Wisdom-Trek © - Archive 3

Day 896 – The Divine Arrow – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain, III — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 07:03:00 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 896 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Divine Arrow – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 896 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Creating a Biblical worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today’s current events. To establish a Biblical worldview, it is required that you also have a proper understanding of God’s Word.

Especially in our western cultures, we do not fully understand the Scriptures from the mindset and culture of the authors. In order to help us all have a better understanding of some of the more obscure passages in God’s word, we are investing Wisdom Wednesday reviewing a series of essays from one of today’s most prominent Hebrew Scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser. He has compiled these essays into a book titled I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. God is omniscient, which means He knows everything before it takes place. There are several passages in the Bible, though, that describe God consulting with His heavenly court, referred to as His armies in today’s passage, and allowing their input in the means to a predetermined outcome. Today’s essay explores one such incident as we will focus on…

The Divine Arrow

To set the picture for today’s essay, I will read from 1 Kings 22:1-28.

For three years there was no war between Aram and Israel. Then during the third year, King Jehoshaphat of Judah went to visit King Ahab of Israel. During the visit, the king of Israel said to his officials, “Do you realize that the town of Ramoth-Gilead belongs to us? And yet we’ve done nothing to recapture it from the king of Aram!”

Then he turned to Jehoshaphat and asked, “Will you join me in battle to recover Ramoth-Gilead?”

Jehoshaphat replied to the king of Israel, “Why, of course! You and I are as one. My troops are your troops, and my horses are your horses.” Then Jehoshaphat added, “But first let’s find out what the Lord says.”

So the king of Israel summoned the prophets, about 400 of them, and asked them, “Should I go to war against Ramoth-Gilead, or should I hold back?”

They all replied, “Yes, go right ahead! The Lord will give the king victory.”

But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not also a prophet of the Lord here? We should ask him the same question.”

The king of Israel replied to Jehoshaphat, “There is one more man who could consult the Lord for us, but I hate him. He never prophesies anything but trouble for me! His name is Micaiah, son of Imlah.”

Jehoshaphat replied, “That’s not the way a king should talk! Let’s hear what he has to say.”

So the king of Israel called one of his officials and said, “Quick! Bring Micaiah, son of Imlah.”

· Micaiah Prophesies against Ahab

King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah, dressed in their royal robes, were sitting on thrones at the threshing floor near the gate of Samaria. All of Ahab’s prophets were prophesying there in front of them. One of them, Zedekiah son of Kenaanah, made some iron horns and proclaimed, “This is what the Lord says: With these horns you will gore the Arameans to death!”

All the other prophets agreed. “Yes,” they said, “go up to Ramoth-Gilead and be victorious, for the Lord will give the king victory!”

Meanwhile, the messenger who went to get Micaiah said to him, “Look, all the prophets are promising victory for the king. Be sure that you agree with them and promise success.”

But Micaiah replied, “As surely as the Lord lives, I will say only what the Lord tells me to say.”

When Micaiah arrived before the king, Ahab asked him, “Micaiah, should we go to war against Ramoth-Gilead, or should we hold back?”

Micaiah replied sarcastically, “Yes, go up and be victorious, for the Lord will give the king victory!”

But the king replied sharply, “How many times must I demand that you speak only the truth to me when you speak for the Lord?”

Then Micaiah told him, “In a vision, I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, like sheep without a shepherd. And the Lord said, ‘Their master has been killed. Send them home in peace.’”

“Didn’t I tell you?” the king of Israel exclaimed to Jehoshaphat. “He never prophesies anything but trouble for me.”

Then Micaiah continued, “Listen to what the Lord says! I saw the Lord sitting on his throne with all the armies of heaven around him, on his right and on his left. And the Lord said, ‘Who can entice Ahab to go into battle against Ramoth-Gilead so he can be killed?’

“There were many suggestions, and finally a spirit approached the Lord and said, ‘I can do it!’

“‘How will you do this?’ the Lord asked.

“And the spirit replied, ‘I will go out and inspire all of Ahab’s prophets to speak lies.’

“‘You will succeed,’ said the Lord. ‘Go ahead and do it.’

“So you see, the Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouths of all your prophets. For the Lord has pronounced your doom.”

Then Zedekiah son of Kenaanah walked up to Micaiah and slapped him across the face. “Since when did the Spirit of the Lord leave me to speak to you?” he demanded.

And Micaiah replied, “You will find out soon enough when you are trying to hide in some secret room!”

“Arrest him!” the king of Israel ordered. “Take him back to Amon, the governor of the city, and to my son Joash. Give them this order from the king: ‘Put this man in prison, and feed him nothing but bread and water until I return safely from the battle!’”

But Micaiah replied, “If you return safely, it will mean that the Lord has not spoken through me!” Then he added to those standing around, “Everyone mark my words!”

Few characters in the Bible are as maligned for their wickedness as King Ahab of Israel. While Ahab’s predecessors “did evil in the sight of the Lord,” Ahab had an agenda. In 1 Kings 16:33 we are told, “He did more to provoke the anger of the Lord, the God of Israel, than any of the other kings of Israel before him.”

Ahab’s rule includes Baal worship, forbidden foreign covenants (Syria) and foreign alliances (married Jezebel), and the murder of Naboth. As we read in the l Kings 22, the prophet Micaiah warns Ahab of his impending fate. This isn’t run-of-the-mill prophecy. It’s mixed with a vision of how God came to the final details of His decision: a divine boardroom discussion.

· Yes-Men and Yahweh’s Man

The 12 tribes of Israel had been split into two kingdoms for a century by the time Ahab took the throne (869 BC). Ahab ruled the northern kingdom (called Israel or Ephraim), which often fought with the southern kingdom, Judah. After peace reigned between Israel and Judah for three years, Ahab decided he wanted to capture the city of Ramoth in Gilead from the Arameans. He asked Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, for military assistance.

Jehoshaphat agreed to the battle for political reasons, but he wanted assurance that God was in the endeavor by summoning a known prophet of God. The 400 prophetic yes-men Ahab consulted endorsed the idea, but Jehoshaphat wanted another opinion. Ahab agreed to summon Micaiah, the prophet of Yahweh, though he openly admitted to hating him. The real prophet of Yahweh never had anything positive to say about the ungodly Ahab and his rule.

· The Prophecy

At first, Micaiah sarcastically told Ahab that God loved the plan, but Ahab saw through his mockery. Apparently, this was not the first time as is recorded in verse 16, “How many times must I demand that you speak only the truth to me when you speak for the Lord?” Micaiah

proceeded to tell Ahab he was about to meet his Maker, so chances are good he wanted Ahab to go through with the battle, knowing the end result.

Rebuked by Ahab, Micaiah holds nothing back, revealing to Ahab and to us the inner workings of God’s high counsel as we read above.

The vision-prophecy shows God had decreed it was time for Ahab to die, but He allows the members of the divine assembly to weigh in on Ahab’s death. Nothing in the passage compels us to conclude that the omniscient God needed input, but he requested it. Ahab’s death was fixed and determined, but the Lord allowed the divine beings in His presence to decide on his mode of departure. This is consistent with other passages, such as Daniel [4:17]-26, where a decision from heaven is described as both the decree of the Most High and a decree of the His high counsel referred to in Daniel as the “watchers or the holy ones who work for God.”

Despite Micaiah’s warning, Ahab and Jehoshaphat go into battle. Ahab opts to disguise himself as an ordinary soldier, but his ruse fails. 1 Kings 22:34 tells us how Ahab dies, “An Aramean soldier, however, randomly shot an arrow at the Israelite troops and hit the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. ‘Turn the horses and get me out of here!’ Ahab groaned to the driver of his chariot. ‘I’m badly wounded!'”

He dies shortly after that, and in the larger scheme we know it’s not random at all, but part of the decision made by God with the input of His divine counsel.

Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue with the Old Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “Promised Undelivered.” I believe you will find this another interesting topic to consider as we build our Biblical worldview.

Tomorrow we will continue with our 3-minute humor nugget that will provide you with a bit of cheer and help you to lighten up and live a rich and satisfying life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along with us tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 895 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 895 – Preparation for Success, Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 07:03:50 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 895 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Preparation for Success –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 895 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit of additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget:

Today’s quote is from Joyce Brothers, and it is,“A strong, positive self-image is the best possible preparation for success.”

Preparation for Success

To be successful, you must prepare for success. You must see yourself as successful in your mind before success will ever be achieved in any area of life. An appropriate and balanced positive self-image, which includes loving yourself, is a requirement before any success can be achieved. When you realize that you are made to be the bearer of God’s image, then you will realize that God desires you to be successful in all that you do.

One admonition that must be considered is that what the world considers as successful, which is usually an abundance of wealth, is not what God considers as successful. Success in God’s eyes is our obedience to His precepts, which are found in His Word, the Bible.

God shows us His pattern for success when He encourages in servant Joshua prior to entering The Promised Land in Joshua 1:7, “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 894 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Pplay so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 894 – Don’t Quit – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 07:03:46 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 894 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Don’t Quit – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 894 of our trek, and it is time for Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For some, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. Some may utilize structured meditation practices.

In my life, meditation includes reading and reflecting on God’s Word and praying. It is a time to renew my mind, refocus on what is most important, and make sure that I am nurturing my soul, mind, and body. As you come along with me on our trek each Meditation Monday, it is my hope and prayer that you too will experience a time for reflection and renewing of your mind.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. There are many people that are ready to give up because of trials and hardships. You may be one of them. Instead of giving up, let us put our energies into encouraging others. It is then we will have purpose and meaning in our own lives and will have the strength to “Keep Moving Forward.” In our Meditation Monday today, we will learn…

Don’t Quit

The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the church at Corinth in 2 Corinthians 4:7-9, “We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.”

There are times when all of us feel overwhelmed by problems and feel like quitting. I’ve been there, but couldn’t find anything better than my Christian faith to quit to. Today I thank God for the courage to keep going, knowing that God was allowing trials to strengthen my faith and to help me grow.

If you feel like giving up and quitting, perhaps the following poem will encourage you to hang in, hang on, but never hang up when the going gets tough.

Don’t Quit

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low, and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must—but don’t you quit.

Life is strange with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don’t give up, though the pace seems slow—
You might succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor’s cup,
And he learned too late, when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out—
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit—
It’s when things seem worst that you mustn’t quit.

It reminds me of the quote, “Tough times never last. Tough people do.”

God never forsook the Apostle Paul who faced incredible trials and opposition. He will never forsake you or me as long as we place our trust in him. We are reminded of His steadfastness in Hebrews 13:5-6.

Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said,

“I will never fail you.
I will never abandon you.”

So we can say with confidence,

“The Lord is my helper,
so I will have no fear.
What can mere people do to me?”

Next week we will continue our trek on Meditation Monday as we take time to reflect on what is most important in creating our living legacy. On tomorrow’s trek, we will explore another wisdom quote. This 3-minute wisdom supplement will assist you in becoming healthy, wealthy, and wise each day. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 893 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 893 – Don’t Worry, Be Joyful – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 07:03:59 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 893 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Dont’ Worry, Be Joyful – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 893 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

As we continue on this trek called life, sometimes we have questions about life, so our Friday trek is a time when we can “Ask Gramps.” Gramps will answer questions that you would like to ask your dad or granddad, but for whatever reason, are unable to. No matter how old we are, I know that all of us would like the opportunity to ask dad or gramps questions about life in many areas.

We will address areas such as finances, relationships, health/fitness, business/work, home repairs/renovations, seasons of life, spiritual/Biblical questions, and any others areas that come our way. As your fellow sojourner and mentor on this trek that we call life, it is Gramps’ goal to provide you with practical wisdom and advice about any area of life. It is crucial that I receive a constant flow of questions, so please submit your questions to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com. And Gramps will answer your questions on our Friday podcast.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. With the recent high-profile celebrity suicides and the fact that suicide rates are increasing in all cultural and age groups, it seems as if more people are losing hope in our world today. So the question today is:

“Hey Gramps, How is it possible to maintain hope in our lives and accept that we are worthwhile and have a purpose that is greater than ourselves?”

Don’t Worry, Be Joyful

While I do not generally have an issue with depression and have never experienced bouts with feeling worthless, I do have family members and friends that do. There are many causes for depression, such as mental or physical illness, what we eat, and whether we are getting adequate exercise. Even what we allow to enter into our minds through TV, videos, audio, reading, and listening to the advice of others impacts us.

In most western cultures people strive relentlessly to be happy, but no external resources or circumstances will bring us lasting happiness. In fact, I would encourage you to stop striving for happiness because it is, at best, as temporary as the morning fog. Instead, on a daily basis, we need to seek deep and abiding joy.

Joy can only be realized when we realize who we are in God’s eyes. If God loves us and considers us worthwhile and precious, we need to have that same view of ourselves. Here are some Bible passages that will help you to change your thinking about yourself, so that, in all circumstances, you will love and accept yourself for who you are, for who God designed you to be. You can never love others properly and be loved by others until you first love yourself properly. We are truly valuable because we are God’s masterpiece.

Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

If you want to lessen your depression, you need to change the way you think. No longer can we think and act as other people do. Romans 12:2 reminds, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

Before you were ever born, God knew and loved you.

Psalms 1[39:13]-14

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.

Everyone who has ever lived deals with difficult times and situations. It is how we choose to deal with those times and situations that will make the difference between depression and having the strength needed to keep moving forward. Jesus’s half-brother James wrote in James 1:2-4, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

Both in difficulty and in pleasant times we need to take our concerns and praise to God as the Apostle Paul taught us in Philippians 4:6-7, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

God has a perfect plan for you, and you are a unique bearer of His image. Even when what you are experiencing is difficult, God is working His will through you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 reminds, “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

Next week we will have a new question to Ask Gramps. If you have a question you would like answered, please email it to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com, and Gramps will answer it on our Friday podcast with the wisdom and philosophy that Gramps has gained over his years of experience and study. I know you will find these insights interesting, practical, and profitable in living a rich and satisfying life.

Our next trek is Mediation Monday where we will help you reflect on what is most important in life. So encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along on Monday for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 892 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you on Monday!

Day 892 – Allergic to Gravity – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 07:03:05 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 892 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Allergic to Gravity – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 892 of our trek, and it is time for our 3-minute mini-trek called Humor Unplugged. Our Thursday podcast will provide a short and clean funny story to help you lighten up and live a rich and satisfying life – something to cheer you and provide a bit a levity in your life.

We are told in Proverbs 15:30, “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.” We are also encouraged in Proverbs 17:22, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.” Consider this your vitamin supplement of cheer for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s funny, which is titled…

Allergic to Gravity

Today I want to tell you a story about John and Sam. John’s story reminds me a lot about myself and the attitude that I try to have. There are also many similarities to my fall from a ladder last year with a chainsaw in my hand where I ended up with a fractured femur bone right below my hip socket.

For many, John is the kind of guy you love to hate. He always seemed to be in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, “If I were any better, I would be twins!” He was a natural motivator.

If a fellow associate was having a bad day, John was there telling them how to look on the positive side of the situation. Seeing this style really made Sam curious, so one day he went up and asked him, “I don’t get it! You can’t be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?”

John replied, “Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood, or you can choose to be in a bad mood. I choose to be in a good mood. Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim, or I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or I can point out the positive side of life! I choose the positive side of life.”

“Yeah, right! It’s not that easy,” Sam protested.

“Yes, it is,” John said. “Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It’s your choice how you live your life.”

Sam reflected on what John said. Soon after that, Sam left the company they both worked at to start his own business. They lost touch over the years, but Sam often thought about John when he made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.

Several years later, Sam heard that John was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower. After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, he was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back.

Sam happened to run into John about six months after the accident. When Sam asked him how he was, he replied, “If I were any better, I’d be twins. Wanna see my scars?”

Sam declined to see his wounds, but he did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place.

This was John’s reply, “The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon-to-be born daughter,” John replied. “Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live, or I could choose to die. I chose to live.”

“Weren’t you scared? Did you lose consciousness?” Sam asked.

John continued, “..the paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER, and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read, ‘He’s a dead man.’ I knew I needed to take action.”

“What did you do?” Sam asked.

“Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me,” said John. “She asked if I was allergic to anything. ‘Yes,’ I replied. The doctors and nurses immediately stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, ‘Gravity!'”

“Over their laughter, I told them, ‘I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead.'”

John did live, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude. Let us all learn from John that every day we have the choice to live fully.

As Jesus tells us in John 10:10, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” And also Matthew 6:34, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”

Make it a day full of cheer.

As we conclude our story, let me leave you with a Thursday Thought. “The easiest way to grow wise and good is to be around people who are wiser and better than you.”

Sourced at: www.mikeysFunnies.com

That’s a wrap for today’s Humor Unplugged. If you enjoy these short stories, let me know so I can continue to bring a bit of cheer to your week.

As you enjoy these nuggets of humor, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 891 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on Apple Podcast or Google Play so each day will be downloaded to you automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 891 – When Giants Walked the Earth – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 07:03:30 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 891 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

When Giants Walked the Earth – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 891 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday.

Creating a Biblical worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today’s current events. To establish a Biblical worldview, it is required that you also have a proper understanding of God’s word. Especially in our western cultures, we do not fully understand the scriptures from the mindset and culture of the authors.

In order to help us all have a better understanding of some of the more obscure passages in God’s Word, we are investing Wisdom Wednesday reviewing a series of essays from one of today’s most prominent Hebrew scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser. He has compiled these essays into a book titled I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. The Bible is full of rich imagery and stories that fill our minds with wonders and questions. Today’s essay explores one such incident as we will focus on…

When Giants Walked the Earth

If they haven’t read it, most people have at least heard the story of David and Goliath of Gath (‘‘the Gittite”). The names of the hero and villain have iconic status. But how many people know anything about the giant Goliath, other than that he lost his head to a boy named David from Israel?

This story can be found in, 2 Samuel [21:15]-22 and 1 Chronicles 20:4-8. The story tells us that there were other unusually tall warriors among the Philistines. The lists are not identical, but putting them together we read that there were four: Saph (also called Sippai), Lahmi, Ishbibenob, and an unnamed warrior. The descriptions are similar to that given Goliath, noting “great stature” and the dimensions of their weaponry. Unlike Goliath or any of the other named warriors, the unnamed giant is said to have six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot. This malformation, known as polydactylism, is only mentioned in the description of this giant. The Bible does not mention it when it discusses other giant clans.

· Wait a minute—giant clans?

There are several people groups described as giants or among whom giants lived in the Old Testament:

There are the Anakim, who are descendants from the Nephilim mentioned in Genesis 6:4, which reads, “In those days, and for some time after, giant Nephilites lived on the earth, for whenever the sons of God had intercourse with women, they gave birth to children who became the heroes and famous warriors of ancient times.” The descendants of those giants lived in Cannan, which was considered The Promised Land and are encountered by the Israelites under both Moses and Joshua. In Numbers 13:33 the spies reported back, “We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. Next, to them, we felt like grasshoppers, and that’s what they thought, too!”
At one time, before the children of Israel traveled through the Transjordan, the land to the east of the Jordan River was heavily populated with tall people known as Emites, which is found in Deuteronomy 2:10-11, “A race of giants called the Emites had once lived in the area of Ar. They were as strong and numerous and tall as the Anakites, another race of giants. Both the Emites and the Anakites are also known as the Rephaites, though the Moabites call them Emites.” They are also referred to as Zamzummites in Deuteronomy, “That area was once considered the land of the Rephaites, who had lived there, though the Ammonites call them Zamzummites.”
The Amorites, another group that stood in the way of Israel claiming the promised land, are described as being exceptionally tall in Amos 2:9, “But as my people watched, I destroyed the Amorites, though they were as tall as cedars and as strong as oaks. I destroyed the fruit on their branches and dug out their roots.”
Lastly, there were the Rephaites, which are mentioned nearly 20 times, most often in association with the conquest of the Promised Land when Moses encountered King Og of Bashan. One reference to King Og is found in Deuteronomy 3:11, “King Og of Bashan was the last survivor of the giant Rephaites. His bed was made of iron and was more than thirteen feet long and six feet wide. It can still be seen in the Ammonite city of Rabbah.”

Goliath was Rephaim. He and the four giant warriors listed alongside him are descended from rapha in Gath, which is found in 2 Samuel [21:22] and 1 Chronicles 20:8.

If rapha is interpreted as a proper name, Rapha, then the four warriors were all brothers of Goliath. The biblical text does not actually say this. Only one of these men, Lahmi, is specifically said to be the brother of Goliath. Therefore, it is best to translate the term as “giants” or “Rephaim” as many English translations do.

Some of the Rephaim giants survived the wars of Moses and Joshua, and their descendants settled in the Philistine city of Gath. The other warriors who accompanied Goliath may not have been brothers, but they were all part of an enduring and unusual lineage that challenged Israel for their land and opposed their God. There is no indication in the Bible that there were giants clans after the time of King David.

Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue with the Old Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “The Divine Arrow.” I believe you will find this another interesting topic to consider as we build our Biblical Worldview.

Tomorrow we will continue with our 3-minute humor nugget that will provide you with a bit of cheer and will help you lighten up and live a rich and satisfying life. So encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along with us tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 890 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 890 – Persistence + Effort = Success, Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 07:03:26 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 890 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Persistence + Effort = Success –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 890 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit of additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget:

Today’s quote is from Elbert Hubbard, and it is, “A little more persistence, a little more effort, and what seemed hopeless failure may turn to glorious success.”

Persistence + Effort = Success

True and lasting success is never gained quickly nor through shortcuts. Success cannot be determined during the process while you are in the midst of the trials and tribulations of everyday life. Sometimes success is not fully realized until long after a project or situation has ended. In fact, there have been many times where a person has not been recognized as a success until long after they have died.

Success cannot and should not be measured by monetary accumulation, but for the impact of transforming the lives of others positively. All of the truly great persons of history were willing to put in the time and the sacrifice to further God’s kingdom without the consideration of whether they were going to be successful. We should be willing to do the same.

As we conclude, today we are reminded in Proverbs 13:11, “Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time.”

Also, success comes from wisdom gained through understanding and following God’s precepts as found in Proverbs 1:3, “Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair.”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 889 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 889 – Foolishness – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 07:03:02 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 889 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Foolishness – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 889 of our trek, and it is time for Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For some, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. Some may utilize structured meditation practices.

In my life meditation includes reading and reflecting on God’s Word and praying. It is a time to renew my mind, refocus on what is most important, and make sure that I am nurturing my soul, mind, and body. As you come along with me on our trek each Meditation Monday, it is my hope and prayer that you too will experience a time for reflecting and renewing your mind.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. There are many foolish people and situations in our world today which we should not follow or become involved with. There is an exception to this, and in our Meditation Monday today we will learn about…

Foolishness

When Dietrich Bonhoeffer reflected on the meaning of the cross, he concluded, “A king who dies on the cross must be the king of a rather strange kingdom.” After all, everything about Jesus’ life was counter to the kingdom that his contemporaries were expecting and the empire that Rome had established. Perhaps, therefore, it is not so unusual that the nature of his kingdom would be “strange” to modern-day sensibilities? Even easier to reject. Especially a kingdom where the king suffers in apparent foolish weakness.

Brennan Manning said, “Jesus entered our world as the music man, but the world was disturbed by his song…” But did the nails silence the music? Could it be that, in those nails, God succeeded in putting into operation his new creation and plan for the world? Could it be that, in those nails, a new kind of music could be heard?

Anyone who looks at the cross as a single screenshot on the monitor of their mind will think God is not loving or powerful but cruel and unfeeling. But when we see the cross as a part of the whole story, we will see it as a shining tile in the divine mosaic that is the story of God.

That this tile reveals to us that God is not waiting for us on the other side of suffering. He understands its significance and meets us in the midst of our suffering. We may never know why God allows suffering, but we know that God allows his heart to break as we suffer. To those who do believe, to those who embrace the foolishness, Jesus opens up a new reality that transforms the poverty of our nature by the riches of his grace. It is in this strange kingdom that we find grace that lays its arm down a wooden beam and never stops reaching out to bring us eternal life.

Our faith and our calling do not rest in human wisdom, but in the power of God. This means we must pray daily for this kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. It is an invitation for us to take up our cross, the apparent foolishness of it and the scorn that may come because of it, and confront the world’s foolish power with the fact there is a different way of wielding power. Defined and characterized by love.

1 Corinthians 1:18-25 tells us, “The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. As the Scriptures say,

‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise
and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.’

So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe.”

Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 888 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 888 – The State of the World, Communications – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 07:03:00 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 888 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The State of the World, Communications – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 888 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

As we continue on this trek called life, sometimes we have questions about life, so our Friday trek is a time when we can “Ask Gramps.” Gramps will answer questions that you would like to ask your dad or granddad, but for whatever reason are unable to. No matter how old we are, I know that all of us would like the opportunity to ask dad or gramps questions about life in many areas.

We will address areas such as finances, relationships, health/fitness, business/work, home repairs/renovations, seasons of life, spiritual/Biblical questions, and any others areas that come our way. As your fellow sojourner and mentor on this trek that we call life, it is Gramps’s goal to provide you with practical wisdom and advice about any area of life. It is crucial that I receive a constant flow of questions, so please submit your questions to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com. And Gramps will answer your questions on our Friday podcast.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. This week we will continue with part 3 of 3 for our question from last week which was…

“Hey Gramps, listening to most news sources and even many preachers, it seems like the world is getting worse each year, but is that really the case?”

The State of the World, Communications

Nearly everyone in the western world, and even in many developing nations own a smartphone or at least a mobile phone. One of the most prevalent areas where we have seen great advancements and improvements in our world is in the area of communication.

Many of us take it for granted now, but in 2017, we had 3.8 billion people connected on Earth. That is ½ of the entire world’s population, including all children. In the next five years, we’ll see the deployment of the 5G global network that Qualcomm has been developing, which will enable many more types of connected devices.

We’re about to see Facebook and Google launch large amounts of balloons, drones, and satellites. The company, OneWeb has plans to deploy 900 satellites leveraging a $1.2 billion Softbank investment. In addition to that 4,425 satellites are being launched by SpaceX. Within the next 5-10 years, it will provide connection capability to every single human on the planet with a gigabit connection speed. This will be a gigabit connection for everyone, effectively for free.

That connection represents a lifeline for health sciences. It’s an ability to upload data or enable AI support. Imagine doctors in the US or other countries being able to perform advanced surgeries remotely to areas where health care is limited or unavailable. Think of all the good that can be brought about by these advancements in communications and connectivity. Imagine how much easier it will be to reach the world to build God’s kingdom through the proliferation of His Good News to every tribe and nation. This is truly great news.

And it doesn’t slow down. With the “Internet of Things” and a proliferation of sensors, by 2020 we’ll have 50 billion connected devices with a trillion sensors in the world. By 2030, we’ll see 500 billion connected devices with 100 trillion sensors.

Regarding health, every single person will have the ability for real-time monitoring. Every single element of their lives – their glucose, their blood pressure, their microRNAs, their vitamin D levels – will be able to be uploaded to an AI that can convey their exact health status.

We’ll all have a version of JARVIS from “Iron Man.” These personal AIs can collect our data and enable us to be the CEO of our own health. The longer we live, the more impact we can have on the world.

The acceleration continues with genome sequencing. Back in 2000, the price of sequencing a human genome – all 3.2 billion letters of your life – was $100 million and took 9 months’ time. Today, it’s $1,000 per genome, and within two years, with Illumina’s newest machines, it will cost about $100 and be completed in 1 hour. This will provide the gateway to proactive healthcare and health maintenance by preventing major diseases from starting. This is equivalent to a trillion-fold increase in price-performance capability, which is, in turn, driving a revolution in cellular medicine, stem cells, natural killer cells, and all types of cancer cells.

While some people may be fearful because of the potential abuses in these technological advancements, as with most fears, they are in our minds and really not grounded in reality. To most of us, a sneeze isn’t too scary, but in centuries past, it was full of deadly possibilities. In the Middle Ages, besides being a possible harbinger of the Black Death, a sneeze was thought to put you at risk for accidentally expelling your spirit. Hence, it became custom to say “God bless you” to keep the spirit within.

We have the ability, with access to these technologies, to say, “This is the problem I want to solve.” We often talk about our desires and our abilities. We are currently living in a time a day and age that within our lifetimes, we will truly have the ability to meet the physical and spiritual needs of every man, woman, and child on this planet.

At no other time in history did we as individuals and as the Church of Jesus Christ have the opportunity to reach everyone in the world for building God’s kingdom. Even this podcast reaches thousands of people in dozens of countries throughout the world. This would not have been remotely possible just a few years ago. Within a few years, communication and connectivity will be available to every person in the world. Instead of being fearful of the real or potential problems in the world, let us move boldly forward to impact the world for good and for God.

