26 APR 2024 · Welcome to Day 2357 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Ecclesiastes 2:12-17 Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2357 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2357 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.   In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’ll explore Ecclesiastes 2:12-17 from the New Living Translation. In these verses, the Teacher continues his reflections on the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge, grappling with the fleeting nature of human existence. Let’s delve into the timeless wisdom found in Ecclesiastes 2:12-17. Verse 12: “So I decided to compare wisdom with foolishness and madness (for who can do this better than I, the king?).” In his quest for understanding, the Teacher sets out to compare wisdom with foolishness and madness. As the king, he possesses unparalleled resources and authority to undertake such a task. What insights does the Teacher gain from his comparison of wisdom and folly? The Teacher recognizes his unique position as king to assess the value of wisdom in contrast to foolishness and madness. His examination reflects a deep desire to understand the nature of human existence and the pursuit of knowledge. Now, let’s explore verses 13-16. “But I learned firsthand that pursuing all this is like chasing the wind. The greater my wisdom, the greater my grief. To increase knowledge only increases sorrow. I said to myself, ‘Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the “good things” in life.’ But I found that this, too, was meaningless. So I said, ‘Laughter is silly. What good does it do to seek pleasure?’” The Teacher reflects on his pursuit of wisdom, knowledge, and pleasure, recognizing the futility of such endeavors. Despite his intellectual achievements, he experiences profound grief and sorrow, realizing that the pursuit of pleasure ultimately leads to emptiness and meaninglessness. What insights can we glean from the Teacher’s reflections on the pursuit of knowledge and pleasure? The Teacher’s experiences lead him to conclude that the pursuit of wisdom, knowledge, and pleasure is ultimately futile and meaningless. Despite his efforts, he finds no lasting satisfaction or fulfillment in these pursuits, only grief and sorrow. Now, let’s examine verse 17. “So I decided to compare wisdom with foolishness and madness (for who can do this better than I, the king?). I thought, ‘Wisdom is better than foolishness, just as light is better than darkness.’” The Teacher reaffirms his assessment of wisdom, concluding that it is superior to foolishness and madness. Like light dispelling darkness, wisdom brings clarity and understanding to the complexities of life. How does the Teacher’s comparison of wisdom and folly contribute to his understanding of life’s meaning? The Teacher affirms the value of wisdom in contrast to foolishness and madness. He recognizes that wisdom brings illumination and clarity to life’s uncertainties, guiding one towards a deeper understanding of existence. And there you have it, my fellow trekkers, insights from...

25 APR 2024 · Welcome to Day 2356 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom - Theology Thursday – I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible - Introduction Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2356 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2356 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.   Starting today, I am beginning a new segment called Theology Thursday. Utilizing excerpts from a book titled: I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible written by Bible scholar and professor 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. Today, we will introduce why this study is both essential and relevant for us individually and the Church worldwide. So, let’s jump into our introduction. 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. It’s been my experience as a father, gramps, entrepreneur, lifelong Bible student, seminarian, youth minister, church elder, and pastor; I have come to realize that most people don’t know what to do with the odd, perplexing, and perhaps frightening passages in Scripture. We tend to simply skip them. Yet by doing so, we abandon our responsibility to grasp and teach the entirety of Scripture—this book we believe to be the inspired Word of God. As a consequence, believers tend to learn only the basic truths taught in the Bible. That is the milk of the Word and not solid food, as is mentioned in https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%205%3A12&version=NLT: You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. My objective on Theology Thursday will be to help us consume Biblically solid food. Recent studies from the Barna Group demonstrate a growing rate of biblical and theological illiteracy in the Church at all ages, especially for those under 50. Biblical and theological illiteracy contributes to less engagement with the Bible, less appetite for its teachings, and more confusion and skepticism. Many Christians know the indispensable parts of the storyline of the Bible and the gospel message. Yet they are lost when it comes to the remainder of the Bible—especially the Old Testament, which comprises a full three-quarters of the book. Some believers try to mend this knowledge gap. They might read through all the notes in a study Bible or use various tools to study Hebrew and Greek words. Yet those are the exceptions. Many people, after years of inaction, get bored with the Bible. I began my serious study of the Bible nearly 50 years ago as I attended a Christian College and have been a student of the Scriptures every day since. Over the subsequent decades, I have discovered this was not true for most adult Christians. This even holds true for those Christians who had grown up in the Church. They’d heard sermons, attended Sunday school classes, and listened to countless messages at youth groups and camps. In their minds, they’d heard it

