. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word satan (|OW) is not a proper personal name. This is because the definite

Welcome to Day 2450 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 18:46-50 Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2450 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2450 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 from our previous episodes, where we’ve explored how King David, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, penned this magnificent psalm to praise God for delivering him from all his enemies and the hand of Saul. David, a warrior and a man after God’s heart, experienced life’s ups and downs—battles, betrayals, victories, and defeats. Yet through it all, he recognized that his strength and salvation came from God alone. Today, we will delve into the concluding verses of Psalm 18, specifically verses 46 through 50, from the New Living Translation. These final verses form a powerful declaration of praise and thanksgiving to God, who is not only David’s deliverer but also the deliverer of His people. David reflects on God’s faithfulness in this passage and proclaims His goodness for all to hear. Let’s embark on this trek together, allowing the wisdom of these verses to guide us as we journey toward a deeper understanding of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness. Psalm 18:46-50 (NLT): 46 The Lord lives! Praise to my Rock! May the God of my salvation be exalted! 47 He is the God who pays back those who harm me; he subdues the nations under me 48 and rescues me from my enemies. You hold me safe beyond the reach of my enemies; you save me from violent opponents. 49 For this, O Lord, I will praise you among the nations; I will sing praises to your name. 50 You give great victories to your king; you show unfailing love to your anointed, to David and all his descendants forever. The Living God: We begin with verse 46, where David boldly proclaims, “The Lord lives! Praise to my Rock! May the God of my salvation be exalted!” In this powerful declaration, David starts by affirming the reality and presence of God. “The Lord lives!”—this is not just a statement of belief, but a shout of triumph, recognizing that the God of Israel is not a distant or lifeless deity. He is the living God, active and present in the lives of His people. This living God is the source of all life, strength, and deliverance. He is not an idea, a philosophy, or an abstract concept. He is the living, breathing, sovereign Lord intimately involved in humanity’s affairs. David then moves to praise, exalting God as his Rock. The imagery of God as a Rock is powerful and multifaceted. A rock is solid, unchanging, and immovable, symbolizing stability and protection. For David, God is the unshakable foundation upon which he builds his life. Amid battles and trials, when everything around him was in turmoil, David found his security in the unchanging nature of God. He continues by calling for the exaltation of “the God of my salvation.” Here, David acknowledges that God is the one who has saved him, not just from physical danger, but from every form of destruction. Salvation, in the fullest sense, encompasses deliverance from all that threatens our physical and spiritual well-being.

Welcome to Day 2449 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2449 – A Warning for Skeptics and Sinners – Daily Wisdom Putnam Church Message – 08/18/2024 Anticipation of Christ’s Return – A Warning to Skeptics and Sinners- 2 Peter 3:1-7 Last week, we learned to keep your discernment high by Going to your Knees, Going to the Word, and Going to the Wise because Discernment is better caught than taught. We must stay close to those seasoned saints, the proven men and women overflowing with wisdom. Today’s passage is 2 Peter 3:1-7, on page 1896 of your Pew Bibles. Because of the complexities of the subject matter, I will read it from the NLT for clarity of flow.  1 This is my second letter to you, dear friends, and in both of them I have tried to stimulate your wholesome thinking and refresh your memory. 2 I want you to remember what the holy prophets said long ago and what our Lord and Savior commanded through your apostles. 3 Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. 4 They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.” 5 They deliberately forget that God made the heavens long ago by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water. 6 Then he used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood. 7 And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed. As the menacing clouds begin to break and Peter’s stormy condemnation of false teachers subsides, a beam of light pierces the gloominess. This great apostle decides it’s now time to inject a ray of hope into his otherwise frightening portrayal of the future. Though the threat of false teachers is real and imminent, he wants us to lift our eyes beyond the immediate landscape and see the bright horizon that is yet to come. It’s important to remember that between the rough period of false prophets and the coming restoration of creation, two unforgettable events intervene. Much of the evangelical teaching during the late 20th century focused on a period of Great Tribulation, by which the present world and all its wickedness will be destroyed,| and then the return of Christ, by which a new era of righteousness will begin. We must be careful not to be too dogmatic about the events preceding Christ’s return to earth. The study of the ‘end times’ is called escatology, and views can vary widely on what will take place. We know Christ will return to earth at some point, judge those who have rejected Him, and remake the earth into a global Eden as he finalizes the Kingdom of God. Heaven and earth will be joined at that point, our dwelling place for all eternity. This leads to Peter’s finale in chapter 3. He further develops the issue of the end times,>which he mentioned several times in the first two chapters. In his final written words to the churches before...