Even if we face opposition and difficult times, let us take advantage of the truly good opportunities that we have in our world today. Let us move forward as the Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Ephesian believers in Ephesians 6:18-20, “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.”

If you would like to listen to any of the past 887 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you on Monday!

Day 887 – The Old Has Become Cool – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 07:03:57 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 887 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Old Has Become Cool – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 887 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Humor Unplugged.

Our Thursday podcast provides a short and clean funny story to help you lighten up and live a rich and satisfying life. It is something to cheer you and provide a bit a levity in your life.

We are told in Proverbs 15:30, “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.”We are also encouraged in Proverbs 17:22, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.” Consider this your vitamin supplement of cheer for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s funny which is titled…

The Old Has Become Cool

Gramps and his grandkids had been up in the attic together doing some cleaning and organizing. The kids uncovered an old manual typewriter and asked, “Hey Gramps…what’s this?”

“Oh…that’s an old typewriter,” he answered, thinking that would satisfy their curiosity.

“Well, what does it do?” they asked.

“I’ll show you,” Gramps left the attic and returned with a blank piece of paper. He rolled the paper into the typewriter and began striking the keys, leaving black letters of print on the page.

“WOW!” they exclaimed, “That’s really cool…but how does it work like that? Where do you plug it in?”

“There is no plug,” Gramps answered. “It doesn’t need a plug.”

“Then where do you put the batteries?” they persisted.

“It doesn’t need batteries either,” he continued.

“Wow! This is so cool!” they exclaimed. “Someone should have invented this a long time ago!”

Make it a day full of cheer.

As we conclude our story, let me leave you with a Thursday Thought from Ecclesiastes 1:9-10, “History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new. Sometimes people say, ‘Here is something new!’ But actually it is old; nothing is ever truly new.”

Sourced at: www.mikeysFunnies.com

That’s a wrap for today’s Humor Unplugged. If you enjoy these short stories, let me know so I can continue to bring a bit of cheer to your week.

Just as you enjoy these nuggets of humor, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 886 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on Apple Podcast or Google Play so each day will be downloaded to you automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 886 – Righting the Wrong – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 07:03:36 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 886 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Righting the Wrong – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 886 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Creating a Biblical Worldview is important in order to have a proper perspective on today’s current events.

To establish a Biblical worldview, it is required that you also have a proper understanding of God’s Word. Especially in our western cultures, we do not fully understand the Scriptures from the mindset and culture of the authors. In order to help us all have a better understanding of some of the more obscure passages in God’s word, we are investing Wisdom Wednesday reviewing a series of essays from one of today’s most prominent Hebrew Scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser. He has compiled these essays into a book titled I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Have you ever made a vow or a promise to God or a person and regretted it afterward? In today’s essay from Dr. Heiser, we want to explore one such vow made by Jephthah, one of the Judges of Israel. We will compare and contrast this vow to a New Testament story of Jarius where Jesus reversed this foolish vow. In Judges 10-11 we will focus on…

Righting the Wrong

The story of Jephthah and his tragic vow is paralleled by other stories—including a New Testament story that subverts it.

· The Story

After the brief judgeship of Jair (a man from Gilead), the people of Israel fell into idolatry by worshiping foreign gods. This account is found in Judges 10:6, “Again the Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight. They served the images of Baal and Ashtoreth, and the gods of Aram, Sidon, Moab, Ammon, and Philistia. They abandoned the Lord and no longer served him at all.”

As a result of this disobedience, God then allowed a foreign enemy to oppress the Israelites as punishment. This time it was the Ammonites, who lived on the other side of the Jordan in a place also known as Gilead. The Philistines and the Ammonites oppressed Israel for 18 years, and finally, the people called on God for deliverance.

God had his fill of their disobedience, and in Judges 10:13-14, God tells them, “Yet you have abandoned me and served other gods. So I will not rescue you anymore. Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen! Let them rescue you in your hour of distress!” After

much pleading and putting away all idols, God once again relented by calling Jephthah, another judge from Gilead, to deal with the Ammonites who were getting ready to wage war against them to take back some land.

In Judges 11, Jephthah sends a message to the king of the Ammonites. He wonders why the king is not content with the land that his god Chemosh had given to the Ammonites. Jephthah’s plea is flawed: based on historical data from that time period, Milkom also called Molech was the chief deity of Ammon, not Chemosh. It won’t be the last time he makes a theological blunder.

When Jephthah leads Israel against Ammon, the Spirit of the Lord comes upon him for battle. Just before the fight, he utters his horrible vow…“And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord. He said, ‘If you give me victory over the Ammonites, I will give to the Lord whatever comes out of my house to meet me when I return in triumph. I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.'”After a resounding victory, we pick up the story in verse 34, “When Jephthah returned home to Mizpah, his daughter came out to meet him, playing on a tambourine and dancing for joy.”

· The Story Behind the Story

The ancient Israelites believed that geographical areas and nations were under the dominion of other lesser gods, who were fallen heavenly beings, and put there by Yahweh, the God of Israel because He had rejected these nations as His people. This can be found in Deuteronomy [4:10]-20 and 32:8-9. The Jephthah episode reflects that worldview.

Judges [11:10]-11 tells us that the Israelites worshiped other gods, including Molech. Human sacrifices were made to Molech. Through his own theological ignorance, Jephthah wound up performing a human sacrifice, as was their practice in Ammonite Molech worship, to fulfill his foolish vow to Yahweh. He had Yahweh in view, but his perspective on worship was warped. Remember, at this time there was no king, no spiritual leadership, and no centralized system of worship.

· The Story Repurposed

The tragedy of Jephthah is repurposed in the New Testament story of Jesus raising the daughter of Jairus in Luke [8:40]-56. The details are subtle but theologically powerful.

As was the case in the original Jephthah story, this repurposing is about which god is king and what territory is his rightful domain. Jesus is showing that Gilead is being taken back by the true God.

Immediately before the Jairus story in Luke’s account, Jesus casts out an unclean spirit in Gerasenes. In Old Testament times, this place was called Gilead. In Jephthah’s day, this was the territory of the Ammonites who worshiped Molech, the devourer of children. This is also the only Gospel event in which Jesus is addressed as “son of the Most High,” the title of God referenced in the Old Testament when the nations were divided and their people were put under other lesser gods Deuteronomy 32:8-9.

The casting out of demons marked the onset of the kingdom of God in the Gospels, as in Matt 12:28, “But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” By casting out these demons in what used to be Gilead, Jesus is asserting His kingly dominion over that place.

On His way back from accomplishing that mission, Jesus meets Jairus, whose daughter has died. Seeing his faith, Jesus raises his daughter. The gospel writer is, in literary terms, reversing the other horror of Gilead: the human sacrifice of Jephthah’s daughter by giving life back to Jarius’ daughter.

Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue with the Old Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “When Giants Walked the Earth.” I believe you will find this another interesting topic to consider as we build our Biblical worldview.

Tomorrow we will continue with our 3-minute humor nugget that will provide you with a bit of cheer and help you to lighten up and live a rich and satisfying life. So encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along with us tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 885 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 885 – Living Successfully – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 07:03:04 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 885 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Living Successfully – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 885 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit of additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Living Successfully

Today’s quote is from Mother Teresa, and it is her 10 steps for living successfully:

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway.
The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds. Think big anyway.
People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs. Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
What you invest years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway.
People really need help but may attack you if you do help them. Help people anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and you’ll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway.

As we conclude, today we are reminded in Titus 3:8, “This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 884 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 884 – Through the Power at Work in Us – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 07:03:40 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 884 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Through the Power of the Work in Us – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 884 of our trek, and it is time for Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy.

For some, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. Some may utilize structured meditation practices. In my life, meditation includes reading and reflecting on God’s Word and praying. It is a time to renew my mind, refocus on what is most important, and make sure that I am nurturing my soul, mind, and body. As you come along with me on our trek each Meditation Monday, it is my hope and prayer that you too will experience a time for reflection and renewing of your mind.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. The three controlling forces which most people strive for are power, money, and sex. If you study groups of people for very long, such as politicians, business people, and unfortunately even ministers, you will soon realize that most are driven by one of these three motivators. We may disguise it as something else and many times even convince ourselves that we do not fall prey to them, but when all the chaff is blown away, we see the real kernel of truth.

As Christ followers this is most unfortunate. We have unmeasurable power and riches dwelling within us, and yet we do not accept it or plug into those resources that are so readily available. Our Meditation Monday today we will learn that we can do anything…

Through the Power at Work in Us

Jesus desires his disciples to praise the Father! Ponder Paul’s beautiful prayer in the verses below. He not only praises the Father, but he also asks for the Father’s help. In particular, this great church-planter and disciple-maker prays for the strengthening of the fellow Christ followers he loves. He does not pray for generic strength, but for the Holy Spirit’s empowered strength in Ephesians 3:16, “I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.”

The result of this prayer for strength should make your heart beat a little faster. While the glory for the great things that the Holy Spirit does will go to God, the people through whom the Spirit works will be folks just like you and me, Jesus’s disciples. Notice something else that Paul prays in Ephesians 3:20, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”

God can and will do “infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Notice how it is done “through His mighty power at work within us.”

So here are several things to ponder, and then take appropriate action:

Pray frequently for God to strengthen specific followers of Christ through the Holy Spirit.
Pray regularly that their work inspired by the Spirit will bring God glory.
Pray passionately that these Christ followers will be used by God to accomplish — and that they get to experience — “infinitely more than we might ask or think.”

Paul prayed these things for the Christ followers who received his letter called Ephesians. You should pray these things regularly for each other. Imagine releasing the power that comes from the Father, Son, and Spirit — into the lives of people you love. Think about all the people in your spiritual family who need God’s comfort, strength, and grace.

Invite the Holy Spirit to move mightily through you, your fellowship, your congregation, your home gatherings, and your small groups. Pray that you and your fellow Christians bring the Father glory and bring Jesus Christ’s grace to those around you. As you see this grace released, rejoice in the glory of God’s grace and power for you!

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is full of great bursts of praise and prayer. Today’s verses are an example that comes in the middle of Paul’s letter. It is part of what holds the whole message of the letter together. Invest time to read Ephesians [3:13]-21. Take time to write it out in your own words. Now begin to pray it for specific people. Let them know that you are praying it for them. Then give thanks when you see the Spirit at work in them!

Next week we will continue our trek on Meditation Monday as we take time to reflect on what is most important in creating our living legacy. On tomorrow’s trek, we will explore another wisdom quote. This 3-minute wisdom supplement will assist you in becoming healthy, wealthy and wise each day. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 883 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 883 – The State of the World, Technology – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 07:03:20 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 883 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The State of the World, Technology – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 883 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

As your fellow sojourner and mentor on this trek that we call life, it is Gramps’s goal to provide you with practical wisdom and advice about any area of life. It is crucial that I receive a constant flow of questions so please submit your questions to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com, and Gramps will answer your questions on our Friday podcast.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. This week we will continue with part 2 of 3 for our question from last week which was:

“Hey Gramps, listening to most news sources and even many preachers, it seems like the world is getting worse each year, but is that really the case?”

The State of the World, Technology

We take the technology and the empowerment we have today for granted. This week’s answer will focus on the advances in technology that we have experienced over the past several decades.

Technology permeates our entire life now. Technology in and of itself is amoral. As with any advancement, it can be used for good or bad, but certainly a lot more good has resulted with these advancements than bad. If you have had any type of major surgery recently, I am sure you agree.

Here are some highlights:

Consider storage, which is critical for the genomics world today, which will transform healthcare and rapidly advance the cure for most diseases such as cancer.

In 1981, 1 gigabyte of storage cost half a million dollars. Today, it’s 25 million times cheaper at 2 cents per gigabyte.

How about computation? In 1971, Intel put out its first computer chip, the Intel 4004. It had 2,300 transistors on at $1 each.

Intel no longer actually tells you how many transistors are on their chips, but the recent Core i7 had 14.4 billion transistors at less than a millionth of a penny each.

This represents a 330 billion-fold increase in price performance in 45 years.

If you have a smartphone, you have more computational power in your hand than all the governments on the planet had just 30 years ago.

But that doesn’t compare to what’s coming next in quantum computing. This year, we expect to see “quantum supremacy” – that moment in time where a quantum computer can solve a problem that no classical computer can do.

Google recently unveiled Bristlecone. This new quantum computer chip has 72 qubits. By the time it gets to 300 qubits, it will be able to perform more calculations than there are atoms in the known universe.

We’re about to see an extraordinary revolution in drug discovery.

Pharmaceutical companies today are investing decades and billions of dollars in discovering molecules that affect us. But soon, quantum computers will allow us to model molecular interactions at a level like never before.

Imagine an individual working on a quantum computer on the cloud who is able to look at the interaction of a particular molecule with all 20,000 coded proteins in the human genome…Drug discovery will go off the charts. This isn’t happening 30 years from now, but in the next decade.

I realize that there are still many evil acts that happen throughout the world, but we need to look at the world from a balanced perspective. The world’s current population is now over 7.5 billion people and is escalating rapidly. Yet there is less poverty, less starvation, fewer diseases, fewer wars and more freedom in our world today than at any point of recorded history.

We need to continually keep focused on that fact the God is in control, His Kingdom and the church is growing throughout the world, and the gates of hell cannot stand against it. Jesus told Peter in Matthew 16:18, “Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.”

In part three of our answer to this question, next week we will focus on the exponential growth in communications brought about by the advancements in technology. This has become the driving force in reaching the entire world and its exploding population about God. As Jesus tells us in John 16:33, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

If you have a question you would like answered, please email it to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com, and Gramps will answer it on our Friday podcast with wisdom and philosophy that Gramps has gained over his years of experience and study. I know you will find these insights interesting, practical, and profitable in living a rich and satisfying life.

Our next trek is Mediation Monday when we will help you reflect on what is most important in life. So encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along on Monday for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 882 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you on Monday!

Day 882 – Reflections of Love – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 07:03:50 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 882 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Reflections of Love – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week, wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 882 of our trek, and it is time for our 3-minute mini-trek called Humor Unplugged. Our Thursday podcast will provide a short and clean funny story to help you lighten up and live a rich and satisfying life – something to cheer you and provide a bit a levity in your life.

Reflections of Love

An older couple, Jim and Jonnie, were lying in bed one night. Jim was almost asleep when Jonnie started reflecting on all the love they had shared. As Jim was just drifting off to sleep, Jonnie nudges Jim and says, “Honey, do you remember how we used to hug?”

Jim rouses and says, “Yes, dear,” and rolls over and gives Jonnie a big hug.

He then rolls back over and was almost asleep again, when Jonnie nudges him again and says “Honey do you remember how we used to kiss?”

“Yes, dear,” Jim says, and he rolls over and gives her a big kiss.

Jim rolls back over and was almost asleep when Jonnie nudges him again and says, “Honey, do you remember how you used to nibble on my ear?”

At that Jim throws off the covers, somewhat frustrated, sits up in bed, and gets up. Jonnie says, “What are you doing?” In an exasperated tone, Jim says, “I’m going to go get my teeth.”

Make it a day full of cheer.

As we conclude our story, let me leave you with a Thursday’s Thought…“Don’t take yourself so seriously, no one else is.”

Job 8:21, “He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.”

Sourced at: www.mikeysFunnies.com

That’s a wrap for today’s Humor Unplugged. If you enjoy these short stories, let me know so I can continue to bring a bit of cheer to your week.

Just as you enjoy these nuggets of humor, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 881 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on Apple Podcast or Google Play so each day will be downloaded to you automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 881 – The Most Horrific Bible Story – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 07:03:44 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 881 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Most Horrific Bible Story – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 881 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Creating a Biblical Worldview is important in order to have a proper perspective on today’s current events. To establish a Biblical worldview, it is required that you also have a proper understanding of God’s Word.

Especially in our western cultures, we do not fully understand the Scriptures from the mindset and culture of the authors. In order help us to all have a better understanding of some of the more obscure passages in God’s word, we are investing Wisdom Wednesday reviewing a series of essays from one of today’s most prominent Hebrew Scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser. He has compiled these essays into a book titled I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. One factor that supports the authenticity of God’s Word is that it includes narrative of the good, the bad, and the ugly. In today’s essay, we will take a closer look at one of the stories that is both bad and ugly but also leads us to a truth that we need to understand. In today’s essay from Dr. Heiser, we want to explore Judges 19-20 where God’s Word presents a tale that is considered…

The Most Horrific Bible Story

“In those days, there was no king in Israel.” This line, repeated throughout Judges, frames the horrific tale of the Levite and his concubine. The grim details of this story showcase the anarchy and spiritual decay of the period, but this story is not just a cheap thriller.

When reading this story, our attention fixates on the grim details of murder, rape, war, and abduction. But there are crucial, less repugnant elements that include tribal affiliations and the locations of events. The story was designed to prompt readers into favoring kingship, the people needed a Messiah, a savior.

The book of Judges does not name its author: it was likely written after the time of David. All of these elements add up to not only a rationale for kingship—but a polemic for the superiority of a king from Judah (David), not Benjamin (Saul) or Ephraim.

By the time Judges was being written, Saul had already failed God as a spiritual leader. Anyone reading the story would be prompted to follow God’s new choice of kingship, the line of David. Any other ruler would spell chaos, evil and tragedy. I am going to summarize this passage, but I would encourage you to read Judges 19-20 to get the full spectrum of this horrific story, which is a precursor to the kings of Israel and culminates in Jesus Christ as the King of Kings.

The Events in the Story	What Does This Teach Us?
In Judges 19-20 a Levite is retrieving his fugitive concubine from her father’s house in Bethlehem, located in the tribal territory of Judah. The concubine’s father, who is from Judah, treats the Levite with warm hospitality.	The Levite is shown warm hospitality in Judah, David’s tribe.
The Levite and his concubine travel home to Ephraim. On the way, he has the option to stay in the city of Jebus, a Benjamite territory. He decides not to remain since Jebus is under the rule of Gentiles, non-Hebrews.	The Levite could have stopped in Jebus—which is later known as Jerusalem. It is a missed oasis in the hellish sea of Benjamin.
He journeys on to Gibeah, also a Benjamite territory. In Gibeah, an old man—also from Ephraim—offers refuge to the Levite and his concubine ([19:15]-16). A throng of wicked men surround the old man’s house and demand that the Levite be surrendered to them so they could molest him.	The Benjamite rapists of Gibeah are clearly wicked. Saul, the first king of Israel, belonged to the tribe of Benjamin.
The old man offers his virgin daughter and the Levite’s concubine to them to avoid their disgraceful demand, but they refuse ([19:23]-25). The Levite forces his concubine outside to satisfy them. He finds her dead at the door of the house the next morning. Without a hint of remorse or compassion, he piles her on his donkey ([19:25]-28).	The Levite, from Ephraim, is a villain. Ephraim is associated with the renegade northern kingdom of Israel that forsook the line of God’s anointed, David. The old man, also from Ephraim, is yet another villain.
After arriving home, the Levite cuts her body into 12 pieces and sends a piece to each Israelite tribal territory. He is summoning tribal leadership to meet and decide on retaliation ([19:29]-20:7). All the tribes are outraged, except one. The tribe leaders of Benjamin, in whose territory Gibeah is located, boycott the assembly and refuse to surrender the men of Gibeah (20:2-3, 12-13). The result is a fratricidal war, and all but 600 men of Benjamin are annihilated ([20:14]-48).	The Benjamite leaders that refuse to attend the tribal assembly and turn over the men of Gibeah are wicked.

The appalling nature of this story provides an appropriate context for God’s plan of redemption. It sets the worst of human nature against the need for divine rule. That would come in Old Testament times in the form of David, the chosen king, the man after God’s own heart. From David, God would produce the King of Kings, Jesus, whose mission was to save all humanity, not just Israel, from the curse of sin.

QUICK BIT: This story mirrors the events in Genesis 19. The men of Sodom surrounded Lot’s house and demanded the visiting men—actually angels—be handed over. Lot offered his two virgin daughters instead. Because of their wickedness, Sodom was destroyed. Does this mean that God will destroy Gibeah too? The story shows the dire need for a king. Not just any king though, but the King of Kings through the tribe of Judah, not Benjamin.

Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue with the Old Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “Righting a Wrong.” I believe you will find this another interesting topic to consider as we build our Biblical Worldview.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 880 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 880 – Attitude Affects Success – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 07:03:23 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 880 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Attitude Affects Success – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 880 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit of additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from William James, and it is,“It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome.”

Attitude Affects Success

Success in any endeavor is, in part, based on your attitude during the entirety of the task. A good attitude at the beginning of a difficult task is one of the most important elements in determining a successful outcome.

If you are fearful or doubting when you begin a difficult task, then is it almost assured that the task or project will fail, at least in part. Attitude is probably the biggest single factor of success or failure in any aspect of life.

The more difficult the tasks, the more important your attitude is. A good positive and practical attitude will pave the road to success. This is what God told Joshua when he was about to move into and conquer The Promised Land. Listen as I read Joshua 1:7, “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 879 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this Trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 879 – It’s a Jungle Out There – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 07:03:46 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 879 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

It’s a Jungle Out There – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 879 of our trek, and it is time for Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Life is not always easy, but that should not stop us from moving forward for God will create a path for our trek. Our Meditation Monday today we will learn that with life…

It’s a Jungle Out There

The story is told of a man on an African safari deep in the jungle. The guide before him had a machete and was whacking away the tall weeds and thick underbrush. The traveler, wearied and hot, asked in frustration, “Where are we? Do you know where you are taking me? Where is the path?!” The seasoned guide stopped and looked back at the man and replied, “I am the path.”

We ask the same questions, don’t we? We ask God, “Where are you taking me? Where is the path?” And he, like the guide, doesn’t tell us. Oh, he may give us a hint or two, but that’s all. If he did, would we understand? Would we comprehend our location? No, like the traveler, we are unacquainted with this jungle. So rather than give us an answer, Jesus gives us a far greater gift. He gives us himself.

Does he remove the jungle? No, the vegetation is still thick.

Does he purge the predators? No, danger still lurks.

Jesus doesn’t give hope by changing the jungle; he restores our hope by giving us himself. And he has promised to stay until the very end. Matthew 28:20 tells us, “Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

We need that reminder. We all need that reminder. For all of us need hope.

Some of you don’t need it right now. Your jungle has become a meadow and your journey a delight. If such is the case, congratulations. But remember – we do not know what tomorrow holds. We do not know where this road will lead. You may be one turn from a cemetery, from a hospital bed, from an empty house. You may be a bend in the road from a jungle.

And though you don’t need your hope restored today, you may tomorrow. And you need to know to whom to turn.

Or perhaps you do need hope today. You know you were not made for this place. You know you are not equipped. You want someone to lead you out.

If so, call out for your Shepherd. He knows your voice, and he’s just waiting for your request.

Next week we will continue our trek on Meditation Monday as we take time to reflect on what is most important in creating our living legacy. On tomorrow’s trek, we will explore another wisdom quote. This 3-minute wisdom supplement will assist you in becoming healthy, wealthy and wise each day. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 878 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 878 – The State of the World, Life Span – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 07:03:38 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 878 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The State of the World, Life Span – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 878 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life, and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

As your fellow sojourner and mentor on this trek that we call life, it is Gramps’s goal to provide you with practical wisdom and advice about any area of life. It is crucial that I receive a constant flow of questions, so please submit your questions to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com. And Gramps will answer your questions on our Friday podcast.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Since this is a week of travel for Granny & Gramps, today’s episode will be shorter and serve as the 1^st part of my answer to today’s question.

“Hey Gramps, listening to most news sources and even many preachers, it seems like the world is getting worse each year, but is that really the case?”

The State of the World, Life Span

While there are concerns about the moral and ethical direction of many cultures throughout the world today, there have been many times in ages past where it was much worse. One example is the Roman Empire, where immorality was widespread, slavery and servitude were rampant, people were massacred for sport, and there were wars and rumors of war all over the world. In comparison, the world today is pretty mild.

The area that we will focus on today is the contextualizing improvements in human progress. This includes the worldwide level of poverty, lifespan, and the related death rates. Here are a few facts to consider.

With the exception of lifespans before the flood of Noah, from that point forward lifespans have become shorter with each age until recent history.

It’s hard to remember how extraordinary the world is today when we’re bombarded 24/7 by news about problems and disasters. History provides valuable context, however.

Some 700 years ago, the Plague killed 200 million people in a single year – 40 percent of England.
About 500 years ago, famine claimed 3 million lives in France.
100 years ago (in 1918) World War I claimed 16 million lives while the flu pandemic caused 50 million deaths, all in a single year.

If these were our current headlines, we would be in shock.

We forget how much the world has progressed in the past century alone.

The per-capita income for every nation on the planet has tripled. The human lifespan has doubled. The cost of food has dropped thirty-fold. The cost of transportation decreased hundreds of fold. The cost of communications reduced millions of fold.

The human lifespan is another way to contextualize progress:

During the days after the flood, the average lifespan continued to decline. Food in many areas of the world was scarce, and infant mortality was high. While many people lived to be older, the average lifespan dipped to about 30.
In the Middle Ages, the average human lifespan grew to 35.
Just a century ago, it was the mid-40’s.
Today, it’s around 80.

There are breakthroughs in medicine today that will add 20, 30, or more healthier years to our lives. Before too long 100 years old will be the new 60. Within a few decades exponentially growing technologies will extend the healthy human lifespan to well over 100.

Just think about the growth and outreach of God’s Word in the world today. We have never had a better opportunity and more tools to reach the world for His kingdom. We need to take advantage of this opportunity.

This is just the beginning of the improvements and positive aspects that we are seeing revealed in our world today. This will give you enough to think about for this week. Next week on Ask Gramps, I will continue to explain why I think in many areas, the world is becoming better. As the Apostle Paul taught his apprentice Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2, “Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.”

If you have a question you would like answered, please email it to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com, and Gramps will answer it on our Friday podcast with the wisdom and philosophy that Gramps has gained over his years of experience and study. I know you will find these insights interesting, practical, and profitable in living a rich and satisfying life.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 877 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you on Monday!

Day 877 – Keeping Your Commitments – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 31 May 2018 07:03:39 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 877 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Keeping Your Commitments – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 877 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Humor Unplugged.

Our Thursday podcast will provide a short and clean funny story to help you lighten up and live a rich and satisfying life. Something to cheer you and provide a bit a levity in your life. We are told in Proverbs 15:30, “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.” We are also encouraged in Proverbs 17:22, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.” Consider this your vitamin supplement of cheer for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s funny which is titled…

Keeping Your Commitments

In the not so distant past, there was an old man named Jim who worked all his life and saved all his money. He was a miser, he lived like a pauper, he hardly had food, but he loved his money more than just about anything else in the world.

Just before he died, he said to his wife, Martha, “When I die, I want you to take all my money and put it in the casket with me. I need my money in the afterlife. Can you promise me that you’ll do that?”

His wife was faithful, so she promised Jim with all her heart that when he died, she would put all his money in the casket.

When Jim died, Martha gave him a proper funeral. He was laid out in a beautiful casket, and his faithful wife was in the front row at the funeral parlor dressed in black, sitting beside her best friend, Sue. When the ceremony ended, just before the undertakers got ready to close the casket, Martha rose from her seat and said, “Wait just a minute!”

With that, Martha placed an ornate box inside the casket. Then the undertakers locked the casket and rolled it away.

When Martha returned to her seat, Sue grabbed her by the arm and said, “Martha, I know you weren’t fool enough to put all that money in the casket with Jim, were you?’

Martha said to Sue, “Listen, I am a Christian woman, and I can never lie. I promised Jim that I was going to put the money in his casket with him and I did.”

Sue was horrified and asked, “You mean to tell me that you put all that money in the casket with Jim?”

Martha replied, “I sure did…I wrote him a check for the full amount.

As we conclude our story, let me leave you with a Thursday’s Thought from:

Psalm 28:7, “The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.”

Make it a day full of cheer.

Sourced at: www.mikeysFunnies.com

That’s a wrap for today’s Humor Unplugged. If you enjoy these short stories, let me know so I can continue to bring a bit of cheer to your week.

As you enjoy these nuggets of humor, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 876 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on Apple Podcast or Google Play so each day will be downloaded to you automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 876 – Is My Bible Accurate? – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 30 May 2018 07:03:49 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 876 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Is My Bible Accurate? – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 876 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday.

The past several months on Wednesday we have been focusing on interpreting current events through a Biblical Worldview. To establish a Biblical worldview, it is important that you also have a proper understanding of God’s word. Especially in our western cultures, we do not fully understand the Scriptures from the mindset and culture of the authors. In order to help us all have a better understanding of some of the more obscure passages in God’s word, we are investing Wisdom Wednesday reviewing a series of essays from one of today’s most prominent Hebrew Scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser. He has compiled these essays into a book titled I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. We hear a lot about “fake news” today, and it is getting to the point where it is difficult to trust any major media outlet. Certainly, the internet is also awash with all sorts of theories and opinions, many of which have little or no basis in truth.

