Podcasts about Gramps

Welcome to Day 2780 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2780 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 107:17-32 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2780 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred eighty 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. The title of today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Great Rescue – Healing the Fool and Taming the Chaos. Today, we continue our voyage through the magnificent Psalm One Hundred Seven. We are exploring the second half of the four great testimonies of redemption, covering verses seventeen through thirty-two, in the New Living Translation. In our previous trek through the first sixteen verses of this psalm, we stood amidst the great assembly of the redeemed. We heard the call: "Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out!" We heard the testimony of the Wanderers—those who were lost in the desolate wilderness, hungry and homeless, until God led them to a city. We heard the testimony of the Prisoners—those who sat in darkness and iron chains because they rebelled against the counsel of the Most High, until God shattered the bronze gates to set them free. Today, two more groups step forward to the microphone. Their stories are perhaps even more intense. First, we will meet the Fools—those whose rebellion manifested not as chains, but as a sickness that brought them to the very brink of the grave. Second, we will meet the Sailors—the merchants who dared to do business in the chaotic deep, only to find themselves reeling like drunkards in a storm that swallowed their wisdom whole. In both cases, we will see the Hesed—the Unfailing Love—of Yahweh intervene when all hope was lost. We will see Him send His Word to heal, and we will see Him whisper to the waves to bring peace. So, let us listen as the next witnesses share their story of salvation. The first segment is: Testimony Three: The Fools and the Great Physician. Psalm One Hundred Seven: verses seventeen through nineteen. Some were fools; they suffered because of their sinful ways.  Their appetites were gone, and they drew near to the gates of death.  "Lord, help!" they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. The third group steps forward, and the psalmist introduces them with a blunt, uncomplimentary title: "Fools." "Some were fools; they suffered because of their sinful ways." The Hebrew word used here is evilim. In the wisdom literature of Proverbs, a fool is not someone who lacks intelligence; a fool is someone who lacks moral compass. A fool is someone who lives as if there are no consequences. They are spiritually reckless. The text tells us plainly that their suffering was self-inflicted. It was "because of their sinful ways" (literally, "the way of their transgression"). They lived hard, rebelled against God's design for life,...

Welcome to Day 2778 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2778 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 107:1-16 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2778 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred seventy-eight 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. The title for today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Great Gathering – From the Wasteland to the Broken Gates.   Today, we cross a major threshold in our expedition through the Psalms. We are stepping into Book Five of the Psalter, the final collection of these ancient songs. We begin this new leg of the journey with Psalm One Hundred Seven, covering the first two stanzas, verses one through sixteen, in the New Living Translation. To understand the power of this moment, we must remember where we left off. In our previous trek, we stood at the end of Psalm One Hundred Six, which was the conclusion of Book Four. That psalm ended with a desperate, heartbreaking prayer from the exile: "Save us, O Lord our God! Gather us back from among the nations." It was a cry from the diaspora, a plea from a people scattered to the four winds because of their rebellion. They were asking God to reverse the judgment of the exile. Psalm One Hundred Seven is the thunderous answer to that prayer. If Psalm One Hundred Six ended with a plea to be gathered, Psalm One Hundred Seven begins with the celebration of the gathered. The tone shifts from petition to proclamation. It is a panoramic view of God's Redemption. It describes specific scenarios of human desperation—being lost in the desert, locked in a dungeon, sick unto death, or tossed in a storm—and shows how Yahweh intervenes to rescue. It is a psalm that celebrates the Hesed—the Unfailing Love—of God, which pursues us into the wildest wastelands and the darkest prisons. So, let us join the procession of the redeemed and listen to their stories. The first segment is: The Prologue: The Song of the Redeemed. Psalm One Hundred Seven: verses one through three. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.  Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.  For he has gathered the exiles from many lands, from east and west, from north and south. The psalm opens with the classic liturgical call to worship, identifying the core motivation for all praise: God is Good, and His Faithful Love (Hesed) is eternal. But then, the psalmist turns to the congregation and issues a challenge: "Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out!" The Hebrew word for "Redeemed" is Geulim. It comes from the word Ga'al, which refers to the Kinsman-Redeemer. This was the nearest male relative who had the legal responsibility to buy back a family member who had been sold into...

Welcome to Day 2777 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2777 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 106:34-48 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2777 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred seventy-seven 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. The title for today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Horror of Accommodation – When the Salt Loses Its Savor. Today, we reach the solemn conclusion of our journey through Psalm One Hundred Six. We are trekking through the final section, verses thirty-four through forty-eight, in the New Living Translation. This marks not only the end of this specific psalm but also the conclusion of Book Four of the Psalter. In our previous trek, we walked through the "Cycle of Amnesia" in the wilderness. We watched a generation that had been liberated by the mighty hand of God crumble into grumbling, envy, and idolatry. We saw them trade their glorious God for a grass-eating bull at Sinai. We saw them yoke themselves to the dead spirits at Baal-Peor. It was a tragic catalog of missed opportunities and hardened hearts. But as we turn to verse thirty-four, the scene shifts. The wilderness wanderings are over. Joshua has led the people across the Jordan. The walls of Jericho have fallen. The people are now living in the Promised Land—the "pleasant land" they once despised. You might think, "Finally! They made it! Now they will surely be faithful." Tragically, the change of geography did not create a change of heart. In this final section, we witness the slow, agonizing slide from Conquest to Compromise, and finally to Captivity. We will see what happens when the people of God stop fighting the culture and start becoming the culture. We will encounter the darkest verse in Israel's history—the sacrifice of children to demons—and we will see how the land itself vomited them out. But, true to the character of Yahweh, we will also see that even in the darkest pit of exile, the ladder of Covenant Love still reaches down. So, let us brace ourselves for the hard truth of history, and the healing balm of God's mercy. The first segment is: The Failure of Assimilation: Mingling with the Darkness. Psalm One Hundred Six: verses thirty-four through thirty-nine. Israel failed to destroy the nations in the land, as the Lord had commanded them.  Instead, they mingled among the pagans and adopted their evil customs.  They worshiped their idols, which became a snare to them.  They even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons.  They shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters. By sacrificing them to the idols of Canaan, they polluted the land with murder.  They defiled themselves by their evil deeds, and their love of idols was...

Welcome to Day 2776 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday –Joseph the Dreamer: Discovering the Depths of a Beloved Biblical Figure.    Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2776 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2776 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. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website   theologyinfive.com.   Today's lesson is titled Joseph the Dreamer: Discovering the Depths of a Beloved Biblical Figure.    Joseph, son of Jacob and Rachel, emerges from the pages of Genesis not only as a survivor of betrayal and hardship but as a symbol of divine providence and redemptive purpose. His journey from favored son to slave, prisoner, and ultimately, savior of nations illustrates the unseen hand of God at work through suffering and humility. While many are familiar with his colorful coat and rise to power in Egypt, lesser-known elements of his life bring out the deeper beauty and significance of his character. The first segment is: Joseph the Dreamer: Beyond the Well-Known Dreams Joseph's dreams and his ability to interpret them play a crucial role in his life, as well as in the survival of his family and Egypt. While his dreams of sheaves and celestial bodies bowing to him are well-known, his interpretation of the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker is equally significant. These interpretations not only revealed divine insight but became the very means by which Joseph was elevated from prison to the highest court in the land. His gift, given by God, opened the way for his destiny to unfold. The second segment is: Joseph and Potipar's Wife: A Test of Character Joseph's encounter with Potipar's wife, who falsely accused him of misconduct, is often highlighted as a moment of moral integrity. But it also demonstrates his unwavering faith in God. Faced with repeated temptation and the risk of losing his position, Joseph chose righteousness, which ultimately led to unjust imprisonment. Even in the dungeon, however, his faith did not falter. This period of suffering refined his character and prepared him for the weight of future authority. The third segment is: Joseph's Egyptian Name and Wife Upon rising to power, Pharaoh gave Joseph an Egyptian name, Zaphenath-paneah, and a wife, Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On (Genesis forty-one verse forty-five). These details mark Joseph's deep assimilation into Egyptian culture and political structure. His new name, possibly meaning “God speaks and he lives,” highlighted his prophetic role. His marriage into a priestly household further established his legitimacy in the Egyptian elite. Some might expect condemnation for such a union—after all, Potiphera was a priest of a pagan deity. Yet the biblical text offers no such rebuke. Unlike other biblical figures who compromised their faith through foreign marriages, such as Solomon, Joseph remained faithful to Yahweh. He consistently credited God for his success, named his sons in ways that reflected divine providence, and clung to God's promises. His marriage to Asenath, arranged by Pharaoh, served a broader purpose: the...

Welcome to Day 2775 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2775 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 106:13-33 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2775 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred seventy-five 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. The title of today's Wisdom-Trek is: The cycle of Amnesia – From the Golden Calf to the Sacrifices of the Dead.   Today, we continue our difficult but necessary journey through Psalm One Hundred Six, trekking through the heart of the wilderness rebellion in verses thirteen through thirty-three, in the New Living Translation. In our previous trek, we stood on the shores of the Red Sea. We saw the waters part, the Israelites walk through on dry ground, and the armies of Pharaoh swallowed by the deep. We ended with verse twelve, where the people finally believed God's promises and sang His praise. It seemed like a happy ending. It seemed like the lesson had finally been learned. But as we turn the page to verse thirteen, we discover a tragic truth about human nature: Singing on Sunday does not guarantee obedience on Monday. The faith that is born only from seeing a miracle often dies as soon as the miracle fades from view. Today, we will witness the "Cycle of Amnesia." We will see a generation that had everything—the presence of God, the leadership of Moses, and the bread of heaven—yet threw it all away for a golden statue and a meal with demons. We will look at the tragedy of the Golden Calf, the envy of Korah, the refusal to enter the Promised Land, and the dark idolatry of Baal-Peor. This is a heavy section, but it serves as a mirror. It forces us to ask: How quickly do we forget? So, let us walk carefully through this catalog of rebellion, lest we repeat it. The first segment is: The Lust of the Wilderness: Getting What You Want, Losing What You Need.   Psalm One Hundred Six: verses thirteen through fifteen. Yet how quickly they forgot what he had done! They wouldn't wait for his counsel!  In the wilderness their desires ran wild, testing God's patience in that dry wasteland.  So he gave them what they asked for, but he sent a plague along with it. The ink was barely dry on their song of praise when the amnesia set in: "Yet how quickly they forgot what he had done!" The Hebrew phrasing here is vivid; it literally means, "They made haste to forget." They didn't just passively drift away; they rushed back to unbelief. They ignored the "counsel" of God—His plan and His timing—because they were driven by their appetites. "In the wilderness their desires ran wild..." This refers to the incident in Numbers Chapter Eleven, where the people grew tired of the manna. The manna was the perfect, supernatural food described in Psalm One Hundred Five as the "bread of heaven." But they wanted meat. They wanted the leeks and onions of Egypt. They...

Welcome to Day 2773 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2773 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 106:1-12 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2773 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred seventy-three 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. The title for today's Wisdom-Trek is: The History of Rebellion – Grace at the Brink of the Sea.   Today, we stand at a pivotal junction in the book of Psalms. We are beginning our journey through Psalm One Hundred Six, covering the opening movement, verses one through twelve, in the New Living Translation. In our previous treks through Psalm One Hundred Five, we walked through the glittering gallery of Israel's history. We saw the faithfulness of God in calling Abraham, protecting the patriarchs, and bringing the nation out of Egypt loaded with silver and gold. It was a history written in major chords—a celebration of God's unbreakable promise and Israel's triumph. But today, the music changes. Psalm One Hundred Six covers the exact same historical period—the Exodus and the Wilderness—but it tells the story from the dark side. If Psalm One Hundred Five was about God's Faithfulness, Psalm One Hundred Six is about Israel's Faithlessness. It is a corporate confession. It admits that while God was remembering His covenant, the people were busy forgetting His miracles. It strips away the nostalgia and exposes the ugly truth: we are a people prone to rebellion. Yet, strangely, this dark confession begins with a shout of praise. Why? Because the only thing stronger than human rebellion is God's "Unfailing Love." So, let us look in the mirror of history and see if we recognize ourselves in the rebels at the Red Sea. The first segment is: The Hallelujah of the Sinner: Acknowledging Goodness. Psalm One Hundred Six: verses one through three. Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.  Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord? Who can ever praise him enough?  There is joy for those who deal justly with others and always do what is right. The psalm opens with the same word that ended the previous psalm: "Hallelujah!" ("Praise the Lord!"). Even though the psalmist is about to recount a litany of national failures, he starts with the character of God: "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever." The word for "faithful love" is our covenant friend, Hesed. This is the anchor. The psalmist knows that if God's love were not enduring—if it were based on performance—Israel would have been wiped out long ago. He praises God before he confesses, because God's goodness provides the safety to be honest about our sin. He then asks a rhetorical question: "Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord? Who can ever praise him enough?" This links us back to...

