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Welcome to Day 2212 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Proverbs 10:17-24 – Daily Wisdom  Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2212 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2212 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’m thrilled to continue our journey through the book of Proverbs, where we unearth its timeless wisdom. Today, we’re delving into Proverbs 10:17-24 from the New Living Translation. So, let’s lace up our hiking boots as we explore the path of wisdom in these verses. Pause… In Proverbs 10:17-24, we continue our exploration of the characteristics and outcomes of living a life of wisdom. These verses provide us with valuable insights into the way of the wise. Verse 17: “People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray.” This verse is a powerful reminder of the importance of accepting discipline and correction in our lives. Those who do so are on the pathway to life, while those who ignore such guidance will inevitably go astray. It emphasizes the role of humility and teachability in the pursuit of wisdom. Pause… Verse 18: “Hiding hatred makes you a liar; slandering others makes you a fool.” This verse highlights the destructive nature of harboring hatred and slandering others. It equates hiding hatred with deceit and slander with foolishness. It’s a stark reminder of the need for love, honesty, and integrity in our interactions with others. Pause… Verse 19: “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” These verses caution against excessive talk, which can often lead to sin. It advises sensibility and the wisdom of keeping one’s mouth shut when necessary. It’s a reminder that speaking less and listening more can prevent many conflicts and misunderstandings. Pause… Verse 20: “The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless.” This verse draws a sharp contrast between the words of the godly, which are likened to sterling silver—precious and valuable—and the heart of a fool, which is described as worthless. It underscores the significance of speaking with wisdom and integrity. Pause… Verse 21: “The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.” Here, we see the impact of our words. The words of the godly encourage and uplift many, while fools, due to their lack of common sense, often bring destruction upon themselves. It emphasizes the profound influence our speech can have on those around us. Pause… Verse 22: “The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” This verse underscores the nature of the blessings that come from the Lord. They make a person rich, not just materially, but also in terms of spiritual and emotional wealth. Importantly, these blessings do not bring sorrow or regret with...

Welcome to Day 2211 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – What Does God Want? – What is the Gospel? – Daily Wisdom Putnam Church Message – 03/05/2023 What Does God Want? -  What is the Gospel? Last week, we finished our story narrative overview of the Bible, answering the question: What does God want? The answer we discovered over the past six weeks was that God wants you and everyone who will ever live. In other words, God wanted a human family. God wants co-workers to take care of His creation. God wants you to know/ who you are/ and why your life has value to him. /He loves you /and desires that you also love Him. So now we switch our focus on what is required to be part of God’s forever family /and how we show this transformation in our lives./ The answer to these two questions is through believing loyalty. This week, we will explore the believing aspect; in the next two weeks, we will focus on loyalty. We invested a year in a detailed study of the Good News, according to John, but today, we will view an overall snapshot of the Good News. It is simple and yet very profound. What is the Gospel, the Good News?   It may sound odd to ask that question at this juncture. We’ve just invested six weeks walking through the story of the Bible, the story of how God wants us in his family. We join that family by believing the gospel.   I’ve discovered that many people who attend church don’t fully understand the gospel. Some can’t articulate it. Others who can express it coherently often struggle with truly surrendering to its simplicity. They suffer inside over genuinely believing /that the gospel is all that is necessary for everlasting life. Some of you may wonder what I’m talking about. There is a good chance that as I explain what I mean, you’ll either see yourself or someone you know in what follows.   We’ll start by defining the gospel. Then, I’ll ask some questions along the way that are important to consider for clarity. We also need to talk about what the gospel isn’t. When we get to that part of the conversation, you’ll see what I mean by the struggle I mentioned.   What is The Gospel? It’s relatively easy to define what the term “gospel” means. The biblical word “gospel” refers to the message of salvation. The English word “gospel” is a translation of a Greek word (the original language of the New Testament) that referred to a reward given to someone who brought good news. Hence, you’ll often hear the term “gospel” equated with “good news”—the good news about the message of salvation.   Let’s think about that. It might feel like we learned something. I suppose we did, but we didn’t understand what we needed to know. It’s nice that we can now define a term. But we haven’t said anything about the content of the message of salvation. We’ve explained what the word “gospel” means, but not what the gospel is. So, let’s talk about what the gospel means. What is the content of God’s offer of