While I believe that God’s word is inspired in its original revelation, throughout the ages there are some subtle nuances in the various translations that do affect our understanding of certain passages. None of these differences impact the major doctrines or the overriding message of salvation through Jesus Christ. As I gain a better understanding of the Bible in the language and culture in which it was written, it helps me to gain a better understanding of how God is building up His kingdom throughout the world today. In today’s essay from Dr. Heiser, we want to look at Deuteronomy 32:8-9 where God divided up the human race of the world at that time…

Is My Bible Accurate?

After the great flood, everyone had one language. Humanity congregated in the region of Babylonia (“the land of Shinar”) and started building a tower that would reach into the heavens as told to us in Genesis 11:1-9. God stopped the project by transforming the single language into many—dispersing humanity over the earth and creating the 70 nations and regions listed in Genesis 10 from the decedents of Noah. Genesis11:7-9 tells of this scattering of people, “Come, let’s go down and confuse the people with different languages. Then they won’t be able to understand each other. In that way, the Lord scattered them all over the world, and they stopped building the city. That is why the city was called Babel, because that is where the Lord confused the people with different languages. In this way, he scattered them all over the world.”

Most people think it ends there, but there’s more. The story picks up again in Deuteronomy 32:8-9, and the story changes, depending on what Bible version you use. Here is the reading from the New Living Translation.

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.

In the Dead Sea Scrolls, it reads the number of the sons of God, and Greek version, which reads the number of the angels of God; Masoretic Text reads the number of the sons of Israel. The difference is due to these ancient manuscript disagreements, which have major theological ramifications.

· Is It Accurate?

Many English Bibles have “sons of Israel” or something similar because the translation is based on the traditional Hebrew text of the Old Testament, known to us as the Masoretic Text. How does God dividing humankind and fixing the boundaries of the peoples “according to the number of the sons of Israel” make any sense? Deuteronomy 32:8 refers back to what happened at Babel, and Israel did not exist at that time! If you read through the “Table of Nations” in Genesis 10, Israel does not even appear.

“Sons of God” is the reading in two other older manuscripts: the Septuagint, an ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament, and the Dead Sea Scrolls, a set of manuscripts discovered in the desert not too far from Jerusalem. Bible translators agree that “sons of God” is the more original reading, but they usually place it in a footnote at Deuteronomy 32:8, and not in the actual text. The English Standard Version (ESV), though, and others like the NLT, place “sons of God” into their translation.

· Why Is There a Difference?

Deuteronomy 32:8 is a textbook example of how later scribes sometimes changed the biblical text in a misguided attempt to “protect” God’s reputations. Other parts of Deuteronomy were also changed by scribes, such as in Deuteronomy [32:43]. When you line up the Dead Sea Scroll reading with the Masoretic Text, the traditional Hebrew text which many English translations are based upon, you can see that the original was altered.

Notice that Deuteronomy [32:43] in the Dead Sea Scrolls has three poetic pairings. Since it’s a poetic section, the symmetry is not only important, it’s expected. The Masoretic Text reading has removed or altered parts of two of the pairings. The first, as in Deuteronomy 32:8, which eliminates references to other divine beings as “sons of God.” The second in Deuteronomy [32:43] it eliminates “heavenly ones” and “gods.” At some point, a scribe thought this reference to other gods was theologically offensive. The first line of the final pairing was removed because someone hating God was also offensive.

God, of course, doesn’t need to be protected by a zealous scribe or anyone else. Israel’s doctrine was that Yahweh was unique and above all other divine beings Psalms 29:1 and Psalms 89:5-7. In a severe judgment, the nations at Babel were disinherited by Yahweh and given over to the administration of other ‘little g’ “gods” in Deuteronomy [4:10]-20 and 32:8. These “sons of God,” also referred to as his “heavenly court,” their actions would be judged by the God of Israel as mentioned in Psalms 82:1 & 6. This paved the way for God to create a new people, Israel, in the very next chapter of Genesis. Ironically, after the scattering of the nations in Genesis 11, it was announced that it would be through Abraham’s seed that the disinherited nations would be reclaimed in Genesis 12:1-3.

Next Wisdom Wednesday, we will continue with the Old Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled, The Most Horrific Bible Story. I believe you will find this another interesting topic to consider as we build our Biblical worldview.

Tomorrow we will continue with our 3-minute humor nugget that will provide you with a bit of cheer, which will help you to lighten up and live a rich and satisfying life. So encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along with us tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 875 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 875 – Built Over Time – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 29 May 2018 07:03:38 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 875 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Built Over Time – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 875 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit of additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Maria Razumich-Zec, and it is, “Your reputation and integrity are everything. Follow through on what you say you’re going to do. Your credibility can only be built over time, and it is built from the history of your words and actions.”

Built Over Time

Both your integrity and reputation can only be built over a long period of time where others are able to observe your actions and speech. You may be able to talk a good talk, but unless you walk a good walk, it will mean nothing. Although it takes years to build an example of pure integrity and good reputation, both can be destroyed in a matter of seconds if your walk and talk do not match.

We only have to read the latest headlines to understand that in a moment the most well-known people in business, news media, acting, politics and, yes, even in the ministry can be destroyed. Their reputations and integrity crumble because of the revelation of past or recent practices and actions.

What we have to understand and realize is that in nearly every case it was not just one action that brought the mighty to their knees but a progressive set of decisions and choices that were made over time that is the cause of their downfall. Yet it begins with that one choice to compromise your reputation and integrity that begins the snowball effect to start the downhill slide. Let us be careful of every decision and choice that we make because all subsequent choices and decisions are based on the previous one.

Proverbs 3:3-4 give us the guidelines that we must follow:

Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
Then you will find favor with both God and people,
and you will earn a good reputation.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 874 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google play, so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 874 – Pray This Way – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 28 May 2018 07:03:30 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 874 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Pray This Way – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 874 of our trek, and it is time for Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy.

For some, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. Some may utilize structured meditation practices. In my life meditation includes reading and reflecting on God’s Word and praying. It is a time to renew my mind, refocus on what is most important, and make sure that I am nurturing my soul, mind, and body. As you come along with me on our trek each Meditation Monday, it is my hope and prayer that you too will experience a time for reflection and renewing of your mind.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. So often we try to live life on our own terms while God desires us to live on His terms. We can only know God’s way through His Word, including prayer. This is why Jesus’s disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray. On our Meditation Monday, we will learn that Jesus teaches all of us to…

Pray This Way

Of all the things the disciples could have asked of Jesus, they asked to be taught how to pray. As we read Jesus’s words of how to pray, ask the Holy Spirit for fresh revelation, for how you can practically respond to His instruction.

Worship is the Alpha and the Omega of prayer as is found in Matthew 6:9 & 13, “Pray like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.'”

Jesus taught the disciples and us that in prayer we are to pay homage to the reality that this is His kingdom.

God has control over everything, and He can and will answer our prayers. There is nothing impossible with God like Luke 1:37 reminds us, “For the word of God will never fail, For nothing is impossible with God.”

Jesus continues his teaching in Matthew 6:10, “May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.” He desires His kingdom to come. It is His will, His purpose. He has set before us a vision of a renewed community and people in unity. Jesus’s prayer reminds us that extending God’s kingdom is included in our decision to follow Him.

Matthew 6:11 says, “Give us today the food we need.”

Can we live in this kind of simplicity and trust, like a little child? Can we be grateful for the food, regardless of how little or much that is set before us today? This is one place we repeatedly allow our peace and contentment to be stolen. We compare our provision to other people.

Matthew 6:12 reads, “and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.” To be forgiven, you must forgive. You must live in forgiveness daily toward everyone: your spouse, friends, enemies, children, and most of all yourself. There is great freedom in forgiveness; it is the key to the kingdom—confessing our sins, seeking forgiveness, and forgiving others.

Christ instructs us to pray a very honest prayer in Matthew 6:13, “And don’t let us yield to temptation.” As shocking as the thought may be, the Lord allows us to go through times of trials, testing, and temptation. The Lord desires to produce pure gold out of our lives. Also, far too many of us are not in a position to face the temptations of sin and attacks of the enemy when they come. For our protection, the Lord is able to chain up the roaring lion that seeks to tempt and destroy us. The Apostle Peter tells us in 2 Peter 2:9, “So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment.”

Do you count yourself among those who need Christ to teach them to pray? I do. So let us come together and learn from the master teacher on prayer. Let’s pray for God’s purposes, provision, pardon, and protection.

Next week we will continue our trek on Meditation Monday as we take time to reflect on what is most important in creating our living legacy. On tomorrow’s trek, we will explore another wisdom quote. This 3-minute wisdom supplement will assist you in becoming healthy, wealthy and wise each day. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 873 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 873 – Kick Junk Food and Eat Healthy – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 25 May 2018 07:03:04 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 873 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Kick Junk Food and Eat Healthy – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 873 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

As your fellow sojourner and mentor on this trek that we call life, it is Gramps’s goal to provide you with practical wisdom and advice about any area of life. It is crucial that I receive a constant flow of questions, so please submit your questions to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com. And Gramps will answer your questions on our Friday podcast.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. This week we will continue our answer to last week’s question. Spring and summer gives us extra opportunities to get outside and exercise more, and there are many more opportunities to buy healthy locally grown produce. It is a great time to begin new habits of healthy eating and exercise. So our question for today is…

“Hey Gramps, I have a difficult time avoiding junk food. Even though I know I should make better food choices, I so often fall back into the habit of gorging myself with the food that is unhealthy and causes me to gain weight. How can I change?”

Kick Junk Food and Eat Healthy

This is a somewhat complex question, so I split my response into two parts. Last week we explored why we crave junk food, and this week we will explore how to change your eating habits. Check out Wisdom-Trek.com/day-868 to listen to the first part of my answer. Like last week, I want to ask you a question before we dive in. Do you really desire to change? No amount of scientific proof or logic will cause you to change unless you accept responsibility for yourself and choose to change your eating habits.

The good news is that the research shows that the less junk food you eat, the less you crave it. My own experiences have mirrored this. Over the many years, as I have eaten healthier, I’ve noticed myself wanting pizza and candy and ice cream less and less. Some people refer to this transition period as “gene reprogramming.”

Whatever you want to call it, the lesson is the same…If you can find ways to gradually eat healthier, you’ll start to experience the cravings for junk food less and less. I’ve never claimed to have all the answers (or any, really), but here are three strategies that might help.

1. Use the “outer ring” strategy and the “5 ingredient rule” to buy healthier food.

The best course of action is to avoid buying processed and packaged foods. If you don’t buy it when you are out and don’t have it in your home, you can’t eat it. Furthermore, if you don’t think about it, you can’t be lured by it.

We’ve talked about the power of junk food to pull you in and how memories of tasty food in the past can cause you to crave more of it in the future. Obviously, you can’t prevent yourself from ever thinking about junk food, but there are ways to reduce your cravings.

First, you can use my “outer ring” strategy to avoid processed and packaged foods at the grocery store. If you limit yourself to purchasing most of your foods on the outer ring of the store, then you will generally buy whole foods (fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, etc.). Not everything on the outer ring is healthy, but you will avoid a lot of unhealthy foods.

You can also follow the “5 ingredient rule” when buying foods at the store. If something has more than 5 ingredients in it, don’t buy it. Odds are, it has been designed to fool you into eating more of it. Avoid those products and stick with the more natural options.

2. Eat a variety of foods.

As we covered earlier, the brain craves novelty. While you may not be able to replicate the crunchy/creamy contrast of an Oreo, you can vary your diet enough to keep things interesting. For example, you could dip a carrot (crunchy) in some hummus (creamy) and get a novel sensation. Another example is you crave the salty crunch of potato chips, so replace them with roasted, salted almonds. They have crunch and salt. Just don’t overdo it, you can fill up much quicker with nuts than chips. Similarly, finding ways to add new spices and flavors to your dishes can make eating healthy foods a more desirable experience.

Moral of the story: eating healthy doesn’t have to be bland. Mix up your foods to get different sensations, and you may find it easier than eating the same foods over and over again. At some point, however, you may need to choose healthy foods because they are healthy.

3. Find a better way to deal with your stress.

There’s a reason why many people eat as a way to cope with stress. Stress causes certain regions of the brain to release chemicals (specifically, opiates and neuropeptides). These chemicals can trigger mechanisms that are similar to the cravings you get from fat and sugar. In other words, when you get stressed, your brain feels the addictive call of fat and sugar, and you’re pulled back to junk food.

We all have stressful situations that arise in our lives. Learning to deal with stress differently can help you overcome the addictive pull of junk food. This could include prayer and meditation, the study of the Scriptures, or something more physical like exercise, or a relaxing hobby.

I trust that last week, and this will answer your questions about kicking the junk food habit and replacing it with a habit of eating healthy and exercise.

*parts of this information were sourced from jamesclear.com

If you have a question you would like answered, please email it to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com, and Gramps will answer them on our Friday podcast with wisdom and philosophy that Gramps has gained over the years of experience and study. I know you will find these insights interesting, practical, and profitable in living a rich and satisfying life.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 872 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you on Monday!

Day 872 – The Head Hog – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 24 May 2018 07:03:50 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 872 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Head Hog – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 872 of our trek, and it’s time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Humor Unplugged. Our Thursday podcast provides a short and clean funny story to help you lighten and live a rich and satisfying life.

Something to cheer you and provide a bit a levity in your life. We are told in Proverbs 15:30, “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.” We are also encouraged in Proverbs 17:22, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.” Consider this your vitamin supplement of cheer for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s funny which is titled…

The Head Hog

A church secretary, Margaret takes a call. The caller says, “This is Sam Smith from Tuscaloosa. Is the head hog at the trough there?”

Margaret says, “Please, Mr. Smith, do not refer to our pastor as the ‘head hog at the trough.’ That is very insulting.”

Sam says, “Oh, I’m very sorry. I meant nothing by that. It’s just a local phrase we use in the part of the country I come from. The real reason I called was to donate $50,000 to your building fund.”

Margaret says, “Hold on. I see the ‘Big Oinker’ coming through the door right now.”

As we conclude our story, let me leave you with a Thursday Thought, “I hope life isn’t a big joke because I don’t get it.”

King Solomon tells us in Ecclesiastes 8:15, “So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.”

Make it a day full of cheer.

Sourced at www.mikeysFunnies.com

That’s a wrap for today’s Humor Unplugged. If you enjoy these short stories, let me know so I can continue to bring a bit of cheer to your week.

Just as you enjoy these nuggets of humor, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.If you would like to listen to any of our past 871 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on Apple Podcast or Google Play, so each day will be downloaded to you automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 871 – Love Potion: Numbers 5 – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 23 May 2018 07:03:53 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 871 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Love Potion: Numbers 5 – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 871 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. The past several months on Wednesday we have been focusing on interpreting current events through a Biblical worldview.

To establish a Biblical Worldview, it is important that you also have a proper understanding of God’s word. Especially in our western cultures, we do not fully understand the Scriptures from the mindset and culture of the authors. In order to help us all have a better understanding of God’s word, we are investing the next several months on Wednesday reviewing a series of essays from one of today’s most prominent Hebrew Scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser which he has compiled into a book titled I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Since the beginning of human history, people have been searching for a love potion. There is little verifiable proof that there are any secret potions. There is an odd potion found in the Old Testament, though, that seems a bit strange. In today’s essay, we want to look at Numbers 5 where God gave Moses the recipe for what we will call…

Love Potion: Numbers 5

When’s the last time you heard a sermon on Numbers [5:11]-31?

One of the things that Dr. Heiser enjoys telling people in conversations about Bible study is that “If it’s weird, it’s probably important.” This passage certainly qualifies in both respects. The strangeness of the passage is easily detectable, but only careful Bible study makes its importance apparent.

Numbers [5:11]-31 describes a water ritual to determine the guilt or innocence of a woman suspected of adultery. Let me read this passage so you will have a bit of understanding on this strange ritual. This section of Scripture is called…

· Protecting Marital Faithfulness

And the Lord said to Moses, “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel.”

Suppose a man’s wife goes astray, and she is unfaithful to her husbandand has sex with another man, but neither her husband nor anyone else knows about it. She has defiled herself, even though there was no witness and she was not caught in the act. If her husband becomes jealous and is suspicious of his wife and needs to know whether or not she has defiled herself, the husband must bring his wife to the priest. He must also bring an offering of two quarts of barley flour to be presented on her behalf. Do not mix it with olive oil or frankincense, for it is a jealousy offering—an offering to prove whether or not she is guilty.

The priest will then present her to stand trial before the Lord. He must take some holy water in a clay jar and pour into it dust he has taken from the Tabernacle floor. When the priest has presented the woman before the Lord, he must unbind her hair and place in her hands the offering of proof—the jealousy offering to determine whether her husband’s suspicions are justified. The priest will stand before her, holding the jar of bitter water that brings a curse to those who are guilty. The priest will then put the woman under oath and say to her, “If no other man has had sex with you, and you have not gone astray and defiled yourself while under your husband’s authority, may you be immune from the effects of this bitter water that brings on the curse. But if you have gone astray by being unfaithful to your husband, and have defiled yourself by having sex with another man.”

At this point, the priest must put the woman under oath by saying, “May the people know that the Lord’s curse is upon you when he makes you infertile, causing your womb to shrivel and your abdomen to swell. Now may this water that brings the curse enter your body and cause your abdomen to swell and your womb to shrivel.” And the woman will be required to say, “Yes, let it be so.” And the priest will write these curses on a piece of leather and wash them off into the bitter water. He will make the woman drink the bitter water that brings on the curse. When the water enters her body, it will cause bitter suffering if she is guilty.

The priest will take the jealousy offering from the woman’s hand, lift it up before the Lord, and carry it to the altar. He will take a handful of the flour as a token portion and burn it on the altar, and he will require the woman to drink the water. If she has defiled herself by being unfaithful to her husband, the water that brings on the curse will cause bitter suffering. Her abdomen will swell, and her womb will shrink, and her name will become a curse among her people. But if she has not defiled herself and is pure, then she will be unharmed and will still be able to have children.

This is the ritual law for dealing with suspicion. If a woman goes astray and defiles herself while under her husband’s authority, or if a man becomes jealous and is suspicious that his wife has been unfaithful, the husband must present his wife before the Lord, and the priest will apply this entire ritual law to her. The husband will be innocent of any guilt in this matter, but his wife will be held accountable for her sin.

Since the instructions in Numbers 5 were given by God, the water ordeal is a means of divination, whereby it is expected that God will use the ritual to answer a question human beings cannot. That the Israelites could use such divination comes as no surprise, as the high priest had the Urim and Thummim at his disposal, and various Biblical characters utilize the casting of lots for discerning the mind of God on a matter.

This passage provides a useful starting point for discussing why Biblical characters were permitted to practice divination at all when elsewhere such methods are condemned (e.g., Deut. 18:9-14). But let’s instead focus on one practical implication of this passage.

Students of the Bible know that adultery was supposed to be punishable by death in ancient Israel (Lev. [20:10]-11). Surprisingly, death is not the penalty for the guilty woman in Numbers 5. The normal Hebrew word for adultery, the word used in connection with the death penalty, does not occur in this passage, further distancing it from being a capital crime. Why these discrepancies?

The answer lies in the fact that the guilty woman was not discovered in the act of adultery. Since this is the case, the community and, particularly, the angry husband, is effectively prohibited by the law because of this potion from taking matters into their own hands. This would serve as a protection for women suspected of adultery, or who might be the target of someone’s animosity or jealousy. The point is that secret adultery can and will be punished only by God, but not as a capital crime.

Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue with Moses as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “Is My Bible Right?” I believe you will find this another interesting topic to consider as we build our Biblical worldview.

Tomorrow we will continue with our 3-minute humor nugget that will provide you with a bit of cheer which will help you to lighten up and live a rich and satisfying life. So encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along with us tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 870 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor and most of all your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 870 – Nothing to Hide – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 22 May 2018 07:03:07 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 870 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Nothing to Hide – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 870 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit of additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Zig Ziglar, and it is,“With integrity, you have nothing to fear, since you have nothing to hide.”

Nothing to Hide

I find that so many people are fearful about life, relationships, poverty, decisions, and the future. When you live your life based on a bedrock of Biblically-based values, there is nothing to fear.

We do not need to fear relationships because God is always with us. We do not need to fear decision making because God has promised us wisdom, all we need to do is ask for it. We do not need to fear poverty because God owns a cattle on a thousand hills and had promised to always take care of us. We do not even need to fear death because to be absent from this body is to be present with God.

Have integrity in your life, but do not have fear. There is nothing hidden from God anyways, so live for Him! Let me leave you with two verses to ponder for today.

Hebrews 4:13 – Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.

Isaiah 41:10 – Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 869 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 869 – The Great Helper – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 21 May 2018 07:03:35 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 869 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Great Helper – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 869 of our trek, and it is time for Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. We all need helpers in our life to come alongside us when we are weak and vulnerable. When Jesus took on humanity and lived among people, they came to rely on him. Since he was fully human, with a divine nature, his ability to help others was limited to his physical nature. There was no way Jesus could minister to all the people on earth. Because of this, when Jesus had completed his earthly ministry, he promised to send us a helper as his replacement. We will build on last Meditation Monday, and today the title of our meditation is…

The Great Helper

Jesus’s ascension back to the Father was a wonderful blessing. The disciples would love to have His physical presence continuing with them – to see Him, minister, heal, cast out demons, teach, and preach. Jesus’s closest disciples were left behind as He ascended to the Father, so He told them not to believe that He was going to abandon them but instead send a helper for them. John 16:7 reads, “But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you.”

Without Jesus’s ascension, His departure, the Holy Spirit wouldn’t have come to their aid and the Helper wouldn’t be available to aid you.

Jesus’s ascension meant that He would send the Holy Spirit to be His people’s Helper, your Helper, and Advocate. The Spirit helps His disciples, including us, point others to the truth about Him. The Helper gives Christ followers strength to face their trials. The Helper works through us friends when they proclaim Him. The Helper convicts lost people of their sin, of their need for righteousness, and of their need to change because the world they trust, along with the powers of evil behind it has already been defeated. The Helper guides Jesus’s beloved disciples into the truth about Him through God’s Word.

The book of Acts shares Jesus’s story of grace with the whole world, regardless of ethnicity, but He told them to wait in Jerusalem for the coming of the Helper, the Holy Spirit, before beginning their mission. The Spirit’s coming on the day of Pentecost ignited them on their mission with power as we read in Acts 2:1-4, “On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.”

All that Jesus promised them about the Helper came true as they lived out this mission. This little band of believers, propelled by the power and presence of the Helper, changed the world. Jesus has given us this same Helper, the Holy Spirit, to empower us to impact our world like this first band of believers altered their world!

Just as those early disciples changed the world, Jesus is calling on us to rely on this same Helper to empower, to strengthen, to inform, to guide, and to propel us to change our world. Here is the Word of promise that Jesus gave us in John 15:26-27, “But I will send you the Advocate, the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me. And you must also testify about me because you have been with me from the beginning of my ministry.”

And it continues on in John 16:13-15, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.'”

If you would like to listen to any of the past 868 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 868 – Why We Crave Junk Food – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 18 May 2018 07:03:37 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 868 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Why We Crave Junk Food – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 868 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series.

Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy. As we continue on this trek called life, sometimes we have questions about life, so our Friday trek is a time when we can Ask Gramps. Gramps will answer questions that you would like to ask your dad or granddad, but for whatever reason are unable to.

No matter how old we are, I know that all of us would like the opportunity to ask our dad or gramps questions about life in many areas. We will address areas such as finances, relationships, health/fitness, business/work, home repairs/renovations, seasons of life, spiritual/Biblical questions, and any others areas that come our way. As your fellow sojourner and mentor on this trek that we call life, it is Gramps’s goal to provide you with practical wisdom and advice about any area of life. It is crucial that I receive a constant flow of questions, so please submit your questions to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com. And Gramps will answer your questions on our Friday podcast.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. While any time of year we can fall prey to eating junk food, we are no less tempted during summer cookouts and family gatherings. Spring and summer give us extra opportunities to get outside and exercise more, and there are many more opportunities to buy healthy locally grown produce. It is a great time to begin new habits of healthy eating and exercise. So our question for today is…

Why We Crave Junk Food

This is a somewhat complex question, so I am going to split my response into two parts. This week we will explore why we crave junk food, and next week we will explore how to change your eating habits.

I want to ask you a question before we dive in. Do you really desire to change? No amount of scientific proof or logic will cause you to change unless you accept responsibility for yourself and choose to change your eating habits.

Most of us know that junk food is unhealthy. We know that poor nutrition is related to heart problems, high blood pressure, and a host of other health ailments. You might even know that studies show that eating junk food has been linked to increases in depression.

But if it’s so bad for us, why do we keep doing it?

There is an answer, and it has much more to do than just your willpower. If you understand the scientific reasons why you crave junk food, then you can make a choice to also avoid it.

Much of this information comes from a report titled “Why Humans Like Junk Food” written by Steven Witherly, a food scientist. He explores the scientific reasons why junk food is so desirable to all of us. According to Witherly, when you eat tasty food, there are two factors which make the experience pleasurable.

First, there is the sensation of eating the food. This includes what it tastes like (salty, sweet, spicy, etc.), what it smells like, and how it feels in your mouth. This last quality, known as “orosensation,” can be particularly important. Food companies will invest millions of dollars to discover the most satisfying level of crunch in a potato chip. Their scientists will test for the perfect amount of fizz in a soda. These factors all combine to create the sensation that your brain associates with a particular food or drink.

The second factor is the actual macronutrient makeup of the food — the blend of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that it contains. In the case of junk food, food manufacturers are looking for a perfect combination of salt, sugar, and fat that excites your brain and gets you coming back for more.

Here’s how they do it…

How Science Creates Cravings

There is a range of factors that scientists and food manufacturers use to make food more addictive.

Dynamic contrast. Dynamic contrast refers to a combination of different sensations in the same food. In the words of Witherly, foods with dynamic contrast have “an edible shell that goes crunch followed by something soft or creamy and full of taste-active compounds. This rule applies to a variety of our favorite food structures. Some examples are the caramelized top of a creme brulee, a slice of pizza, or an Oreo cookie. The brain finds crunching through something like this very novel and thrilling.”

Salivary response. Salivation is part of the experience of eating food, and the more that food causes you to salivate, the more it will swim throughout your mouth and cover your taste buds. For example, emulsified foods like butter, chocolate, salad dressing, ice cream, and mayonnaise promote a salivary response that helps to lather your taste buds with goodness. This is one reason why many people enjoy foods that have sauces or glazes on them. The result is that foods that promote salivation do a happy little tap dance on your brain and taste better than ones that don’t.

Rapid food meltdown and vanishing caloric density. Foods that rapidly vanish or “melt in your mouth” signal to your brain that you’re not eating as much as you actually are. In other words, these foods literally tell your brain that you’re not full, even though you’re eating a lot of calories. Think of foods like Cheetos or other light snack foods that are full of calories, but no nutritional value. The result: you tend to overeat.

Sensory-specific response. Your brain likes variety. When it comes to food, if you experience the same taste over and over again, then you start to get less pleasure from it. In other words, the sensitivity of that specific sensor will decrease over time. This can happen in just minutes.

Junk foods, however, are designed to avoid this sensory-specific response. They provide enough taste to be interesting (your brain doesn’t get tired of eating them), but it’s not so stimulating that your sensory response is dulled. This is why you can swallow an entire bag of potato chips and still be ready to eat another. To your brain, the crunch and sensation of eating Doritos is novel and interesting every time.

Calorie density. Junk foods are designed to convince your brain that it is getting nutrition, but to not fill you up. Receptors in your mouth and stomach tell your brain about the mixture of proteins, fats, carbohydrates in a particular food, and how filling that food is for your body. Junk food provides just enough calories that your brain says, “Yes, this will give you some energy” but not so many calories that you think “That’s enough, I’m full.” The result is that you crave the food, to begin with, but it takes quite some time to feel full from it.

Memories of past eating experiences. When you eat something tasty (say, a bag of potato chips), your brain registers that feeling. The next time you see that food, smell that food, or even read about that food, your brain starts to trigger the memories and responses that came when you ate it. These memories can actually cause physical responses like salivation and create the “mouth-watering” craving that you get when thinking about your favorite foods.

All of this brings us to the most important question of all.