Welcome to Day 2772 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2772 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 105:37-45 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2772 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred seventy-two 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. The title for today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Great Exodus – Spoils of War and the Bread of Angels. Today, we reach the glorious conclusion of our historical journey through Psalm One Hundred Five, trekking through the final section, verses thirty-seven through forty-five, in the New Living Translation. In our previous trek, we descended into the darkness of Egypt. We walked through the dungeon with Joseph, feeling the iron collar around his neck. We witnessed the "War of the Gods," where Yahweh systematically dismantled the Egyptian pantheon through the ten plagues. We saw the Nile turn to blood, the sky turn black, and the firstborn fall, proving that the gods of Egypt were powerless before the God of Abraham. But the story doesn't end with the defeat of the enemy. It ends with the liberation of the family. Today, we watch the Israelites walk out of the house of slavery. But they do not leave as refugees; they leave as conquerors. We will see them laden with silver and gold, guided by a pillar of fire, and fed by bread from heaven. We will see them march into the Promised Land to reclaim the territory of the nations. And finally, we will answer the ultimate question: Why? Why did God do all of this? Why the plagues, the miracles, and the manna? The final verse of this psalm gives us the answer, and it defines the very purpose of our existence. So, let us join the procession of the redeemed as they march toward Zion. The first segment is: The Victorious Exit: Plunder and Supernatural Health Psalm One Hundred Five: verses thirty-seven through thirty-eight. The Lord brought his people out of Egypt, loaded with silver and gold; and not one among the tribes of Israel even stumbled.  Egypt was glad when they were gone, for they feared them greatly. The psalm picks up immediately after the Passover night. The judgment has fallen, and now the liberation begins. "The Lord brought his people out of Egypt, loaded with silver and gold..." This is the fulfillment of a specific prophecy given to Abraham way back in Genesis Fifteen, verse fourteen: "Afterward they will come out with great possessions." In the Ancient Israelite worldview, this event—often called the "plundering of the Egyptians"—was not merely reparations for four hundred years of slavery, though it certainly was that. It was the Spoils of War. Yahweh, the Divine Warrior, had defeated the gods of Egypt on their own turf. In ancient warfare, the victor strips the defeated. Israel, as the army of Yahweh, marched out carrying the wealth of the empire that tried to crush them. They didn't sneak away in the night empty-handed; they walked out wealthy. And look at the physical condition...

Welcome to Day 2771 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday –The Prayers of Christ and the Destiny of the Faithful.   Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2771 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2771 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. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website   theologyinfive.com.   Today's lesson is titled The Prayers of Christ and the Destiny of the Faithful.   When Jesus prays to the Father in the Gospels, He does so as the Incarnate Son, fully God and fully man. His prayers are not signs of weakness or inequality, but expressions of true humanity. They reflect His relationship with the Father within the limitations of flesh and blood, taken on voluntarily to accomplish the redemption of mankind. Yet Christ's prayers do more than model dependence. They reveal His mission, not merely to forgive sin, but to lead those united to Him into eternal fellowship with Yahweh, where they will be glorified through their relationship with Him. In His High Priestly Prayer in John seventeen, Jesus says: “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one” (John seventeen verse twenty-two). This is not poetic exaggeration. It is a clear expression of Christ's intent to raise His followers into the glory that He shares with the Father, restoring and transforming them in the process. The first segment is: Jesus's Prayers as Revelation of His Mission. In John seventeen verses one and two, Jesus prays: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.” Christ's authority includes granting eternal life, an existence defined not merely by duration, but by nature: incorruptibility, righteousness, and unending communion with God. Later in the same prayer, He says: “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory…” (John seventeen verse twenty-four) Though Christ is fully divine, He chose to humble Himself. As Paul writes in Philippians two verses six through eight, though existing in the form of God, He did not cling to His divine status but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant. Hebrews two says He was made for a little while lower than the angels, not because He lost divinity, but because He embraced full humanity. His prayers reflect this self-imposed humility and His desire to elevate those He redeems. The second segment is: The Resurrection Body and the Nature of Glorified Transformation. Scripture consistently affirms the transformation of the faithful, not merely morally, but ontologically. Psalm eight states that man was made “a little lower than the heavenly beings,” but destined to be crowned with glory and honor. Hebrews two applies this to Christ and, by extension, to all who belong to Him. First Corinthians fifteen declares that believers will be raised with glorified, incorruptible bodies. Paul...

Welcome to Day 2770 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2770 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 105:16-36 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2770 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred seventy 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. The title for today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Sovereign Storyteller – From the Dungeon to the Darkness of Egypt. Today, we continue our grand historical survey in Psalm One Hundred Five. We are picking up the narrative where we left off, covering verses sixteen through thirty-six in the New Living Translation. In our previous trek through the first fifteen verses of this psalm, we established the foundation. We saw God making an unbreakable covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We saw the Patriarchs as "protected wanderers," a tiny group of strangers moving through a hostile world, yet guarded by a God who rebuked kings for their sake, saying, "Do not touch my chosen people." But now, the story takes a dark and dramatic turn. The camera shifts from the open pastures of Canaan to the dungeons of Egypt. The protection of the Patriarchs gives way to the slavery of the nation. In this section, we will see that God is not just the God of the promise; He is the God of the process. We will witness how He orchestrates famine, imprisonment, and political intrigue to position His people. And then, we will witness one of the greatest cosmic battles in history, as Yahweh enters the ring against the gods of Egypt in a campaign of de-creation known as the Plagues. This is not just history; it is spiritual warfare on a national scale. So, let us descend into Egypt and watch the God of Abraham go to war for His children. The first segment is: The Providence of the Pit: The Story of Joseph. Psalm One Hundred Five: verses sixteen through twenty-two. He called for a famine on the land of Canaan, cutting off their food supply.  Then he sent a man to Egypt ahead of them— Joseph, who was sold as a slave.  They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar.  Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph's character.  Then Pharaoh sent for him and set him free; the ruler of the nation opened his prison door.  Joseph was put in charge of all the king's household; he became ruler over all the king's possessions.  He could instruct the king's aides as he pleased and teach the king's advisers. The psalmist begins this section by pulling back the curtain on natural disasters. "He called for a famine on the land of Canaan, cutting off their food supply." Notice the agency here. The famine wasn't an accident of weather patterns. God "called for" (qara) it. He summoned the famine like a servant. This...

Happy New Year. We react to the Harbaugh firing. Who or what do we want to fire in 2026? Rob played blackjack with the worst players ever. Gramps finally met Mario. He didn't disappoint. And why is Mario mad at Joe?

Welcome to Day 2768 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2768 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 105:1-15 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2768 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred sixty-eight 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. The title for today's Wisdom-Trek is: The God of History – The Unbreakable Oath and the Protected Wanderers. Today, we turn a new page in our journey through the Psalter. We are stepping into the historical landscape of Psalm One Hundred Five, covering the opening movement, verses one through fifteen, in the New Living Translation. To understand where we are, we need to look back at the trail we have just hiked. In Psalm One Hundred Three, we looked inward. We heard David command his own soul to bless the Lord for His grace, forgiveness, and fatherly compassion. It was a psalm of personal redemption. In Psalm One Hundred Four, we looked upward and outward. We saw God as the Cosmic Architect, robed in light, playing with Leviathan, and feeding the lions. It was a psalm of creation and nature. Now, Psalm One Hundred Five asks us to look backward. It shifts our focus from Creation to History. It tells us that the God who built the universe is also the God who orchestrates the rise and fall of nations to keep His promises to a specific family. This psalm is a recounting of the Covenant. It reminds us that our faith is not based on abstract philosophy or feelings; it is based on things that actually happened in space and time. It is the story of how Yahweh, the Most High God, stepped into the timeline of humanity to carve out a people for Himself. So, let us open the archives of heaven and remember the story that defines us. The first segment is: The Liturgy of Storytelling: Making His Deeds Known. Psalm One Hundred Five: verses one through four. Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.  Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.  Exult in his holy name; rejoice, you who worship the Lord.  Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him. The psalm begins with a burst of imperative commands. The psalmist is rallying the troops, not for a battle, but for a proclamation. "Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness." The phrase "proclaim his greatness" is literally "call upon His name." In the Bible, calling on the name of the Lord is an act of public worship and dependence. It is identifying yourself by His name. But notice the target audience: "Let the whole world know what he has done." The Hebrew word for "world" here is ammim—the peoples or the nations. This...

Welcome to Day 2767 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2767 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 104:24-35 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2767 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred sixty-seven 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. The title for today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Playground of God – Leviathan, Breath, and the Renewal of the Earth. Today, we reach the glorious conclusion of our expedition through the cathedral of creation, Psalm One Hundred Four. We are trekking through the final movement, verses twenty-four through thirty-five, in the New Living Translation. In our previous journeys through this masterpiece, we have witnessed Yahweh in many roles. We saw Him as the Cosmic Architect in the first section, stretching out the heavens like a tent and riding the storm clouds as His chariot. Then, in the middle section, we saw Him as the Provider and Timekeeper, taming the chaotic waters to feed the wild donkeys, planting the cedars of Lebanon, and choreographing the dance of the sun and moon so that lions and humans could share the earth in peace. Now, as we approach the end of the psalm, the psalmist steps back to look at the whole picture. He is overwhelmed not just by the power of creation, or the utility of it, but by the sheer Wisdom and Joy of it. We will see God playing with sea monsters. We will learn that the breath in our lungs is on loan from the Spirit of God. And finally, we will confront the one thing that mars this perfect picture—human sin—and hear the psalmist's radical solution for restoring the harmony of Eden. So, let us take one last look at this wonderful world and bless the Creator who renews the face of the earth. The first segment is: The Wisdom of Diversity and the Playground of the Sea. Psalm One Hundred Four: verses twenty-four through twenty-six. O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.  Here is the ocean, vast and wide, teeming with life of every kind, both large and small.  See the ships sailing along, and Leviathan, which you made to play in the sea. The psalmist pauses in sheer wonder. After listing the birds, the goats, the lions, and the humans, he exclaims: "O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all." The word "variety" (or "manifold works") speaks to the endless creativity of God. He didn't just make one type of tree or one type of animal. He filled the earth with diversity. And the tool He used to craft this complexity was Wisdom (Chokmah). In Proverbs Chapter Eight, Wisdom is personified as the master craftsman at God's side during creation. Here, the psalmist acknowledges that

Welcome to Day 2766 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – Gnosticism: Its History, Teachings, and its Contrast with Christianity Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2766 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2766 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. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website   theologyinfive.com.   Today's lesson is titled Gnosticism: Its History, Teachings, and its Contrast with Christianity. Gnosticism emerged in the first and second centuries CE as a complex and diverse set of spiritual beliefs. It integrated elements from a variety of religious and philosophical contexts, including Judaism, Greek philosophy, eastern religions, and also borrowed heavily from Christian symbols and texts.  Gnosticism thrived in the Mediterranean world and the Middle East until the 5th century. Despite its lack of a unified doctrine or centralized structure, the various sects and groups falling under the Gnostic label shared some core beliefs and ideas. Gnosticism came back into public awareness with the discovery of a collection of Gnostic texts in Nag Hammadi, Egypt, in 1945. Segment one: WHAT IS GNOSTICISM? A significant aspect of Gnosticism is its portrayal of the creator of the physical world, often identified with the God of the Old Testament, as a flawed and even malevolent being known as the Demiurge. According to Gnostic belief, the Demiurge is responsible for entrapping divine sparks, fragments of the supreme being's essence, within human bodies. Gnosticism advocates a dualistic worldview, positing a stark contrast between the spiritual realm (considered good) and the material world (viewed as evil). Central to Gnostic belief is a distant, unknowable supreme being, along with various lesser divine entities known as Aeons, emanating from this source. Gnostics proposed that salvation and liberation from the material world were achieved through ‘gnosis,' or secret knowledge about the divine nature and the self. Gnostics often presented Jesus not as the savior through his death and resurrection but as the revealer of this hidden knowledge. Segment two: GNOSTICISM'S CONTRAST WITH CHRISTIANITY Gnosticism's teachings stand in contrast with mainstream Christian doctrines for several reasons: Divergent Christology: Gnostic representations of Jesus diverged significantly from the mainstream Christian understanding of Jesus as fully divine and fully human, offering salvation through his death and resurrection. Salvation Through Knowledge: Gnosticism emphasized salvation through secret knowledge, a departure from the Christian teaching of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians two verses eight and nine). Dualism and the Demiurge: Gnosticism's stark dualism and its depiction of the Demiurge conflicted with the Christian teaching of God as the benevolent creator of all things, both spiritual and material (Genesis 1), and that the material creation is fundamentally good. Authority of Scriptures: Gnostics often favored secret texts and teachings, which contradicted the recognized canonical Scriptures of Christianity. This...