Welcome to Day 2210 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Proverbs 10:9-16 – Daily Wisdom  Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2210 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2210 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’m excited to continue our journey through the book of Proverbs, where we explore its timeless wisdom. Today, we’re delving into Proverbs 10:9-16 from the New Living Translation. So, get ready to lace up your hiking boots as we uncover the path of wisdom in these verses. Pause… In Proverbs 10:9-16, we continue our exploration of the characteristics and outcomes of living a life of wisdom. These verses provide valuable insights into the way of the wise. Verse 9: “People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed.” These verses open with a powerful truth about integrity. People who walk in integrity find safety and security in their path, but those who follow deceitful and crooked paths will eventually be exposed. This verse emphasizes the importance of living a life marked by honesty and authenticity. Pause… Verse 10: “People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace.” Here, we see the consequences of ignoring wrongdoing. Those who wink at or overlook transgression inadvertently cause trouble, but those who boldly and lovingly correct promote peace. This verse underscores the value of addressing issues with courage and grace. Pause… Verse 11: “The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.” This verse highlights the power of words. The words of the godly are described as a life-giving fountain, nourishing and refreshing those who hear them. In contrast, the words of the wicked hide violent intentions, emphasizing the importance of our speech in either building up or tearing down. Pause… Verse 12: “Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.” Hatred and animosity lead to conflicts and quarrels, while love can cover and make up for offenses. This verse reminds us of love’s healing and reconciling power in our relationships. Pause… Verse 13: “Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding, but those lacking sense will be beaten with a rod.” These verses contrast the wisdom of understanding with the consequences of foolishness. Wise words flow from those with understanding, while those lacking sense face discipline, symbolized by being beaten with a rod. It underscores the value of wisdom and discernment in our speech. Pause… Verse 14-16: “Wise people treasure knowledge, but the babbling of a fool invites disaster. The wealth of the rich is their fortress; the poverty of the poor is their destruction. The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin.” These verses offer a series of...

Welcome to Day 2209 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom What Does God Want – God Pursues His Human Family – Daily Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – What Does God Want? – God is With His Family Forever – Daily Wisdom Putnam Church Message – 02/26/2023  What Does God Want? -  God is With His Family Forever  Last week, we continued our series with the overall theme, which is to answer the question: What does God want? The answer we discovered over the past five weeks was that God wants you and everyone who will ever live. In other words, God wanted a human family. God wants co-workers to take care of His creation. God wants you to know/ who you are/ and why your life has value to him. /He loves you /and desires that you also love Him. So, in last week’s message, we explored how “God Pursues His Family through the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. This week, we will extend that thought and see that “God is With His Family Forever” throughout all eternity.    I ended last week’s message with a firm grasp of some apparent points. Christ is risen. All those who have put their trust in what he did on the cross and his resurrection as the only means of salvation will have everlasting life. But while we are already members of Christ’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13), that kingdom has not yet come to its fullness and finality.  The same is true of the defeat and destruction of The Satan (devil) and various fallen sons of God. It is already in...