Food companies are investing millions of dollars to design foods with addictive sensations. What can you and I do about it? Is there any way to counteract the money, the science, and the advertising behind the junk food industry?

Before we eat anything we should consider 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.”

I don’t want to leave you in suspense, but we will continue to answer these question next Friday as Gramps shares with us How To Kick the Junk Food Habit and Eat Healthy.

*Parts of this information were sourced from jamesclear.com

If you would like to listen to any of the past 867 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you on Monday!

Day 867 – A Prepared Marriage – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 17 May 2018 07:03:06 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 867 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

A Prepared Marriage – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 867 of our trek and time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Humor Unplugged. Our Thursday podcast will be a short and clean funny story to help you lighten up toward the end of each week – something to cheer you and provide a bit a levity in your life.

We are told in Proverbs 15:30, “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.” We are also encouraged in Proverbs 17:22, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.” Consider this your vitamin supplement of cheer for today, so let’s jump right in with today’s funny which is titled…

A Prepared Marriage

Two elderly women, Maggie and Sue, met for the first time since graduating from high school. Maggie asked Sue, “You were always so organized in school. Did you manage to live a well-planned life?”

“Yes,” Sue said. “My first marriage was to a millionaire; after he died my second marriage was to an actor; unfortunately he died also, and my third marriage was to a preacher, and after his untimely death I am now married to an undertaker.”

Maggie then asked Sue, “Oh my, with so much misfortune in your life, what do all those marriages have to do with a well-planned life?”

Well, Sue said, “One for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, and four to go.”

As we conclude our story, let me leave you with a Thursday’s Thought:

Each day I try to enjoy something from each of the four food groups: the bonbon group, the salty-snack group, the caffeine group, and the “whatever-the-thing-in-the-tinfoil-in-the-back-of-the-fridge-is” group.

King Solomon tells us in Ecclesiastes 9:7, “So go ahead. Eat your food with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart, for God approves of this!”

Make it a day full of cheer.

Sourced at: www.mikeysFunnies.com

That’s a wrap for today’s Humor Unplugged. If you enjoy these short stories, let me know, so I can continue to bring a bit of cheer to your week.

Just as you enjoy these nuggets of humor, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 866 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on Apple Podcast or Google Play so each day will be downloaded to you automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you in through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 866 – There’s a Devil in the Details – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 16 May 2018 07:03:41 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 866 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

There’s a Devil in the Details – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 866 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. The past several months on Wednesday we have been focusing on interpreting current events through a Biblical worldview.

To establish a Biblical worldview, it is important that you also have a proper understanding of God’s Word. Especially in our western cultures, we do not fully understand the scriptures from the mindset and culture of the authors. In order to help us all have a better understanding of God’s word, we are investing the next several months on Wednesday reviewing a series of essays from one of today’s most prominent Hebrew Scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser which he has compiled into a book titled I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. There is an old idiom which says, “The devil is in the details,” which means “The details of a plan, while seeming insignificant, may contain hidden problems that threaten its overall feasibility.” In today’s essay, we want to look at an Old Testament Jewish Holy Day where literally…

There’s a Devil in the Details

Yom Kippur, which is the Day of Atonement described in Leviticus 16, is a central element of the Jewish faith, even though it is not practiced today as it was in ancient times. Although many Christians have heard of the day, most would be startled to learn that a sinister figure lurks in the shadows of Leviticus 16.

The Day of Atonement ritual required a ram, a bull, and two goats. The ram was for a burnt offering intended to please God. The bull was taken “from the herd and served as a sin offering for Aaron, the high priest, and his family.” In this case, the sin offering restored the priest to ritual purity, allowing him to occupy sacred space and be near God’s presence, which we reviewed last week.

Curiously though, two goats taken “from the congregation” were needed for the single sin offering for the people. Listen as I read Leviticus 16:3-5, “When Aaron enters the sanctuary area, he must follow these instructions fully. He must bring a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering. He must put on his linen tunic and the linen undergarments worn next to his body. He must tie the linen sash around his waist and put the linen turban on his head. These are sacred garments, so he must bathe himself in water before he puts them on. Aaron must take from the community of Israel two male goats for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering.” Elsewhere the sin offering involved only one animal (e.g., Lev 4:1-12). So why two goats?

The high priest would cast lots over the two goats, with one chosen as a sacrifice “for the Lord.” The blood of that goat would purify the people. The second goat was not sacrificed or designated “for the Lord.” On the contrary, this goat, the one that symbolically carried the sins away from the camp of Israel into the wilderness, was “for Azazel.”

Leviticus 16:8-10 reads, “He is to cast sacred lots to determine which goat will be reserved as an offering to the Lord and which will carry the sins of the people to the wilderness of Azazel. Aaron will then present as a sin offering the goat chosen by lot for the Lord. The other goat, the scapegoat chosen by lot to be sent away, will be kept alive, standing before the Lord. When it is sent away to Azazel in the wilderness, the people will be purified and made right with the Lord.”

The Hebrew term Azazel occurs four times in Leviticus 16 but nowhere else in the Bible. Many translations prefer to translate the term as a phrase, “the goat that goes away,” which is the same idea conveyed in this passage as “the scapegoat.”

This passage also translates the word as a name Azazel. The “scapegoat” option is possible, but since the phrase “to Azazel” parallels the phrase “for Yahweh,” which is translated “for the Lord.” The Hebrew language suggests that two divine figures are being contrasted by the two goats.

A strong case can be made for translating the term as the name Azazel. Ancient Jewish texts show that Azazel was understood as a demonic figure associated with the wilderness. The Mishnah, which is the first major written collection of the Jewish oral traditions known as the “Oral Torah.” It is also the first major work of Rabbinic literature, and it records that the goat for Azazel was led to a cliff and pushed over, ensuring it would die and not return.

This association of the wilderness with evil is also evident in the New Testament, as this was where Jesus met the devil. Matthew 4:1 tells us, “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil.” Also, in Leviticus 17:1-7, we learn that some Israelites had been accustomed to sacrificing offerings to “goat demons.” The Day of Atonement replaced this illegitimate practice.

The second goat was not sent into the wilderness as a sacrifice to a foreign god or demon. The act of sending the live goat out into the wilderness, which symbolically was unholy ground, was to send the sins of the people where they belonged to the demonic domain. With one goat sacrificed to bring purification and access to God and one goat sent to carry the people’s sins to the demonic domain, this annual ritual reinforced the identity of the true God and His mercy and holiness.

As we end today, here is a wisdom nugget, “When Jesus dies on the cross for all of humanity’s sins, He is crucified outside the city, paralleling the sins of the people being cast to the wilderness via the goat to Azazel. Jesus dies once for all sinners, negating the need for this ritual.”

Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue with Moses as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled Love Potion: Numbers 5. I believe you will find this another interesting topic to consider as we build our Biblical worldview.

Tomorrow we will continue with our 3-minute wisdom nugget that will provide you with a bit of cheer that will help you to lighten up and live a rich and satisfying life. So encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along with us tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 865 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 865 – A Minor Lapse of Integrity – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 15 May 2018 07:03:33 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 865 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

A Minor Lapse of Integrity – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 865 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit of additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Tom Peters, and it is,“There is no such thing as a minor lapse of integrity.”

A Minor Lapse of Integrity

We are all prone to occasionally make decisions that, in hindsight, are not wise, or are lacking prudence. There is a stark difference between those decisions and decisions made based on our core values.

Our integrity is built on the bedrock of our values. Our decisions, therefore, will always be in line with those bedrock values. Decisions that result in Infidelity, theft, murder, lying, hate, and prejudice are all based on what we allow to harbor in your mind and heart.

For instance, infidelity is never a minor lapse of integrity but is a result of thoughts which we have allowed to permeate into our thinking process and which have corrupted our bedrock values on which our integrity is rooted. To have never changing integrity we must have a firm foundation of values from which all decision making is based.

Instead of making excuses for a lack of integrity in your decision making, take responsibility for your decisions and actions and build a stronger moral foundation from which your integrity is based. A life of integrity is a treasure that lasts through eternity. Proverbs 2:7 reads, “He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 864 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically. Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 864 – Let’s Stay Connected! – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 14 May 2018 07:03:36 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 864 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Let’s Stay Connected! – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 864 of our trek, and it is time for Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. We have just celebrated Mother’s Day in the United States. For most of us, the bond we have with our mother is one of the strongest that we will ever experience. The mother’s love is stronger than we will ever know. Usually, we will make contact with our mothers on this day set aside to honor them. We desire to remain connected with those we love. There is another relationship that may even be stronger than the one we have with our mother, but only if we stay connected. The title of our meditation today is…

Let’s Stay Connected!

Before He ascended to the Father, Jesus promised His disciples that He would send the Spirit. Jesus promised He would pour out the Spirit on people with faith in Him as they were baptized into Him. On the night Jesus was betrayed, He reiterated this promise over and over again as He talked to His closest disciples about the Spirit being their Helper when I was gone. This is found in John chapters 14-16. The Helper’s presence would be their assurance and seal that the Father, Son, and Spirit would abide in all who put their faith in Jesus. God will never leave or forsake you.

In most of the world, a house can have many power outlets. However, the electric devices and appliances won’t be able to fulfill their purposes unless they are connected to the power source. The same is true for the work of the Spirit in your life. The Helper is Jesus’s power source for you. You need the Spirit’s presence and power in your life to fulfill your purpose as Jesus’s disciple. Jesus emphasized that your part of this process is to love Him and obey what He calls you to do:

Jesus teaches us in John 14:21, “Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”

Your obedience and your commitment to abide in Jesus and live for Him connects you to that power source found in the Helper’s presence. Today’s verses, which are part of this podcast, will remind you to stay connected to Jesus. Our relationship is organic and relational, not mechanical or just organizational.

Jesus said, “You abide in Me. I am your vine. You are my branch.” There is no source of true life for a literal branch unless it remains connected to the vine, and there is no everlasting source of life in you unless you remain connected to Jesus! When you remain connected to Jesus, you connect to the power source of the Holy Spirit, the Helper He has sent to you; this is when you choose to love.

In Jesus’s earthly ministry, He taught the importance of love being the guiding star in your life as you seek to live for Him as is written in Matthew 22:34-40, “But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees with his reply, they met together to question him again. One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: ‘Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?’ Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

You remain connected to Jesus as your power source through the Spirit He sent to abide in you. You will love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind and also share that love with others. When you love God as we are instructed, you live in love through His Spirit as well as share His love with everyone with whom you interact.

The Spirit within you will be your source of a never-ending supply of this love Romans 5:5, “And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”

So stay connected to Jesus and to each other by loving and by living in His love. Just like the electric circuits in our homes and businesses keep the lights on and the equipment running, allow the love of Jesus through His spirit to keep the love flowing in your life!

If you would like to listen to any of the past 863 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 863 – Parenting Is Not About Raising Well-Behaved Children – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 11 May 2018 07:03:28 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 863 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Parenting Is Not About Raising Well-Behaved Children – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 863 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

As we continue on this trek called life, sometimes we have questions about life, so our Friday trek is a time where we can “Ask Gramps.” Gramps will answer questions that you would like to ask your dad or granddad, but for whatever reason, are unable to. No matter how old we are, I know that all of us would like the opportunity to ask Dad or Gramps questions about life in many areas.

We will address areas such as finances, relationships, health/fitness, business/work, home repairs/renovations, seasons of life, spiritual/Biblical questions, and any others areas that come our way. As your fellow sojourner and mentor on this trek that we call life, it is Gramps’s goal to provide you with practical wisdom and advice about any area of life. It is crucial that I receive a constant flow of questions, so please submit your questions to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com, and Gramps will answer your questions on our Friday podcast.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Granny and Gramps have had the privilege of raising 5 children to adults and now have 6 grandchildren with the 7^th one on the way. Raising kids is not always easy, but if God blesses you with the opportunity and responsibility, then it is a sacred trust. So our question for today is…

“Hey Gramps, Raising kids is really tough. How can we love them, care for them, and mentor them so that they are well-behaved as kids and become confident, well-adjusted, and responsible adults?”

Parenting Is Not About Raising Well-Behaved Kids

As I was contemplating this question, I came across a blog post by Todd Friel that I felt provided a very interesting perspective on balanced parenting. Here is how Todd explains it.

If you view your kids as sinners who need salvation, you’ll see parenting as a rescue mission. Christian children are never naughty. Yes, you heard me correctly.

Christian children are never naughty; Christian children commit sins. Labeling your child’s behavior biblically will change the way you engage with your child when there is a ruckus in your home.

When you think your child is simply a brat, it is easy to scowl, yell, or even hit. But when you remember that your child’s conduct is a sin against God, you no longer see bad behavior as something that must be curbed. You will now see your interaction with your child as a rescue mission.

When your children sin, they do not need to be yelled at. They need to be taken to the cross where a sin/forgiveness transaction can take place.

The next time you hear screaming and crying in the other room, before you shout, “Knock it off, or I will give you something to scream and cry about,” remember, they are not naughty; they are sinning. In other words, your parenting is no longer about conformity to your rules, it is about helping them to understand God’s precepts in His Word. This is earnest business.

Typically, you want your kids to stop being naughty for the following reasons:

They are getting up in your face and on your nerves.
You just want some peace and quiet.
You want to do something, and they thwart your goals.
You are worried about being embarrassed in public by their bad behavior.

If you begin to see your children as image-bearers of God with a sin nature in need of the gospel applied to their hearts, then you will respond to your children’s naughtiness differently.

Instead of getting angry, you will be concerned for their spiritual well-being.
Your desire for peace and quiet will be overwhelmed by the desire to help your child understand God’s grace better.
You will put your earthly desire behind your heavenly desire to see your child know God and spend eternity with Him.
Your embarrassment will diminish because you are on a rescue mission for your child’s very soul. You don’t have to be concerned about others when you are on a mission from the King.

Parenting with salvation in view forever changes the way you treat your child. Think of the amazing impact this will have on your child when they violate God’s precepts such as when:

They will say, “Yes, Ma’am,” and then do the very thing you commanded them not to do as soon as they are out of your sight.
- Instead, they will understand and obey the omnipresent God who never loses sight of them.
- They will no longer see your unrighteous anger but your overwhelming love for them
- It will help them to understand that God is not a simmering pot, ready to boil over.

When they see your life conform to God’s precepts:

They will see the gospel in action.
They will understand the earnestness of salvation.
They will see that you have been affected by God’s grace.
They will see you as a loving representative of your loving God.

Is this approach to parenting easy? No way; it demands much of us.

It is one thing to talk about the gospel; it is another thing to live the gospel.
It is one thing to teach your child the gospel; it is another thing to show them the gospel.
It is one thing to sing about the gospel; it is another thing to put the power of the gospel to work in your life and home.

Hard? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. If you start learning how to think about the “good news” when you parent, God will sanctify you as you focus on your child’s justification. You will stop being angry, disgusted, frustrated, annoyed, snarly, and mean.

God has not instructed us to disciple our children so we can have well-behaved kids. God wants to do far more than that in your home. God wants to change children, and He wants to change you.

Your home can be one of two places: It can be an endurance marathon with much anger, frustration, and fighting, or it can be a school of character. God wants the latter, not the former.

God wants you to love and appreciate Him to the point where you cannot help but parent with your eye on salvation. The only way that can happen is to first focus on your own salvation and Godly living.

There are no secret recipes for raising children, but there are clearly defined principles in God’s Word. This is not about what works for another parent. This is about genuinely speaking truth to your child in an effort to help him or her understand the Savior who has so affected and changed you.

God does not want His precepts to be used simply as the latest timeout! God wants the gospel to affect radical change in everyone in the home, starting with you, Mom and Dad.

Remember what God has done for you.
Remember how He bled and died for you.
Remember how He rose from the grave for you.
Remember how He has provided every temporal blessing for you.

Your life must incorporate the fruit of God’s spirit at its very core. This is found in Galatians 5:22-23, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”

Then as you approach each combustible situation with your kids, have this thought in your mind, “When I am done with this situation, I want my child to love and respect God the same way I do. I want their lives to reflect Galatians [5:22]-23 as my life does.”

Next week we will have a different question to Ask Gramps. Gramps will answer any questions you may have about life and will provide you with practical wisdom about any area of life. Please submit questions that you have to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com, and Gramps will answer them on our Friday podcast with wisdom and philosophy that Gramps has gained over his years of experience and study.

I know you will find these insights interesting, practical, and profitable in living a rich and satisfying life. Our next trek is Mediation Monday where we will help you reflect on what is most important in life. So encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along on Monday for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 862 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you on Monday!

Day 862 – The Coffee or the Cup – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 10 May 2018 07:03:20 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 862 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Coffee or the Cup – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 862 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged.

We are going to switch our Thursday podcast to a clean anecdotal or funny short story to help you lighten up towards the end of each week. It’ll be something to cheer you and provide a bit a levity in your life.

Today’s short story is…

The Coffee or the Cup

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. The conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.

Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups – porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain-looking, some expensive, and some exquisite – he told them to help themselves to the coffee.

After all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: “If you noticed, all the nice-looking, expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is but normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.

“Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases, it’s just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was a good coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups…and then began eyeing each other’s cups.”

“Now consider this: Life is the coffee, and the jobs, money, and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life, and the type of cup we have does not define nor change the quality of life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us.”

God brews the coffee, not the cups…Enjoy your coffee.

As we conclude our story, let me leave you with a Thursday Thought, “Some of your best memories will come from some of your most foolish decisions.” Make it a day full of cheer.

That’s a wrap for today’s Wisdom Unplugged. If you enjoy these short stories, let me know, so I can continue to bring a bit of cheer to your week.

Just as you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 861 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on Apple Podcast or Google Play so each day will be downloaded to you automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 861 – Sin Offering vs. Forgiveness – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 09 May 2018 07:03:04 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 861 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Sin Offering vs. Forgiveness – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 861 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. The past several months on Wednesday we have been focusing on interpreting current events through a Biblical Worldview.

To establish a Biblical Worldview, it is important that you also have a proper understanding of God’s Word. Especially in our western cultures, we do not fully understand the scriptures from the mindset and culture of the authors.

In order to help us all have a better understanding of God’s word, we are investing the next several months on Wednesday reviewing a series of essays from one of today’s most prominent Hebrew Scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser which he has compiled into a book titled “I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible.”

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. To be in a good relationship with others, we must be willing to forgive them when they wrong us or fall short of our expectations. Forgiveness is even essential to maintain a healthy mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual life. In today’s essay, we will explore the purpose of the Old Testament for the sin offering and if it actually provided forgiveness.

Sin Offerings vs. Forgiveness

Hebrews 10:4 proclaims, “For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” Leviticus seems to tell a different story. Even casually reading the book, we notice that Israelites who bring proper sacrifices “will be forgiven.” One example of this is Leviticus 4:20, “Just as he does with the bull offered as a sin offering for the high priest. Through this process, the priest will purify the people, making them right with the Lord, and they will be forgiven.”

Have we reached an impasse or are there contradictions in God’s word?

Rather than labeling this a contradiction, we might examine our own perceptions of Old Testament sacrifices—specifically, the sin offering. “Sin offering” is a translation of the Hebrew term (chatta‘t), which has the basic meaning of “to miss the mark” or “to fall short.” In using a traditional, familiar rendering, many English Bible translations cause us to misunderstand this sacrifice.

· The Goal of the Sin Offering

The label “sin offering” assumes that the goal of this sacrifice was forgiveness for moral failures or violations, or sins, as we think of them. Leviticus reveals this is not the case. The sin offering was used in cases where people suffered from a bodily discharge (Lev 15), at the dedication of a new altar (Lev 8), or when a Nazirite completes a vow of abstinence (Lev 12).

The real goal of the sin offering was ritual purification. It was designed to guard sacred space or territory sanctified by God’s presence—from infection by impurity. By definition, every person or object “falls short” of divine perfection and must, therefore, be ritually marked as acceptable for holy ground. The sin offering—better rendered as “purification offering,” was therefore applied to people and inanimate objects to mark them as acceptable before God. These people (and objects) were not unacceptable because they had done evil, but because they were imperfect. Instead they “fell short” of the holy perfection that God’s presence required. The ritual reinforced the idea of the complete otherness of God.

Depending on the individual’s status in the community, whether priest or commoner, the blood of the offering was either used outside or inside the sanctuary. When the sin offering was for a priest, the blood was brought inside the sanctuary. This signified the priest’s undeserved, but now acceptable access to the holy ground of the sanctuary area. On the Day of Atonement (Lev 16), the blood of the sin offering was brought before the mercy seat (the golden cover for the ark or the covenant) within the holy of holies. Not because the high priest had committed worse sins than anyone else, but because he needed closer access to the divine presence on that day. The sin offering was about purification for access to God.

· What About Forgiveness?

If the sin offering of the Old Testament didn’t purge people of moral guilt, what about the forgiven language? What happened when people did evil?

The verb translated “forgive” (salach) essentially means “to be positively disposed toward.” In the context of purification, God now approves of the person or object entering His presence. While the verb may be used elsewhere to address moral guilt (such as in Psalms 25:11, “For the honor of your name, O Lord, forgive my many, many sins”), when it comes to the Levitical sacrifice itself, the point was not absolution, but acceptability for entering God’s presence. Intentional violations of the moral law of God fell into two broad categories and were dealt with accordingly: those for which there was no remedy, resulting in capital punishment, and those for which restitution was required. For the latter, Old Testament Law called for reparations to victims to restore the offender.

In this context, the words of Hebrews 10:4 are right on target. Old Testament sacrifices could not provide release from spiritual and moral guilt. They merely allowed people to participate in a temporary and ultimately inadequate system while teaching them about God’s nature. Only Jesus’s greater sacrifice could solve the real problem of our moral guilt before a holy God.

Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue with Moses as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “There is a Devil in the Details.” I believe you will find this another interesting topic to consider as we build our Biblical worldview.

Tomorrow we will continue with our 3-minute wisdom nugget that will provide you with a bit of wisdom that, if followed, will allow you to grow healthier, wealthier, and wiser each day. So encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along with us tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of our past 860 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 860 – Six Foundation Stones – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 08 May 2018 07:03:08 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 860 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Six Foundation Stones – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 860 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit of additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Zig Ziglar, and it is,“The foundation stones for a balanced success are honesty, character, integrity, faith, love, and loyalty.”

Six Foundation Stones

For any structure to be solid and secure, it must be built on solid foundation stones. It is also imperative that these foundation stones rest of solid bedrock and not shifting sands. Our lives are exactly the same. Our values are the bedrock from which we build a balanced life and the foundation stones that rest on that bedrock are honesty, character, integrity, faith, love, and loyalty.

Unless we have the solid bedrock of values and each of these six foundation stones, then our lives will be out of balance and eventually begin to crumble which will impact all other areas of our lives.

Jesus taught us this principle in Matthew 7:24-27, “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 859 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 859 – God’s Mission: Your Adoption – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 07 May 2018 07:03:18 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 859 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

God’s Mission: Your Adoption – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 859 of our trek, and it is time for Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. The past two weeks we diverged from our regular daily podcast themes due to my schedule where I was away from my home office. We read through some of the parables of Jesus. Jesus was a master storyteller, weaving everyday experiences into his teachings.

It certainly is a good model to follow as we share with others. It is my mission to emulate this style of storytelling as I share each day on our podcast. Today we want to explore a mission that is much more important as the title of our meditation today is…

God’s Mission: Your Adoption

When we come to Christ, God not only forgives us, he also adopts us. Through a dramatic series of events, we go from condemned orphans with no hope to adopted children with no fear. Here is how it happens.

You come before the judgment seat of God full of rebellion and mistakes. Because of his justice, he cannot dismiss your sin, but because of his love, he cannot dismiss you. So in an act that stunned the heavens, he punished himself on the cross for your sins. God’s justice and love are equally honored. And you, God’s creation, are forgiven. But the story doesn’t end with God’s forgiveness. We read in Romans 8:15-16, “So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, ‘Abba, Father.’ For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.”

This is emphasized again in Galatians 4:4-5, “But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.”

It would be enough if God just cleansed your name, but he does more. He gives you his name. It would be enough if God just set you free, but he does more. He takes you home. He takes you home to the Great House of God.

Adoptive parents understand this more than anyone. I certainly don’t mean to offend any biological parents – I’m one myself. We biological parents know well the earnest longing to have a child. But in many cases, our cribs were filled easily. We decided to have a child, and a child came. In fact, sometimes the child came with no decision. I’ve heard of unplanned pregnancies, but I’ve never heard of an unplanned adoption.

That’s why adoptive parents understand God’s passion to adopt us. They know what it means to feel an empty space inside. They know what it means to hunt, to set out on a mission, and take responsibility for a child with a spotted past and a dubious future. If anybody understands God’s ardor for his children, it’s someone who has rescued an orphan from despair, for that is what God has done for us. God has adopted you.

God sought you, found you, signed the papers, and He is taking you to His home. As Jesus encouraged us in John 14:1-3, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”

If you would like to listen to any of the past 858 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 858 – The Lost Son – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 04 May 2018 07:03:45 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 858 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Lost Son – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 858 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy. Due to my heavy travel schedule this week, I will be diverting from our regular daily topics, and instead I will be reading through the parables of Jesus.

Jesus’s parables are seemingly simple and memorable stories, often with imagery, that all convey messages. Scholars have commented that although these parables seem simple, the messages they convey are deep and central to the teachings of Jesus. Christian authors view them not as mere similitudes that serve the purpose of illustration, but as internal analogies in which nature becomes a witness for the spiritual world.

Many of Jesus’s parables refer to simple everyday things, such as a woman baking bread, a man knocking on his neighbor’s door at night, or the aftermath of a roadside mugging. Yet they deal with major religious themes, such as the growth of the Kingdom of God, the importance of prayer, and the meaning of love.

In Western civilization, these parables formed the prototype for the term parable, and in the modern age, even among those who know little of the Bible, the parables of Jesus remain some of the best-known stories in the world.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Our parables for today are taken from Luke [15:11]-31 and is about…

The Lost Son

To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story. “A man had two sons. The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons.

A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything.

When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home, even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’

So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.

Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, and he asked one of the servants what was going on. ‘Your brother is back,’ he was told, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.’

The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him, but he replied, ‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends.Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’

His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’”

Next week we will return to our regular schedule, and we will have a question to Ask Gramps. Gramps will answer any questions you may have about life and will provide you with practical wisdom about any area of life. Please submit questions that you have to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com, and Gramps will answer them on our Friday podcast with wisdom and philosophy that Gramps has gained over the years of experience and study.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 857 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you on Monday!

Day 857 – The Lost Sheep and Coin – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 03 May 2018 07:03:11 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 857 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Lost Sheep and Coin – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 857 of our trek, and it is time for our 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. Due to a heavy travel schedule for this week, I will be diverting from our regular daily topics, and instead, I will be reading through the parables of Jesus.

Jesus’s parables are seemingly simple and memorable stories, often with imagery, that all convey messages. Scholars have commented that although these parables seem simple, the messages they convey are deep and central to the teachings of Jesus. Christian authors view them not as mere similitudes, which serve the purpose of illustration, but as internal analogies in which nature becomes a witness for the spiritual world.

In Western civilization, these parables formed the prototype for the term “parable;” and in the modern age, even among those who know little of the Bible, the parables of Jesus remain some of the best-known stories in the world.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Our parables for today are taken from Luke 15:1-10 and are about…

The Lost Sheep and Coin

· Parable of the Lost Sheep

Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them!

So Jesus told them this story…If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders.When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!

· Parable of the Lost Coin

Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully until she finds it?And when she finds it, she will call in her friends and neighbors and say, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.

On tomorrow’s trek, we will continue with the parables of Jesus. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 856 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on Apple Podcast or Google Play so each day will be downloaded to you automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 856 – The Good Samaritan – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 02 May 2018 07:03:17 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 856 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Good Samaritan – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 856 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Due to a heavy travel schedule this week, I will be switching from our regular daily topics, and instead, I will be reading through the parables of Jesus.

Jesus’s parables are seemingly simple and memorable stories, often with imagery, that all convey messages. Scholars have commented that although these parables seem simple, the messages they convey are deep and central to the teachings of Jesus. Christian authors view them not as mere similitudes, which serve the purpose of illustration, but as internal analogies in which nature becomes a witness for the spiritual world.

In Western civilization, these parables formed the prototype for the term parable; and in the modern age, even among those who know little of the Bible, the parables of Jesus remain some of the best-known stories in the world.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Our parable for today is taken from Luke [10:30]-37 and is about…

The Good Samaritan

Jesus replied with a story. “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.

By chance, a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.

Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’

‘Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?’ Jesus asked.

The man replied, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’

Then Jesus said, ‘Yes, now go and do the same.'”