Welcome to Day 2765 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2765 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 104:10-23 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2765 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2765 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. The title for today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Domesticated Chaos – Water, Wine, and the Rhythms of Life. Today, we continue our exploration of the magnificent Psalm One Hundred Four, trekking through the middle section, verses ten through twenty-three, in the New Living Translation. In our previous trek through the opening verses of this psalm, we witnessed Yahweh as the Cosmic Architect. We saw Him robed in light, stretching out the heavens like a tent, and riding the storm clouds as His personal chariot. We saw Him rebuke the primeval chaos waters—the Tehom—driving them back with a shout of thunder to establish the dry land. That was a picture of Power and Conquest, establishing order over chaos. But today, the tone shifts from the dramatic to the domestic. Once the house is built, it must be furnished and supplied. In this section, the psalmist shows us that the very waters God rebuked in verse seven have now been tamed. They are no longer a threatening flood covering the mountains; they are now a life-giving gift flowing between the mountains. We will see God not just as the Builder, but as the Provider and the Timekeeper. He is the Host of a vibrant, teeming world where wild donkeys, nesting birds, roaring lions, and laboring humans all find their place and their portion from His hand. This is a celebration of the ecosystem of grace. So, let us walk by the quiet waters and through the green pastures of God's creation. The first segment is: The Taming of the Waters: Drink for the Wild. Psalm One Hundred Four: verses ten through twelve. You make springs pour into the ravines, so streams gush down from the mountains.  They provide water for all the animals, and the wild donkeys quench their thirst.  The birds nest beside the streams and sing among the branches of the trees. The psalmist begins by revisiting the element of water. In verses six through nine, water was a chaotic force that needed to be bounded. But now, in verse ten, God has domesticated it: "You make springs pour into the ravines, so streams gush down from the mountains." This is a profound theological statement. In the Divine Council worldview, the sea often represented hostility and death. But here, Yahweh transforms the chaotic element into a servant of life. He channels the water into "springs" (ma'yan) and "ravines" (nachal). He creates an irrigation system for the earth. And notice who the first beneficiaries are. It isn't humans. "They provide water for all the animals, and the wild donkeys quench their thirst." God cares for the "wild donkeys"...

Welcome to Day 2763 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2763 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 104:1-9 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2763 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred sixty-three 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. Wisdom-Trek: The Architect of Light – Robed in Splendor, Riding the Wind. Today, we embark on a grand new expedition. We are stepping into the vast, open cathedral of creation as we begin our journey through Psalm One Hundred Four. We will be exploring the opening movement, verses one through nine, in the New Living Translation. In our previous treks through Psalm One Hundred Three, we heard King David command his soul to "Bless the Lord." That psalm was a masterpiece of historical and redemptive praise. It focused on forgiveness, healing, and God's fatherly compassion toward our frailty. It ended in the heavenly throne room, with the angels and the armies of heaven joining the song. Psalm One Hundred Four begins with the exact same phrase: "Let all that I am praise the Lord." But the focus shifts entirely. If Psalm One Hundred Three was about the God of Grace, Psalm One Hundred Four is about the God of Nature. This is a poetic retelling of Genesis Chapter One. It describes Yahweh not just as the Redeemer of Israel, but as the Cosmic Architect who builds the universe like a house, wraps Himself in light like a garment, and rides the wind like a chariot. It challenges the pagan worldviews of the ancient Near East head-on, declaring that the storms, the sea, and the sun are not rival gods—they are merely the tools and servants of the One True King. So, let us open our eyes to the wonders of the world and behold the glory of the Builder. The First Segment is: The Royal Vestments: Light and Space. Psalm One Hundred Four: verses one through two. Let all that I am praise the Lord. O Lord my God, how great you are! You are robed with honor and majesty.  You are dressed in a robe of light. You stretch out the starry curtain of the heavens; The psalmist begins with a personal burst of adoration: "Let all that I am praise the Lord. O Lord my God, how great you are!" This isn't just a statement of size; it is a statement of status. "Greatness" (gadol) here implies royal magnificence. The psalmist immediately describes God using the imagery of a King getting dressed for a state occasion. But this King does not put on silk or velvet. "You are robed with honor and majesty. You are dressed in a robe of light." In the Ancient Israelite worldview, light was the very first element of creation ("Let there be light"). Here, the psalmist poetically imagines that before God created the world, He wrapped Himself in that primal light. Light is His uniform. It signifies purity, glory, and visibility. While the pagan gods were often associated with

Welcome to Day 2762 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2762 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 103:19-22 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2762 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2762 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. The Titel for today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Cosmic Choir – Joining the Angels in the Throne Room. Today, we reach the magnificent summit of our journey through Psalm One Hundred Three. We are standing on the highest peak, looking out over not just the earth, but the entire cosmos. We are covering the final stanza, verses nineteen through twenty-two, in the New Living Translation. In our previous treks through this masterpiece of King David, we started deep inside the human heart. In the first section, David commanded his own soul to "Bless the Lord" for His personal benefits—forgiveness, healing, and redemption from the Pit. Then, in the middle section, we looked at the character of God. We saw Him as a compassionate Father who remembers that we are dust. We measured His love and found it to be as high as the heavens, and we saw His mercy removing our sins as far as the east is from the west. We contrasted our fleeting, flower-like existence with His eternal, unchangeable Covenant Love. Now, in this concluding section, the camera pulls back. We zoom out from the individual soul, past the community of Israel, past the earth itself, and into the Heavenly Throne Room. David realizes that his little voice of praise is not singing a solo. He discovers that he is actually joining a massive, thunderous, cosmic symphony that has been playing since the dawn of time. He invites the heavyweights of the spiritual world—the Divine Council, the mighty angels, and the armies of heaven—to join him in blessing Yahweh. This is the ultimate perspective shift. We are not just dust worshiping in the desert; we are fellow choristers with the Archangels. So, let us tune our hearts to the frequency of heaven and finish this song with a shout that shakes the stars. The first segment is: The Fixed Point in a Spinning Universe. Psalm One Hundred Three: verse nineteen. The Lord has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything. Before David issues his final call to worship, he establishes the location and the authority of the One being worshiped. "The Lord has made the heavens his throne..." In the previous section, we talked about how man is like grass—here today, blown away by the wind tomorrow. We talked about how the earth itself wears out like an old garment (Psalm One Hundred Two). In a universe defined by change, entropy, and decay, we desperately need a Fixed Point. David tells us: The Throne is established. The Hebrew word kun (established or made firm) implies that it is unshakeable. God hasn't just set up a folding chair in the clouds; He has established a permanent seat of governance. And where is this throne? In "the heavens." Now, we need to put on our Ancient Israelite worldview lenses here. When the Bible speaks of "the heavens" in this context, it isn't just...

Welcome to Day 2761 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – The Coequality of the Trinity: An exploration through Biblical Verse and Early Church Writings. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2761 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2761 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. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website   theologyinfive.com.   Today's lesson is titled The Coequality of the Trinity: An exploration through Biblical Verse and Early Church Writings.   The doctrine of the Trinity is one of the central tenets of Christian theology, establishing the belief in God as three-in-one: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This mystery, at its core, asserts that these three Persons are coequal. This belief has not been accepted without contention. However, by studying the Bible and the writings of the Early Church Fathers, a clear thread of supporting evidence emerges. To begin with, let's explore the Scriptural evidence for the co-equality of the Trinity. The first segment is: THE HOLY BIBLE. In the New Testament, the Gospel of John provides substantial support for the Trinitarian concept. In John one, verse one, it states: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This verse speaks to the preexistence and divinity of the Word, or the Son (Jesus Christ). The Word is not a creation of God, but God himself. In the same vein, John ten, verse thirty quotes Jesus as saying, “I and the Father are one.” This not only illustrates the unity of the Father and the Son, but also their equality, as Jesus identifies himself on the same level as the Father. Matthew twenty-eight, verse nineteen is a critical verse: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Here, Jesus himself authorizes baptisms in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, emphasizing their co-equality and unified nature. In 2 Corinthians thirteen, verse fourteen, Paul gives a blessing in the name of all three Persons of the Trinity: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” Paul's blessing highlights the distinct roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but also their inseparable unity and co-equality. Colossians two, verse nines ays, “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.” The ‘fullness of Deity' indicates Christ's full and equal participation in Godhood. For the Holy Spirit, we see in 1 Corinthians two, verses ten and eleven, “these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.” This verse highlights the Holy Spirit's intimate knowledge and participation in the Divine, further emphasizing His co-equality in the Trinity. Finally, in Acts five, verses three and four, when Peter accuses Ananias of lying to the Holy Spirit, he states, “You have not lied just to human...

Welcome to Day 2760 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2760 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 103:7-18 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2760 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2760 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. The Title for today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Geometry of Grace – As High as the Heavens, As Far as the East. Today, we continue our ascent up the magnificent peak of Psalm One Hundred Three. We are exploring the heart of the psalm, verses seven through eighteen, in the New Living Translation. In our previous trek, we heard King David preaching a sermon to his own soul. He commanded himself to "Bless the Lord" and not to forget His benefits. We listed those benefits: He forgives all sins, heals all diseases, redeems us from the Pit, and crowns us with love and tender mercies. It was a celebration of what God does. But today, David goes deeper. He moves from God's acts to God's nature. He asks the question: Why does God do these things? What is it about His character that makes Him forgive a sinner like me? In this section, David gives us the definitive theology of the heart of God. He takes us back to the mountain of Sinai to hear God's own description of Himself. He uses the vastness of the cosmos to measure God's love. And then, he looks at us—frail, dusty, fleeting humanity—and explains why God's response to our weakness is not judgment, but fatherly compassion. So, let us stand in awe as we measure the dimensions of grace. The First Segment is: The Magna Carta of Mercy: God's Self-Revelation. Psalm One Hundred Three: verses seven through eight. He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel.  The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. David begins by grounding his praise in history. He isn't guessing what God is like; he is remembering what God said. "He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel." Specifically, David is quoting Exodus Thirty-four, verse six. This moment occurred right after the Golden Calf incident—Israel's great act of spiritual adultery. Moses asked to see God's glory, and God passed by and proclaimed His name. This declaration in verse eight—"The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love"—is the most quoted verse in the entire Old Testament. It is the Jewish Creed of Grace. Let's break down these four pillars of God's heart: Compassionate (Rachum): Related to the word for "womb." It describes a mother's visceral feeling for her helpless infant. Merciful (Chanun): Meaning gracious, generous, giving favor that is undeserved. Slow to Get Angry (Erek Apayim): Literally, "Long of Nose." In Hebrew idiom, anger was associated with a hot nose or snorting. To be "long of nose" means it takes a long time for God's nose to get hot. He has a very long...