Welcome to Day 2208 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Proverbs 10:1-8 – Daily Wisdom  Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2208 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2208 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’m excited to continue our exploration of the profound wisdom found in the book of Proverbs. Today, we’re delving into Proverbs 10:1-8, from the New Living Translation. So, fasten your hiking boots, and together, we’ll uncover the path of the wise in these verses. Pause… In Proverbs 10:1-8, we begin a new section of Proverbs that contrasts the wise with the foolish. These verses provide valuable insights into the characteristics and outcomes of living a life of wisdom. Verse 1: “The proverbs of Solomon: A wise child brings joy to a father; a foolish child brings grief to a mother.” These verses open with a clear distinction between the wise and the foolish. A wise child brings joy to a father, while a foolish child brings grief to a mother. This serves as a universal truth that underscores the profound impact our choices have on our loved ones. Pause… Verse 2: “Tainted wealth has no lasting value, but right living can save your life.” This verse reminds us of the fleeting nature of ill-gotten gains. Tainted or dishonest wealth may bring temporary prosperity but lacks lasting value. In contrast, right living, characterized by moral integrity and wise choices, has the power to save and enrich our lives. Pause… Verse 3: “The Lord will not let the godly go hungry, but he refuses to satisfy the craving of the wicked.” Here, we see the divine principle of provision. The Lord ensures that the godly do not go hungry. However, He withholds His blessings from the wicked, refusing to satisfy their insatiable cravings. This verse highlights the importance of living in alignment with godly principles. Pause… Verse 4: “Laziness leads to poverty; hard work makes you rich.” This verse underscores the relationship between diligence and prosperity. Laziness and a lack of effort lead to poverty, while hard work and diligence result in wealth. It’s a reminder that success often follows sustained effort and dedication. Pause… Verse 5: “God blesses the godly with a secure heritage, but he curses the wicked with destruction.” Here, we observe the contrasting destinies of the godly and the wicked. The godly are blessed with a secure heritage, while the wicked face the consequences of destruction. This verse emphasizes the importance of living a life characterized by righteousness. Pause… Verse 6-8: “The godly are showered with blessings; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions. The godly will never be disturbed, but the wicked will be removed from the land. The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.” These verses continue to emphasize the contrast

Welcome to Day 2207 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Proverbs 9:13-18 – Daily Wisdom  Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2207 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2207 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’m genuinely excited to continue our exploration of the profound wisdom found in the book of Proverbs. Today, we’re diving into Proverbs 9:13-18 from the New Living Translation. So, put on your hiking boots, and together, we’ll explore the captivating call of folly in these verses. Pause… In Proverbs 9:13-18, we encounter a stark contrast between the call of wisdom and the seductive call of folly. These verses provide valuable insights into the consequences of our choices and the importance of discernment. Verse 13: “The woman named Folly is brash. She is ignorant and doesn’t know it.” These verses introduce us to the character of Folly. She is described as brash, displaying a reckless and arrogant demeanor. What makes her particularly dangerous is that she is ignorant of her own folly. This ignorance can lead those who heed her call into treacherous territory. Pause… Verse 14-15: “She sits in her doorway on the heights overlooking the city. She calls out to men going by who are minding their own business. ‘Come in with me,’ she urges the simple. To those who lack good judgment, she says...” Folly’s call is not subtle; she positions herself prominently, overlooking the city. She targets unsuspecting passersby who are simply minding their own business. Folly’s invitation is directed toward the simple and those who lack good judgment, exploiting their vulnerability. Pause… Verse 16-17:” ‘Stolen water is refreshing; food eaten in secret tastes the best!’ But little do they know that the dead are there. Her guests are in the depths of the grave.” Folly’s call is laced with deceit. She entices with promises of stolen pleasures, suggesting that secret indulgence is the most satisfying. However, the consequences are dire. Those who heed her call unknowingly tread into the depths of the grave. This imagery serves as a stark warning against the allure of folly. Pause… Verse 18: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions, but the path to wisdom is a well-marked highway.” This verse underscores the peril of following the seductive call of folly. It likens it to a well-paved road that leads to destruction. In contrast, the path to wisdom is described as a well-marked highway, suggesting that wisdom is readily accessible to those who seek it with discernment. Pause… As we reflect on Proverbs 9:13-18, we are reminded of the importance of discernment in our choices and the grave consequences of heeding the call of folly. Pause… Take a moment to consider these questions: How can you cultivate discernment in your life to avoid the seductive call of folly? Have there been moments when you’ve been enticed by promises that turned out to be empty? Remember, wisdom equips us to