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of our past 855 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 855 – Three Servants – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 01 May 2018 07:03:14 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 855 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Three Servants – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 855 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. Due to a heavy travel schedule this week, I will be switching from our regular daily topics, and instead, I will be reading through the parables of Jesus.

Jesus’s parables are seemingly simple and memorable stories, often with imagery, that all convey messages. Scholars have commented that although these parables seem simple, the messages they convey are deep and central to the teachings of Jesus. Christian authors view them not as mere similitudes, which serve the purpose of illustration, but as internal analogies in which nature becomes a witness for the spiritual world.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Our parables for today are taken from Matthew [25:14]-30 and is about…

Three Servants

Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.

The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money.

After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, “Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.”

The master was full of praise. “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!”

The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, “Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.”

The master said, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!”

Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, “Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.”

But the master replied, “You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.”

Then he ordered, “Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 854 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 854 – Ten Bridesmaids – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 07:03:05 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 854 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Ten Bridesmaids – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 854 of our trek, and it is time for Meditation Monday. Due to my heavy travel schedule this week, I will be switching from our regular daily topics, and instead, I will be reading through the parables of Jesus.

Jesus’s parables are seemingly simple and memorable stories, often with imagery, that all convey messages. Scholars have commented that although these parables seem simple, the messages they convey are deep and central to the teachings of Jesus. Christian authors view them not as mere similitudes, which serve the purpose of illustration, but as internal analogies in which nature becomes a witness for the spiritual world.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Our parable for today is taken from Matthew 25:1-13 and is about…

Ten Bridesmaids

Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

At midnight they were roused by the shout, “Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!”

All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the others, “Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.”

But the others replied, “We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.”

But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, “Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!”

But he called back, “Believe me, I don’t know you!”

So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.

Next week we will continue our trek on Meditation Monday as we take time to reflect on what is most important in creating our living legacy. On tomorrow’s trek, we will continue with the parables of Jesus. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 853 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 853 – The Great Feast – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 07:03:32 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 853 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Great Feast – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 853 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy. Due to my heavy travel schedule for two weeks, I will be diverting from our regular daily topics, and instead, I will be reading through the Parables of Jesus.

Jesus’s parables are seemingly simple and memorable stories, often with imagery, that all convey messages. Scholars have commented that although these parables seem simple, the messages they convey are deep and central to the teachings of Jesus. Christian authors view them not as mere similitudes, which serve the purpose of illustration, but as internal analogies in which nature becomes a witness for the spiritual world.

Many of Jesus’s parables refer to simple everyday things, such as a woman baking bread. A man knocking on his neighbor’s door at night. Or the aftermath of a roadside mugging. Yet they deal with major religious themes, such as the growth of the Kingdom of God, the importance of prayer, and the meaning of love.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Our parables for today are taken from Matthew 22:1-14 and are about…

The Great Feast

Jesus also told them other parables. He said, “The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come!”

So he sent other servants to tell them, “The feast has been prepared. The bulls and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the banquet!” But the guests he had invited ignored them and went their own way, one to his farm, another to his business. Others seized his messengers and insulted them and killed them.

The king was furious, and he sent out his army to destroy the murderers and burn their town. And he said to his servants, “The wedding feast is ready, and the guests I invited aren’t worthy of the honor. Now go out to the street corners and invite everyone you see.” So the servants brought in everyone they could find, good and bad alike, and the banquet hall was filled with guests.

But when the king came in to meet the guests, he noticed a man who wasn’t wearing the proper clothes for a wedding. “Friend,” he asked, “How is it that you are here without wedding clothes?” But the man had no reply. Then the king said to his aides, “Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

“For many are called, but few are chosen.”

If you would like to listen to any of the past 852 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you on Monday!

Day 852 – Evil Farmers – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 07:03:47 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 852 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Evil Farmers – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 852 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. Due to a heavy travel schedule for the next two weeks, I will be diverting from our regular daily topics, and instead, I will be reading through the Parables of Jesus.

Jesus’s parables are seemingly simple and memorable stories, often with imagery, that all convey messages. Scholars have commented that although these parables seem simple, the messages they convey are deep and central to the teachings of Jesus. Christian authors view them not as mere similitudes, which serve the purpose of illustration, but as internal analogies in which nature becomes a witness for the spiritual world.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Our parables for today are taken from Matthew [21:33]-46 and are about…

Evil Farmers

Now listen to another story. A certain landowner planted a vineyard, built a wall around it, dug a pit for pressing out the grape juice, and built a lookout tower. Then he leased the vineyard to tenant farmers and moved to another country. At the time of the grape harvest, he sent his servants to collect his share of the crop. But the farmers grabbed his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another. So the landowner sent a larger group of his servants to collect for him, but the results were the same.

Finally, the owner sent his son, thinking, “Surely they will respect my son.”

But when the tenant farmers saw his son coming, they said to one another, “Here comes the heir to this estate. Come on, let’s kill him and get the estate for ourselves!”So they grabbed him, dragged him out of the vineyard, and murdered him.

“When the owner of the vineyard returns,” Jesus asked, “What do you think he will do to those farmers?”

The religious leaders replied, “He will put the wicked men to a horrible death and lease the vineyard to others who will give him his share of the crop after each harvest.”

Then Jesus asked them, “Didn’t you ever read this in the Scriptures?

‘The stone that the builders rejected
has now become the cornerstone.
This is the Lord’s doing,
and it is wonderful to see.’

I tell you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation that will produce the proper fruit. Anyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on.”

When the leading priests and Pharisees heard this parable, they realized he was telling the story against them—they were the wicked farmers. They wanted to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowds, who considered Jesus to be a prophet.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 851 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on Apple Podcast or Google Play so each day will be downloaded to you automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 851 – Hidden Treasures – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 07:03:46 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 851 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Hidden Treasures – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 851 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Due to a heavy travel schedule for the next two weeks, I will be diverting from our regular daily topics, and instead, I will be reading through the Parables of Jesus.

Jesus’s parables are seemingly simple and memorable stories, often with imagery, that all convey messages. Scholars have commented that although these parables seem simple, the messages they convey are deep and central to the teachings of Jesus. Christian authors view them not as mere similitudes, which serve the purpose of illustration, but as internal analogies in which nature becomes a witness for the spiritual world.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Our Parable for today is taken from Matthew [13:44]-58 and is about…

Hidden Treasures

· Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.”

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!”

· Parable of the Fishing Net

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a fishing net that was thrown into the water and caught fish of every kind. When the net was full, they dragged it up onto the shore, sat down, and sorted the good fish into crates, but threw the bad ones away. That is the way it will be at the end of the world. The angels will come and separate the wicked people from the righteous, throwing the wicked into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Do you understand all these things?”

“Yes,” they said, “we do.”

Then he added, “Every teacher of religious law who becomes a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a homeowner who brings from his storeroom new gems of truth as well as old.”

· Jesus Rejected at Nazareth

When Jesus had finished telling these stories and illustrations, he left that part of the country. He returned to Nazareth, his hometown. When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was amazed and said, “Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?” Then they scoffed, “He’s just the carpenter’s son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers—James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. All his sisters live right here among us. Where did he learn all these things?” And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.

Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family.” And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief.

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of our past 850 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 850 – Wheat, Weeds, Seeds and Yeast – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 24 Apr 2018 07:03:16 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 850 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Wheat, Weeds, Seeds, and Yeast – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 850 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. Due to a heavy travel schedule for the next two weeks, I will be diverting from our regular daily topics, and instead, I will be reading through the Parables of Jesus.

Jesus’s parables are seemingly simple and memorable stories, often with imagery, that all convey messages. Scholars have commented that although these parables seem simple, the messages they convey are deep and central to the teachings of Jesus. Christian authors view them not as mere similitudes, which serve the purpose of illustration, but as internal analogies in which nature becomes a witness for the spiritual world.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Our parables for today are taken from Matthew [13:24]-43 and are about…

Wheat, Weeds, Seeds, and Yeast

· Parable of the Wheat and Weeds

Here is another story Jesus told: The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field. But that night as the workers slept, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat, then slipped away. When the crop began to grow and produce grain, the weeds also grew.

The farmer’s workers went to him and said, “Sir, the field where you planted that good seed is full of weeds! Where did they come from?”

“An enemy has done this!” the farmer exclaimed.

“Should we pull out the weeds?” they asked.

“No,” he replied, “you’ll uproot the wheat if you do. Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds, tie them into bundles, and burn them, and to put the wheat in the barn.”

· Parable of the Mustard Seed

Here is another illustration Jesus used: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.”

· Parable of the Yeast

Jesus also used this illustration: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.”

Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables. This fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet:

“I will speak to you in parables. I will explain things hidden since the creation of the world.”

· Parable of the Wheat and Weeds Explained

Then, leaving the crowds outside, Jesus went into the house. His disciples said, “Please explain to us the story of the weeds in the field.”

Jesus replied, “The Son of Man is the farmer who plants the good seed. The field is the world, and the good seed represents the people of the Kingdom. The weeds are the people who belong to the evil one. The enemy who planted the weeds among the wheat is the devil. The harvest is the end of the world, and the harvesters are the angels.”

“Just as the weeds are sorted out and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the world. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will remove from his Kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. And the angels will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father’s Kingdom. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 849 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 849 – The Farmer Scattering Seeds – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 07:03:36 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 849 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Farmer Scattering Seeds – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 849 of our trek, and it is time for Meditation Monday. Due to a heavy travel schedule for the next two weeks, I will be diverting from our regular daily topics, and instead, I will be reading through the Parables of Jesus.

Jesus’s parables are seemingly simple and memorable stories, often with imagery, that all convey messages. Scholars have commented that although these parables seem simple, the messages they convey are deep and central to the teachings of Jesus. Christian authors view them not as mere similitudes, which serve the purpose of illustration, but as internal analogies in which nature becomes a witness for the spiritual world.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Our parable for today is taken from Matthew 13:1-23 and is about…

The Farmer Scattering Seeds

Later that same day Jesus left the house and sat beside the lake. A large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat there and taught as the people stood on the shore. He told many stories in the form of parables, such as this one:

“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

His disciples came and asked him, “Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?”

He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. That is why I use these parables,

For they look, but they don’t really see.
They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand.

This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says,

‘When you hear what I say,
you will not understand.
When you see what I do,
you will not comprehend.
For the hearts of these people are hardened,
and their ears cannot hear,
and they have closed their eyes—
so their eyes cannot see,
and their ears cannot hear,
and their hearts cannot understand,
and they cannot turn to me
and let me heal them.’

“But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but they didn’t see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn’t hear it.

“Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”

If you would like to listen to any of the past 848 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 848 – How Much Is Enough? – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 20 Apr 2018 07:03:26 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 848 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

How Much Is Enough? – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 848 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

As we continue on this trek called life, sometimes we have questions about life, so our Friday trek is a time where we can Ask Gramps. Gramps will answer questions that you would like to ask your dad or granddad, but for whatever reason you are unable to. No matter how old we are, I know that all of us would like the opportunity to ask dad or gramps questions about life in many areas.

We will address areas such as finances, relationships, health/fitness, business/work, home repairs/renovations, seasons of life, spiritual/Biblical questions, and any other areas that come our way. As your fellow sojourner and mentor on this trek that we call life, it is Gramps’s goal to provide you with practical wisdom and advice about any area of life. It is crucial that I receive a constant flow of questions, so please submit your questions to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com. And Gramps will answer your questions on our Friday podcast.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. It seems like no matter how much we earn or how many “things” we have, we always desire more. We work ourselves sick to accumulate wealth, only to use that wealth to get better. It all becomes a vicious cycle. Instead of grasping for more, we need to learn to enjoy what we have now. So our question for today is:

“Hey Gramps, How can I gain a proper perspective and balance between striving for more and being satisfied with what I have today?”

How Much Is Enough?

To answer the question for today I am going to tell a story, or parable, that was recently posted in a blog from a friend of mine. Listen to see if it makes sense to you.

An American investment banker was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large fin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them.

The Mexican replied, “Only a little while.”

The American then asked why he didn’t stay out longer and catch more fish.

The Mexican said he had enough to support his family’s immediate needs.

The American then asked, “But what do you do with the rest of your time?”

The Mexican fisherman said, “I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siesta with my wife Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos…I have a full and busy life.”

The American scoffed, “I am a Harvard MBA and could help you. You should invest more time fishing and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat, and with the proceeds from the bigger boat, you could buy several boats. Eventually, you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman, you would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing, and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then LA and eventually NYC where you will run your expanding enterprise.”

The Mexican fisherman asked, “But how long will this take?”

To which the American replied, “At least 15-20 years.”

“But what then?”

The American laughed and said that’s the best part. “When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions.”

“Millions?” asked the fisherman, “Then what?”

The American said, “Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evening, sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos!”

I think the moral of this humorous parable is quite evident, don’t you? Learn to be satisfied with what you currently have. There is so much more to a rich and satisfying life than money. As we read in Hebrews 13:5, “Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.'”

Next week we will have a different question to Ask Gramps. Gramps will answer any questions you may have about life and will provide you with practical wisdom about any area of life. Please submit questions that you have to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com, and Gramps will answer them on our Friday podcast with wisdom and philosophy that Gramps has gained over the years of experience and study.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 847 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you on Monday!

Day 847 – Personal Integrity – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 07:03:09 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 847 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Personal Integrity – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 847 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit of additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Michael Josephson, and it is, “Personal integrity is important, not because it gets us what we want, but because it helps us be what we want.”

Personal Integrity

In nearly every situation in life and with most people, our decisions and choices are made because there is some inherent benefit for us. We subconsciously think, “What’s in it for me?” It takes genuine personal integrity and love for others to realize it’s not as important to get what we want as it is to make decisions so that we can become what we should be.

Personal integrity may require temporary sacrifices on our part, in order to mature and grow into a selfless person. A selfless person does not think less of himself but seeks to think of himself less as he helps others to become all that God intended them to be.

Personal integrity is about becoming more instead of gaining more. Personal integrity will never push someone else down in order to climb higher, but help others climb to heights they never thought possible.

A person with personal integrity will practice what we read in Ephesians 4:15-16, “Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”

That’s a wrap for today’s Wisdom Unplugged. If you enjoy these quotes, I have created and published a searchable database of over 10,000 quotes that I have collected for many years. If you would like free access to my database of inspirational quotes, the link is available on the main page of Wisdom-Trek.com. As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 846 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on Apple Podcast or Google Play so each day will be downloaded to you automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 846 – Counting the Ten Commandments – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 18 Apr 2018 07:03:46 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 846 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Counting the Ten Commandments – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 846 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. The past several months on Wednesday, we have been focusing on interpreting current events through a Biblical worldview.

To establish a Biblical worldview, it is important that you also have a proper understanding of God’s word. Especially in our western cultures, we do not fully understand the scriptures from the mindset and culture of the authors. In order to help us all have a better understanding of God’s word, we are investing the next several months on Wednesday reviewing a series of essays from one of today’s most prominent Hebrew scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser which he has compiled into a book titled I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Our personal moral code and that of every country are based on a set of values. In most western cultures, this code is or was based on what we consider “The Ten Commandments.” Most of the world’s modern cultures have a similar value system, even if it does not have the same base. In today’s essay, let’s look at some of the details and even the number of actual commandments which were given by God…

Counting the Ten Commandments

One of the most enduring elements of the Bible and the Judeo-Christian worldview within Western culture is the Decalogue, or what we refer to as the Ten Commandments. Even if you can’t recite them all, most people have seen the fiery finger of God etch the commandments into two stone tablets as Moses, played by Charlton Hesston, watches in awe.

It seems to go without saying that the list of the Ten Commandments is something that Judaism and Christianity have always agreed upon. Well, that is not exactly true. Historically speaking, Jews and Christians—and even denominations within Christianity—have disagreed on exactly how the Ten Commandments should be listed and expressed. In fact, how to precisely spell out the commandments was an issue of considerable importance during the Protestant Reformation.

The difference concerns how many commands are to be found in the first six verses and last two verses of Exodus 20:2-17. As I read the initial listing of the commandments received by Moses at Sinai, it may become evident why there were some confusion and disagreement.

Then God gave the people all these instructions:

“I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery.

“You must not have any other god but me.

“You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.

“You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.

“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.

“Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

“You must not murder.

“You must not commit adultery.

“You must not steal.

“You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.

“You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.”

One point of context is required before we can understand the thinking behind the differences in the listing and expression of the commandments. Any listing of the commandments must result in a total of ten, because three other passages of scripture fix the number of commandments at ten. Exodus [34:28], Deuteronomy [4:13], and Deuteronomy 10:4 each clearly tell us that God gave Moses asereth hadvarim, which means “ten words” or “ten statements” at Sinai.

Interestingly, the Jewish tradition treats the statement in Exodus 20:2 as a command when the wording has no imperative force to it at all. This latitude arises from the fact that the Hebrew text of the Old Testament exclusively uses asereth hadvarim or “ten words” instead of asereth hamitsvot or “ten commandments,” which is used for the same translation in Deuteronomy 5:6. After regarding Exodus 20:2 as the first “word of the ten,” verses 3 through 6 are then thematically understood as speaking to a single prohibition: making idols for worship.

There are actually three imperative statements in this group of verses. “You must not have any other god but me.” “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea.” “You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods.” These three imperative statements must be considered as one otherwise it would extend the total commandments beyond ten.

Christian perceptions of Exodus 20 are not rooted in the Hebrew terminology asereth hadvarim “ten words,” and so Christian formulations do not regard verse one as the first point of the Decalogue. As a result, all of Exodus 20:2-6 is considered the starting point, and the imperative wording “You must not” prompted the “commandment” terminology so widely known and used today.

The enumeration adopted by Roman Catholicism, Anglicanism, and Lutheranism originated with Augustine. While they prefer it, the enumeration of Augustine is not a point of dogma. Section 2066 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is representative of the acknowledgment that “The division and numbering of the Commandments have varied in the course of history.” Reformed Protestants and Greek Orthodox Christians also reject verse 1 as a command, but distinguish verse 3 from verses 4 through 6 as the first and second commands. This position is likewise not dogmatically taken.

The last two verses are the other major point of divergence in expressing the number and contents of the commandments. Roman Catholicism, Anglicanism, and Lutheranism divide Exodus [20:17] into two commands to achieve the number ten, a necessity in view of seeing Exodus 20:2-6 as the first command. This dichotomy is perhaps puzzling, since the entirety of the content of verse 17 speaks about one’s household and possessions, and in light of the thematic grouping at the beginning of the Decalogue.

Thematic grouping at the beginning of the Decalogue and thematic splitting at the end doesn’t make sense—unless one keeps in mind the need to wind up with ten! Despite the numerical disagreement over how to count the commandments, the moral core of the Judeo-Christian ethic has never been in doubt among those Jews and Christians who take the Bible seriously.

In all Biblical interpretation, we must compare scripture with scripture, and it is clearly written in three other verses that the commandments or words that God gave Moses on Sinai were 10. A lack of certainty on how to count the Ten Commandments is no impediment to understanding their importance for honoring God and our fellow human beings.

Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue with Moses as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled, “Is There Really a Sin Offering?” I believe you will find this another interesting topic to consider as we build our Biblical worldview.

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of our past 845 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 845 – Be a Person of Purpose and Vision – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 07:03:40 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 845 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Be a Person of Vision and Purpose – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 845 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit of additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Cecil Beaton, and it is,“Be daring, be different, be impractical, be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creatures of the commonplace, the slaves of the ordinary.”

Be a Person of Purpose and Vision

So often we muddle through life without a purpose or vision. We are on a treadmill of life where the scenery never changes, and we really don’t make any advancement. We are stuck in one place going through the same motions as if we were robots with little artificial or real intelligence. We become slaves of the ordinary.

This should not be. We have an abundance of God-given abilities and talents, and yet we choose not to utilize them. We would rather wallow in mediocrity that is comfortable than excel in the challenges that require effort. Break free of the shackles that bind you. Be daring, different, even impractical at times. Move forward faster and farther than you feel that you can, but always with the integrity of purpose and imaginative vision.

The Apostle Peter puts it this way in 1 Peter 2:9.

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 844 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 844 – Tomorrow – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 07:03:00 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 844 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Tomorrow – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 844 of our trek, and it is time for Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. This past weekend we had the privilege of attending the show Annie: The Musical, in which our granddaughter Aurora, who is six, played one of the orphans in the orphanage where Annie was also an orphan. The performance was amazingly good and was presented to a sold-out crowd at “The People’s Bank Theater.”

Of course, we are very proud of the great job that Aurora did. As I reflect on the performance, my mind keeps going back to one of the theme songs in Annie, which is called “Tomorrow.” The message is clear that regardless of how difficult some days may be, there is always hope in our tomorrows. In today’s meditation, let us explore…

Tomorrow

All of us have difficult days and even difficult seasons of life. Sometimes it seems like those seasons will never end. This is not the case, though. Just as night always turns to day and winter always turns to spring, so our difficult and dark todays will always turn into our better and brighter tomorrows.

Since I have the opportunity to travel by plane a lot, one thing that I know will always happen is that the sun will always be shining bright above the darkest of clouds. Think about your tomorrows as I read the lyrics to the song.

The sun’ll come out
Tomorrow
Bet your bottom dollar
That tomorrow
There’ll be sun…

Just thinkin’ about
Tomorrow
Clears away the cobwebs,
And the sorrow
‘Til there’s none…

When I’m stuck a with day
That’s gray,
And lonely,
I just stick out my chin
And Grin,
And say…

The sun’ll come out
Tomorrow
So ya gotta hang on
‘Til tomorrow
Come what may…

Tomorrow, tomorrow
I love ya, tomorrow
You’re always
A day
Away…

When I’m stuck a with day
That’s gray,
And lonely,
I just stick out my chin
And grin,
And say…Oh

The sun’ll come out
Tomorrow
So ya gotta hang on
‘Til tomorrow
Come what may…

Tomorrow, tomorrow
I love ya, tomorrow
You’re always
A day
Away…

Tomorrow, tomorrow
I love ya, tomorrow
You’re always
A day
Away

When our days are difficult, we also have a loving God that we can turn to. Yes, the pain and darkness of today may be severe, but the hope of tomorrow will shine ever brighter. Meditate today on Lamentations [3:19]-24.

The thought of my suffering and homelessness
is bitter beyond words.
I will never forget this awful time,
as I grieve over my loss.
Yet I still dare to hope
when I remember this:

The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.
Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;
therefore, I will hope in him!”

And as we close our meditation for today let us think about tomorrow in Proverbs 4:18, “The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.”

Next week we will continue our trek on Meditation Monday as we take time to reflect on what is most important in creating our living legacy. On tomorrow’s trek, we will explore another wisdom quote. This 3-minute wisdom supplement will assist you in becoming healthy, wealthy and wise each day. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 843 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 843 – Controlling Your Money – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 07:03:55 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 843 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Controlling Your Money – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 843 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy. As we continue on this trek called life, sometimes we have questions about life, so our Friday trek is a time where we can Ask Gramps.

Gramps will answer questions that you would like to ask your dad or granddad, but for whatever reason are unable to. No matter how old we are, I know that all of us would like the opportunity to ask dad or gramps questions about life in many areas. We will address areas such as finances, relationships, health/fitness, business/work, home repairs/renovations, seasons of life, spiritual/Biblical questions, and any others areas that come our way.

As your fellow sojourner and mentor on this trek that we call life, it is Gramps’s goal to provide you with practical wisdom and advice about any area of life. It is crucial that I receive a constant flow of questions, so please submit your questions to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com. And Gramps will answer your questions on our Friday podcast.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Money is something that affects us every single day of our lives. It’s used to pay for our shelter. It’s used to purchase food for our families. It’s used to purchase heat in the winter. It’s used to purchase necessary medical care. The list could go on and on.

So our question for today is…

“Hey Gramps, I have a very difficult time controlling my spending. Even when we receive more money than expected, or needed, it seems to be gone so quickly. What can I do to help control the money I have so I can get ahead in life.”

Controlling Your Money

This is a topic that is near and dear to me because I see so many of my friends, family members, and associates struggle to get control of how they use their money. Financial controls seem relatively easy for me, but I realize that I am the exception. Since money is so important to our daily lives, you’d think we’d devote more time trying to keep it. However, it seems like most people regularly devote more time trying to find new ways to spend it. It is akin to an addiction for most people.

First, as with so many aspects of life, you need to change your thinking. All the money and other resources we possess is not really ours. It has been given to us by God, and during the few years we have on earth, we are only managers or stewards of God’s resources. We are held accountable for how wisely we manage the money and other resources that we have. You came into this world naked with nothing, and so it is when you leave this world. At best, we are stewards of what we are blessed with. Once you have this mindshift firmly engrained in your mind, then you start looking at those resources differently.

Due to this interesting paradox, I find it necessary to occasionally sit back and reflect on my financial life. To do this, I ask myself a few questions regarding my current financial health. Each question is very short and is designed to get me thinking about the bigger picture of keeping and investing the money I have been given to manage. I encourage you to ask yourself these same questions in order to keep a proper mindset of the resources that you are responsible for managing.

· “Is the Money Being Invested in the Things That Truly Matter to Me?”

Are there items in your budget that could be removed or reduced to help better utilize your income? Does your use of money reflect your values? Do you even attempt to budget your money?

· “What Was The Last Item I Regretted Purchasing?”

Why did you regret purchasing it? What was your mood when you purchased it? Can you implement strategies to avoid making the same mistake again?

· “What’s Holding Me Back From Taking Action?”

Why do you fear financial freedom? What’s standing in your way? How can you eliminate that obstacle?

· “How Would My Budget Look Without Debt Payments?”

Is a large portion of your income going towards interest payments? What would you do with all of that extra cash flow? Would you save and invest that money to prepare for later in life and to assist furthering God’s Kingdom? Would you give it to those less fortunate? How would conversations about money in your house change?

· “Am I Listening to the Right People?”

Are you surrounding yourself with good financial influences? Is the advice you’re receiving best for your situation? Does your spouse want nothing to do with the financial issues at hand? Are you taking advice from others who are struggling or from those who are successful in managing their God-given resources?

· “How Can I Improve My Financial Literacy?”

When you’re faced with an issue related to your finances, are you researching solutions or are you just giving up? Are you utilizing your local library and the internet to read everything you possibly can about personal finance?

· “What’s My True Hourly Wage?”

After commuting costs, time getting around for work and clothing expenses, how much are you really making per hour? How can you reduce those extra costs? Can you do away with miscellaneous purchases for meals out or even coffee?

· “What Can I Do to Increase My Income?”

How long has it been since you asked for a raise a work? Can you take on a part-time job? Do you want to change careers? Do you have a small business idea and the capital to make it happen?

· “If I Died Today, Would My Family Be Okay?”

Would your family be able to sustain their current standard of living? If not, how can you ensure that they are able to?

· “Am I Setting a Good Example For My Children?”

Are you teaching your children good financial values? Do you want your children to have the same issues that you’re currently having? How can you help them avoid your mistakes? If you don’t have children, think about your future children or other young people that you influence.

· “Where Do I Want to Be One Year From Now Financially?”

What steps can you take today to get started on that goal? What’s holding you back?

Hopefully, these questions sparked some critical thinking regarding your finances.

Are these the only questions you should be asking? Absolutely not. Your questions might be completely different, but just as important to ask yourself.

When you change your thinking about who owns your resources, it helps you to be more careful on the use of those resources. We are each responsible for handling the resources God has given to each of us, whether that is little or much. I encourage you to read Matthew [25:14]-30 about the wise and foolish managers of their master’s resources.

Here are verses 19-21, “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’”^“The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!”

When you have the mindset of this servant, you will have learned to manage your resources effectively.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 842 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you on Monday!

Day 842 – No More Excuses! – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 07:03:21 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 842 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

No More Excuses! – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 842 of our trek, and it is time for our 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit of additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Laura Schlessinger, and it is, “People with integrity do what they say they are going to do. Others have excuses.”

No More Excuses!

Is your word your bond? There was a time where a handshake was as good as a contract because the reputation and integrity of an individual were based on the fact that if he gave his word he followed through.

We should always follow through with our commitments, which are promises, no matter what. We do not have to make excuses because our word is more important than any personal loss that may result from following through with our commitment. We can be the same today.

Even if contracts are required, and most of the time recommended, our actions should be exactly the same whether there is a contract in place, or not. It seems to be a rare person who consistently follows through with his promises. Instead of trying to make excuses for non-performance focus on performing as you promised, we need to accept responsibility for our actions, and not make excuses or place blame on people, places, or circumstances.

It may cost you dearly in the short term, but throughout your life, if you are a person of integrity, you will follow through and do what you said you would. Jesus taught us in Matthew 5:37, “Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 841 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on Apple Podcast or Google Play so each day will be downloaded to you automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 841 – A Tale of Courage We Never Teach – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 07:03:10 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 841 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

A Tale of Courage We Never Teach – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 841 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. The past several months on Wednesday we have been focusing on interpreting current events through a Biblical worldview.