24 APR 2024 · Welcome to Day 2355 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2355 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2355 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.   In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’ll dive into Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 from the New Living Translation. In these verses, the Teacher continues his exploration of life’s meaning and purpose, delving into the pursuit of pleasure and material wealth. Let’s uncover the timeless wisdom found in Ecclesiastes 2:1-11. Verse 1: “I said to myself, ‘Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the “good things” in life.’ But I found that this, too, was meaningless.” In his quest for meaning, the Teacher decides to indulge in pleasure and seek out the “good things” that life has to offer. However, he quickly discovers the emptiness and fleeting nature of such pursuits. What insights does the Teacher offer regarding the pursuit of pleasure? The Teacher’s experiment with pleasure reveals its ultimate meaninglessness. Despite its initial allure, pleasure fails to provide lasting satisfaction or purpose. Now, let’s explore verses 2-3. “So I decided to cheer myself up with wine. While still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness. In this way, I tried to experience the only happiness most people find during their brief life in this world.” The Teacher turns to wine in an attempt to lift his spirits and find happiness. However, even as he continues to pursue wisdom, he finds himself grasping at foolishness in search of fleeting joy. What lessons can we learn from the Teacher’s experimentation with wine? The Teacher’s reliance on wine to alleviate his troubles highlights the temptation to seek solace in temporary pleasures. However, he recognizes the folly of such pursuits in the face of life’s brevity. Next, let’s consider verses 4-8. “I also tried to find meaning by building huge homes for myself and by planting beautiful vineyards. I made gardens and parks, filling them with all kinds of fruit trees. I built reservoirs to collect the water to irrigate my many flourishing groves. I bought slaves, both men and women, and others were born into my household. I also owned large herds and flocks, more than any of the kings who had lived in Jerusalem before me.” The Teacher embarks on a grandiose building project, constructing elaborate homes, vineyards, gardens, and parks. He amasses wealth and possessions, including slaves, herds, and flocks, surpassing even the wealth of his predecessors in Jerusalem. How does the Teacher’s pursuit of material wealth contribute to his quest for meaning? The Teacher’s accumulation of wealth and possessions reflects society’s common pursuit of material success as a means of finding fulfillment. However, he ultimately discovers the emptiness and transience of such pursuits. Now, let’s explore verses 9-11. “So I became greater than all who had lived in Jerusalem before me, and my wisdom never failed me. Anything I wanted,...

23 APR 2024 · Welcome to Day 2354 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2354 – OUR LIVING HOPE – SMILING THROUGH SUFFERING 1 PETER 1:1-12 – Daily Wisdom Putnam Church Message – 04/07/2024 Our Living Hope – Smiling Through Suffering 1 Peter 1:1-12 Last week was Ressurection Sunday, and we considered the evidence of Thomas the Scientist. After his experiment on Jesus, John 20:28-29 says, “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” Today, we begin an extended, systematic study of the letters of 1st and 2nd Peter. Our message today is “Smiling Through Suffering.” But before that, to set the stage for our extended study, I would like to step back to Resurrection Sunday and into the empty tomb with only Peter and John and provide a dramatic reenactment of their time together that faithful morning. Bursting into the darkness ahead of his younger companion, who had reached the tomb a few moments earlier, Peter's eyes needed to adjust to the darkness. It only took a glance for him to confirm Mary's report: Jesus' body was gone. But the situation was not as simple as a missing corpse. Instead of the dead body that had been placed in the tomb, Peter found the stained linen wrappings still lying on the slab and the facecloth rolled neatly and set aside. John's voice suddenly broke the silence, echoing off the stone walls. “He's ... he's risen!” “Shh!” Peter whispered, still thinking things through. He had made enough rash decisions to last a lifetime. He was not about to make another one. Somebody could have stolen the body. But who? None of the disciples; he knew that for sure. They had been hiding in a locked room since the crucifixion, fearing that they, too, would be arrested and executed like their Master. And it could not have been the Jewish authorities or the Romans. Of all people, they needed Jesus dead and buried. But who else would have snatched the body? And where would they have taken it? “He's risen!” John insisted. Peter motioned for him to be silent, then stroked his beard with a trembling hand. Even if somebody had taken the body, they had left the burial clothes! And they had even taken the time to fold the face cloth neatly. How preposterous! You don't just go trudging around Jerusalem with a naked, cold corpse. That wasn't kosher by any standard. Peter closed his eyes as Jesus' words passed through his mind. It was as if the Lord Himself privately whispered them to him again: “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. 32 But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31-32). Tears welled up and overflowed as he opened his eyes and surveyed the empty tomb. John pressed forward, scanning the burial clothes and turning back to Peter with an expression somewhere between delight and terror: “Simon, listen to me ... He—has—risen. He—is—alive!" Nodding his head, Peter leaned against the tomb wall and said, “You're right, John. He has risen indeed!” At that moment, Peter felt as if a massive tombstone had rolled away from his heart and stale burial wrappings had...