Welcome to Day 2206 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom What Does God Want – God Pursues His Human Family – Daily Wisdom Putnam Church Message – 02/19/2023 What Does God Want? -  God Pursues His Human Family Last week, we continued our series with the overall theme, which is to answer the question: What does God want? The answer we discovered over this past month was that God wants you and everyone who will ever live. In other words, God wanted a human family. God wants co-workers to take care of His creation. God wants you to know/ who you are/ and why your life has value to him. /He loves you /and desires that you also love Him. Last week’s message showed that God Joined His Human Family. When God Joined His Human Family, All Covenants Were Fulfilled, All Rebellions Were Overcome, and All Death Was Extinguished. Because of the Resurrection, our distance from God was bridged. Today, we will explore how “God Pursues His Family.” There is a lot of scripture in today’s message, making me think of this beautiful basket. OT & NT weaved together to see how the kingdom of God is being weaved together. As I noted in the last message, the coming of the Holy Spirit fulfilled the new covenant described by Jeremiah and Ezekiel (Jer 31:31-34; Ezek 36:22-28). Let me read the verses of Ezekiel 36:25-27. “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. 26 And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.[a] 27 And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations. The Spirit’s ministry in each believer makes victory over depravity possible. Think of it as a slap in the face to the fallen sons of God. But it’s an even more direct assault on another set of supernatural villains. The Spirit’s arrival launched an infiltration campaign against the sons of God to whom God assigned the nations he divorced at Babel (Deut 32:8). When the Most High assigned lands to the nations, when he divided up the human race, he established the boundaries of the peoples according to the number in his heavenly court.[sons of God] the supernatural beings who defected from serving God and became corrupt, abusing the people under their dominion (Psalm 82). Jesus knew all that. We habitually miss this point in reading the New Testament books that come after the resurrection (i.e., Acts through Revelation). The Beginning of the End Jesus’s departure put the coming of the Spirit into motion (John 14:26; 26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you...

Welcome to Day 2205 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Proverbs 9:7-12 – Daily Wisdom  Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2205 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2205 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’m thrilled to continue our journey through the book of Proverbs, where we explore its timeless wisdom. Today, we’re delving into Proverbs 9:7-12, from the New Living Translation. So, fasten your hiking boots, and together, we’ll uncover the path of wisdom in these verses. Pause… In Proverbs 9:7-12, we encounter a powerful contrast between the way of wisdom and the way of folly. These verses provide valuable insights into the consequences of our choices and the importance of embracing wisdom. Verse 7-8: “Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return. Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt. So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you.” These verses highlight the challenging nature of correcting those who mock or act wickedly. It often results in insults and harm. However, the wise are receptive to correction and appreciate those who offer guidance. It’s a reminder that wisdom is not just about imparting knowledge but discerning when and how to share it. Pause… Verse 9: “Teach the wise, and they will be wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn more.” This verse emphasizes the receptivity of the wise and the righteous to further learning. They understand that wisdom is an ongoing journey and eagerly embrace growth opportunities. Teaching them is an investment in their continual development. Pause… Verse 10-11: “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life.” These verses underline the foundation of wisdom: a deep reverence for the Lord. Knowledge of the Holy One leads to good judgment, and wisdom is a source of life extension. It’s a powerful reminder that wisdom isn’t just about worldly knowledge but aligning our lives with divine principles. Pause… Verse 12: “If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.” This final verse encapsulates the core message of these verses. It emphasizes personal responsibility for the consequences of our choices. Becoming wise benefits us, while scorning wisdom leads to suffering. The path we choose ultimately determines our outcome. Pause… As we reflect on Proverbs 9:7-12, we are reminded that wisdom is not just about knowledge; it’s about our choices and how they shape our lives. Pause… Take a moment to consider these questions: How receptive are you to correction and guidance in your life? How can you further cultivate a heart of wisdom and reverence for the Lord? Remember, wisdom is not just about what we know but how we live. Pause… Let’s...