To establish a Biblical worldview, it is important that you also have a proper understanding of God’s Word. Especially in our western cultures, we do not fully understand the scriptures from the mindset and culture of the authors. In order to help us all have a better understanding of God’s Word, we are investing the next several months on Wednesday reviewing a series of essays from one of today’s most prominent Hebrew Scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser, which he has compiled into a book titled I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. There were some practices during the Old Testament timeframe and culture that are difficult for us to understand today. As we continue to explore the Old Testament, our topic today is one such situation. Many preachers and Bible scholars avoid such passages, but we will look at one in our essay today titled…

A Tale of Courage We Never Teach

Moses’ encounter with God in Exodus [4:21]-26 is arguably one of the strangest, most confusing events recorded in the Bible. In this passage, Moses is heading back to Egypt, seemingly following God’s call to deliver the Israelites from Pharaoh’s vice-like grip. But then something shocking happens…

And the Lord told Moses, “When you arrive back in Egypt, go to Pharaoh and perform all the miracles I have empowered you to do. But I will harden his heart so he will refuse to let the people go. Then you will tell him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Israel is my firstborn son. I commanded you, “Let my son go, so he can worship me.” But since you have refused, I will now kill your firstborn son!’”

On the way to Egypt, at a place where Moses and his family had stopped for the night, the Lord confronted him and was about to kill him. But Moses’ wife, Zipporah, took a flint knife and circumcised her son. She touched his feet with the foreskin and said, “Now you are a bridegroom of blood to me.” (When she said “a bridegroom of blood,” she was referring to the circumcision.) After that, the Lord left him alone.

This passage is not only difficult and confusing, but it raises numerous questions. Why would God want to kill Moses right after calling him to deliver Israel? In addition to this theological conundrum, there are other uncertainties. We are startled and confused when Zipporah, Moses wife (Exodus [2:21]), deals with this threat by immediately circumcising her son Gershom and touching the foreskin to Moses “feet.” What does that mean? And why would her action pacify God’s wrath?

· Doing the Wrong Thing: Moses’ Negligence

If we looked at the original Hebrew text of this passage, we would notice that the name Moses does not actually appear in the phrase translated as “touched Moses’ feet.” The text literally reads, “touched his feet.” Consequently, Zipporah could have taken the foreskin and touched either Moses or Gershom, which would affect our interpretation. However, since Moses is the major character in the wider context, it seems logical to conclude that God is angry with Moses, not Gershom.

Why is God angry? We can infer the answer from two considerations: the difference between Egyptian circumcision and that prescribed by the Abrahamic covenant (Joshua 5:2-9; Gen 17), and the circumstances of Moses’ birth and childhood (Exodus 1-2).

Circumcision was practiced in Egypt, but Egyptian circumcision did not remove the foreskin; instead, the foreskin was split. Any Israelite born in Egypt who was circumcised in this way would not have been in accordance with God’s covenant. Since Joshua 5:2 says some Israelite men were being circumcised “a second time,” we can infer that something was unacceptable about their Egyptian circumcision.

Therefore, the ceremony in Joshua 5 would be a second circumcision for some men, but the first circumcision for those males born in the wilderness (Joshua 5:4). Circumcision was not only a sign for Israelite men, but also for women, who needed to be certain they were marrying Israelites and not men who worshiped other gods. Every married Israelite man was thus a “bridegroom of blood,” a man who had undergone the blood ritual of circumcision.

Since the other Israelite males were circumcised prior to the conquest at Gilgal (some a “second time” Joshua 5:2), we can reasonably assume that Moses had never been circumcised or was circumcised according to Egyptian custom. Had he been marked by Hebrew circumcision, he would likely have been in danger in Pharaoh’s household.

God’s anger at Moses in Exodus 4 is apparently due to Moses negligence in obeying God’s covenant ritual as a free man in Midian after he had fled Egypt. Exodus informs us that the Midianites knew the God of Sinai and practiced circumcision—Zipporah knew how to perform the ritual (Exodus [4:25]). Since God chose Moses as His representative to deliver Israel. Moses laxity in covenant obedience became an issue.

· Doing the Right Thing: Zipporah’s Courage

What about the meaning of touching the foreskin to the “feet”? This is not part of the normal circumcision ritual. However, the Hebrew word translated “feet” (-n, regel) is also used as a euphemism for genitalia or genital functions, including sexual exposure (see Judges [3:24]: 1 Sam 24:3: Ezekiel [16:25]: Ruth 3:4,7). The phrase in Exodus [4:25] makes sense only if Zipporah circumcised her son, Gershom, and then symbolically transferred that circumcision to Moses by taking the foreskin and touching Moses genitals.

Performing this rite was not only prudent but courageous. Circumcision in Israel was performed only by religious duty—and only by men. Moses had neglected the ritual, and now he, Zipporah, and little Gershom were already on the road back to Egypt. A circumcised Moses would be unable to travel, so Zipporah performed the ritual on Gershom and, symbolically, on Moses. Her deed was unprecedented but necessary. Zipporah acted in faith, and God relented. She saved Moses’ life and also atoned for his negligence. Moses was now a proper “bridegroom of blood.”

· Will It Preach?

We shouldn’t shy away from the difficult passages of scripture. By exploring the context of this passage, we understand that God’s anger is not capricious or unreasonable. This odd episode also presents us with several lessons. We must not neglect to do what God requires. Had Moses been obedient to the covenant ritual of circumcision after leaving Egypt, his life—and his role as God’s servant—would not have been in danger. We also need the courage to do what’s right, even if it seems out of place. Failure in any of these regards will create obstacles to God’s desire to use us for His glory.

Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue with Moses as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled, “Counting the Ten Commandments.” I believe you will find this another interesting topic to consider as we build our Biblical worldview.

Tomorrow we will continue with our 3-minute wisdom nugget that will provide you with a bit of wisdom that, if followed will allow you to grow healthier, wealthier, and wiser each day. So encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along with us tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of our past 840 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 840 – Be True to Yourself – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 07:03:51 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 840 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Be True to Yourself – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 840 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit of additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Ray Lammie, and it is,“One person you can never get away from is yourself. Be true to yourself. Respect yourself. Live life with integrity.”

Be True to Yourself

The primary person which you must face in life is the one you see when you look into the mirror. Yes, we are ultimately accountable before God, but every single moment of each day you are accountable to yourself. You must accept the responsibility, and the consequences, of every decision and choice that you make in life.

When you look into the mirror, deep into your eyes, to your very soul, who do you see? A person you love, respect, and admire? A person that has unchanging and unwavering integrity? You can fool almost everyone for a period of time, even close family members. You can never get away from yourself, nor from God’s omniscience.

As we look into the mirror of our heart and mind, let us see a person that is true to ourselves, a person that we can love, respect, and admire. A person that we would want to emulate. A person of integrity

As we are instructed in Hebrews 4:13, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.”Let us not only be accountable before God, but also ourselves. It is then we will be the person that we want our spouse, children, grandchildren, and everyone else we impact to emulate.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 839 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 839 – As a Child! – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 07:03:22 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 839 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

As a Child! – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 839 of our trek, and it is time for Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. As I grow older, although it is hard to accept, I realize I am not a child, or a teenager, or a young adult anymore. Even with the advances in medical technology and understanding of human physiology, I am still aging. The Apostle Paul instructs us in 1 Corinthians 13:11, “When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.”Yet Jesus said there is one area where we should not be. In today’s meditation let us explore…

As a Child

When we read the verses below, I want you to notice Jesus’s interactions with His disciples regarding a rich public official who turned away from following Him. Jesus challenged His disciples to think through His rejection of His call to focus their attention on those who are worthy of their emulation. Religion gets far off track when the focus becomes a question of who is most important, most religious, and most deserving of the Father’s love.

Jesus came to us as God. The rich public official in the story that I will read today missed this truth. He called Jesus “good,” and only God is truly good. So Jesus challenged him to listen to Him as God. Jesus told him that he needed to drop his religious game of trying to earn the Father’s love.

He needed to quit trying to outdo all the others around him in his religious practices. He needed to look deep into his own heart and see that there was an idol he held as more important than obeying the voice of the Father. However, he dismissed what Jesus said. He refused to give up his idol — his great wealth — for two reasons:

He didn’t think of Jesus as God. He dismissed what Jesus said as just more religious teaching. He didn’t accept what Jesus said as the very commands of God.
He was rich and his idol — his real god — was his money. Unfortunately, he thought he could earn the Father’s favor just like he had earned his money.

Sadly, he walked away from Jesus and from the joy of His kingdom because he couldn’t give up what was false.

Just before the description of this rich public official’s visit with Jesus, you meet children who are the model for the kind of heart that receives His kingdom. Just after this official, you meet Jesus’s disciples. In childlike amazement, they wonder how anyone can be saved if someone who has lived a good life, like this rich public official, couldn’t find his way into His kingdom.

Jesus reminded them that they were thinking in human terms. In human terms, it is impossible. But the Father, Son, and Spirit — make the impossible, possible. All that Jesus’s disciples had to do was look at themselves and what they had given up.

You see, nothing is impossible for the heart totally yielded to Jesus. You cannot give up more for Him than you will receive many times over in the age to come.

However — and this is a huge “however” — you have to be willing to follow Jesus as a child. So let’s become like a child in our faith as Jesus’s disciples

During Jesus’s time on earth, children were not an important part of society. They were trained, loved, nurtured, and apprenticed at home. They were not important in adult society. For Jesus to hold them up as a good example of a disciple was shocking. To elevate children above a rich, devoted-to-the-law public official was shocking. Listen with your heart. Invite the Holy Spirit to attach these words to your soul.

Jesus is the good teacher. Jesus is God among us. Jesus is the One teaching the eternal truth. You either renounce all of your idols and follow Jesus as a child, or you walk away from Him with a sad heart. If you leave, you forfeit your hope of enjoying His kingdom. Listen now as I read today’s passage.

Luke [18:15]-30

· Jesus Blesses the Children

One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him.

Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”

· The Rich Man

Once a religious leader asked Jesus this question: “Good Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?”

“Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked him. “Only God is truly good. But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother.’”

The man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”

When Jesus heard his answer, he said, “There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

But when the man heard this he became very sad, for he was very rich.

When Jesus saw this, he said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God! In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”

Those who heard this said, “Then who in the world can be saved?”

He replied, “What is impossible for people is possible with God.”

Peter said, “We’ve left our homes to follow you.”

“Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, will be repaid many times over in this life, and will have eternal life in the world to come.”

If you would like to listen to any of the past 838 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly, your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 838 – True Friendship – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 07:03:15 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 838 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

True Friendship – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week, wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 838 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

As we continue on this trek called life, sometimes we have questions about life, so our Friday trek is a time where we can Ask Gramps. Gramps will answer questions that you would like to ask your dad or granddad, but for whatever reason, you are unable to. No matter how old we are, I know that all of us would like the opportunity to ask dad or gramps questions about life in many areas.

We will address areas such as finances, relationships, health/fitness, business/work, home repairs/renovations, seasons of life, spiritual/Biblical questions, and any others areas that come our way. As your fellow sojourner and mentor on this trek that we call life, it is Gramps goal to provide you with practical wisdom and advice about any area of life. It is crucial that I receive a constant flow of questions, so please submit your questions to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com. And Gramps will answer your questions on our Friday podcast.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. We all desire to be liked and accepted by others; it is part of our nature. To expand that into having close friends is more difficult.

So our question for today is…

“Hey Gramps, I desire to have close friends, and also be friends to others, but I find this is difficult for me. What is true friendship, and how can I have friends and also be a good friend to others?”

True Friendship

The first principle is “to have friends and to be a friend you must show yourself friendly.” The second overall principle is that “you cannot like or love others unless you love yourself.”

It is impossible to love and accept others without first loving and accepting yourself. God created you uniquely to be a bearer of His image. You are a child of the King, joint heirs with Christ Jesus. The Lord Jesus Christ gave us the definition of a true friend, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me,” John [15:13]-15.

Jesus is the pure example of a true friend, for He laid down His life for His “friends.” What is more, anyone may become His friend by trusting in Him as his personal savior, being born again and receiving new life in Him.

There is an example of true friendship between David and King Saul’s son Jonathan, who, in spite of his father Saul’s pursuit of David and attempts to kill him, stood by his friend. You will find that story in 1 Samuel chapters 18 through chapter 20.

Proverbs is another good source of wisdom regarding friends. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.” Also Proverbs 18:24 reads, “There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.” The issue here is that in order to have a friend, one must be a friend. Being a friend also means that sometimes you have to confront your friend as found in Proverbs 27:6, “Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.” Good, close friends, also help each other improve and to become better in all aspects of life. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”

The principle of friendship is also found in Amos 3:3, “Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?” Friends are of like mind. The truth that comes from all of this is a friendship is a relationship that is entered into by individuals, and it is only as good or as close as those individuals choose to make it. If you are married, then certainly your spouse should be your closest and best friend, and for some, that friendship will fill the need for other really close friends.

Someone has said that if you can count your true friends on the fingers of one hand, you are blessed. A friend is one whom you can be yourself with and never fear that he or she will judge you. A friend is someone that you can confide in with complete trust. A friend is someone you respect, and that respects you, not based upon worthiness but based upon a likeness of mind. The fact is that few people have the emotional or spiritual capacity to have more than few close friends that they can invest and pour their lives into.

Finally, the real definition of a true friend comes from the Apostle Paul in Romans 5:7-8, “Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Let’s sum up a close friendship with John 15:13, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Now, that is true friendship!

If you would like to listen to any of the past 837 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Play, so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you on Monday!

Day 837 – Integrity Starts at Home – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 07:03:04 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 837 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Integrity Starts at Home – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 837 of our trek and time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit of additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from an unknown source, and it is, “Integrity starts at home. Learn to be a person of your word and stick with your commitments even when you no longer feel like it.”

Integrity Starts at Home

No one knows you better than your close family, especially your spouse and kids. They see you are your best and, unfortunately, at your worse. We all tend to be less patient and considerate of our close family members than we do with those we work with or go to church with.

To build a life of integrity, it must start at home, with those you love most and who love you. You must keep your commitments to your family, even when the demands of work, organizations, and ministry pull you away.

Being available and present is so important. This includes physically, emotionally, and especially spiritually. As the years go by, you will not be remembered for the things that money can buy for your family, but for all the precious moments that money can never buy. Be present, be active, and above all keep your commitments, even when you do not feel like it, even when you feel pulled in other directions.

Your family will learn their integrity from you, especially your children. As we are instructed in Proverbs 20:7 , “The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 836 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on Apple Podcast or Google Play so each day will be downloaded to you automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 836 – The Abandoned Child Is a Basket Case – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 07:03:16 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 836 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Abandoned Child Is a Basket Case – Wisdom Wednesday

Today is Day 836 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. The past several months on Wednesday we have been focusing on interpreting current events through a Biblical worldview. To establish a Biblical worldview, it is important that you also have a proper understanding of God’s Word.

Especially in our western cultures, we do not fully understand the Scriptures from the mindset and culture of the authors. In order to help us all have a better understanding of God’s Word, we are investing the next several months on Wednesday reviewing a series of essays from one of today’s most prominent Hebrew Scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser, which he has compiled into a book titled I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Being abandoned as a child is one of the worst things that can happen to a person. That abandonment can include both physical and emotional abandonment. It would make most of us a basket case as adults. As we continue to explore the Old Testament from the time frame and culture in which it was written, the topic of our essay today is…

The Abandoned Child Is a Basket Case

In modern stories, people destined for greatness rarely start off privileged. They are dropped off at the doorstep of an orphanage or abandoned in the rain. This literary motif goes back to ancient stories, where writers use the abandoned child theme to identify a character that rises from obscurity to privileged hero status. It’s a motif found in the biblical account of Moses’ birth. But is that really the whole story?

Moses’ story begins when Pharaoh feels threatened by the growing Hebrew population in Egypt and commands that all Hebrew male infants be killed. This narrative is found in Exodus [1:16]-22. Moses’ mother hides her newborn son for three months and then devises a risky but calculated plan: She sets him adrift on the Nile in a small basket made of papyrus reeds, waterproofed with tar and pitch as described in Exodus 2:1-3.

About this time, a man, and woman from the tribe of Levi got married. The woman became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She saw that he was a special baby and kept him hidden for three months. But when she could no longer hide him, she got a basket made of papyrus reeds and waterproofed it with tar and pitch. She put the baby in the basket and laid it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile River.

Moses’ older sister, Miriam, watches as the basket floats to where the daughter of Pharaoh bathes. God uses these circumstances to bring Moses under the protection of Egypt’s ruler portrayed in Exodus 2:4-10.

Ancient literature outside the Bible attests to several stories in which a child, perceived as a threat by an enemy, is abandoned and later spared by divine intervention or otherworldly circumstance. Roughly 30 stories like this survive from the literature of ancient Mesopotamia, Canaan, Greece, Egypt, Rome, and India.

The Mesopotamian work known as the Sargon Birth Legend offers the most striking parallels to the biblical story. It relates the birth story of Sargon the Great, an Akkadian emperor who ruled a number of Sumerian city-states around 2000 BC, centuries before the time of Moses. The infant boy is born into great peril: His mother is a high priestess, and he is illegitimate. Consequently, his mother sets him adrift on a river in a reed basket. The boy is rescued and raised by a gardener named Akki in the town of Kish. He becomes a humble gardener in Akki’s service until the goddess Ishtar takes an interest in him, setting him on the path to kingship.

Some assume that the biblical story of Moses birth was based on the Sargon Birth Legend, but this is unlikely. Although ancient Sumerian accounts of Sargon the Great date back to his lifetime, the legendary account of his birth is known from only four fragmentary tablets—three from the Neo-Assyrian period (934-605 BC) and one from the Neo-Babylonian period (626-539 BC).

During the Neo-Assyrian period, an Assyrian king took the name Sargon II and likely commanded the legends to be written about his namesake (722-705 BC). In doing so, he would have linked himself to the ancient hero and glorified himself as a “revived” Sargon figure. This would suggest that the birth legend was composed for propaganda purposes well after the biblical story of Moses.

The existence of stories like the Sargon Birth Legend helps us understand the biblical story. They show that the abandoned child theme was a popular literary strategy for the ancients. They used it to introduce a figure who rises from mundane origins after gaining favor from fate or the divine. The common elements in these rags-to-riches stories helped ancient audiences identify with the central figure and develop respect for his achievements.

Moses’ story is about more than parallels, though. While Moses briefly seems to find favor and protection in the household of Pharaoh, a quasi-divine figure for the Egyptians, his life takes a surprising turn. He ends up leaving the kingdom of Egypt fearing that Pharaoh will kill him. From there, the story is re-patterned: In a wilderness of Midian, Yahweh appears to Moses, who is now an obscure shepherd and he describes himself in Exodus 4:10 in this manner. “But Moses pleaded with the Lord, ‘O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.'” Regardless, God tells Moses to act as His spokesperson before Pharaoh and lead His people out of Egypt.

Moses stands out against the stories of the ancient cultures because he isn’t promoted like their chosen figures, but saved and demoted to poverty so that he can lead others to salvation. He is the new archetype of the chosen hero, one who is promoted only for the benefit of others. Over and against the stories of worldly kingdoms, Moses’ story articulates God’s remarkable work for His kingdom. His values are different from ours, and as is often the case in retrospect, we can be grateful for that.

Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue with Moses as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “A Tale of Courage We Never Teach.” I believe you will find this another interesting topic to consider as we build our Biblical Worldview.

Tomorrow we will continue with our 3-minute wisdom nugget that will provide you with a bit of wisdom that, if followed will allow you to grow healthier, wealthier and wiser each day. So encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along with us tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of our past 835 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 835 – One With God – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 07:03:09 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 835 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

One With God – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 835 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit of additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Ike Reighad, and it is, “Integrity is when you are one with God, yourself, and your loved ones.”

One With God

To have integrity is to be without pretense or subterfuge. It is being true to yourself and to be able to stand before God and your loved ones without a trace of guile or deceit. It means to be honest and transparent in all transactions and interactions with everyone.

Pure integrity means that every action you take, every decision you make, in every possible situation, you can unashamedly stand before God and your close loved ones who know you best. To be one with God means that you can stand before Him with complete transparency. To be a person of integrity is to be sincere.

The word “sincere” comes from the Latin words sine cera, which means “without wax.” The phrase comes from a practice where people would hide the cracks in cheap pottery with wax in order to pass the pottery off as being worth more than it actually was. Quality products were often stamped with the words sine cera to show it had not been doctored. It would be similar to those products today that are stamped “all natural” or “100% pure.” So should a life of integrity be…100% pure.

As the Apostle John tells us in 1 John 3:18-19, “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God.”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 834 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 834 – Managing Money with Spiritual Wisdom – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 07:03:59 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 834 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Managing Money with Spiritual Wisdom – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 834 of our trek, and it is time for Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. The most prominent issue that faces most of us in our daily lives, especially in western cultures is the earning and use of money. We never seem to have enough. We struggle to make ends meet. We fight for it. We work long and hard to earn it, all the while neglecting what is really important in life. In today’s meditation, let us explore…

Managing Money with Spiritual Wisdom

Throughout the ages, it has been the same. People freely talked with each other about almost everything, except how they spend or invest their money. Once the talk about managing earthly, monetary, physical blessings starts, people tend to get defensive and exaggerate their situation to try and impress others.

I appreciate the authors of the gospels and their accounts of Jesus’s life and the way they emphasize many practical and spiritual teachings about Jesus’s ministry. They instruct us about food and feasts, prayer and praise, the work of the Holy Spirit, poor and rich people, and Jesus’s teaching on the use of money.

Let’s explore one of those passages about money and how you should manage your assets for spiritual ends. This is found in Matthew 6:19-21 where Jesus us, “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

We lose sight of the most important principle about money and other resources. We don’t own and never will own anything. We are stewards of God’s resources to manage them for the furtherance of God’s kingdom.

Use the money and physical assets that the Father has entrusted to you to store up heavenly treasures. Why? Because the Father is going to know how you use your money and where you invested it.

Your heart is always drawn to where your treasure is invested. So use your assets to bless those who cannot repay you, to empower the mission which Jesus gave you, to redeem the lost, to restore life, to renew opportunity for those who are left out and forgotten, and to give hope to the marginalized. Isn’t that what you saw Jesus investing His life doing? That is where Jesus invested His energy and time; shouldn’t you do the same?

When you read from the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings, what we call the Old Testament, what do you see about the heart of God and where He wants you to invest your assets? His focus and Jesus focus are perfectly aligned. Does your focus align with what Jesus taught?

The problems in your life don’t need to include money if your heart is on the things that matter most to your Father in heaven. This principle is true whether your assets are small or large. However, if the way you use your assets gets out of sync with what Jesus taught us, then watch out! You are trying to serve two masters, and the One you end up neglecting will be the only One that matters, your Father in heaven.

Here is one of the most interesting parables in the Gospels as recorded by Dr. Luke. It is called the Parable of the Shrewd Manager.

Listen as I read Luke 16:1-17

Jesus told this story to his disciples: “There was a certain rich man who had a manager handling his affairs. One day a report came that the manager was wasting his employer’s money. So the employer called him in and said, ‘What’s this I hear about you? Get your report in order, because you are going to be fired.’

“The manager thought to himself, ‘Now what? My boss has fired me. I don’t have the strength to dig ditches, and I’m too proud to beg. Ah, I know how to ensure that I’ll have plenty of friends who will give me a home when I am fired.’

“So he invited each person who owed money to his employer to come and discuss the situation. He asked the first one, ‘How much do you owe him?’ The man replied, ‘I owe him 800 gallons of olive oil.’ So the manager told him, ‘Take the bill and quickly change it to 400 gallons.’

“‘And how much do you owe my employer?’ he asked the next man. ‘I owe him 1,000 bushels of wheat,’ was the reply. ‘Here,’ the manager said, ‘take the bill and change it to 800 bushels.’

“The rich man had to admire the dishonest rascal for being so shrewd. And it is true that the children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with the world around them than are the children of the light. Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home.

“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?

“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”

The Pharisees, who dearly loved their money, heard all this and scoffed at him. Then he said to them, “You like to appear righteous in public, but God knows your hearts. What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God. “Until John the Baptist, the law of Moses and the messages of the prophets were your guides. But now the Good News of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is eager to get in. But that doesn’t mean that the law has lost its force. It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the smallest point of God’s law to be overturned.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 833 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 833 – Enjoying the Seasons of Life – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 07:03:06 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 833 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Enjoying the Seasons of Life – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 833 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy. As we continue on this trek called life, sometimes we have questions about life, so our Friday trek is a time where we can Ask Gramps.

Gramps will answer questions that you would like to ask your dad or granddad, but for whatever reason are unable to. No matter how old you are, I know that all of us would like the opportunity to ask Dad or Gramps questions about life in many areas. We will address areas such as finances, relationships, health/fitness, business/work, home repairs/renovations, seasons of life, spiritual/Biblical questions, and any others areas that come our way.

As your fellow sojourner and mentor on this trek that we call life, it is Gramps’s goal to provide you with practical wisdom and advice about any area of life. It is crucial that I receive a constant flow of questions, so please submit your questions to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com, and Gramps will answer your questions on our Friday podcast.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. As we transition from winter into spring, we see once again the dead of winter spring into new life. We enjoy the birds singing and the flowers poking their heads through the soil like magic displaying their beauty to all.

When we take the time to reflect upon the natural environment, we begin to observe a complex, yet very beautiful world cycling through patterns, phases, and stages of transition. We also quickly realize that nothing ever stands still, that nothing ever maintains its current state, identity, or shape for very long. In fact, all of nature cycles through seasons of change and transformation, effortlessly and naturally.

So our question for today is:

“Hey Gramps, it seems like life is rushing by so quickly and I am having difficulty just enjoying life where I am today. How can I change my perspective so that I enjoy every season of life to make an impact where I can and accept what I cannot change?”

Enjoying the Seasons of Life

· Understanding the Cycles of Life

Life cycles through phases of transformation and change that are unavoidable, inevitable, and yet very manageable. These natural cycles of life are beneficial for our personal emotional and spiritual growth.

· Seasons Change Constantly

The seasons of life are constantly changing as a result of the choices and decisions that we make on a daily basis.

A seemingly insignificant choice today could very well change the tide of the seasons as we move into tomorrow.

For things not to change, we must stay the same. However, we cannot remain unchanged if we are constantly making new choices and decisions about our conditions and circumstances.

Life is all about change, we are constantly changing, and our circumstances are simply a reflection of the choices we make.

· Seasons Transition Naturally

The seasons of life transition naturally from one phase to another as a result of the thoughts, values, and beliefs we are consistently cultivating in our minds.

We transition through each of these seasons naturally because they are simply a reflection of our human nature and even the smallest of choices that we make each day.

· Seasons Are Temporary

The seasons of life are as temporary as the raindrops that fall on your head, as the thunder that rages outside, or as the wind that blows up the storm. None of these events will last forever. They are temporary in nature, just as the seasons of life are temporary on a psychological level.

The joy you experience during certain seasons will not last forever. There will inevitably be a moment when your thoughts, decisions, and actions will naturally move you into another phase of life, which may lead to pain and anguish.

However, this too is only temporary, and this too will also eventually pass.

The length of time it takes us to progress through each season is simply a reflection of our state-of-mind — a reflection of our ability to adapt to the conditions and circumstances we find ourselves in. If we adapt successfully, we will move through difficult and unpleasant phases quickly. On the other hand, if we are unable to adapt, then we will suffer the consequences of failing to capitalize on the opportunities that life inevitably throws our way.

· Seasons Are Psychologically and Spiritually Beneficial

The seasons of life are there to teach us lessons about our creator, ourselves, others and life. They are there to help us grow emotionally, physically, socially, and spiritually. They are there to harden our resolve, to brighten our spirit, and to strengthen our emotional and spiritual resilience in the face of adversity and opportunity.

When we succeed, we celebrate. When we fail, we complain and blame, but eventually we begin to contemplate who we are, what we want, and how we would like to progress from this moment onward. These periods of life shape our character and paint the canvas of the life we are yet to experience. Moreover, these times help us to grow and fulfill our God-given potential as bearers of His image.

· We Create the Seasons

We naturally create and transition between the seasons of life as a result of our responses and reactions to people, events, and circumstances. This essentially means that how we respond and the choices that we make will directly influence what we get back from the world around us, whether they are problems or opportunities.