Welcome to Day 2758 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2758 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 103:1-6 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2758 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2758 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. Wisdom-Trek: The Soul's Anthem – Remembering the Benefits of the King. Today, we step out of the shadows and into the brilliant sunlight of one of the most beloved majestic peaks in all of Scripture. We are beginning our trek through Psalm One Hundred Three, covering the opening stanza, verses one through six, in the New Living Translation. In our previous journey through Psalm One Hundred Two, the "Prayer of the Destitute," we walked through the valley of the shadow of death. We sat in the ashes with a man whose bones burned like coals and whose heart was withered like grass. We heard the groans of the "sons of death" and saw the universe wearing out like an old garment. It was a heavy, somber meditation on human frailty and the immutability of God. But today, the scene shifts dramatically. If Psalm One Hundred Two was the cry of the exile in the dungeon, Psalm One Hundred Three is the song of the prisoner set free. The gloom has lifted. The fever has broken. The garment of mourning has been exchanged for a crown of love. This psalm, attributed to David, is pure, distilled praise. There are no petitions here. There are no complaints. There is only a soul overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of God's grace. It is an internal dialogue where David commands his own spirit to wake up and remember. So, let us shake off the dust of the ruins and join David in this magnificent anthem of the redeemed soul. The first segment is: The Internal Command: Waking Up the Soul. Psalm One Hundred Three: verses one through two. Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.  Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. David begins not by addressing God, nor by addressing the congregation, but by addressing himself. This is a powerful spiritual discipline: Self-Exhortation. "Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name." The phrase "Let all that I am" is the translation of the Hebrew word nephesh (soul) combined with "all my innards" or "all my inmost parts." In the Ancient Israelite worldview, the nephesh wasn't just a ghostly spirit trapped in a body; it was the whole self—the throat, the appetite, the emotions, the will, and the vitality. David is commanding every organ, every cell, and every faculty of his being to mobilize for worship. There is to be no silent partner in his body. His mind, his memory, his liver, and his lungs must all align to bless Yahweh. He focuses specifically on God's "holy name." As we saw in Psalm Ninety-nine, the Name represents the reputation and the...

Welcome to Day 2757 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2757 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 102:18-28 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2757 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2757 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. The Title for Today's Wisdom-Trek is: The God Who Changes His Clothes – The Immutability of the Creator. Today, we complete our journey through the "Prayer of the Destitute," Psalm One Hundred Two. We are covering the second half, verses eighteen through twenty-eight, in the New Living Translation. In our previous trek, we sat in the ashes with the psalmist. We felt the heat of his fever, the loneliness of the "owl in the desert," and the pain of being "picked up and thrown down" by God. Yet, in the midst of the ruins of Jerusalem, we saw him pivot. He looked away from his withered heart to the Eternal Throne of Yahweh. He realized that the "set time" to favor Zion had come because God's servants had begun to "cherish the dust" of the ruined city. Now, as we move into the final section, the psalmist's vision expands even further. He stops looking merely at his own pain or even just the immediate restoration of Jerusalem. He looks forward to a future generation—a people not yet created. And then, he looks upward to the very fabric of the cosmos. He realizes that while his life is fleeting, and even the earth itself is wearing out like an old shirt, the God he serves is the Unchanging One. This section contains some of the most profound theology on the nature of God found anywhere in Scripture, passages that the New Testament authors (specifically in Hebrews Chapter One) would later apply directly to Jesus Christ. So, let us stand on this unshakable rock and look at the changing universe through the eyes of faith. The first segment is: The Written Record for the Unborn Generation. Psalm One Hundred Two: verses eighteen through twenty-two. Let this be recorded for future generations, so that a people not yet born will praise the Lord.  Tell them the Lord looked down from his heavenly sanctuary. He looked down from heaven to earth to hear the groans of the prisoners, to release those condemned to die.  And so the Lord's fame will be celebrated in Zion, his praises in Jerusalem, when multitudes gather together and kingdoms come to worship the Lord. Guthrie Chamberlain: The psalmist begins with a command that explains why we are reading this psalm today: "Let this be recorded for future generations, so that a people not yet born will praise the Lord." He is conscious that his suffering—and God's eventual deliverance—is not just for him. It is a legacy. The phrase "people not yet born" is literally "a people to be created" (am nibra). This suggests a new creation, a revived community rising from the ashes of the exile. He wants the story written down so that this...

Welcome to Day 2756 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – 10 Times Jesus Declared His Divinity in the Gospels. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2756 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2756 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. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website   theologyinfive.com.   Today's lesson is titled 10 Times Jesus Declared His Divinity in the Gospels. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly stated and demonstrated that He was God. His declarations and actions are not isolated from the broader context of Scripture but are deeply rooted in the Old Testament, which serves as the foundation for understanding His divine identity. In this article, we will examine the key moments in the Gospels where Jesus claimed divinity, using the OT to provide context and clarity. Let's look at the ten times Jesus declared his divinity. 1. Jesus as the “I AM” One of the clearest statements of Jesus' divinity comes in John eight verse fifty-eight when He declares, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” This is an unmistakable reference to Exodus three verse fourteen, where God revealed Himself to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM.” By using this title, Jesus identifies Himself with the God of Israel, YHWH (Yahweh), who spoke to Moses from the burning bush. The Jewish audience understood the weight of this statement, as they immediately sought to stone Him for blasphemy (John eight verse fifty-nine). 2. Jesus Forgives Sins In Mark two, verses five through seven, Jesus forgives the sins of a paralytic man, which prompts the scribes to question, “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Here, Jesus performs an act that, according to Jewish belief, only God could do. His authority to forgive sins demonstrates that He is not merely a prophet or teacher but possesses divine authority. In Isaiah forty-three verse twenty-five, God states, “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake.” Jesus' actions directly connect Him with this divine function. 3. Jesus Receives Worship In multiple instances, Jesus accepts worship, which in Jewish monotheism is reserved exclusively for God. For example, after walking on water and calming the storm, His disciples worship Him, saying, “Truly, You are the Son of God” (Matthew fourteen, verse thirty-three). In Deuteronomy six, verse thirty-three, it is commanded, “You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve.” Yet, Jesus receives worship without rebuke, implying His divine status. In contrast, angels and apostles in the Bible refuse worship, redirecting it to God (Revelation twenty-two, verses eight and nine, Acts fourteen, verse fifteen. 4. Jesus' Claim to be the Son of Man Jesus frequently refers to Himself as the “Son of Man,” a title from Daniel seven, verses thirteen and fourteen, where the Son of Man comes “with the clouds of heaven” and is given “dominion, glory, and a kingdom” that will never pass away. This figure is distinct from ordinary human beings, as He is...

Welcome to Day 2755 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2755 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 102:1-17 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2755 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred fifty-five 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. The title for today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Prayer of the Destitute – Finding Hope Among the Ruins  Today, we step onto a path that is dusty, broken, and stained with tears. We are entering the landscape of Psalm One Hundred Two, and we will be trekking through the first half, verses one through seventeen, in the New Living Translation. In our previous trek through Psalm One Hundred One, we stood tall with King David. We looked into the "King's Mirror" and heard his bold manifesto of integrity. He vowed to walk blamelessly, to purge his house of liars, and to actively destroy the wicked from the City of the Lord. It was a psalm of strength, confidence, and royal authority. But life is not always lived on the mountaintop of royal confidence. Sometimes, the king loses his crown. Sometimes, the city we vowed to keep clean lies in ruins. Psalm One Hundred Two is the dark valley that often follows the mountain peak. This psalm stands out in the Psalter because of its unique superscription: "A prayer of one overwhelmed with trouble, pouring out problems before the LORD." It does not identify an author—no David, no Asaph, no Sons of Korah. It is anonymous, perhaps so that any of us, when we are "overwhelmed with trouble," can sign our own name to it. It is the fifth of the seven "Penitential Psalms," traditionally used by the church during Lent. It reflects a time—likely the Babylonian Exile—when the promises of Psalm One Hundred One seemed to have failed, and the glorious city of Zion was nothing but a heap of stones. Yet, in the midst of this devastation, we will find a pivot point of hope that is as sturdy as the throne of God itself. So, let us sit amidst the ashes and learn how to pray when we are falling apart. The first segment is: The Urgent Cry from the Void. Psalm One Hundred Two: verses one through two. Lord, hear my prayer! Listen to my plea!   Don't turn away from me in my time of distress.   Bend down to listen, and answer me quickly when I call. Guthrie Chamberlain: The psalm opens with panic. There is no preamble, no theological adoration, just a desperate, breathless clutch for connection: "Lord, hear my prayer! Listen to my plea!" When we are overwhelmed, our prayers often lose their polish. We stop trying to sound "spiritual" and just try to be heard. The psalmist is terrified of one thing: the silence of God. "Don't turn away from me in my time of distress." Literally, "Do not hide Your face." In the Ancient Israelite worldview, to see the face of the King was to have His favor and protection. For God to "hide His face" was the ultimate disaster. It meant the withdrawal of covenant protection,...

Welcome to Day 2753 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2753 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 101:1-8 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2753 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2753 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. The Title for today's Wisdom-Trek is: The King's Mirror – A Manifesto of Integrity Today, we stand at the threshold of a new royal chamber as we explore Psalm One Hundred One, covering the entire psalm, verses one through eight, in the New Living Translation. In our previous trek through Psalm One Hundred, we experienced the joyful noise of the thanksgiving procession. We learned how to "enter His gates with thanksgiving" and "go into His courts with praise." It was a psalm about the people of God approaching the presence of God, acknowledging that He is good, His love is eternal, and His faithfulness lasts forever. It was the liturgy of entry. But Psalm One Hundred One asks a follow-up question that is much more searching: Once you are inside the gates, how do you live? This psalm is often called "The Mirror for Magistrates" or "The King's Mirror." It is written by David, and it is a personal manifesto of integrity. If Psalm One Hundred is about the public worship of God, Psalm One Hundred One is about the private discipline of a leader. It connects deeply to the Royal Psalms we have been studying because, in the Ancient Israelite worldview, the earthly king was supposed to be the visible representative of the Invisible God. If Yahweh reigns with "Righteousness and Justice" (as we saw in Psalm Ninety-seven), then David's throne must be established on the same foundation. This psalm is David's vow to create a court, a home, and a city that mirrors the holiness of the Divine Council. It is a psalm of severe cleaning, purging the influence of chaos and evil from the heart of the kingdom. So, let us look into this mirror and see if our own house reflects the King's standard. The first segment is: The Vow of the Private Heart Psalm One Hundred One: verses one through two. I will sing of your love and justice, Lord. I will praise you with songs.   I will be careful to live a blameless life— when will you come to help me? I will lead a life of integrity in my own home. David begins his manifesto by setting his tuning fork to the character of God: "I will sing of your love and justice, Lord. I will praise you with songs." Notice the two attributes he chooses: Love (ḥesed—unfailing, loyal love) and Justice (mishpat). These are the twin pillars of Yahweh's reign that we saw in Psalm Eighty-nine and Psalm Ninety-seven. Before David can rule others, he must immerse himself in the nature of the God he represents. He sings about them to internalize them. A leader who does not sing of God's justice will soon become a...

Welcome to Day 2752 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2752 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 100:1-5 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2752 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred fifty-two 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. The Title for Today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Rhythm of Gratitude – Entering the Gates with Praise. Today, we arrive at a beloved landmark on our journey through the Psalter. We are exploring Psalm One Hundred, covering the entire hymn, verses one through five, in the New Living Translation. This short, vibrant psalm serves as the grand finale to the collection of Royal Psalms we have been trekking through (Psalms Ninety-three through Ninety-nine). In our previous trek through Psalm Ninety-nine, we were on our knees. We saw the Holy King enthroned between the Cherubim, and the command was to "tremble" and to "bow low." It was a psalm of heavy, transcendent holiness. Psalm One Hundred resolves that trembling into uncontainable joy. It tells us that the Holy King is also the Good Shepherd. It is the invitation to stand up, dust off our knees, and march through the temple gates with a song of thanksgiving. It is the only psalm in the Bible with the specific superscription "A Psalm of Thanksgiving" (Mizmor l'todah). It was likely sung as the procession entered the temple courts to offer the thanksgiving sacrifice. It teaches us that while God is the High King of the Divine Council, He is also our God, and His courts are open to us. So, let us join the procession and enter His gates with thanksgiving. The First Segment is: The Universal Call to Worship. Psalm One Hundred: verses one through two. Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. The psalm opens with a burst of energy, issuing three imperative commands to the entire world: "Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!" The command to "shout" (rûa‘) connects us back to the earlier Royal Psalms. This is the shout of homage to a King; it is the fanfare of coronation. But notice the audience: "all the earth." This is a missionary call. Just as we saw in Psalm Ninety-six, the invitation to worship Yahweh is not restricted to the ethnic borders of Israel. It is a summons to the nations—who were formerly under the dominion of the rebel gods of the Divine Council—to switch their allegiance. We are calling the whole earth to defect from the darkness and shout allegiance to the True King. The second command defines the attitude of our service: "Worship the Lord with gladness." The word "Worship" (‘ābad) literally means to serve. It implies slavery or bond-service. In the ancient world, serving a god or a king was often a terrified, burdensome duty. You served to avoid being crushed. But Yahweh demands a different kind of service. We are to serve Him...

