Wisdom-Trek ‪©‬ H. Guthrie Chamberlain, III

Welcome to Day 2362 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.
This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom
Wisdom Nuggets – Ecclesiastes 3:9-15 Daily Wisdom
Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2362

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2362 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

 

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’ll be delving into Ecclesiastes 3:9-15 from the New Living Translation.

In these verses, the Teacher continues to reflect on the cyclical nature of life and the appointed times for various activities. He acknowledges the beauty and purpose of God’s timing, emphasizing the importance of embracing each season of life.

Let’s uncover the profound insights found in Ecclesiastes 3:9-15.

Verses 9-10:

“What do people really get for all their hard work? I have seen the burden God has placed on us all.”

The Teacher reflects on the futility of human labor and the burden that God has placed on all people. He acknowledges the reality that despite our efforts, we cannot control the outcome of our labor.

What insights can we glean from the Teacher’s reflections on the futility of human labor?

The Teacher acknowledges the futility of human labor and the burden that God has placed on all people. He recognizes that despite our efforts, we cannot control the outcome of our labor.

Now, let’s explore verses 11-13.

“Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.”

The Teacher acknowledges the beauty and purpose of God’s timing, recognizing that God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He acknowledges the eternal nature of human existence, with God planting eternity in the human heart. Despite our inability to see the whole scope of God’s work, the Teacher concludes that there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. He emphasizes the importance of eating, drinking, and enjoying the fruits of our labor, recognizing that these are gifts from God.

What insights can we glean from the Teacher’s reflections on the beauty and purpose of God’s timing?

The Teacher acknowledges the beauty and purpose of God’s timing, recognizing that God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He emphasizes the eternal nature of human existence, with God planting eternity in the human heart. Despite our inability to see the whole scope of God’s work, the Teacher encourages us to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can, recognizing that these are gifts from God.

Now, let’s examine verses 14-15.

“And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God’s purpose is that people should fear him. What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen in the future has happened before, because God makes the same things happen over and over again.”

The Teacher...

Welcome to Day 2361 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.
This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – The Ancient’s Guide to the Galaxy - I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible
Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2361

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2361 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

 

Today is the first lesson in a new segment called Theology Thursday. Utilizing excerpts from a book titled: I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible written by Bible scholar and professor Dr. Michael S Heiser, we will invest a couple of years going through the entire Bible, exploring short Biblical lessons that you may not have received in Bible classes or Church.

The Bible is a wonderful book. Its pages reveal the epic story of God’s redemption of humankind and the long, bitter conflict against evil. Yet it’s also a book that seems strange to us. While God’s Word was written for us, it wasn’t written to us. Today, our lesson is The Ancient’s Guide to the Galaxy.

God chose a specific time, place, and culture to inspire people to produce what we read in the Old Testament: the ancient Mediterranean and the ancient Near East of the second and first millennia BC. Understanding the worldview of this culture can lead to a more faithful understanding of Scripture on our part, especially when it comes to understanding how the Israelites viewed God and the universe.

Let’s first examine how they understood Old Testament Cosmology.

“Cosmology” refers to how we understand the universe’s structure. The biblical writers’ conception of how God structured the heavens and earth represents a particular cosmology.

The Israelites believed in a universe that was common among the ancient civilizations of the biblical world. It encompassed three parts: a heavenly realm, an earthly realm for humans, and an underworld for the dead. These three tiers are reflected in the Ten Commandments: “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth” (Exod. 20:4).

Second, let’s examine how they understood The Heavens

We find an Israelite understanding of the heavens in Genesis 1:6-8, which describes it as an expanse, with waters above and below: “And God said, ‘Let there be an expanse (raqia) in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.’... And it was so. And God called the expanse (raqia) Heaven or sky.”

The Heaven or sky thought to be a solid firmament, separated the waters above from the waters below: “When he established the heavens, I [Wisdom] was there; when he drew a circle on the face of the deep, when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep” (Prov 8:27-28).

The firmament dome surrounded the earth, with its edge meeting at the horizon—“the boundary between light and darkness” (Job 26:10). It was supported by “pillars” or “foundations,” thought to be the tops of mountains, whose peaks appeared to touch the sky. The heavens had doors and windows through which rain or the waters

Welcome to Day 2360 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.
This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom
Wisdom Nuggets – Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Daily Wisdom
Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2360

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2360 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

 

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’ll be delving into Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 from the New Living Translation.