For most of us, we are not where we thought we would be at any stage of life, but that is ok. We need to learn to enjoy the journey, to relish each day. As you transition through the various seasons of life run in such a way as to win the eternal prize. Let us follow the exhortation that the Apostle Paul wrote to us in 1 Corinthians 9:23-25, “I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.”

If you would like to listen to any of the past 832 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you on Monday!

Day 832 – Integrity Is Not Conditional – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 07:03:03 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 832 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Integrity Is Not Conditional – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 832 of our trek, and it is time for our 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit of additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from John D. MacDonald, and it is, “Integrity is not a conditional word. It doesn’t blow in the wind or change with the weather. It is your inner image of yourself, and if you look in there and see a man who won’t cheat, then you know he never will.”

Integrity Is Not Conditional

Integrity, like the truth, does not change based on political correctness, or the latest philosophy about right and wrong. Your integrity is a mirror reflecting who you really are. You may attempt to put a mask on to change how others may perceive you, but in the end, the mask will fall away. And you will be seen for who you truly are.

A person of integrity is honest, truthful, full of honor, reliable, and upright. A person of integrity does not change his values to fit in or be accepted. He stands for what is right and truthful, no matter the cost to him personally.

We cannot open ourselves up to situational ethics or situational integrity. It is never right to do wrong in order to have the opportunity to do right in the future. Right is right even if no one is doing it, and wrong is still wrong even if everyone else is doing it.

Our integrity impacts our standing before God as we are told in Psalm 15:1-3.

Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?
Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?
Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right,
speaking the truth from sincere hearts.
Those who refuse to gossip
or harm their neighbors
or speak evil of their friends.

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 831 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on Apple Podcast or Google Play so each day will be downloaded to you automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 831 – Why Circumcision? – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 07:03:09 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 831 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Why Circumcision? – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 831 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. The past several weeks on Wednesday we have been focusing on interpreting current events through a Biblical Worldview.

To establish a Biblical worldview, it is important that you also have a proper understanding of God’s Word. Especially in our western cultures, we do not fully understand the scriptures from the mindset and culture of the authors. In order to help us all have a better understanding of God’s Word, I would like to invest the next several weeks reviewing a series of essays from one of today’s most prominent Hebrew Scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser, which he has compiled into a book titled I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. If you study local customs or cultures within nations around the world, you are likely to find certain practices that just will not make sense to you. This may apply to diet, dress, rituals, superstitions, or physical changes. One such practice that God set forth as a sign of separation from the world and dedication to Him was the practice of circumcision for all males that are the decedents of Abraham. These descendants became the Nation of Israel. So the topic of our essay today is…

Why Circumcision?

Circumcision is mentioned nearly 100 times in the Bible. It is a central focus for Old Testament and New Testament theology as mentioned in Romans 4:9-12.

Now, is this blessing only for the Jews, or is it also for uncircumcised Gentiles?Well, we have been saying that Abraham was counted as righteous by God because of his faith. But how did this happen? Was he counted as righteous only after he was circumcised, or was it before he was circumcised? Clearly, God accepted Abraham before he was circumcised!

Circumcision was a sign that Abraham already had faith and that God had already accepted him and declared him to be righteous—even before he was circumcised. So Abraham is the spiritual father of those who have faith but have not been circumcised. They are counted as righteous because of their faith. And Abraham is also the spiritual father of those who have been circumcised, but only if they have the same kind of faith Abraham had before he was circumcised.

More details about circumcision in the New Testament is also found in Galatians 2 and 5.

If we’re honest, circumcision as a covenant sign just sounds absurd. Was it unique to the Abraham and the Nation of Israel? Not really. Circumcision was the sign or mark of God’s covenant with Abraham and is found in Genesis 17:9-14, “Then God said to Abraham, ‘Your responsibility is to obey the terms of the covenant. You and all your descendants have this continual responsibility. This is the covenant that you and your descendants must keep: Each male among you must be circumcised. You must cut off the flesh of your foreskin as a sign of the covenant between me and you. From generation to generation, every male child must be circumcised on the eighth day after his birth. This applies not only to members of your family but also to the servants born in your household and the foreign-born servants whom you have purchased. All must be circumcised. Your bodies will bear the mark of my everlasting covenant. Any male who fails to be circumcised will be cut off from the covenant family for breaking the covenant.'”

If you study the cultures in that area where Abraham was from, you will find that it was also widely practiced in the ancient Near East although the method wasn’t always the same. Jeremiah 9:25-26 notes that Israel’s neighbors were circumcised, “A time is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will punish all those who are circumcised in body but not in spirit. The Egyptians, Edomites, Ammonites, Moabites, the people who live in the desert in remote places, and yes, even the people of Judah. And like all these pagan nations, the people of Israel also have uncircumcised hearts.”

Archaeologists have also found that it was practiced in Syria and Phoenicia. Textual remains indicate that circumcision in Egypt goes back to at least 2200 BC, centuries before the Israelites were enslaved. Israelite men may have even submitted to Egyptian circumcision while in Egypt, since Joshua commanded the men crossing into the Promised Land to be re-circumcised in order to “roll away the reproach of Egypt,” which is found in Joshua 5:2-9. The evidence suggests that circumcision did not distinguish Israelite men from their foreign neighbors.

When God told Abraham to be circumcised, he was past the age of bearing children and his wife, Sarah, was incapable of having children. As we are told in Genesis [18:11]. Nevertheless, it would be through Sarah’s womb that God would fulfill His promise of innumerable offspring to Abraham. God’s covenant with Abraham could only be realized by miraculous intervention.

The miraculous nature of Isaac’s birth is the key to understanding circumcision as the sign of the covenant. After God made His promise to Abraham, every male member of Abraham’s household was required to be circumcised which is described in Genesis [17:15]-27. Every male and every woman, since the males were all incapacitated for a time, knew that circumcision was connected to God’s promise. It probably didn’t make any sense, though, until Sarah became pregnant.

Everyone in Abraham’s household witnessed the miracle of Isaac’s birth. From that point on, every male understood why they had been circumcised: Their entire race—their very existence—began with a miraculous act of God. Every woman was reminded of this when she had sexual relations with her Israelite husband and when her sons were circumcised. Circumcision was a visible, continuous reminder that Israel owed its existence to Yahweh, who created them out of nothing.

This is not the same under the new covenant. In the New Testament, membership in God’s family is “circumcision neutral” Galatians 5:6 tells us, “For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love.”

It is faith in Christ, not a Jewish identity signified by circumcision, that makes someone part of the Church. Paul even connects baptism to circumcision in Colossians 2:10-12, “So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. When you came to Christ, you were ‘circumcised,’ but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision, the cutting away of your sinful nature. For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.”

Like circumcision, baptism is a response driven by faith. It is the outward manifestation of an inward change of heart. Both signs are for men and women.

Next Wisdom Wednesday, we will look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled The Abandoned Child is a Basket Case. I believe you will find this another interesting topic to consider as we build our Biblical worldview.

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of our past 830 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 830 – A Solid Value Foundation – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 07:03:28 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 830 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

A Solid Value Foundation – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 830 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit of additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget…

Today’s quote is from Michael Baisden, and it is,“Integrity is choosing your thoughts and actions based on your values rather than personal gain.”

A Solid Value Foundation

If you find yourself making choices based on personal gain, it is time to reexamine your values and indeed your entire moral compass. These choices include both your thoughts and your actions. There is a very short distance between thinking about taking action and the actual action itself. That is why is it so important to guard your thoughts.

No amount of personal gain, fame, power, or fortune is worth compromising the foundation on which your values are based. Your value foundation must be strong and must be based on a moral code. The superior moral code that is solid and has stood the test of all time is the moral code found in God’s Word.

It is God’s Word on which your values must be established. It represents that solid foundation on which to build a life of integrity. This reminds me of the parable that Jesus taught His disciples about building, which is found in Matthew [7:24]-27

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”

What type of foundation is your value system built on? This will determine your level of integrity.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 829 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google play, so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 829 – Getting Past Your Worries – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 07:03:42 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 829 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Getting Past Your Worries – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 829 of our trek, and it is time for Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For some, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. Some may utilize structured meditation practices.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Last Meditation Monday we considered the topic of fear. Today let’s ponder what it means to worry and the sins that lie behind so many of our worries, such as greed and insufficient faith! Listen carefully as we explore three key principles in the verses of today’s meditation. Jesus gave these principles to His disciples to help them defeat the power of worry in their lives. Please know that Luke wrote about these three principles to help you defeat worry, too! In today’s meditation, let us explore…

Getting Past Your Worries

· Principle #1

You’d better be on your guard against any type of greed, for a person’s life is not about having a lot of possessions.

Greed is insidious and destructive — in fact, it is a form of idolatry Colossians 3:5.

So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

Greed means the things you have are never enough. Greed opens the door for you to trample all over people to get things. Greed makes you think you deserve and own the things that you have, rather than seeing them as blessings from the Father, Son, and Spirit to be used to bring the influence of God’s kingdom into your fallen world.

· Principle #2

Don’t reduce your life to the pursuit of food and drink; don’t let your mind be filled with anxiety. People of the world who don’t know God pursue these things, but you have a Father caring for you, a Father Who knows all your needs.

When we considered fear in last week’s Meditation Monday, we were reminded that you are precious to God the Father, Son, and Spirit. Please remember and believe that truth. Why would the Father send Jesus to be sacrificed for you if you were not precious? Why would Jesus pour out the Holy Spirit upon you to live within you if you are not precious? With so many less important things in your world that receive God’s gracious provision, why would the triune God ever abandon you when you are so precious?

· Principle #3

Since you don’t need to worry — about security and safety, about food and clothing — then pursue God’s kingdom first and foremost, and these other things will come to you as well. We do not need to be afraid. God is your Father, and your Father’s great joy is to give you His kingdom.

Worry is often the byproduct of having your focus on the wrong things and not having sufficient faith in God and His promises. If your consuming passion is to follow Jesus Christ and to bring the gracious benefits of God’s kingdom to your broken world, then you are not going to have time to focus on temporary stuff that doesn’t ultimately matter. Honor the Father with all of your heart. Love people as He loves you. You must believe that when you focus on these two important things, all the other things in your life will fall into their proper place.

Let’s explore Jesus’s words to us as found in Luke [12:13]-34.

· The Parable of the Rich Fool

Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.”

Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”

Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’

“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

· Teaching about Money and Possessions

Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?

“Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

“And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

“So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.

“Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 828 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to Apple Podcast and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 828 – You Are What You Eat – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 07:03:37 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 828 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

You Are What You Eat – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 828 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

No matter how old we are, I know that all of us would like the opportunity to ask Dad or Gramps questions about life in many areas. We will address areas such as finances, relationships, health/fitness, business/work, home repairs/renovations, seasons of life, spiritual/Biblical questions, and any others areas that come our way. As your fellow sojourner and mentor on this trek that we call life, it is Gramps goal to provide you with practical wisdom and advice about any area of life. It is crucial that I receive a constant flow of questions, so please submit your questions to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com, and Gramps will answer your questions on our Friday podcast.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Nearly everyone is concerned about their health, and most of us will say we want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. There is a huge difference, though, between being passively involved in your health journey and being committed to good health. It reminds me of a breakfast of eggs and bacon. The chicken is passively involved in the breakfast, the pig is committed to making it happen. Maintaining a truly healthy lifestyle takes commitment.

So our question for today is…

“Hey Gramps, I would like to start living a healthy lifestyle, including losing some weight. There are so many diets and supplements on the market today that it is really confusing. Can you give me some advice on how I can live a healthy lifestyle including losing the weight that I need to?”

You Are What You Eat

This topic is a plateful for sure…pun intended. There have been thousands of books written about healthy lifestyles and diets. Much of that information could be useful, but we also find that much of it is contradictory. While I am not a doctor and have never played one on TV, but I will be 62 this August and have been able to maintain a healthy lifestyle and my current weight for many years. I have never followed a structured diet, nor participated in a structured exercise or wellness program. For some people, this may be needed to maintain the discipline to stick with it, but ultimately it must be an internal desire for change.

By learning a few simple principles and sticking to them, I feel that anyone who is committed to living a healthy lifestyle can be successful. I do realize that genetics and environment can play a role in being successful, but unless you are committed, then there will be no transformation. It is no easier for me to maintain my weight and lifestyle than it is for anyone else, but I do have a commitment and burning desire to do so.

So here are some basic principles that will lead to a healthy lifestyle which includes: strengthening your body, losing weight, and refreshing your mind and soul.

First, is to get some exercise each day. You may never enjoy this, but it is imperative if you are committed to a healthy lifestyle. At a minimum, walk as briskly as you can for 30 minutes. This could be inside your home, on a treadmill, or outside if at all possible. If you can’t walk for 30 minutes at once, build up to it by three 10 minutes walks during the day. Walking all at one time is preferred to get your heart rate up, but anything is better than nothing. If you can’t get outside, walk around the room or even in place while watching TV. The time will go much quicker that way. During the day, stand whenever possible instead of sitting.

Although I never feel like getting up early to exercise, I am committed, so I do. I will usually invest about an hour on the treadmill or HIIT trainer, which is a combination elliptical/stair stepper, which usually results in about 17,000 steps. I also listen to devotional materials and podcasts as I exercise to help take my mind off the exercise and expand my mind at the same time. I use a standing desk during the day to help keep me alert while strengthening my core.

Second, is to get adequate sleep. All research points to the fact that we need between 7 and 8 hours of sleep to restore our body, mind, and soul. We cannot neglect this, or the other efforts to a healthy lifestyle will be slowed down. If you think your life is too busy to get adequate sleep, then you need focus on what is most important and drop the other items. The world will not end if you get a couple of hours more sleep a night. If you neglect this, your world may end prematurely.

The third is, you are what you eat. Eating properly is not as difficult as it may appear, and certainly no more expensive than eating poorly.

The first principle about eating is to eat less. Especially in the US and most western cultures, we just eat too much. Gradually reduce that amount that you eat. Next, eat out less. It is much more expensive, and most restaurant foods are overly processed with limited nutritional value. When eating at home, limit your sugar and carbohydrate intake. This includes all types of sugar, breads, potatoes, pasta, and anything else that is made from flour. You must minimize overly processed foods. If your meals come from a box, then it is probably overly processed. Starches like what I listed above turn immediately to sugar once they are broken down in your stomach. Whole grain products are better because they do not break down as quickly but still, limit their consumption.

Are you committed? As you start limiting starches, you will find that over time your desire for them is reduced. Replace starches with whole fresh foods or fresh frozen foods. Our grocery stores are filled with these foods. Learn to prepare wholesome meals that are also high in protein. For breakfast, this can be eggs and breakfast meat with limited bread. For lunch a low sugar protein bar, nuts, seeds, or a protein based smoothie. For dinner, switch between various types of meat, such as salmon, chicken, and beef with a good portion of stir-fried vegetables. Season these to taste, but limit using sauces or other fillers. Be sensible; be committed.

Too many people are not committed to a healthy lifestyle, but we must be different as we are told in Romans 12:2,“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

I realize that we have only briefly covered this issue, so if you have further questions or need additional information, email Gramps at guthrie@wisdom-trek.com. You don’t have to be overly rigid, but you must be committed to transformation to a healthy lifestyle. It does take discipline, but if you desire it enough, then you will find that it is worth it. In making the change, may you “Live Long and Prosper.”

If you would like to listen to any of the past 827 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you on Monday!

Day 827 – Three Qualities Needed – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 07:03:01 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 827 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Three Qualities Needed – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 827 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Warren Buffet, and it is, “In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if they don’t have the first, the other two will kill you.”

Three Qualities Needed

As a business owner or manager, one of the most crucial tasks is to hire team members that fit your culture and have the ability to excel personally as they help the company to excel and prosper. The culture of an organization is passed down from its leaders.

If there is a lack of integrity, intelligence, and energy among team members, then most certainly that is because there are flaws in those individuals who are leading and directing that business or organization. If you desire to succeed as a business or organization, then it is imperative that everyone maintains the highest possible level of integrity.

This starts with the hiring process. It needs to be crystal clear to potential team members that only the highest of ethical and moral standards will be tolerated. It is also to be clear that integrity is valued more importantly than natural talents and abilities because, without integrity, all else will suffer.

Within any business or organization, it would be good to adopt the principles located in Ephesians 5:3-4, “Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 826 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly I am your friend as I serve you in through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 826 – Spellchecking the Bible – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 21 Mar 2018 07:03:42 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 826 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Spellchecking the Bible – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 826 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. The past several weeks on Wednesday, we have been focusing on interpreting current events through a Biblical worldview.

To establish a Biblical worldview, it is important that you also have a proper understanding of God’s word. Especially in our western cultures, we do not fully understand the scriptures from the mindset and culture of the authors. In order to help us all have a better understanding of God’s word, I would like to invest the next several weeks reviewing a series of essays from one of today’s most prominent Hebrew Scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser, which he has compiled into a book titled I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. I write a lot for both work and the scripts for this podcast. At some point, I would like to write a novel series that is a Christian space-based theme. While my spelling has improved considerably over the years with all of this writing, I would be lost without a good grammar and spell checker.

The grammar checker does have various options depending on the type of writing and the context. This also plays a factor in a book we usually don’t consider needing a grammar or spell check, which is the Bible. With the numerous translations available today, it may be prudent to consider. So the topic of our essay today is…

Spellchecking the Bible

The words of the original Biblical text cannot always be read with certainty. Genesis [49:10] is a famous example. These three translations show the differences.

NASB	ESV	NLT
“The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes, And to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.”	“The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.”	“The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from his descendants, until the coming of the one to whom it belongs, the one whom all nations will honor.”

Three translators arrived at different conclusions because the Hebrew text itself is ambiguous. The problem is one word made up of four Hebrew letters which is translated (shiyloh).

The NASB takes these four letters as spelling “Shiloh,” the place where the Ark of the Covenant was kept during the days of the Judges, Samuel, and David. As it is written, this is how the word should be pronounced, but “Shiloh” is not spelled this way anywhere else in the Hebrew Bible. The odd spelling has led many translators to suspect that “Shiloh” is not the correct translation.

Another problem with translating this word as “Shiloh” is that the Septuagint—the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible produced a few centuries before Christ, which is often quoted by the New Testament writers—has a different rendering. The Septuagint literally reads, “until that which is stored away for him comes.” The Hebrew text used by the Septuagint translator did not read (shiyloh).

The Septuagint translator saw one of two things. The four consonants in our problem word could have been divided into two words: (shay loh). That option would result in “until tribute comes—is brought to him.” The ESV reflects this option.

One text of the Septuagint translator may have had three consonants instead of four. His Hebrew Bible may have read (shiloh). Although this is a frequent spelling for “Shiloh” in the Hebrew Bible, the Septuagint translator did not regard the word as the place name.

Instead, he took the word as a combination of two other words: (“that which”) followed by (“to him” or “to whom”). The result is typically translated, “that which to whom it belongs.” When the verb (“he/it comes”) is added, we get something akin to the NLT: “until the coming of the one to whom it belongs.”

Traditional Hebrew Text	Hebrew Behind Septuagint: Option One	Hebrew Behind Septuagint: Option Two
(shiyloh)	(shay loh)	(she loh)
“until Shiloh comes” (NASB)	“until tribute comes to him” (ESV)	“until the coming of the one to whom it belongs” (NLT)

Both of the possible Septuagint textual readings have a messianic flavor. They speak of a person—specifically, a descendant of Judah—coming to reign or having tribute brought to him as king. While translators don’t have to guess about messianic prophecy in dozens of other places, Genesis [49:10] has kept them guessing for centuries. I realize this week has been a bit more technical in nature. Please check out the journal for today at wisdom-trek.com.

Next Wisdom Wednesday, we will look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled, “Why Circumcision.” I believe you will find this another interesting topic to consider as we build our Biblical worldview.

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of our past 825 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 825 – Practice What You Preach – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 07:03:54 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 825 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Practice What You Preach – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 825 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit of additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Dwight D. Eisenhower, and it is,“If a man’s associates find him guilty of being phony, if they find that he lacks forthright integrity, he will fail. His teachings and actions must square with each other. The first great need, therefore, is integrity and high purpose.”

Practice What You Preach

“Practice what you preach” is a familiar saying that is probably centuries old, but is still as applicable today as it ever was. No one wants to be associated with a person who is phony and not genuine.

We need to have integrity and high purpose in all areas of our life. If you invest time with those people who lack integrity, you will not only be thought of in the same light, you will become like them. We are the average of the five people we invest the most time with.

If you desire to be ethical in all that you do, you must associate with those who are unashamedly ethical. People who will continue to do what is right in every situation because it is the right thing to do. A person who is unwilling to taint his integrity for personal gain.

To be phony is to be pretentious, deceiving, insincere, and to be a sham. In all activities of life, there is a great need to live a life of integrity and high purpose. Do not associate with those who are not because they will bring you down to their level. As the Apostle Paul teaches us in 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for ‘bad company corrupts good character.'”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 824 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 824 – Don’t Let Fear Intimidate You! – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 07:03:31 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 824 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Don’t Let Fear Intimidate You! – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 824 of our trek, and it is time for Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For some, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. Some may utilize structured meditation practices.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Fear is all around us. The news media and their commentators are constantly bombarding us with bad news. Politicians make us feel like the opposite political party is driving our country into the brink of destruction.

Unfortunately, even many well-meaning preachers and religious teachers focus on all the bad things that happen instead of the good. It is no wonder why the world is driven by fear and anxiety. In today’s meditation, let us explore what Jesus taught us about fear. We will learn…

Don’t let fear intimidate you!

People are afraid of many different kinds of things. That’s why one of the most frequent commands in the Scriptures is not to be afraid. It is also a command that Jesus gave several times to His disciples. Fear is a real issue for people in our fallen world.

The Father sent Jesus to deal with fear and to defeat the power behind our fears. To defeat, the devil who uses sin and death to keep mortals enslaved to fear. The writer of Hebrews describes Jesus’s role in defeating the devil and his power to use death to enslave us in fear.

Hebrews 2:14-15 – Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.

In today’s meditation, we are journeying with Jesus to Jerusalem as we read from the Gospels in these devotionals. When Jesus’s journey to Jerusalem is complete, He will have died for our sins, He will be buried, and He will be raised from death to life to conquer hell, giving us glorious life beyond our death. The apostle Paul says it this way:

Romans 7:24-25 – Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.

1 Corinthians 15:56-57 – For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Father is the only one who should truly be feared, but only if you are not His child. If you are a Christ-follower, you are the Father’s child. Then you don’t need to fear Him. You are more precious to the Father, Son, and Spirit than you ever can imagine. The Father sent Jesus to save you at great cost. He went to the cross to redeem you and destroy the devil’s hold on you through fear. The Holy Spirit lives inside you to lead you, comfort you, empower you, and transform you.

Don’t fear what might happen; remember what Jesus accomplished for you. Remind yourself how much the Father loves you and delights in you. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal His presence to you to calm your heart and strengthen your faith. Then when people ignore, mistreat, ridicule, threaten, or even hurt you, you don’t have to be afraid. Remember the promise Jesus made to you as He discusses all of these issues in the verses below.

So before reading today’s Scriptures let me ask you some questions:

What do you fear?

Will you let Jesus help you with that fear?

Will you let the Holy Spirit empower you and lead you out of your fear?

Will you let the Father remind you how precious you are to Him?

Listen to Jesus’s words of promise that Luke gives you to help you overcome your fear in the face of hardship!

Luke 12:1-12 – Meanwhile, the crowds grew until thousands were milling about and stepping on each other. Jesus turned first to his disciples and warned them, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees—their hypocrisy. The time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be shouted from the housetops for all to hear!

“Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he’s the one to fear.

“What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

“I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God’s angels. But anyone who denies me here on earth will be denied before God’s angels. Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

“And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.”

If you would like to listen to any of the past 823 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 823 – Take Your Job and Love It – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 07:03:17 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 823 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Take Your Job and Love It – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 823 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

As your fellow sojourner and mentor on this trek that we call life, it is Gramps’ goal to provide you with practical wisdom and advice about any area of life. It is crucial that I receive a constant flow of questions, so please submit your questions to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com, and Gramps will answer your questions on our Friday podcast.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Nearly all of us have to work at some sort of occupation in order to live and meet our financial obligations. From the very beginning of creation, God made us to work. Genesis 2:15 tells us, “The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.”Granted, because of the choices that Adam and Eve made in the garden to disobey God’s command, work became more difficult, but that is not where work began. My experience is that most people don’t love their work. Many like it, some tolerate it, but it is a minority who find work they love that also supports their lifestyle.

So our question for today is…

“Hey Gramps, I am really struggling to enjoy my work. How can I change my situation?”

Take Your Job and Love It

When you do not enjoy your job or it does not bring you satisfaction, does that mean you must live in frustration, desperately seeking that perfect job you can be passionate about? Not at all.

First of all, as with most things in life, your choice of attitude about your job will determine the level of satisfaction that you have. You can and should choose to find enjoyment in your work. Doing so is very valuable to your life in many ways, including greatly increasing your probability of financial success. The fact is, though, you don’t have to love or even like your overall job to enjoy everyday aspects of it.

It is critical to distinguish between the job and the way you do it. This is important because every job has aspects that will be very unpleasant for you. You need to be able to get through them with a smile on your face.

As an example, even when you work for yourself, which seems like it would be ideal, it has significant drawbacks, and most people are not suited to own their own business. I remember my mom saying, “When you work for yourself, you only have to work half days, and you can decide which 12 hours of the day you want to work.” As someone who has been an entrepreneur and small business owner for most of my adult life, I can tell you, that statement is very true. There are long hours to be worked, and at times the rate per hour turns out to be very low. Even with this, I have chosen to love my work although there are days that I don’t really like it.

You may not be passionate about your job, but you should be passionate about how well you perform your work. For a few people, they are working in their dream job. For most, it is okay to enjoy your work well enough to at least meet your financial obligations and maybe even to make a good living.

You might be thinking…“But your boss doesn’t appreciate you, you’re underpaid, your company isn’t ideal…that can be okay for now.” They aren’t the key evaluators in your life. You are. Do your job well for you. Also do your job well for God as we are instructed in Colossians 3:23, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”

Also in Ephesians 6:7, “Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”

When you have this attitude about your work, you will find that you enjoy it more. Even if you don’t like your specific work or the work environment you are in, you can love the way you do it.

Love yourself and your dedication to your work so that you will be able to pat yourself on the back at the end of every day. By doing so, you also set yourself up for finding, within your company or somewhere else, a job you will enjoy more.

Are you concerned about being stuck in the same job for life? Don’t worry. Individuals who emphasize the positive and rewarding aspects of their job, don’t stay in unpleasant jobs that long. They get promoted or use their positive record to get a more fulfilling job.

Your job is your calling and ministry. It is also a means to provide for yourself and your family, but it is only a portion of your life. Other than your job, what is your passion in life? Do you love to learn, or teach, or write? Are you fervent about cooking, sports, cars, or clothes? Do you have a wonderful friend or a family that you adore? Then you have found a purpose for doing your best, even if you don’t enjoy all aspects of your work. None of us enjoy every aspect of the work we do, that is okay.

I am not saying or encouraging you to stay in a job that makes you miserable and find all your joys elsewhere. If you dislike the job, you are in, start training and preparing in your off time for a better one. Plan and prepare, then you will be ready for a better job when it comes your way.

Remember, while you are searching for that perfect job, enjoy the way you are doing your present one, and keep celebrating and expanding all the other joys of life that surround you.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 822 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you on Monday!

Day 822 – Have The Courage – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 07:03:41 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 822 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Have The Courage – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 822 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget

Today’s quote is from W. Clement Stone, and it is, “Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity.”

Have The Courage

Most of us are so easily swayed by others that we are willing to compromise our values, morals, and integrity just to “fit in” or be accepted. We need to resolve to say no when faced with ethical dilemmas. To stand for truth, regardless of the potential consequences. To do what is right and to stand for what is right because it is the right thing to do.

Giving in to fit in is never a good strategy. Failure to stand for what is morally right is the prelude to being the victim of what is criminally wrong. Having the courage to stand regardless and to always do what is right is the key that will allow your life to be a life of integrity. A life that is both good and godly. A light that will be a shining light in a world that is often dark. As we are instructed in Psalm 31:24, “So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 821 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly I am your friend as I serve you in through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 821 – Even the Bible Needed Upgraded – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 14 Mar 2018 07:03:03 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 821 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Even the Bible Needed Upgraded – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 821 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. The past several weeks on Wednesday we have been focusing on interpreting current events through a Biblical worldview. To establish a Biblical Worldview, it is important that you also have a proper understanding of God’s Word.