Welcome to Day 2751 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – From Eden to New Jerusalem: The Pattern of Ascent, Fall, and Redemption Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2751 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2751 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. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website   theologyinfive.com.   Today's lesson is titled From Eden to New Jerusalem: The Pattern of Ascent, Fall, and Redemption. Throughout Scripture, a pattern emerges—one that contrasts the fall of those who grasp at divinity with the exaltation of those who receive it by grace through believing loyalty. From Eden to Hermon, Babel, and ultimately to the New Jerusalem, the Bible traces the path of human ambition, divine descent, and final restoration. The first segment is: Eden: Seizing Divinity, Ending in Death In the beginning, Adam and Eve were created in the image of God, placed in sacred space, and destined to reign with Him. Yet they were not content to reflect His glory. Tempted by the serpent, they reached for equality with God on their own terms: “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis three verse 5 By attempting to grasp what had not been offered, they fell. Cast out of the garden, barred from the Tree of Life, and sentenced to die, their descent began not just physically but spiritually. They traded divine fellowship for exile and mortality. The second segment is: Hermon: Divine Rebellion and the Corruption of Mankind The next great rebellion came not from humans alone, but from the spiritual realm. According to 1 Enoch 6, the sons of God descended upon Mount Hermon and made a pact to defy God by taking human wives and producing the Nephilim. Their actions unleashed chaos and violence across the earth. This attempt to force a merger of heaven and earth on their own terms brought catastrophic consequences. God judged the Watchers, bound them in the Abyss, and destroyed their offspring in the Flood. Yet their spirits—demons—remained to corrupt mankind. The descent from Hermon marked not exaltation but divine exile, and it echoes the same pattern: those who attempt to seize divine authority fall into judgment. The third segment is: Babel: Ascending in Pride, Scattered in Judgment The next great act of rebellion came at Babel. Humanity, unified in language and purpose, sought to reach the heavens: “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves…” Genesis Eleven verse 4 Though the text says they were “one people,” this unity was likely driven by demonic influence—a renewed attempt to reopen the spiritual gateway severed at the Flood. Some modern theological reconstructions suggest the builders, influenced by demonic forces, may have sought to create a gateway that would allow the imprisoned Watchers to rise again and make war on Heaven itself. But the plan was doomed. God had already sentenced the Watchers to the Abyss, and no human or spiritual force could overturn that...

Welcome to Day 2750 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2750 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 99:1-9 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2750 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred fifty 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. The Title of Today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Holy King Enthroned – Trembling Before the Trisagion Today, we reach the summit of the Royal Psalms as we explore Psalm Ninety-nine, covering the entire hymn, verses one through nine, in the New Living Translation. In our previous trek through Psalm Ninety-eight, we joined the global victory parade.   We saw the sea shouting, the rivers clapping, and the hills singing for joy because the Divine Warrior had won the battle for the cosmos.   It was a psalm of unbridled exuberance and noise. Psalm Ninety-nine shifts the atmosphere from joyful noise to trembling awe.   While the previous psalms focused on God's power and His reign, this psalm focuses intensely on His Holiness.   In fact, this psalm is structured around a threefold declaration—a Trisagion—that announces, "He is holy!" at the end of each stanza. It reminds us that the King we celebrate is not just powerful; He is Other.   He is transcendent.   He is separated from all corruption and chaos.   And because He is holy, our approach to Him must be marked by reverence.   We move from the cheering crowd to the kneeling priesthood. So, let us take off our shoes, for we are standing on holy ground. The Trembling of the Nations: The Transcendent King Psalm Ninety-nine: verses one through three The Lord is king! Let the nations tremble! He sits on his throne between the cherubim. Let the whole earth shake.  The Lord sits in majesty in Jerusalem, supreme above all the nations.  Let them praise your great and awesome name. Your name is holy! The psalm begins with the familiar coronation cry: "The Lord is king!" But notice the reaction commanded this time.   In Psalm Ninety-seven, the earth was told to "rejoice."   In Psalm Ninety-eight, it was told to "shout."   Here, the command is: "Let the nations tremble!" (rāgaz—to quake, shake, or be agitated).   And "Let the whole earth shake." Why the fear? Because "He sits on his throne between the cherubim." This is a powerful image that bridges heaven and earth.   In the earthly Temple, the Ark of the Covenant was the footstool of God's throne, flanked by golden cherubim.   But in the Ancient Israelite worldview, this was merely a copy of the true reality in the Divine Council.   Yahweh sits enthroned above the living Cherubim—the terrifying, powerful spiritual guardians of His holiness.   He is the Master of the spiritual realm. For the "nations"—who...

Welcome to Day 2748 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2748 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 98:1-9 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2748 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred forty-eight 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. The title for today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Divine Warrior's Victory Lap – Creation Applauds the King Today, we are lacing up our boots for a joyous celebration as we trek through Psalm Ninety-eight, covering the entire psalm, verses one through nine, in the New Living Translation. This psalm is the crescendo of the Royal Psalms.   In our last trek through Psalm Ninety-seven, we witnessed the terrifying majesty of the Cloud Rider.   We saw Yahweh marching out as a Man of War, with fire going before Him to burn up His enemies.   We saw the mountains melting like wax and the "throne of destruction" being dismantled.   It was a psalm of cosmic conquest, where the rebel gods of the Divine Council were humbled before the Most High. Psalm Ninety-eight is the sequel to that conquest.   If Psalm Ninety-seven was the battle, Psalm Ninety-eight is the Victory Parade.   The smoke has cleared.   The enemies are scattered.   The King has ascended to His throne, and now, a "new song" breaks out across the universe. This is a psalm of unadulterated triumph.   It does not contain a single petition or request.   It doesn't ask God for anything; it simply celebrates what He has already done.   It invites us to join an orchestra that includes not just harps and horns, but the roaring sea and the clapping rivers. So, let us take our place in the choir and sing to the Warrior King. The first segment is: The Divine Warrior Wins the Day Alone Psalm Ninety-eight: verses one through three Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power!  The Lord has announced his victory and has revealed his righteousness to every nation!  He has remembered his promise to love and be faithful to Israel. The ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. The psalm bursts open with a command: "Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has done wonderful deeds." We have seen this command before in Psalm Ninety-six, but here, the motivation is specific.   We sing a "new song" because the cosmic status quo has been shattered.   God has done "wonderful deeds" (niphla'ot—marvels, things that are distinct and extraordinary). What is this marvelous deed?   "His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power!" This is the language of the Divine Warrior.   In the ancient world, and in the Divine Council worldview, the gods were often depicted as needing armies or alliances to defeat chaos.   But here,...

Gramps is getting old.

Welcome to Day 2747 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2747 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 97:1-12 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2747 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred forty-seven 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. The title of today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Cloud Rider Reigns – A Fire Before the King Today, we are continuing our ascent up the high peaks of the Royal Psalms. We have arrived at Psalm Ninety-seven, and we will be exploring the entire text, verses one through twelve, in the New Living Translation. In our previous trek through Psalm Ninety-six, we heard the joyous, missionary call to "Sing a new song" and to declare to the nations that "The Lord Reigns!" We saw the invitation for all the families of the earth to abandon their worthless idols—their elilim—and bring their tribute to the true Creator. It was a psalm of invitation and anticipation, looking forward to the coming Judge. Psalm Ninety-seven takes a half-step forward. It moves from the announcement of the King to the actual appearance of the King. The tone shifts from joyful invitation to awe-inspiring majesty. Here, Yahweh is not just invited to reign; He has taken His seat. He is actively asserting His dominion over the cosmos, and the reaction of the universe is a mixture of trembling and rejoicing. This psalm plunges us deep into the Divine Council worldview. It depicts Yahweh as the Cloud Rider, the Divine Warrior who marches out to reclaim His territory from the rebel gods who have corrupted the nations. It is a psalm of spiritual warfare and ultimate victory. So, let us shield our eyes, for the glory of the King is about to shine forth. The first segment is: The Arrival of the Cloud Rider. Psalm Ninety-seven: verses one through two. The Lord is king! Let the earth rejoice! Let the farthest coastlands be glad.  Dark clouds and deep darkness surround him. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. The psalm opens with the foundational shout of the enthronement festival: "The Lord is king!" (Yahweh Malak). Because He is King, the command goes out: "Let the earth rejoice! Let the farthest coastlands be glad." The "farthest coastlands" (or "many islands") refers to the ends of the known world—the Gentile nations. Under the rule of the rebel elohim (the lesser gods), the nations have been in darkness and chaos. But the ascension of Yahweh is good news for the geography of the earth. His rule brings order, life, and stability. However, the appearance of this King is terrifyingly majestic: "Dark clouds and deep darkness surround him." To the modern ear, "dark clouds" might sound gloomy or depressing. But in the Ancient Israelite worldview, this is Theophany language—the language of God appearing in visible form.

Welcome to Day 2746 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – Satan Was Not Allotted a Nation Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2746 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2746 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. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website   theologyinfive.com.   Today's lesson is titled Satan Was Not Allotted a Nation. The Bible presents Satan as the first rebel, deceiving humanity in Eden and setting himself in opposition to Yahweh's purposes from the very beginning. But when God disinherits the nations at Babel (Deuteronomy 32:8-9), there is no indication that Satan is assigned a nation. The divine council sons of God are given authority over the nations, and Yahweh retains Israel for Himself. Satan is nowhere in that picture. This is not surprising. Satan had already rebelled. He had already introduced sin into the world and brought death through deception. Why would he be entrusted with a nation? He would not be, and he was not. But he would not stay excluded. In this first segment, let's explore The Rebellion of the Gods Psalm 82 shows that the gods of the nations, the ones given legitimate rule over the peoples, eventually rebelled. They pervert justice, show partiality, and demand worship for themselves. They become corrupt stewards, and Yahweh condemns them to die like men. This second segment is: The Opportunist Behind the Curtain It is in this spiritual vacuum that Satan likely saw his opportunity. The pattern is familiar. Just as he deceived Eve, it is plausible that he seduced the other elohim as well. He may have promised them greatness, freedom from Yahweh, or worship for themselves. Perhaps he did not originate their rebellion, but he certainly seems to have benefited from it. Over time, as the gods of the nations fought among themselves through their human empires, Satan emerged as the one spirit behind them all.   The third segment is: The Rise of the King of the Gods We can see this in the way ancient religion developed. The gods of Egypt, Canaan, Babylon, Greece, and Rome were originally distinct, but as empires grew and conquered one another, their gods merged. Baal rose in Canaan. Marduk overtook the other gods of Babylon. Zeus became king of Olympus and was later identified with Jupiter in Rome. At each step, the god at the top took on more authority, often absorbing characteristics of the others. The altar of Zeus at Pergamum, described in Revelation 2:13 as the throne of Satan, confirms the trajectory. Zeus had become the highest god of the pagan world. His altar stood like a throne on a high place. Jesus identifies that location not just as idolatrous, but as Satan's seat. This implies that Satan, though never given a nation by God, had risen through the corruption of the divine order to become the ruler over the fallen gods. The fourth segment is: The Usurper's Claim This also explains why Satan could offer Jesus all the...