In these verses, the Teacher reflects on the cyclical nature of life and the appointed times for various activities. He contrasts the times of sorrow and joy, mourning and dancing, to emphasize the balance and rhythm of life.

Let’s uncover the profound insights found in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.

Verses 1-2:

“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.”

The Teacher begins by acknowledging the cyclical nature of life and the appointed times for various activities. He recognizes that there is a time for every activity under heaven, including birth and death, planting and harvesting.

What insights can we glean from the Teacher’s reflections on the appointed times for different activities?

The Teacher emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and the appointed times for various activities. He recognizes that life is characterized by seasons, each with its own purpose and timing.

Now, let’s explore verses 3-5.

“A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.”

The Teacher continues to contrast the times of sorrow and joy, mourning and dancing, to emphasize the balance and rhythm of life. He recognizes that there is a time for both destruction and construction, sadness and joy, mourning and dancing.

What insights can we glean from the Teacher’s reflections on the contrasting times of sorrow and joy?

The Teacher highlights the balance and rhythm of life, acknowledging that there is a time for both sorrow and joy, mourning and dancing. He recognizes that life is characterized by a series of contrasts, each contributing to the richness of human experience.

Now, let’s examine verses 6-8.

“A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.”

The Teacher continues to contrast various activities and emotions to emphasize the balance and rhythm of life. He acknowledges that there is a time for searching and a time for giving up, a time for keeping and a time for throwing away, a time for tearing and a time for mending. He also recognizes that there is a time for silence and a time for speech, a time for love and a time for hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

What insights can we glean from the Teacher’s reflections on the contrasting times of searching and quitting, keeping and throwing away, tearing and mending, silence and speech, love and hate, war and peace?

The Teacher celebrates the...

Welcome to Day 2359 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.
This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom
Day 2355 – OUR LIVING HOPE – STAYING CLEAN IN A CORRUPT SOCIETY 1 PETER 1:13-21 – Daily Wisdom
Putnam Church Message – 04/14/2024

Our Living Hope – Staying Clean in a Corrupt Society

1 Peter 1:13-21

 

Last week, we began an extended, systematic study of the letters of 1st and 2nd Peter. Our message was “Smiling Through Suffering.” We highlighted the grace that strengthens us to go on in spite of our circumstances, and Peter shines the light on the resurrected Christ| not on us or the world| as the one reliable source of living hope in hurtful times. Peter emphasizes hope to go on despite suffering. This hope grows stronger as we focus on the relief we’ll enjoy in our heavenly home.| Still focusing on the believer’s life in this fallen world, Peter now shifts his emphasis from physical trials to spiritual temptations. If the question last week was, “How can I remain joyful while suffering?” the question this week is, “How can I stay clean in a corrupt society?”

The Bible does not encourage us to become hermits, monks, or Utopians. Believers have a mission to accomplish in the world; therefore, we can’t afford to lock ourselves outside it. The Christian’s solution to the problem of holy living in an unholy world is not isolation; it’s insulation. This is why 1 Peter 1:13-21 challenges us to be different from our depraved society without fleeing to the caves, cloisters, or communes.

Let’s begin our study reading 1 Peter 1:13-21 on page 1887 in your Pew Bibles.

13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”[a]

17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

-1:13-16-

I can imagine that Peter dictated the first twelve verses of his letter in a posture of praise as he paced the room in Rome where he was staying. Perhaps he stared out the window, directing his prayerful words partly to his secretary, Silas, and partly to his heavenly Father, as he praised Him for the living hope believers have through Christ.

Welcome to Day 2358 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.
This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom
Wisdom Nuggets – Ecclesiastes 2:18-26 Daily Wisdom
Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2358

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2358 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

 

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’ll dive into Ecclesiastes 2:18-26 from the New Living Translation.

In these verses, the Teacher reflects on the futility of amassing wealth and possessions, recognizing the transience of human existence and the importance of finding joy in life’s simple pleasures.

Let’s uncover the timeless wisdom found in Ecclesiastes 2:18-26.

Verse 18:

“I came to hate all my hard work here on earth, for I must leave to others everything I have earned.”