Welcome to Day 2448 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 18:37-45 Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2448 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2448 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we continue our exploration of Psalm 18, a powerful psalm of David that reflects his gratitude to God for deliverance and victory over his enemies. In the previous episodes, we’ve seen how David praised God for His strength, faithfulness, and protection. We’ve reflected on how God’s way is perfect, how He arms us with strength, and how He makes our paths secure. Now, as we dive into Psalm 18:37-45 from the New Living Translation, we’ll witness David’s description of his triumph over his enemies, a victory that he attributes entirely to God’s enabling power. These verses depict the battle’s intensity, the victory’s totality, and David’s humility in recognizing God’s role in his success. So, let’s set out on today’s trek together, delving into the depths of Psalm 18:37-45.   Psalm 18:37-45 (NLT): 37 I chased my enemies and caught them; I did not stop until they were conquered. 38 I struck them down so they could not get up; they fell beneath my feet. 39 You have armed me with strength for the battle; you have subdued my enemies under my feet. 40 You placed my foot on their necks. I have destroyed all who hated me. 41 They called for help, but no one came to their rescue. They even cried to the Lord, but he refused to answer. 42 I ground them as fine as dust in the wind. I swept them into the gutter like dirt. 43 You gave me victory over my accusers. You appointed me ruler over nations; people I don’t even know now serve me. 44 As soon as they hear of me, they submit; foreign nations cringe before me. 45 They all lose their courage and come trembling from their strongholds. The Pursuit and Conquest: We begin with verses 37 and 38: “I chased my enemies and caught them; I did not stop until they were conquered. I struck them down so they could not get up; they fell beneath my feet.” Here, David vividly describes his relentless pursuit of his enemies. His words paint a picture of determination and total victory. David did not merely defend himself or avoid confrontation; he actively pursued his enemies until they were completely subdued. This pursuit symbolizes the spiritual battles we face in our lives. When we confront sin, fear, or any obstacle that stands in our way, we must do so with the same tenacity, not stopping until we have overcome it by God’s power. David’s description of striking down his enemies so they could not get up and falling beneath his feet illustrates the totality of his victory. This wasn’t a partial or temporary win; it was a decisive and final conquest. In our spiritual walk, this reminds us that God calls us to be more than conquerors. We are not meant to live in a state of ongoing defeat or partial victories. Through Christ, we can achieve complete victory over the challenges we face. God as the Source of Strength: Verse 39 is a crucial turning point

Welcome to Day 2447 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 18:30-36 Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2447 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2447 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. I’m delighted to have you join me today as we continue exploring the depth and beauty of Psalm 18. In our last episode, we reflected on Psalm 18:25-29, where David praised God’s faithfulness, justice, and strength. We saw how God is faithful to those who are faithful, how He lights our way in darkness, and how, with His strength, we can overcome any obstacle. Today, we’ll be diving into Psalm 18:30-36 from the New Living Translation. In these verses, David continues to praise the greatness of God, focusing on His perfect way, His provision, and His empowerment for the battles of life. These verses are a powerful reminder of God’s sufficiency and how He equips us to stand firm and victorious. So, let’s embark on today’s trek together as we uncover the wisdom and encouragement in Psalm 18:30-36. Psalm 18:30-36 (NLT): 30 God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. 31 For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? 32 God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. 33 He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. 34 He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow. 35 You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me; your help has made me great. 36 You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping. God’s Perfect Way: We begin with verse 30: “God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.” David starts by affirming that God’s way is perfect. In a world full of uncertainty, where our plans often falter and our paths can be unclear, it’s comforting to know that God’s way is flawless. His plans are without error, and His guidance is always trustworthy. When we follow His path, we walk in a way that is right and leads to ultimate fulfillment and peace. David also reminds us that “all the Lord’s promises prove true.” This statement is a testimony to the faithfulness of God’s Word. Throughout Scripture, we see countless promises made by God to His people—promises of protection, provision, guidance, and love. David assures us that these promises are not just empty words; they are steadfast and reliable. We can build our lives on the certainty that God will do what He has said. Moreover, David declares that God is “a shield for all who look to him for protection.” This image of God as a shield is a recurring theme in the Psalms. A shield is a defense against attacks, a protector amid danger. When we place our trust in God, He becomes our shield, guarding us against the spiritual and physical dangers we face. This doesn’t mean that we’ll...