Welcome to Day 2745 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2745 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 96:1-13 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2745 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred forty-five 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. The title for today's Wisdom-Trek is: A New Song for a Reclaimed World – The Lord Reigns Over the Nations Today, we are setting out on a trek that expands our horizon from the borders of Israel to the very ends of the earth. We are exploring Psalm Ninety-six, covering the entire hymn, verses one through thirteen, in the New Living Translation. In our previous trek through Psalm Ninety-five, we stood in the holy assembly of Israel. We heard the invitation to bow before our Maker, but we also heard the stern warning from the Shepherd-King: "Don't harden your hearts." That psalm ended with a somber reminder of the wilderness generation who failed to enter God's rest because they refused to listen to His voice. It was a call to the insider to stay faithful. Psalm Ninety-six flings the doors of the temple wide open. It turns away from the failure of the past and looks forward to a glorious future where all nations—not just Israel—are invited to worship Yahweh. It is a missionary anthem. It is a coronation hymn. It declares that the God of Israel is not a tribal deity, but the rightful King of the Cosmos who is reclaiming the nations from the lesser spiritual beings that have held them in bondage. So, let us lift our voices and join the global chorus, declaring that the Lord reigns! The first segment is: The Command to Sing a New Song Psalm Ninety-six: verses one through three Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!  Sing to the Lord; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.  Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. The psalm opens with an explosion of joy and a threefold command: "Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Sing to the Lord; praise his name." Why a "new song"? In the Psalms, a new song is often required because God has done a new thing. The old songs were about the Exodus from Egypt, about God delivering one nation from another. But this new song is about something far greater. It is about God delivering all nations. The scope has shifted from the local to the universal. The invitation is no longer just for the children of Jacob; it is for "the whole earth." The instruction is specific: "Each day proclaim the good news that he saves." This phrase, "proclaim the good news," is the Hebrew verb basar. In the Greek translation of the Old Testament, this word is euangelizo—the root of our word "Evangelism" or "Gospel." The psalmist is telling us to evangelize the world! We are to announce, daily, that...

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Welcome to Day 2743 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2743 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 95:1-11 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2743 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred forty-three 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. The title of today's Wisdom-Trek is: The King, The Shepherd, and The Warning – A Trek Through Psalm 95:1-11 Today, we are lacing up our boots to climb a new peak in the Psalter: Psalm Ninety-five. We will cover the entire psalm, verses one through eleven, in the New Living Translation. In our previous trek through Psalm Ninety-four, we stood in the courtroom of the cosmos. We saw God as the Judge of the Earth and the God of Vengeance, dismantling the "throne of destruction" and promising to wipe out the wicked who oppress the innocent. It was a psalm of justice, a cry for the legal intervention of Heaven. Psalm Ninety-five shifts the scene dramatically. We move from the courtroom to the Throne Room, and then to the Wilderness. This psalm serves as the grand entrance hymn to the collection of Royal Psalms that celebrate Yahweh's Kingship. It is a psalm of invitation—an invitation to shout, to bow, and, crucially, to listen. It is structured in two distinct movements: a jubilant call to worship the Supreme King, and a somber, prophetic warning from that same King. It teaches us that true worship is not just about loud songs; it is about a soft heart. So, let us heed the call and approach the Rock of our Salvation. The first segment is: The Call to Cosmic Worship: The King Above All Gods Psalm Ninety-five: verses one through five Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.  Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him.  For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods.  He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains.  The sea belongs to him, for he made it. His hands formed the dry land. The psalmist begins with an imperative, a command to the congregation that bursts with energy: "Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation." We saw in Psalm Ninety-four that God is our "fortress" and "mighty rock" of refuge against the wicked. Now, in response to that protection, the only appropriate reaction is volume. The phrase "shout joyfully" (rûa‘) is the same word used for a war cry or the blast of a trumpet hailing a monarch. We are not mumbling prayers in a corner; we are hailing the Victor. We approach His presence with "thanksgiving" (tôdâ), bringing an offering of gratitude before we even ask for a thing. But why is this enthusiasm required? Verse

Welcome to Day 2742 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2742 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 94:12-23 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2742 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred forty-two 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. The title of today's Wisdom-Trek is: The School of Discipline and the Throne of Destruction Today, we continue our journey through the courtroom of the cosmos in Psalm Ninety-four, covering the second half of this intense psalm, verses twelve through twenty-three, in the New Living Translation. In our previous trek, we stood with the psalmist as he presented his case against the "practical atheists"—the wicked rulers who crush the widow and the orphan, arrogantly claiming, "The Lord isn't looking."   We used the logic of creation—the Eye and the Ear—to dismantle their foolishness.   We established that the God of Vengeance is not blind; He is simply waiting for the proper time to shine forth. Now, in this concluding section, the tone shifts dramatically.   The psalmist turns from addressing the wicked fools to addressing the faithful sufferer.   He moves from the external problem of evil to the internal solution of divine discipline.   He asks a fundamental question: How do we survive while we wait for justice? The answer lies in the distinction between punishment and instruction.   We will see that while the wicked are digging their own graves, God is building a fortress for His people through the hard lessons of life.   We will also see a stark confrontation between the corrupt thrones of men and the righteous throne of God. So, let us settle our hearts and learn why correction is actually a blessing in disguise. The first segment is: The Blessing of the School of God. Psalm Ninety-four: verses twelve through fifteen. Joyful are those you discipline, Lord, those you teach with your instructions.  You give them relief from troubled times until a pit is dug to capture the wicked.  The Lord will not reject his people; he will not abandon his special possession.  Judgment will again be founded on justice, and those with virtuous hearts will pursue it. The psalmist begins with a beatitude, a statement of blessing that seems contradictory to our human nature: "Joyful are those you discipline, Lord, those you teach with your instructions." We usually equate joy with ease, comfort, and the absence of struggle.   But here, the psalmist connects joy ('ashrê, or blessedness) directly with discipline (yāsar).   This word, yāsar, implies correction, chastisement, and instruction.   It is the loving but firm hand of a father guiding his child. Why is this a cause for joy?   Because it signifies relationship.   God ignores the wicked for a season, allowing them...

Welcome to Day 2741 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – Pentecost and the Reversal of Babel: Reclaiming the Nations for Yahweh Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2741 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2741 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. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website   theologyinfive.com.   Today's lesson is titled Pentecost and the Reversal of Babel: Reclaiming the Nations for Yahweh   The biblical narrative does not unfold randomly—it is a carefully structured drama of rebellion, judgment, and redemption. One of the clearest examples of this pattern occurs between two seemingly distant events: the judgment at the Tower of Babel in Genesis Eleven and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost in Acts two. While Babel marked the disinheritance and scattering of the nations due to collective rebellion, Pentecost served as a supernatural reversal of that judgment and the formal beginning of Yahweh's mission to reclaim the nations under the rule of His Son, Jesus the Messiah. This first segment is: Babel: Humanity's United Rebellion and Yahweh's Judgment. In Genesis Eleven, mankind, still united by one language and culture, gathered in defiance of God's command to spread out and fill the earth (Genesis Nine verse 1).   Instead, they sought to build a tower—a ziggurat—that would “reach to the heavens” and make a name for themselves. This act was more than urban planning or architectural ambition; it was a spiritual rebellion. In the Ancient Near East, ziggurats symbolized sacred space, portals between heaven and earth, where humans could manipulate the gods. The Tower of Babel, therefore, represented a counterfeit mountain of assembly—an attempt to storm heaven and force divine presence on human terms. God responded not by destroying them physically but by confusing their language. This act severed their ability to conspire as one. More significantly, according to Deuteronomy thirty-two verses eight and nine (Dead Sea Scrolls versions), God responded by disinheriting the nations: 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. “For the people of Israel belong to the Lord; Jacob is his special possession. This passage reveals a profound truth: Yahweh handed over the rebellious nations to lesser divine beings—members of the heavenly host often referred to as the bene elohim. These beings were expected to rule justly, but Psalm 82 shows that they instead oppressed and corrupted the nations under their charge, leading Yahweh to declare their doom. From Babel onward, Yahweh would focus on a single nation—Israel—through whom He would eventually bless all the nations (Genesis twelve verse three). The second segment is: Pentecost: The Gathering Begins. Fast forward to Acts two. The Jewish feast of Shavuot (Pentecost) had brought devout Jews and proselytes from across the known world to Jerusalem. This was the perfect...

Welcome to Day 2740 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2740 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 94:1-11 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2740 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred forty 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. The title for today's Wisdom-Trek is: The God Who Hears and Sees – The Argument Against Practical Atheism. Today, we are stepping into the courtroom of the cosmos as we open Psalm Ninety-four, covering the first half of this intense psalm, verses one through eleven, in the New Living Translation. In our previous trek through Psalm Ninety-three, we stood in the royal throne room. We heard the triumphant declaration that "The Lord is king!" We saw that He is robed in majesty, stronger than the chaos waters, and that His reign is established from everlasting. It was a psalm of high theology, celebrating God's absolute sovereignty over the universe. But today, Psalm Ninety-four drags that high theology down into the gritty, often painful reality of life on earth. It asks the hard question: "If God is King, and if He is mightier than the waves, why do the wicked still crush the innocent?" This psalm acts as a bridge. It takes the truth of God's Kingship from Psalm Ninety-three and demands that it be applied to the injustices of the present moment. It is a cry for the King to stop sitting on the throne and to start acting from the throne. It confronts the arrogance of those who live as if God is blind, and it uses profound logic to dismantle their foolishness. So, let us lace up our boots and walk through this powerful plea for divine justice. The first segment is: The Appeal to the Divine Avenger Psalm Ninety-four: verses one through two. O Lord, the God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, let your glorious justice shine forth!  Arise, O judge of the earth. Give the proud what they deserve. The psalmist begins with a title for God that might make modern listeners uncomfortable: "O Lord, the God of vengeance." We often associate "vengeance" with petty retaliation, uncontrolled anger, or getting even. But in the biblical worldview, and specifically within the Ancient Israelite context, vengeance (neqamah) is a legal and royal term. It refers to restorative justice. It is the act of a legitimate authority stepping in to right a wrong, to punish the guilty, and to vindicate the innocent. When the psalmist calls God the "God of vengeance," he is not asking God to lose His temper. He is appealing to God's office as the Supreme Magistrate. He is saying, "God, You are the only one with the authority to fix this broken situation." He repeats it twice for emphasis: "O God of vengeance, let your glorious justice shine forth!" The Hebrew phrase here literally asks God to "shine forth" (yapha). This is theophany language—the language of God appearing in radiant glory to intervene in human history, much like He did...

A new DreamWorks Animation short focuses on a teen who visits his grandpa and discovers a passion that will strengthen their relationship. It is Oscar qualified and vying for Best Animated Short Film consideration. Co-Director Chris Copeland and producer Shabrayia Cleaver share what makes them so proud about "Wednesdays with Gramps".