22 APR 2024 · Welcome to Day 2353 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2353 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2353 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.   In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’ll be exploring Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 from the New Living Translation. In these verses, the Teacher continues his reflections on the pursuit of wisdom and the human experience. Let’s delve into the timeless wisdom found in Ecclesiastes 1:12-18. Verse 12: “I, the Teacher, was king of Israel, and I lived in Jerusalem.” The Teacher, believed to be King Solomon, provides context for his reflections by identifying himself as the ruler of Israel and a resident of Jerusalem. What insights does the Teacher offer regarding his pursuit of wisdom? As a king, the Teacher possessed authority and access to resources, allowing him to pursue wisdom and knowledge. His position afforded him unique insights into the human condition and the pursuit of meaning. Now, let’s explore verses 13-14. “I devoted myself to search for understanding and to explore by wisdom everything being done under heaven. I soon discovered that God has dealt a tragic existence to the human race. I observed everything going on under the sun, and really, it is all meaningless—like chasing the wind.” The Teacher recounts his earnest quest for understanding and wisdom in these verses. Despite his diligent efforts, he concludes that humanity’s existence is marked by tragedy and meaninglessness. What lessons can we glean from the Teacher’s pursuit of wisdom? The Teacher’s dedicated pursuit of wisdom leads him to explore the complexities of human existence. However, his observations ultimately lead him to a sobering realization of life’s inherent futility and meaninglessness apart from God. Next, let’s consider verses 15-16. “What is wrong cannot be made right. What is missing cannot be recovered. I said to myself, ‘Look, I am wiser than any of the kings who ruled in Jerusalem before me. I have greater wisdom and knowledge than any of them.’” The Teacher reflects on the irreversibility of human actions and the limitations of wisdom in rectifying past mistakes. Despite his wisdom, he acknowledges his superiority over his predecessors in Jerusalem. How does the Teacher’s assessment of his wisdom inform his perspective on life? The Teacher recognizes the inherent limitations of wisdom in remedying past wrongs or recovering lost opportunities. Despite his superior wisdom, he acknowledges the inability to change what is inherently flawed or irretrievably lost. Now, let’s explore verses 17-18. “So I set out to learn everything from wisdom to madness and folly. But I learned firsthand that pursuing all this is like chasing the wind. The greater my wisdom, the greater my grief. To increase knowledge only increases sorrow.” The Teacher recounts his exhaustive pursuit of knowledge, encompassing wisdom, madness, and folly. However, he...