The Teacher laments the fleeting nature of his labor and the reality that he must eventually leave his wealth and possessions to others.

What insights does the Teacher offer regarding the accumulation of wealth?

The Teacher recognizes the temporary nature of earthly possessions and the futility of amassing wealth that cannot be taken beyond the grave. He realizes that pursuing material gain is ultimately meaningless in the face of mortality.

Now, let’s explore verses 19-21.

“And who can tell whether my successors will be wise or foolish? Yet they will control everything I have gained by my skill and hard work under the sun. How meaningless! So I gave up in despair, questioning the value of all my hard work in this world.”

The Teacher reflects on the uncertainty of the future and the possibility that his successors may squander the wealth he has accumulated through his labor. Faced with this reality, he feels a sense of despair and questions the value of his earthly pursuits.

What insights can we glean from the Teacher’s reflections on the uncertainty of the future?

The Teacher acknowledges the uncertainty of life and the inability to control what happens to one’s possessions after death. This realization leads to a sense of despair and questioning of the value of earthly pursuits.

Next, let’s examine verses 22-23.

“So what do people get in this life for all their hard work and anxiety? Their days of labor are filled with pain and grief; even at night their minds cannot rest. It is all meaningless.”

The Teacher observes the toil and anxiety that characterize human existence. Despite one’s hard work and efforts to accumulate wealth, life is filled with pain, grief, and restlessness, leading him to conclude that it is all meaningless.

What insights can we gain from the Teacher’s observations on the nature of human existence?

The Teacher reflects on the pain, grief, and restlessness accompanying human labor and the pursuit of wealth. Despite one’s efforts, life remains filled with meaninglessness and dissatisfaction.

Now, let’s explore verses 24-26.

“So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him? God...

Welcome to Day 2357 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.
This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom
Wisdom Nuggets – Ecclesiastes 2:12-17 Daily Wisdom
Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2357

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2357 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

 

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’ll explore Ecclesiastes 2:12-17 from the New Living Translation.

In these verses, the Teacher continues his reflections on the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge, grappling with the fleeting nature of human existence.

Let’s delve into the timeless wisdom found in Ecclesiastes 2:12-17.

Verse 12:

“So I decided to compare wisdom with foolishness and madness (for who can do this better than I, the king?).”

In his quest for understanding, the Teacher sets out to compare wisdom with foolishness and madness. As the king, he possesses unparalleled resources and authority to undertake such a task.

What insights does the Teacher gain from his comparison of wisdom and folly?

The Teacher recognizes his unique position as king to assess the value of wisdom in contrast to foolishness and madness. His examination reflects a deep desire to understand the nature of human existence and the pursuit of knowledge.

Now, let’s explore verses 13-16.

“But I learned firsthand that pursuing all this is like chasing the wind. The greater my wisdom, the greater my grief. To increase knowledge only increases sorrow. I said to myself, ‘Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the “good things” in life.’ But I found that this, too, was meaningless. So I said, ‘Laughter is silly. What good does it do to seek pleasure?’”

The Teacher reflects on his pursuit of wisdom, knowledge, and pleasure, recognizing the futility of such endeavors. Despite his intellectual achievements, he experiences profound grief and sorrow, realizing that the pursuit of pleasure ultimately leads to emptiness and meaninglessness.

What insights can we glean from the Teacher’s reflections on the pursuit of knowledge and pleasure?

The Teacher’s experiences lead him to conclude that the pursuit of wisdom, knowledge, and pleasure is ultimately futile and meaningless. Despite his efforts, he finds no lasting satisfaction or fulfillment in these pursuits, only grief and sorrow.

Now, let’s examine verse 17.

“So I decided to compare wisdom with foolishness and madness (for who can do this better than I, the king?). I thought, ‘Wisdom is better than foolishness, just as light is better than darkness.’”

The Teacher reaffirms his assessment of wisdom, concluding that it is superior to foolishness and madness. Like light dispelling darkness, wisdom brings clarity and understanding to the complexities of life.

How does the Teacher’s comparison of wisdom and folly contribute to his understanding of life’s meaning?

The Teacher affirms the value of wisdom in contrast to foolishness and madness. He recognizes that wisdom brings illumination and clarity to life’s uncertainties, guiding one towards a deeper understanding of existence.

And there you have it, my fellow trekkers, insights from...