Welcome to Day 2738 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2738 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 93:1-5 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2738 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred thirty-eight 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. The title of today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Lord Reigns Over the Chaos Waters Today, we embark on a journey into the royal courts of the cosmos as we explore Psalm Ninety-three, covering the entire psalm, verses one through five, in the New Living Translation. This short, powerful hymn marks the beginning of a specific collection within the Psalter known as the "Royal Psalms" or "Enthronement Psalms," which generally includes Psalms Ninety-three through Ninety-nine. In our last trek through Psalm Ninety-two, we celebrated the Sabbath, reflecting on the joy of God's works and the ultimate destruction of the wicked.   We concluded with the image of the righteous flourishing in the courts of our God, declaring that, "The Lord is just! He is my rock!" Psalm Ninety-three takes that declaration of God's character and elevates it to a declaration of His universal position.   It moves from the righteous individual flourishing in the temple to Yahweh reigning over the entire created order. It addresses a fundamental anxiety of the ancient world—and indeed, our world today: Is anyone actually in charge?   When we look at the chaos of history, the violence of nature, and the rebellion of spiritual forces, we need to know if the throne is occupied.   This psalm answers with a thunderous "Yes." So, let us step into the throne room of the universe and behold the King who is mightier than the roaring waters. The First Segment is: The Coronation of the Eternal King Psalm Ninety-three: verses one through two The Lord is king! He is robed in majesty. Indeed, the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength. The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. Your throne, O Lord, has stood from time immemorial. You yourself are from the everlasting past. The psalm opens with a proclamation that would have served as a battle cry, a theological manifesto, and a shout of worship: "The Lord is king! He is robed in majesty." The phrase "The Lord is king" (Yahweh malak) is the central thesis of Israelite theology.   In the ancient Near East, kingship wasn't just about political administration; it was about maintaining cosmic order.   A king's primary job was to hold back chaos.   By declaring Yahweh as King, the psalmist is asserting that the God of Israel is the one holding the universe together. The imagery of clothing is vital here: "Indeed, the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength." God does not put on majesty like a costume; majesty is His intrinsic nature, yet it is displayed visibly to His creation.   He is "armed with strength"

Welcome to Day 2737 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2737 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 92:8-15 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2737 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred thirty-seven 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. The title of today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Eternal Exaltation and the Flourishing Righteous Today, we conclude our journey through Psalm Ninety-two, the beautiful Song for the Sabbath Day.   We are covering the final, triumphant verses, eight through fifteen, in the New Living Translation. In our last conversation, we affirmed that it is "good to give thanks to the Lord," proclaiming His Unfailing Love in the morning and His Faithfulness in the evening (Psalm Ninety-two, verses one through four).   We wrestled with the temporary flourishing of the wicked—who "sprout like grass"—but concluded that they are destined to be "destroyed forever," for God's thoughts are simply "deeper than anyone can comprehend" (Psalm Ninety-two, verses five through seven). Now, the psalm moves to its magnificent climax.   It declares the eternal nature of God's sovereignty, contrasts the certain ruin of His foes with the flourishing destiny of the righteous, and celebrates the lifelong vitality of those who trust in the Most High.   This final section is a powerful declaration of vindication and blessing, a perfect capstone to the Sabbath celebration. So, let us open our hearts to this triumphant assurance, embracing the destiny of the righteous and the certainty of God's eternal rule. The first segment is: The Eternal Judgment and the Exaltation of the Righteous Psalm Ninety-two: verses eight through eleven But you, O Lord, will remain supreme forever.  Your enemies, Lord, will be destroyed;  all evil doers will be scattered.  But you have made me as strong as a wild ox;  you have poured olive oil on my head.  My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies;  my ears have heard the defeat of my wicked foes. After acknowledging the fleeting power of the wicked, the psalmist immediately shifts focus to the unchanging reality of God's reign: "But you, O Lord, will remain supreme forever." The "But" is the most important word in the psalm, signaling the ultimate pivot from the temporary to the eternal.   The wicked are ephemeral, but God "will remain supreme forever."   This affirms His sovereignty over all time and space, including His supreme position over the Divine Council, guaranteeing that His justice will prevail. Because God is eternally supreme, the fate of His enemies is sealed: "Your enemies, Lord, will be destroyed; all evil doers will be scattered." This is a prophetic certainty, a final judgment that will

Welcome to Day 2735 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2735 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 92:1-7 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2735 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred thirty-five 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. The title of today's Wisdom-Trek is: A Sabbath Song, The Joy of Proclaiming God's Faithfulness Today, we embark on a journey into Psalm Ninety-two, covering its opening, foundational verses, one through seven, in the New Living Translation. This psalm carries the unique superscription, "A Psalm. A song for the Sabbath Day."   It is a deliberate, joyful declaration of praise and thanksgiving, written specifically for the day of rest. We transition here from the high assurance of Psalm Ninety-one, where we learned that God's faithful promises are our armor and that His angels are ordered to protect us.   Psalm Ninety-two is the natural response to that security: because God is a faithful protector, our lives should overflow with joyful, continuous worship. This psalm invites us to make our lives a perpetual Sabbath, a dedicated time of celebrating God's Unfailing Love and His Faithfulness.   It challenges us to look beyond the temporary flourishing of the wicked and to rest in the wisdom of God's eternal plan. So, let us open our hearts to this song of rest and worship, learning the wisdom of perpetual thanksgiving. The first segment is: The Command and Content of Perpetual Praise Psalm Ninety-two: verses one through four It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High.  It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, and your faithfulness in the evening.  Praise him with the ten-stringed harp, with the melody of the lyre.  For you, O Lord, have made me joyful by your deeds; I sing for joy at the works of your hands. The psalm begins with a simple, profound statement of spiritual fact: "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High." "Good"   (ṭôḇ) here means more than merely pleasant; it signifies morally and spiritually excellent, the right and proper thing to do.   The focus is squarely on the Most High   (‘Elyōn), the supreme, sovereign God, whose power transcends all earthly and celestial authority, ensuring that our praise is directed to the one true source of all blessing. This praise is meant to be continuous and all-encompassing: "It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, and your faithfulness in the evening." The psalmist delineates the ideal spiritual rhythm of the day, moving from dawn to dusk.   In the morning, when hope is renewed, we proclaim God's Unfailing Love   (ḥesed), His steadfast,

Welcome to Day 2736 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – The Profound Meaning of "The Name" of the Lord Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2736 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2736 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. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website   theologyinfive.com.   Today's lesson is titled The Profound Meaning of “The Name” of the Lord    Understanding the theology of the Ancient Near East is paramount to fully grasp biblical concepts, and the interpretation of “The Name” of the Lord is no exception. God chose to reveal Himself to Abraham and create the nation of Israel within this culture. Because of this, He revealed Himself in ways that would make sense to believers. In the Ancient Near East, the term “Shem” in Hebrew represents far more than a mere title; it encapsulates the very essence, character, authority, and reputation of God. Let's explore this further and then delve into how this understanding impacts our interpretation of the commandment against taking the Lord's name in vain. “The Name” as Divine Essence   In the Ancient Near East, a deity's name was considered to be the embodiment of the divine essence. Likewise, in the Bible, “The Name” of the Lord represents God Himself. This can be seen in Proverbs 18:10: “The Name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.” Here, “The Name” is equivalent to God's protective power and presence. “The Name” as Manifested Presence   The Name also symbolizes God's manifested presence among His people. When Solomon built the Temple, he believed it to be a dwelling place for God (1 Kings 8:13). However, God clarified that His Name would dwell there, thus emphasizing that His presence transcends physical boundaries. “The Name” as Divine Authority   Invoking a deity's name in the Ancient Near East was a way of drawing on divine authority. Similarly, in the biblical text, “The Name” of the Lord signifies His authority. The misuse of the Lord's Name is cautioned against in Exodus 20:7, underlining the gravity of disrespecting God's authority. “The Name” as Divine Reputation   In Ancient Near East cultures, a deity's name often represented their reputation. In the biblical context, God's Name is a reflection of His character, faithfulness, and commitment to His covenant. As Psalm 23:3 notes, the Lord acts for His Name's sake, demonstrating consistency between His actions and His reputation. Implications for Understanding the Commandment Against Taking the Lord's Name in Vain   With a deeper understanding of “The Name” embodying the essence, presence, authority, and reputation of God, we can reinterpret the commandment against taking the Lord's Name in vain (Exodus 20:7). This commandment is not simply about using God's Name carelessly or disrespectfully in speech. It carries a much broader and deeper meaning. When we take into account the Ancient Near East understanding of “The Name”, to take the Lord's name in vain could imply denying or diminishing God's essence,...

Welcome to Day 2733 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2733 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 91:9-16 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2733 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred thirty-three 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. The title for today's Wisdom-Trek is: Covenant Protection and the Voice of the Almighty - Concluding Psalm Ninety-one Today, we reach the powerful conclusion of our journey through Psalm Ninety-one, one of the most magnificent and comforting psalms of protection in all of Scripture.  We are covering the final verses, nine through sixteen, in the New Living Translation. In our last conversation, we explored the psalm's foundation, discovering that our security comes from dwelling in the "shelter of the Most High" and resting in the "shadow of the Almighty."  We learned that God's faithful promises are our armor, shielding us from terrors of the night and disasters of the day (Psalm Ninety-one, verses one through eight). Now, the psalm moves from the human declaration of trust to the divine confirmation of that protection.  The focus shifts dramatically as God Himself speaks, revealing the profound results of such trust, detailing the role of His angels, and promising rescue, honor, and a long life as the reward for unwavering love.  This transition makes the promise absolute; it is a covenant guarantee spoken from the mouth of the Most High. So, let us open our hearts to this divine dialogue, recognizing the immense power of the promise that awaits those who make the Lord their refuge. This first segment is: The Consequence of Covenant Dwelling Psalm Ninety-one: verses nine through twelve If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands to keep you from stumbling on a stone. The psalmist begins this section by establishing the condition for the promised protection, a condition rooted in faith and intentionality: "If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter." This is an active choice.  It's not enough to intellectually acknowledge God; we must intentionally choose Him as our ultimate safe place, making the Most High  (‘Elyōn), the supreme, sovereign God, our permanent sanctuary. The consequences of this choice are absolute: "no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home."  This promise of exemption is comprehensive.  "No evil"  (ra‘) and "no plague"  (nega‘, a striking or affliction) can breach the barrier of God's protection.  This is the ultimate security guarantee...

Welcome to Day 2732 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2732 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 91:1-8 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2732 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2732 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. The Title of today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Secret Place of the Most High – Invincible Divine Protection. Today, we embark on a truly magnificent journey into Psalm Ninety-one, one of the most famous and powerful psalms of protection and assurance in all of Scripture.  We are covering its opening, foundational verses, one through eight, in the New Living Translation. In our last conversation, we concluded the Prayer of Moses in Psalm Ninety.  We wrestled with the frailty of human life, the sorrow of its brevity, and ultimately prayed for the wisdom to number our days so we could live with significance.  Now, Psalm Ninety-one provides the covenant solution to that frailty: absolute security found in the eternal refuge of God. While Moses established that man dies under God's righteous anger, Psalm Ninety-one declares that the righteous believer, dwelling in God's presence, is supernaturally shielded from the dangers of the temporal world.  This psalm is an ancient declaration of war against fear, assuring the faithful that they reside in an invincible fortress of divine protection. So, let us open our hearts to this powerful promise, learning how to claim our spiritual citizenship in the Secret Place of the Most High. The First Segment is: The Fortress of Divine Names Psalm Ninety-one: verses one through two Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my fortress, and my God, in whom I trust. This psalm begins not with a request, but with an immediate, unqualified statement of spiritual fact, establishing the location of our security: "Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty." "The shelter"   (sēter) refers to a secret, hidden, or covered place—a sanctuary.  To "live"  (yashab) in this shelter means dwelling there permanently, not just visiting.  This shelter belongs to the Most High  (‘Elyōn), a name emphasizing God's supreme sovereignty over all other powers, spiritual or earthly.  The result of dwelling there is "rest"  (lun)—a profound state of safety and repose—found in the "shadow of the Almighty"   (Shaddai).  The shadow of the Almighty is a powerful image of covering, protection, and cooling relief from the scorching sun of danger. The psalmist then makes this promise intensely personal: "This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my fortress, and my God, in whom I trust." This...

Welcome to Day 2731 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – The Divine Council Worldview and the Nations: A Biblical Perspective Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2731 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2731 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. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website   theologyinfive.com  . Today's lesson is titled The Divine Council Worldview and the Nations:  A Biblical Perspective.    The Divine Council Worldview, championed by scholars like Dr. Michael Heiser, offers a fascinating lens through which to interpret the biblical narrative. This worldview posits that Yahweh, the God of Israel, presides over a council of lesser divine beings who were assigned to govern the nations. This podcast explores the key aspects of how this worldview explains the relationship between the divine council and the nations.    The Disinheritance of the Nations    A pivotal moment in the Divine Council Worldview is the incident of the Tower of Babel, described in Genesis Eleven verses one through nine. Humanity's attempt to build a tower reaching the heavens was seen as an act of rebellion against Yahweh. In response, Yahweh confused their language, causing them to scatter across the earth. According to this worldview, this event led to the disinheritance of the nations, as articulated in Deuteronomy thirty-two verse eight and nine.   The passage suggests that the Most High divided the nations and assigned them to be governed by lesser divine beings, while retaining Israel as His own portion.    “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.[a]  “For the people of Israel belong to the Lord; Jacob is his special possession. ” (Deuteronomy thirty-two, verses eight and nine) Psalm 82: Judgment of the Gods    Psalm eighty-two is a critical text for understanding the Divine Council Worldview. In this Psalm, Yahweh stands in the divine assembly and judges the ‘gods' for their failure to administer justice and righteousness among the nations. These divine beings are condemned for their negligence and are warned of their eventual demise.    God presides over heaven's court; he pronounces judgment on the heavenly beings:  “How long will you hand down unjust decisions by favoring the wicked?    I say, ‘You are gods; you are all children of the Most High.  But you will die like mere mortals and fall like every other ruler.'”    (Psalm...