19 APR 2024 · Welcome to Day 2352 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2352 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2352 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.   In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’ll be exploring Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 from the New Living Translation. In these opening verses, we are introduced to the Teacher’s reflections and musings, who contemplates the fleeting nature of life and the pursuit of meaning and purpose. Let’s delve into the timeless wisdom found in Ecclesiastes 1:1-11. Verse 1: “These are the words of the Teacher, King David’s son, who ruled in Jerusalem.” The book of Ecclesiastes begins with an introduction to the Teacher, identified as King Solomon, the son of King David, who reigned in Jerusalem. Solomon’s wisdom and experience lend weight to his reflections on life’s mysteries. What insights does the Teacher offer in these opening verses? The Teacher’s words carry authority and weight due to his royal lineage and reign in Jerusalem. His wealth of experience and wisdom informs his reflections on life. Now, let’s explore verses 2-3. “‘Everything is meaningless,’ says the Teacher, ‘completely meaningless!’ What do people get for all their hard work under the sun?” In these verses, the Teacher introduces a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes—the notion of life’s meaninglessness or vanity. He questions the value of human endeavor and the ultimate purpose of toil and labor. What insights can we glean from the Teacher’s perspective? The Teacher’s observation of life’s transience and the futility of human efforts leads him to declare everything as meaningless. He prompts us to reflect on the purpose and significance of our endeavors in the grand scheme of things. Next, let’s consider verses 4-7. “Generations come and generations go, but the earth never changes. The sun rises and the sun sets, then hurries around to rise again. The wind blows south, and then turns north. Around and around it goes, blowing in circles. Rivers run into the sea, but the sea is never full. Then the water returns again to the rivers and flows out again to the sea.” The Teacher reflects on life’s cyclical nature and the natural world’s perpetual motion in these verses. Despite the passage of generations and the changing seasons, the fundamental patterns of existence remain unchanged. How does the Teacher’s observation of nature inform his reflections on life? The Teacher draws parallels between the cyclical patterns of nature and the repetitive cycles of human existence. He observes the constancy of natural phenomena, highlighting the fleeting nature of human life in comparison. Now, let’s explore verses 8-11. “Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content. History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new. Sometimes people say, ‘Here is something new!’...

18 APR 2024 · Welcome to Day 2351 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom He Is Risen - Blessed Are You Who Have Not Seen, and Yet Believe – Daily Wisdom Putnam Church Message – 03/31/2024 He Is Risen – Resurrection Sunday: Blessed Are Those Who Believe Without Seeing Me – John 20:19-31   Today, we finish our five-week Lenten series this Resurrection Sunday. Today, our message is “Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” Our Scripture passage for today is John 20:19-31 on pages 1686-1687 of your Pew Bibles. 19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. 21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” 24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20%3A19-31&version=NLT;NIV#fen-NIV-26892a]), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” 30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20%3A19-31&version=NLT;NIV#fen-NIV-26899b] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. There is no more important question than, “Did Jesus rise from the dead?" Because if Jesus did rise from the dead, then he has conquered sin and death. But if he did not rise from the dead, his claims are entirely false. There's nothing to them and no hope to be found in them. Either Christ is the hope of the world, or he is the great...

17 APR 2024 · Welcome to Day 2350 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Proverbs 31:10-31 Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2350 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2350 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.   In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’ll be exploring the final portion of Proverbs, which covers Proverbs 31:10-31 from the New Living Translation. In these verses, we encounter the noble virtues of an excellent wife, as King Lemuel’s mother described. Let’s embark on our journey through the beautiful portrayal of an excellent wife in Proverbs 31. Verse 10: “Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.” This verse sets the stage for describing a woman of great worth and character. What qualities define this virtuous wife? Priceless Virtue: A virtuous wife possesses immeasurable worth, surpassing the value of precious gems. Her character and integrity are her most valuable assets. Now, let’s explore verses 11-12. “Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.” These verses highlight the trustworthiness and positive impact of the virtuous wife on her husband’s life. What role does trust play in the relationship between a husband and wife? Trust and Enrichment: The virtuous wife is a faithful and reliable companion, enriching her husband’s life with her presence and actions. Her commitment to his well-being brings stability and joy to their relationship. Next, let’s consider verses 13-19. “She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar. She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls. She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings, she plants a vineyard. She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night. Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.” These verses portray the industrious and resourceful nature of the virtuous wife, who diligently tends to her household and engages in productive work. What can we learn from the example of the virtuous wife’s industriousness? The virtuous wife is proactive and resourceful, engaging in various tasks to provide for her family’s needs. She demonstrates diligence, foresight, and hard work in managing her household and pursuing profitable ventures. Finally, let’s examine verses 20-31. “She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes. She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns. Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders. She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants. She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she...