Welcome to Day 2204 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom What Does God Want – God Joined His Human Family – Daily Wisdom Putnam Church Message – 02/12/2023 What Does God Want? -  God Joined His Human Family   Last week, we continued our series with the overall theme, which is to answer the question: What does God want? The answer we discovered over this past month was that God wants you and everyone who will ever live. In other words, God wanted a human family. God wants co-workers to take care of His creation. God wants you to know/ who you are/ and why your life has value to him. /He loves you /and desires that you also love Him. Last week’s message was a high-level overview of the history of Israel,/ God’s chosen people from the Exodus out of Egypt/ through the return from exile in Babylon. We learned that even though God was betrayed by His family, he still loved them and pursued them. There was only one solution left. God would have to become one of us to have the human family he desired and loved. That is precisely what happened. Today, we will see that God Joined His Human Family.   Christians know all about the coming of Jesus. They know he was miraculously birthed by Mary, a young girl who was a virgin (Matt 1:18-25). The broader culture is even familiar with the image of this baby. Jesus in the manger, especially in Christmas decorations and nativity sets. Several old but popular Christmas songs celebrate how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about a messiah.   There’s More To Jesus Than The Nativity or the Cross The entire focus is typically on Jesus being born into the world to eventually die on the cross. He would be the means of forgiveness for our sins and, thus, our passage back into God’s family in John 3:16-17 16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave[a] his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. In other words, when most Christians think about Jesus, they have the cross in mind. That misses something.   The fact that God became a man in Jesus gets a little lost in focusing on the cross. Most Christians don’t realize that it was necessary for God to become a human for many reasons: to fulfill all the Old Testament covenants and overturn the results of the supernatural rebellions we discussed two weeks ago.   The hope that human beings could still one day be with God forever was kept alive by God’s refusal to eliminate humanity or scrap His plan. He kept returning to humanity, offering them forgiveness and a relationship with him. God wanted them to believe/ and show they believed by living in harmony with him and each other. But God’s children rejected him at nearly every turn. It’s as though every time God said, “You can still be with me—believe that...

Welcome to Day 2203 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Proverbs 9:1-6 – Daily Wisdom  Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2203 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2203 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’m excited to continue our journey through the book of Proverbs, where we uncover its timeless wisdom. Today, we’re delving into Proverbs 9:1-6, from the New Living Translation. So, put on your hiking boots, and together, we’ll explore the beautiful imagery of the Feast of Wisdom in these verses. Pause… In Proverbs 9:1-6, we are presented with a vivid contrast between God’s wisdom and the world’s folly. These verses invite us to partake in the life-giving feast of wisdom. Verse 1-2: “Wisdom has built her house; she has carved its seven columns. She has prepared a great banquet, mixed the wines, and set the table.” These opening verses paint a picture of wisdom as a skilled architect and hostess. She has built her house with precision and beauty, symbolized by seven sturdy columns. Wisdom has prepared an abundant banquet, mixed fine wines, and carefully set the table. The imagery here is rich, highlighting the grandeur of wisdom’s invitation. Pause… Verse 3-4: “She has sent her servants to invite everyone to come. She calls out from the heights overlooking the city. ‘Come in with me,’ she urges the simple. To those who lack good judgment, she says...” Wisdom is not exclusive; she sends her servants to invite everyone. Her call is loud and clear, echoing from the heights overlooking the city. She specifically urges the simple and those who lack good judgment to come in. This inclusivity is a testament to the universal appeal of wisdom. Pause… Verse 5: “Come, eat my food, and drink the wine I have mixed.” In this verse, wisdom extends a direct invitation to partake in her feast. She invites us to eat her food and drink the wine she has mixed. This invitation symbolizes the nourishment and refreshment wisdom offers those who accept it. Pause… Verse 6: “Leave your simple ways behind, and begin to live; learn to use good judgment.” Wisdom’s invitation comes with a transformational call. We are urged to leave behind our simple ways and embrace a new life, marked by sound judgment. Wisdom is not just about knowledge; it’s about applying that knowledge to live a life of purpose and fulfillment. Pause… Reflecting on Proverbs 9:1-6, we must recognize that wisdom is not a distant concept; it’s a feast of life-giving principles waiting to nourish our souls. Pause… Take a moment to consider these questions: How can you actively accept wisdom’s invitation in your life? What simple ways can you leave behind to embrace a life marked by sound judgment and purpose? Wisdom’s feast is within your reach, waiting to enrich your journey. Pause… Guthrie: Let’s summarize the key takeaways from Proverbs 9:1-6:

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