Welcome to Day 2730 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2760 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 90:10-17 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2730 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2730 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. The title of today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Wisdom to Number Our Days – A Prayer for Satisfaction and Significance Today, we reach the conclusion of the oldest psalm in the Psalter, Psalm Ninety, also known as the timeless Prayer of Moses, covering its remaining verses, ten through seventeen, in the New Living Translation. In our last conversation, we explored the sobering first half of this psalm. Moses established the immense chasm between the eternal God—our “home” and refuge who predates the mountains—and the transient life of man, who vanishes like a “dream” or “grass” that is withered by evening. We acknowledged that our fleeting years are often spent under the cloud of God's righteous anger against sin, as He sets our “secret sins in the light of [His] presence” (Psalm Ninety, verse eight). Now, Moses moves from somber theological reflection to a fervent, practical prayer. Recognizing the brevity and the sorrow of a life lived under divine displeasure, he prays for wisdom, mercy, and ultimate significance. This concluding segment is the mature response to our mortality: since our days are numbered, how can we ensure they are counted for something eternal? So, let us open our hearts to this ancient and vital prayer, learning how to redeem the time God has given us. The first segment is: The Frailty of Life and the Plea for Wisdom Psalm Ninety: verses ten through twelve Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty. But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble; soon they disappear, and we fly away. Who can comprehend the power of your anger? Your wrath is as awesome as the fear you deserve. Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. Moses begins by stating the typical limit of human lifespan, a stark number based on his long experience with the dying generation in the wilderness: "Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty." This lifespan, while a gift, is often limited, but Moses acknowledges that longer life isn't always better: "But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble; soon they disappear, and we fly away." This speaks to a universal truth: even the healthiest and most prosperous years have their share of hardship—a reality that the ancient Israelites knew...

Welcome to Day 2728 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2728 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 90:1-9 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2728 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2728 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. The Title for Today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Eternal Refuge and the Fleeting Shadow of Man - A Trek Through Psalm Ninety: Verses One through Nine Today, we embark on a profound, philosophical, and deeply spiritual journey as we open Psalm Ninety, covering its opening verses, one through nine, in the New Living Translation. This Psalm carries a rare and significant superscription: "A prayer of Moses, the man of God." Written by the great lawgiver himself, this psalm is widely regarded as the oldest in the Psalter, born from the crucible of the forty years of wandering in the wilderness. It is a sober meditation on the frailty of human life and the eternity of God, composed during a time when an entire generation was dying off due to their rebellion against the divine decree. We transition here from the anguished question of the Davidic Covenant's failure in Psalm Eighty-nine—where the psalmist wrestled with God's apparent abandonment—to a foundational truth: man's mortality is not a failure of God's promise, but an unchangeable reality of human existence after the fall. Moses reminds us that before we can grasp God's promises, we must first confront our own fleeting nature. This psalm is essential wisdom for our trek; it sets the proper scale and context for our brief time on earth. So, let us open our hearts to this ancient prayer, recognizing the immense gap between the eternal God and the transient life of man. The first section is: The Eternal God, Our Dwelling Place Psalm Ninety: verses one through two Lord, through all the generations you have been our home. Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting, you are God. Moses begins his prayer not by complaining about the hardship of the wilderness, but by affirming God's eternal nature and His relationship to humanity: "Lord, through all the generations you have been our home." The word "home" (ma‘ôn) means dwelling place, refuge, or habitation. Moses is looking back over the entire history of the covenant people—from Abraham to the present wilderness generation—and declaring that God, not a physical tent or a specific land, has been their constant, reliable dwelling place. This concept provides profound security: in a transient world, subject to change and decay, God is the one permanent, unshakeable refuge for His people. Moses then paints a cosmic picture of God's...

Welcome to Day 2727 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2727 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 89:38-52 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2727 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2727 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. The titled of today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Question of Abandonment – Why Did the Unbreakable Covenant Break? Today, we confront the deepest theological crisis in Psalm Eighty-nine, covering its final, devastating verses: thirty-eight through fifty-two in the New Living Translation. This psalm, a Maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite, is built entirely on the unconditional promise of the Davidic Covenant. In our previous treks, we celebrated the eternal assurance given to David: God promised His Unfailing Love, (ḥesed), would never be removed, and that even if David's descendants sinned, God would punish them with a rod, "But I will never stop loving him, nor will I ever be untrue to my promise."  This was the bedrock: an unbreakable oath, secured by God's very holiness, with the moon as its "faithful witness in the sky." Now, the psalmist transitions abruptly and violently from this glorious assurance to the horrifying reality of his present moment: the Davidic throne has fallen, the sanctuary is ruined, and the king is humiliated. This section is a profound communal lament, a desperate cry that asks: "If Your promise is eternal, why is our reality so utterly destroyed? Why did the unbreakable covenant break?" This lament models how the righteous wrestle with the apparent contradiction between God's revealed truth and their crushing suffering. So, let's immerse ourselves in this agonizing confrontation, acknowledging the pain of disappointment and the desperation of clinging to truth when all hope seems lost. The first section is: The Divine Abandonment and the Ruin of the King Psalm Eighty-nine: thirty-eight through forty-five But now you have rejected him and cast him aside, and your anger burns against your anointed one. You have renounced your covenant with your servant and tossed his crown in the dust. You have broken down all the walls of his city and reduced his strongholds to ruins. Everyone who comes by has plundered him; he has become the scorn of his neighbors. You have strengthened the arms of his foes and filled all his enemies with joy. You have made his sword useless and refused to help him in battle. You have ended his glory and overthrown his throne. You have cut his youth in half and covered him with shame....

Welcome to Day 2726 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – When Honor Fails: David, Uriah, and the Call to Covenant Faithfulness. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2726 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2726 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, we are beginning a new series of Theology Thursday lessons. These lessons are written by theologeon and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found at on his website theologyinfive.com Today's lesson is titled When Honor Fails:  David, Uriah, and the Call to Covenant Faithfulness. In the world of the Ancient Near East, honor and shame defined the structure of society. A person's standing in the community determined their worth, and shame was not merely personal; it was public, often irreversible, and tied to familial and tribal identity. Kings were at the pinnacle of this structure. They were expected to maintain their honor at all costs and were often considered above moral reproach so long as their image remained intact. This cultural context is essential to understanding the events of 2 Samuel 11–12. David, Israel's most celebrated king, commits adultery with Bathsheba and then conspires to cover up the sin by manipulating her husband, Uriah. Every move David makes is calculated to preserve his reputation. He is not initially concerned with righteousness, justice, or repentance. He is concerned with avoiding shame. It is important to note that this cultural dynamic is not just ancient history. Honor and shame continue to shape many societies today, especially across the Middle East. The need to maintain family honor and avoid public disgrace often overrides considerations of justice or truth. Understanding this helps modern readers appreciate how deeply embedded these values were in David's world and how bold the biblical response to his actions truly is. Uriah: A Foil of Integrity When David realizes Bathsheba is pregnant, he summons Uriah home from the battlefield under false pretenses. David's goal is simple: get Uriah to sleep with his wife so that the pregnancy will appear legitimate. But Uriah refuses. His reason is not based on suspicion or bitterness. It is rooted in covenantal loyalty and military discipline. He declares that while the ark, Israel, and Judah dwell in tents, and his fellow soldiers are in the field, he will not indulge in the comforts of home. This is not mere stubbornness. Uriah was a seasoned warrior, one of David's elite mighty men. He would have recognized the oddity of being called back so abruptly. The king's urgent, repeated encouragements to go home, and later his attempt to intoxicate him, would have made David's intent obvious. And yet, Uriah held firm. He would not be manipulated. Even inebriated, he acted more righteously than David did while sober. In this, Uriah becomes a moral mirror. His unwavering integrity exposes David's corruption. He represents what covenant faithfulness looks like: loyal to his comrades, obedient to higher principles, and unwilling to compromise. He is not just a victim. He is the righteous foil whose...

Welcome to Day 2725 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2725 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 89:30-37 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2725 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2725 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. The Title of this Wisdom-Trek is: Covenant and Correction – The Unfailing Promise Beyond Sin Today, we continue our deep exploration of the magnificent Psalm Eighty-nine, focusing on the pivotal verses thirty through thirty-seven in the New Living Translation. This psalm is a grand meditation on the Davidic Covenant, which we covered in detail in our previous trek. We heard God's unbreakable oath to David, promising an eternal dynasty, an unwavering hand of support, and the title of "firstborn, the mightiest of all kings on earth." The core message was the perpetuity of the throne, guaranteed by God's eternal Unfailing Love  (ḥesed). Now, the psalm addresses the inevitable question that hangs over any covenant involving human beings: What happens when David's descendants sin? This section provides the powerful, compassionate, and definitive answer. God assures the Davidic line that while sin will bring discipline and punishment, it will never break the covenant itself. This distinction between temporary discipline and eternal covenant is the central theological assurance of this passage, and it's vital for anchoring our hope. So, let's open our hearts and minds to this profound divine teaching on the nature of grace, discipline, and eternal commitment. The first section is: The Reality of Sin and the Necessity of Discipline Psalm Eighty-nine: thirty through thirty-two  "But if your descendants forsake my instructions and fail to live by my regulations, if they ignore my decrees and disobey my commands, then I will punish their sin with the rod, and their rebellion with whipping." God, who speaks through the prophetic vision in this psalm, moves directly to the problem of human failure. This is a realistic covenant; God knows that David's descendants, like all human rulers, will be prone to failure: "But if your descendants forsake my instructions and fail to live by my regulations..." The "But if" introduces the conditional clause, the possibility of covenant violation by the human party. The psalmist emphasizes the deliberate nature of their potential disobedience. They don't just forget; they "forsake" God's instructions (tōrôt, the divine teaching or law), and they "fail to live by my regulations" (mishpaṭîm, the divine judgments or legal decrees). This is a profound failure of both heart and deed. They ignore the wisdom that we seek here on the trek! The condition of sin is...

Welcome to Day 2723 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2723 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 89:19-29 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2723 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2723 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. The Title of Today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Eternal Throne, God's Unbreakable Promise to David  A Trek Through Psalm eighty-nine 19-29 This psalm, a Maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite, is the grand meditation on the Davidic Covenant. In our previous conversations, we've heard the psalmist anchor his hope in God's eternal Unfailing Love and Faithfulness. He established God's cosmic power as the guarantor of this promise, declaring that God rules the oceans, owns the heavens and the earth, and that Righteousness and Justice are the very foundation of His throne. Now, the psalm moves to the actual historical declaration of the covenant itself. God speaks directly to the prophet, recalling the moment He chose David, anointed him, and laid out the spectacular, eternal nature of the promise. This section details the divine foundation of David's kingdom, promising an unwavering presence, decisive victories, and a dynasty that will endure longer than the heavens. This is the unbreakable contract that is meant to sustain Israel's hope, even when all else fails. So, let's open our hearts and minds to this profound divine revelation, recognizing the depth of God's commitment to His chosen king. The first section is: God's Sovereign Choice and Anointing Psalm eighty-none 19-21 You once spoke to your faithful prophets in a vision and said, "I have raised up a warrior who is mighty, chosen him from the people. I have found my servant David; I have anointed him with my sacred oil. I will steady him with my hand; with my powerful arm, I will make him strong." The psalm now shifts to a recollection of the original prophetic vision that established the covenant. The psalmist reminds the people that God didn't make this promise lightly; He spoke in a vision to His "faithful prophets" (or 'saints,' referencing those in the Divine Council who hear and proclaim God's decrees). God announces His sovereign choice: "I have raised up a warrior who is mighty, chosen him from the people." This directly references David's humble beginnings. David was not chosen from a royal line or a place of prominence; he was chosen "from the people," from the fields, as a mere shepherd, defying all human expectation. Yet, God elevates him, recognizing his internal character, describing him as a "warrior who is mighty." God confirms His personal relationship and investment: "I have found my servant David; I have anointed him with my sacred...