16 APR 2024 · Welcome to Day 2349 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Prepare Your Heart – He Comes, Riding On a Donkey – Daily Wisdom Putnam Church Message – 03/24/2024 Prepare The Way – He Comes, Riding on a Donkey – John 12:12-19   Today, we continue our five-week Lenten series ending on Resurrection Sunday, March 31st. Today, our message is “He Comes, Riding on a Donkey.” Our Scripture passage for today is John 12:12-19 on page 1671 of your Pew Bibles. 12 The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna![https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+12%3A12-19&version=NLT;NIV#fen-NIV-26594a]” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+12%3A12-19&version=NLT;NIV#fen-NIV-26594b] “Blessed is the king of Israel!” 14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: 15 “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.”[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+12%3A12-19&version=NLT;NIV#fen-NIV-26596c] 16 At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him. 17 Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. 18 Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!” Introduction Ticker-tape parades are not as common today as they once were. There was a time when our country honored our heroes and heroines with colossal spectacles. Celebrities would ride in a convertible down massive canyons of steel and glass. Bands played rousing Sousa marches. Young ladies tossed batons and swirled pom-poms. Tons of confetti, streamers, balloons, and ticker tape cascaded upon them. Everybody was there. It was a time of great excitement. Let us climb into the Way Back Machine and travel 2025 years back to the heart of Jerusalem and watch the most significant parade in the history of humankind. - Come and Join the Parade, All Are Welcome - (Bulletin Insert) A mass of humanity was present. Perhaps as many as 2.5 million people crowded the narrow streets converging on the holy city of Jerusalem at Passover. From a distance, there came a noise - a kind of rhythmic, staccato chant that wafted in . . . now

15 APR 2024 · Welcome to Day 2348 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Proverbs 31:1-9 Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2348 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2348 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.   In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’ll delve into Proverbs 31:1-9 from the New Living Translation. In these verses, we encounter the teachings of King Lemuel’s mother, who imparts wisdom concerning leadership, self-control, and justice. Let’s dive into the rich wisdom found in Proverbs 31. Verses 1-3: “The sayings of King Lemuel contain this message, which his mother taught him: O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, do not waste your strength on women, on those who ruin kings.” These verses convey the importance of avoiding distractions and maintaining self-control, especially in matters of relationships and leadership. What can we glean from King Lemuel’s mother’s teachings? Recognize the potential dangers of indulgence and distraction. Preserve your strength and focus for worthy pursuits, avoiding entanglements that may lead to ruin, especially in relationships and leadership roles. Now, let’s explore verses 4-5. “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol. For if they drink, they may forget the law and not give justice to the oppressed.” These verses emphasize the importance of sobriety and sound judgment, particularly for those in positions of authority. Practice moderation and restraint, especially in matters of consumption. Avoid excessive indulgence in alcohol or other substances that impair judgment and hinder the administration of justice. Maintain clarity of mind to fulfill your responsibilities effectively and uphold justice for the oppressed. Lastly, let’s consider verses 6-9. “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. My son, fear the Lord and the king. Don’t associate with rebels, for disaster will hit them suddenly. Who knows what punishment will come from the Lord and the king?” These verses underscore the importance of advocating for the marginalized and upholding justice, while also admonishing against rebellion and disobedience. How can we apply these teachings to our lives? Stand up for the rights of the oppressed and vulnerable in society, using your voice and influence to ensure fairness and equity. Cultivate a healthy fear of God and respect for authority, avoiding associations with those who promote rebellion and disobedience. Recognize that divine and earthly consequences await those who defy God’s laws and the authority of rulers. And there you have it, my fellow trekkers, insights from Proverbs 31:1-9. These verses provide valuable guidance on leadership, self-control, and justice, as imparted by King Lemuel’s wise mother. As we continue our journey through the pages of the Bible, let’s remember to apply these timeless principles in our daily lives. Until next time, keep...