Welcome to Day 2446 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – Sanctified Dirt – I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2446 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2446 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 eighteenth 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, Sanctified Dirt. Elisha’s healing of Naaman, the leper, commander of the army of the king of Syria, is a familiar story to many (2 Kgs 5:1-27). Naaman hears that Elisha, the prophet of Israel, can heal him, so he makes the trip. When the two meet, Elisha tells him rather dismissively that he needs to take a bath in the Jordan River. Naaman doesn’t take this well and prepares to go home. At the behest of some servants, he consents to dip himself in the Jordan. The simple act miraculously heals him. The display of power, so transparently without sacrifice or incantation, awakens Naaman to the fact that Yahweh of Israel is the true God. Here’s where the story usually ends in our telling, but that would result in the omission of one very odd detail—what Naaman asks to take back home. In 2 Kings 5:15-19, the elated Naaman returns to Elisha and begs him to take payment for healing him. Elisha repeatedly refuses. Finally, before embarking on a trip to Syria, Naaman makes a strange request: to load two mules with dirt to take back with him. Dirt? I can think of a few favors I would ask of a prophet in a receptive mood, but dirt certainly isn’t one of them. The request is so odd that it’s hard to avoid wondering if Naaman needed some other kind of therapy. Why would he ask for dirt? But Naaman was completely in his right mind. In 2 Kings 5:17, Naaman follows the request with an explanation: “From now on, I will never again offer burnt offerings or sacrifices to any other god except the Lord.” The dirt and Naaman’s new allegiance to the God of Israel are related. Naaman was a man who had significant duties in his home country. He couldn’t stay in Israel, but he could take Israel with him. Why would he want to? Naaman’s unusual request stems from the ancient—and biblical— conception that the earth is the locale for a cosmic turf war. Naaman wanted dirt from Israel because Israel was Yahweh’s territory. The dirt, which is Yahweh’s domain, is holy ground. The idea of “holy ground” is an essential element of Israelite theology. This phrase is used when Moses is in the presence of the Angel of the Lord and the God of Israel at the burning bush (Exod 3:1-5) and when Joshua meets the Angel of the Lord...

Welcome to Day 2445 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 18:25-29 Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2445 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2445 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. I’m excited to be on this journey with you today as we continue to explore the profound truths of God’s Word. In our last episode, we walked through Psalm 18:16-24, where David reflected on God’s deliverance, his own righteousness, and the rewards that come from living a life aligned with God’s will. Today, we’ll dive into Psalm 18:25-29 from the New Living Translation. In these verses, David shifts his focus to God’s character and the way He interacts with people based on their hearts and actions. These verses are rich with insight into the nature of God’s justice and the encouragement that comes from walking in His light. So, let’s lace up our hiking boots and set out on today’s trek, as we uncover the wisdom and guidance in Psalm 18:25-29. Psalm 18:25-29 (NLT): 25 To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity. 26 To the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd. 27 You rescue the humble, but you humiliate the proud. 28 You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness. 29 In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. God’s Reciprocity: Let’s start with verses 25 and 26: “To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity. To the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd.” These verses highlight a principle about God’s interaction with humanity: reciprocity. David observes that God’s dealings with people are often a reflection of their own character and behavior. To those who are faithful, God reveals His faithfulness. To those who live with integrity, God responds with integrity. And to the pure, God shows Himself pure. This isn’t to suggest that God’s character changes based on human behavior—God is unchanging in His holiness, righteousness, and love. Instead, David emphasizes that the condition of our hearts often influences our experience of God. If we approach God with sincerity, faithfulness, and purity, we’ll experience His attributes in a way that aligns with those qualities. But what about the crooked? David says, “To the crooked you show yourself shrewd.” Here, the word “shrewd” implies that God deals with the deceitful and wicked in a way that matches their cunning. God’s justice ensures that those who live dishonestly or with malicious intent will eventually face the consequences of their actions. In other words, God is not fooled by those who try to manipulate or deceive—He meets them on their own terms, with divine wisdom and justice. This principle reminds us that how we live our lives profoundly impacts our relationship with God. If we seek Him with a heart full of faith and integrity, we will find Him to

Welcome to Day 2444 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2444 – Disobedience Gone to Seed – Daily Wisdom Putnam Church Message – 08/11/2024 Denunciation of False Teachers – Disobedience Gone To Seed - 2 Peter 2:12-22 Last week, we observed that scripture does seem to present two sides of the same God—the attributes of justice, judgment, and wrath on the one side and the attributes of mercy, salvation, and blessing on the other. The side that we are on depends on whether we have accepted God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. If you miss any messages, you can watch them online on our FaceBook page or at PutnamChurch.org. Today’s passage is 2 Peter 2:12-22, on page 1895 of your Pew Bibles. Because of the complexities of the subject matter, I will read it from the NLT for clarity of flow.  12 These false teachers are like unthinking animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed. They scoff at things they do not understand, and like animals, they will be destroyed. 13 Their destruction is their reward for the harm they have done. They love to indulge in evil pleasures in broad daylight. They are a disgrace and a stain among you. They delight in deception[e] even as they eat with you in your fellowship meals. 14 They commit adultery with their eyes, and their desire for sin is never satisfied. They lure unstable people into sin, and they are well trained in greed. They live under God’s curse. 15 They have wandered off the right road and followed the footsteps of Balaam son of Beor,[f] who loved to earn money by doing wrong. 16 But Balaam was stopped from his mad course when his donkey rebuked him with a human voice. 17 These people are as useless as dried-up springs or as mist blown away by the wind. They are doomed to blackest darkness. 18 They brag about themselves with empty, foolish boasting. With an appeal to twisted sexual desires, they lure back into sin those who have barely escaped from a lifestyle of deception. 19 They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you. 20 And when people escape from the wickedness of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up and enslaved by sin again, they are worse off than before. 21 It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life. 22 They prove the truth of this proverb: “A dog returns to its vomit.”[g] And another says, “A...