Especially in our western cultures, we do not fully understand the Scriptures from the mindset and culture of the authors. In order to help us all have a better understanding of God’s word, I would like to invest the next several weeks reviewing a series of essays from one of today’s most prominent Hebrew Scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser that he has compiled into a book titled “I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible.”

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. I have been closely involved in the computer industry since 1980, which is 38 years now. When I first became involved, the personal computer had just started being released to the public, and they were too expensive for most people. One thing we could count on from the very earliest days of the industry is that there would be frequent upgrades needed to keep up with the most current computers.

The smartphones of today, which is literally a handheld computer, is thousands of times more powerful than when I was first involved with them. All technology devices are frequently upgraded along with their documentation. Another piece of documentation that was upgraded, which few of us are aware of, is the topic of our essay today which is…

Even the Bible Needed Upgrading

Wait a minute. The Bible needed an upgrade?

Those sound like fighting words to anyone with a high view of Scripture. An upgrade implies that something needed updating, but the Bible is timeless! That’s true, but in this case, I would have to excuse myself from the ring. I wouldn’t want to tangle with those responsible for the improvements – the Biblical writers and, well, the Spirit of God.

Believe it or not, there is evidence that the Bible was updated. That may sound strange, but if you read closely, it’s undeniable. Take Genesis [14:14] as an illustration.

When Abram heard that his nephew Lot had been captured, he mobilized the 318 trained men who had been born into his household. Then he pursued Kedorlaomer’s army until he caught up with them at Dan.

Did you notice the problem? This is the time of Abram, a time before Moses and Joshua—before there was a promised land divided among the tribes of Israel. There wasn’t even an Israel yet. So what’s up with reference to the land that belonged to the tribe of Dan?

If we plotted out the battle Abram described in this verse on a map, with place names appropriate for Abram’s day, we’d see that the writer really meant that the enemy was pursued all the way to a place called Laish, not Dan.

Many Bible critics would call this an error, but it isn’t. Much later, in the days of Israel’s judges, Laish was renamed as Dan as we are told in Judges 18:29, “They renamed the town Dan after their ancestor, Israel’s son, but it had originally been called Laish.”

Evidently, an unnamed editor updated the text of Genesis [14:14] after the name change took place. The editor likely did this to make sure readers of his own day would understand the geography. What most casual Bible students are not aware of is that much of the Torah, which is the first five books of the Bible was finally recorded during the Babylonian exile, which was based on written narrative handed down from Moses.

In other instances, an editor repurposed something already written in the Bible to make it preach to their community. Psalm 51 is well known as a record of David’s repentance after his sin with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah. The Psalm 51:18-19, though, ends by asking God to, “Look with favor on Zion and help her; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will be pleased with sacrifices offered in the right spirit—with burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings. Then bulls will again be sacrificed on your altar.”

The walls of Jerusalem were not in need of repair until after God’s people were exiled, centuries after David lived. The editorial addition is a masterful literary stroke. Just as King David repented centuries before, an editor sought to move the exiles to national repentance. It was just the kind of example they needed.

Though it seems strange, the updating of Psalm 51:18-19 and Genesis 14:14 gives us an insight into the process of inspiration. We can rest in the fact of 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”

Next Wisdom Wednesday we will look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled, Spellchecking the Bible. I believe you will find this another interesting topic to consider as we build our Biblical worldview.

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of our past 820 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 820 – Non-Hypocritical Integrity – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 13 Mar 2018 07:03:35 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 820 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Non-Hypocritical Integrity – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 820 of our trek, and it is time for our 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit of additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Charles Swindoll, and it is, “Few things are more infectious than a godly lifestyle. The people you rub shoulders with everyday need that kind of challenge. Not prudish. Not preachy. Just cracker jack clean living. Just honest to goodness, bone-deep, non-hypocritical integrity.”

Non-Hypocritical Integrity

When we think of infections, our minds go to colds, flu, or even more serious diseases. While none of us want to be infected by or infect others with disease of any kind, our lives can be infectious in a very positive manner. Whether in churches, companies, organizations, or in politics if you are not true, you will eventually be recognized as someone who is not genuine. That is not the type of person who we should desire to emulate.

We need to live lives that are both good and godly. We should not just put on a mask of being a good or godly person, but actually live a life that is genuine, a life that may not be perfect, but is real. When we live a life that is real, good, and godly, we do not need to be self-righteous, nor to be preaching to others.

Our lives will be a shining beacon in a world that is dark. We need to live lives to our very core that are clean, honest, good, godly and display non-hypocritical integrity in every area of life. As the Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:24, “Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 819 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 819 – People Count Most – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 07:03:28 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 819 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

People Count Most – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 819 of our trek, and it is time for Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Let me ask you a question today as we take time to meditate on the most important aspects of our life. How do you treat those people who you know don’t like you and oppose you? Would you go to their house for dinner if they invited you? In today’s meditation, let us explore how Jesus reacted to his opponents in a lesson called…

People Count Most

Let us look at Jesus’s example and hear His words in the verses which we will explore today. They merge into one, simple, clear message…People count most!

We find Jesus at a dinner in the house of a leader of the Pharisees, His most vocal opponents. Why? Why go to a meal with people who are hounding Him and trying to trap Him? Because He loves them! They matter to the triune God — Father, Son, and Spirit. Their hearts need the opportunity to be exposed to His truth, and seeds need to be planted in their hearts, seeds that can blossom into faith and bear fruit after these people see His Crucifixion (referred to as His passion) and hear about His resurrection.

The Father, the Son, and the Spirit desire that all people have an opportunity to change their hearts and come to faith in Jesus as their Savior. Jesus goes to the house of this leader and a dinner with his friends, people who regard Him as their enemy, for one simple reason…People count most!

Jesus challenges this leader and his Pharisee and scholar friends to see this same truth in their own religious understanding. They help their children who are in trouble on the Sabbath. They help their animals that are in distress on the Sabbath. They do not see these gracious actions as a violation of their traditions of the Sabbath rest. When they have the ability and opportunity to help, comfort, encourage, or ease a brother or sister’s distress or trouble, the Pharisees and scholars must come to see that a person in trouble must be helped regardless of the day…People count most!

As a Christ-follower and disciple, we need to understand this truth as we seek to apply His teaching — this principle that Jesus taught and lived as an example for all of us to follow…People count most! Jesus came to seek and to save lost people, to ransom you and I and all of humanity from the grip of sin and death in our lives, and to bring His grace to all. That is why Jesus went to the house of those who wanted to get rid of Him. That is why He emphasized the need to help people on the Sabbath even if it violated the tradition of the Pharisees. Most of all, that is why Jesus voluntarily headed to Jerusalem to die as the Lamb of God Who will take away the sins of the world. Because people count most!

· Verses to Live

As we read through the verses that follow, ask the Holy Spirit to help you visualize the scene. What are the expressions on the people’s faces? What are the smells in the room as we get ready to share this meal? Can you feel the tension between these leaders and Jesus? Can you feel their discomfort? Now join Jesus in noticing the man with the problem. What is Jesus’s expression as he gazes on him? What do you think Jesus’s tone was as He discussed this man with the leaders? Was Jesus’s tone harsh or pleading with these leaders as He asked about healing the man? Remember the point…People count most! After we finish reading, ask for the Spirit to help you answer the following questions you need to ask yourself:

“What does Jesus want me to know from this event?”
“What does Jesus want me to feel about what happens here?”
“What does Jesus want me to do as a result of experiencing these events from His ministry?”

This story is found in Luke 14:1-6.

One Sabbath day Jesus went to eat dinner in the home of a leader of the Pharisees, and the people were watching him closely. There was a man there whose arms and legs were swollen. Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in religious law, “Is it permitted in the law to heal people on the Sabbath day, or not?” When they refused to answer, Jesus touched the sick man and healed him and sent him away. Then he turned to them and said, “Which of you doesn’t work on the Sabbath? If your son or your cow falls into a pit, don’t you rush to get him out?” Again they could not answer.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 818 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly, your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 818 – Age of the Universe – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 08:03:31 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 818 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Age of the Universe – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 818 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

No matter how old you are, I know that all of us would like the opportunity to ask dad or gramps questions about life in many areas. We will address areas such as finances, relationships, health/fitness, business/work, home repairs/renovations, seasons of life, spiritual/Biblical questions, and any others areas that come our way. As your fellow sojourner and mentor on this trek that we call life, it is my goal to provide you with practical wisdom and advice about any area of life. It is crucial that I receive a constant flow of questions, so please submit your questions to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com. And Gramps will answer your questions on our Friday podcast.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Granny and I are blessed to have a heritage of ancestors dating back to the early explorers of what was once referred to as The Northwest Territory for the fledgling United States. In fact Marietta, Ohio was the first organized settlement in The Northwest Territory.

I am a direct decedent of the General Putnam who was an officer in the revolutionary army and served directly under George Washington before he was President. They also were some of the men who surveyed the land in this area of Ohio. The Big House is the family home my great-grandparents built and lived in. While we are honored to be part of this heritage, it is such a short time period compared to our world and the universe.

Being a space and sci-fi enthusiast, I like to learn as much as I can about our universe. The more I study, though, the more I realize that within our finite minds we will never comprehend its mysteries. From the vast cosmos to the subatomic particle, we can never grasp all that God has created. We are locked into a mindset of space and time, God is not. As God tells us in Isaiah 55:8-,

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

There is a question though that we all wonder about, our question for today is…

“Hey Gramps, what is the age of the Universe?”

Age of the Universe

In Genesis 1:1, we are told that “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

The Bible gives no date for the creation; the only hint is that it happened “in the beginning.” In Hebrew, the word for “beginning” is bereshith, meaning literally “head or start.”

As a Christ-follower who believes that the Holy Bible is the revelation that God chose to share with us, I am convinced that God created the universe. Where Christians have a difference of opinion is in the interpretation of the word day (Hebrew yom) in Genesis 1. Those who hold to a literal, twenty-four-hour “day” believe in a comparatively young earth; those who hold to a non-literal, poetic “day” believe in a much older earth.

Many scholars and Christian scientists believe the word “day” in Genesis refers to a literal, twenty-four-hour day. This would explain the repetition throughout Genesis 1 of the statement, “and there was evening, and there was morning.” One evening and one morning make up one day (in Jewish reckoning, a new day begins at sunset).

Others point to the non-literal use of the word day elsewhere in Scripture, such as “the day of the Lord,” and argue that evening to morning does not equal a day and should instead be understood as figuratively referring to beginnings and endings of periods of time. To support we could use a reference such as 2 Peter 3:8, “But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day.”

If the genealogies in Genesis 5 and 11 and the rest of Old Testament history are interpreted strictly literally, the creation of Adam can be dated to approximately 4000 BC. But this would only date the creation of Adam, not necessarily the creation of the earth, let alone the universe. There is also the possibility of “gaps” of time in the narrative of Genesis 1.

All that to say, the Bible does not explicitly give the age of the universe. Throughout most of my life, I have taken the position of a young earth and believe that literal, twenty-four-hour days in Genesis 1 is the better interpretation. At the same time, I do not have serious disagreements with the idea that the earth and the universe might be significantly older than 6,000 years.

Whether the differences are explained by gaps or by God creating the universe with the “appearance of age” or by some other factor—a universe older than 6,000 years does not cause significant biblical or theological problems. There are craters and river beds on our moon and the few planets within our own solar system which puzzle both the most learned Bible scholars and scientist. This doesn’t even begin to approach the mysteries of a universe, which has thousands or millions of galaxies and solar systems contained within them.

Ultimately, however, the age of the universe cannot be proved from Scripture or from science. Whether the cosmos is 6,000 years old or billions of years old, both viewpoints (and everything in between) rest on faith and assumptions. It is always wise to question the motives of those who argue the earth must be billions of years old, especially since the Bible does not appear to support such a presupposition.

We also have to reckon back to the fact that we are born and live in space and time, God does not. We can never know or understand even a fraction of what God has created. Hebrews 11:3 says, “By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.” God has given us all that we need. 2 Peter 1:3 reminds, “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.”

Next week we will have a different question to Ask Gramps. Gramps will answer any questions you may have about life and will provide you with practical wisdom about any area of life. Please submit questions that you have to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com, and Gramps will answer them on our Friday podcast with the wisdom and philosophy that he has gained over the years of experience and study.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 817 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you on Monday!

Day 817 – Ambition Is a Powerful Force – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 08:03:48 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 817 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Ambition Is a Powerful Force – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 817 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Zig Ziglar, and it is, “Ambition, fueled by compassion, wisdom, and integrity, is a powerful force for good that will turn the wheels of industry and open the doors of opportunity for you and countless others.”

Ambition Is a Powerful Force

Ambition like many character traits that we may have can be a force for good or bad. What will make the difference is the underlying foundation and motive that is fueling that ambition. First, there should be compassion for that ambition, this compassion should be to help others, to improve yourself, and to positively impact your world.

Next ambition must be built on the strong foundation of wisdom and integrity. With this strong foundation in place that ambition will result in a positive and powerful force for good. When this is the case, you will set in motion the changes needed to burst open the doors of unlimited opportunity for yourself and all those that you impact. Being wise with integrity and ambition is the key to success, as we are told in Proverbs 12:14,“Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards.”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 816 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly I am your friend as I serve you in through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 816 – Walk Like an Israelite – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 08:03:40 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 816 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Walk Like an Israelite – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 816 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. The past several weeks on Wednesday we have been focusing on interpreting current events through a Biblical Worldview.

To establish a Biblical worldview, it is important that you also have a proper understanding of God’s word. Especially in our western cultures, we do not fully understand the Scriptures from the mindset and culture of the authors. In order to help us all have a better understanding of God’s word, I would like to invest the next several weeks reviewing a series of essays from one of today’s most prominent Hebrew Scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser which he has compiled into a book titled I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. If you ever invest much time around teenagers, and even adults for that matter, you will soon realize that within a certain group, they will start acting very similar, dressing the same, walking the same, using the same vernacular, and even taking on many of the same practices and traditions.

It was not any different when God called Abraham as a chosen person to start a new nation. Abraham, Issac, Jacob, and indeed the entire nation of Israel had many of the same practices, habits, and traditions of the surrounding nations and people groups. We in our western culture and society through the millennium have morphed into a much different mindset and practice. Because of this and the practices we have adopted, it is difficult to take on the mindset of the ancient Israelites and the surrounding nations.

So our essay for today is titled…

Walk Like an Israelite

Dr. Heiser explains his mindset change came during graduate schools when he took a course the Ugaritic language, which came from the Persian area and dates back prior to the calling of Abraham. Heiser puts it this way, “Cuneiform tablets changed my life. I’m not kidding. As I look back on my 15 years of graduate school in biblical studies, the turning point in how I view the Bible was my course in Ugaritic, a cuneiform language very similar to biblical Hebrew. This class compelled me to transform how to ‘read the Bible in context’ from a naive platitude to an issue of spiritual integrity.”

· A Bible Study Epiphany

Most of us have had the impression that interpreting the Bible in context meant learning about a piece of pottery here, an odd custom there, or a factual acquaintance with who was alive, and what those people were doing at the time of the biblical events.

Through his study in his Ugaritic course, Heiser learned that all of that can divorce the Bible from the ancient world in one critical way: It can exclude religious or theological ideas from all the “context talk.” It’s easy to presume that most of the Bible’s theological content was unique to Israel. We usually think that Israel shared some cultural customs with pagan Gentiles—like diet, dress, marriage, and family structure. When we come to think about Israel’s religious worldview, we think it was uniquely handed down from heaven, having no common links with paganism. Not true – the similarities in the Ugaritic tables is striking.

For starters, the people of Ugarit, which was a city-state in ancient Syria, described their gods with words and phrases that were in the Old Testament—in a number of cases word for word. Their chief deity shared the same name (El) as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. An important difference is the El of Ugarit could hardly be called holy by biblical standards. The honorary titles and other descriptions of the Ugarit El and his primary assistant, Baal, are applied to the God of Israel in many passages in the Old Testament.

There are other examples. The behavior of prophets and the use of divination compared to casting lots or consulting the ephod have clear ancient Near Eastern parallels. The design and purpose of the Ark of the Covenant align well with the use of sacred boxes known as palanquins in ancient Egypt.

Trial by ordeal, such as that found in Numbers 5, where a woman accused of adultery must drink a potion to test her fidelity, occurred in surrounding cultures. Terms for Israelite sacrifices are found in ancient Gentile religious texts. The belief that the sky was a solid mass is part of the ancient Near Eastern cosmology shared by the Bible Job 37:18, “He makes the skies reflect the heat like a bronze mirror. Can you do that?” Proverbs 8:28 says, “I was there when he set the clouds above, when he established springs deep in the earth.”

In our thought process, the notion that the seat of our intellect and emotions is referred to as heart or mind. In the ancient near Eastern thought, including Israel the intellect and emotions were our kidneys or intestines. This was common throughout the ancient worlds.

· Spiritual Lessons and Implications

Discovering some of these nuances may be a little shocking. God can use a temporary discomfort of our mindset to produce honesty with our understanding of the biblical text. We needed to think like an ancient Israelite to better understand the Old Testament.

Israelite religion had some significant divergences from the religions of other surrounding nations, but on the whole, there were more similarities than differences. I came to the realization that the correct interpretive context for the Bible is not the early church, the Protestant Reformation, the Puritans, or modern evangelicalism. Those historical contexts are alien to the Bible. Rather, the context for understanding the Bible is the historical, literary, intellectual and religious context in which it was written.

Although He could have done so, God didn’t change Israel’s culture when dispensing His truth. He didn’t give Israel a new culture that was dramatically distinct from Israel’s neighbors. That choice would have produced something indecipherable to the people of the time. That would have undermined the whole enterprise of communication.

What this means is that inspiration operates within a cultural context chosen by God in His sovereign wisdom. We cannot honor God’s choice of communication strategies if we refuse to ignore the deep worldview connections shared by both Israelites and pagans.

The profound contextual overlaps between Israel and her pagan neighbors was a wise theological tactic on God’s part. When divergences in Israel’s theology appear in the text—and there are some dramatic, stark points of contrast—they scream for attention on the part of the ancient reader.

Unlike the pagan deities, Israel’s God could not be cajoled like an idol; Yahweh could not be brought down to earth and tamed. Laws about sacrifices were set in specific covenant contexts, giving them a unique theological dimension. Yahweh would rather have faith and loyalty than sacrifice. As the prophet, Samuel tells us in 1 Samuel 15:22, “But Samuel replied, ‘What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.'”

Next Wisdom Wednesday we will look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled Even the Bible Needed Upgrading. I believe you will find this another interesting topic to consider as we build our Biblical worldview.

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of our past 815 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 815 – Integrity of Intent – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 08:03:18 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 815 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Integrity of Intent – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 815 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit of additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from an Anonymous source, and it is,“A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the quality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.”

Integrity of Intent

Regardless of whether you are an introvert, extrovert, or like most of us something in between, the fact is that in certain areas of your life, you are a leader. Since we have this impact or influence on others, let us make sure we excel within our God-given abilities.

At times it will require confidence to do what is right, even when everyone else is not. To have the courage to make those tough decisions. To be compassionate, even when we do not feel like it. We can only do this when we take actions with quality and the purest integrity because it is the right thing to do.

We need to lead, whether actively or passively, by living a good and godly life. To be a true leader does not mean you have to be forceful or “rally the troops,” but to live as the Apostle, Paul wrote in Philippians 2:14-15, “Do everything without complaining and arguing so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 814 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 814 – Light Shining In The Darkness – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 08:03:59 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 814 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Light Shining in the Darkness – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 814 of our trek, and it is time for Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. If you listen to most media outlets today, even within many Christian communities, you would get the idea that the world is a dark and scary place. I believe most of those tactics are to scare us into fear and unrest. There are a lot of good and positive things taking place in our lives each day that we should be grateful for.

I do recognize though we all face times of darkness in our lives, even during the dark times, we have to realize that darkness can never extinguish a light. Imagine for a moment being shut in a room with no lights, windows, and doors. As dark as that room would be, if you lit just one small match it would shine extra bright. The darker the night, the brighter even a small candle will appear. So in today’s meditation, let us examine what Jesus said about…

Light Shining in the Darkness

When seen in the darkness of a moonless sky away from the light pollution of the cities, the billions upon billions of stars merge into a deep and comforting glow at the near reaches of our universe. The brightest of stars shine even more brilliantly. The darkest of nights reveals just how brightly the stars of the heavens shine. The darkness does not snuff out their light but only makes it more visible!

In a similar but far more important way, Jesus is the spiritual light in a world of darkness as is listed in John 8:12, “I am the Light that shines through the cosmos; if you walk with Me, you will thrive in the nourishing light that gives life and will not know darkness.”

The Apostle John, who refers to himself as the one whom Jesus loved, emphasizes throughout his gospel that Jesus is this Light. His light shines through the darkness of the entire cosmos. His light shines into the deepest darkness of your world. His light shines out in life’s darkest moments to give you light in your darkest of moments.

As Jesus journeyed through the darkness of rejection, betrayal, abandonment, trials, and crucifixion, His light continued to shine. His light will shine on and shine into the darkness, and that light never will be extinguished, not even in His death.

Remember this truth as you reflect on how Jesus submitted to the Father’s will and let Satan have his way with Him on the cross. Even as darkness appeared to have overcome Jesus and scattered and shattered those who love Him, His light shines and gives hope to those trapped in the deepest darkness as John describes in John 1:1-5.

In the beginning, the Word already existed.
    The Word was with God,
    and the Word was God.
He existed in the beginning with God.
God created everything through him,
    and nothing was created except through him.
The Word gave life to everything that was created,
    and his life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness,
    and the darkness can never extinguish it.

Jesus is this Light! Jesus is this Voice! Jesus is this Word! You can confidently believe what Jesus taught us. His message can be trusted, and His light can bring you life!

· Verses to Live

In your darkest moments, how do you find the will to go on? In your darkness, where do you find the light? Listen again to Jesus’s words. Trust Jesus. Come to Jesus, and let Him give you light! Listen now as I read John [8:12]-20.

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

The Pharisees replied, “You are making those claims about yourself! Such testimony is not valid.”

Jesus told them, “These claims are valid even though I make them about myself. For I know where I came from and where I am going, but you don’t know this about me. You judge me by human standards, but I do not judge anyone. And if I did, my judgment would be correct in every respect because I am not alone. The Father who sent me is with me. Your own law says that if two people agree about something, their witness is accepted as fact. I am one witness, and my Father who sent me is the other.”

“Where is your father?” they asked.

Jesus answered, “Since you don’t know who I am, you don’t know who my Father is. If you knew me, you would also know my Father.” Jesus made these statements while he was teaching in the section of the Temple known as the Treasury. But he was not arrested, because his time had not yet come.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 813 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 813 – Spend or Invest? – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 08:03:09 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 813 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Spend or Invest? – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 813 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. In the United States, most individuals are gathering together their financial and tax-related documents so they can prepare to file their tax returns. So the question for today is:

“Hey Gramps, I have completed my tax return and am going to get a sizable refund. Should I spend or invest this money?”

Spend or Invest?

The first thing that comes to mind when I hear this question is why are you getting a sizable refund? Yes, it is nice to get a big tax refund, but if it is because you had more taken out each pay period than what was needed, then you have loaned the government money all year without getting any interest paid for the use of your money.

The IRS does not mind providing refunds to individuals because it allows them to use billions, if not trillions, of dollars per year without having any interest due. If a large refund is a regular occurrence for you, then my first recommendation would be to adjust your withholding so that you are not getting as large of a refund. The objective should be to break even if possible. This will require that you are disciplined enough to set aside that same money each pay period and place it in a savings account where you can earn interest on it. Then you will have both the amount of your refund and at least a little bit of interest.

Second, there is a big difference between spending and investing your tax refund. I prefer to have the mindset of investing in all things, whether it is money, time, talents, or any other resources. When you invest, there is a multiplying effect of what you are investing so that you end up with more than you started with.

For example, when you invest time by positively impacting the lives of others, then that time is multiplied many times over as it will not only impact that person, but also everyone that that person impacts. It is the compound effect, just like earning more interest on money that is already earning interest.

When you have the mindset of investing instead of spending, this multiplication principle comes into effect. Here is another way to think of it. Say you had 100 grains of wheat. You could eat those grains of wheat to satisfy your hunger today, or you could sacrifice today and plant those 100 grains which could result in 100 to 400 times what you started with. As with most things in life, it boils down to the laws of planting and harvesting. You have to be willing to sacrifice today to benefit on a much greater scale tomorrow.

Let’s go back to the original question. First, out of your tax refund, set aside a portion for charity work, such as your church or local food pantry, which will go to assist others that are in need. I would recommend at least 10% for this.

Next, if you desire to use a small portion, say another 10% for personal pleasure, then set that aside. Even that can be an investment in some rest and relaxation time like a movie or a dinner out.

So that leaves us with 80%. Set aside another portion to supplement your emergency fund. This is for unexpected expenditures, which we all run into such as medical expenses, home repairs, car repairs, or a myriad of other items. Let’s set that to 20%.

The remainder should be invested or saved for something that will help you to build a dream. This could be for home repairs that are needed or a future family vacation, so you don’t borrow money for that.

Another idea is to invest in improving yourself and family. This could be books to read or learn from. It could be for learning a new skill to keep up with the ever-changing job market. It could be a set-aside for starting your own business in the future, which will allow you to grow your net-worth exponentially. Of course, if you currently have credit card bills or other loans, the best investment would be to pay those down or off so that you are not paying high-interest rates.

Always be thinking like a farmer. Where can you plant your refund to harvest the maximum crop in return? Whatever you do, don’t allow your refund just to flitter away like a darting swallow. Be intentional and be planting the few seeds that you have today, so that you will reap a harvest of abundance tomorrow. In this way, you will enjoy the abundant harvest so much more than the few seeds that you initially plant.

Here are a couple of Scripture verses that will help us to put it into perspective.

2 Corinthians 9:6 – Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.

James 5:7 – Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen.

Next week we will have a different question to “Ask Gramps.” Gramps will answer any questions you may have about life and will provide you with practical wisdom about any area of life. Please submit questions that you have to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com, and Gramps will answer them on our Friday podcast with wisdom and philosophy that Gramps has gained over his years of experience and study.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 812 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you on Monday!

Day 812 – The Legacy You Live – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 08:03:04 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 812 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Legacy You Live – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 812 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Bob Proctor, and it is, “Every person is going to leave a legacy. What kind of legacy do you want to leave?”

The Legacy You Live

Everyone has a reputation, especially with those who know us best. In the same manner, we all have a living legacy and will leave a legacy when we die. The only question is “What type of legacy are you living?” Although a legacy of material resources can be used to help others, a more important legacy that will impact generations to come is the positive influence and impact that you have on the lives of others.

Never underestimate the impact, positive or negative, that you have on those in your sphere of influence. That sphere of influence is much greater than you realize. Just as when a rock dropped into a lake has ever-expanding rings that ripple out from the point of impact, your life impacts those who are closest to you but then ripples out to many others. The only legacy that will live on through eternity is the impact you have on the lives of others, which will ripple through generations to come.

Focus on living a legacy each day then the legacy that you leave when you die will already be rippling through many generations to come. Let us follow the example in Titus 2:7, “And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.”

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 811 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 811 – The Ancient’s Guide to the Galaxy – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 08:03:52 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 811 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Ancient’s Guide to the Galaxy – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 811 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. The past several weeks on Wednesdays, we have been focusing on interpreting current events through a Biblical worldview.

To establish a Biblical worldview, it is important that you also have a proper understanding of God’s Word. Especially in our western cultures, we do not fully understand the Scriptures from the mindset and culture of the authors. In order to help us all have a better understanding of God’s word, I would like to invest the next several weeks reviewing a series of essays from one of today’s most prominent Hebrew scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser, which have been compiled into a book titled I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Although we are technically still in winter as I am creating this podcast, there are signs of spring in the air with the daffodils sprouting and birds making their nests in preparation of raising a new family for this year.

Spring is always a time for renewal, a time of new beginnings. As we explore God’s Word from a new perspective, that is the perspective of an Old Testament Israelite, allow it to be a time of growth in your spiritual life, a time of renewal.

So our essay for today is titled…

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 more faithful understandings of Scripture on our part, especially when it comes to an understanding of how the Israelites viewed God and the universe.

· Old Testament Cosmology

“Cosmology” refers to the way we understand the structure of the universe. The biblical writers’ conception of how the heavens and earth were structured by God 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 must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea,” Exodus 20:4.

· 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, “Then God said, ‘Let there be a space between the waters, to separate the waters of the heavens from the waters of the earth.’ And that is what happened. God made this space to separate the waters of the earth from the waters of the heavens. God called the space ‘sky.'”

The sky, thought to be a solid firmament, separated the waters above from the waters below as is described by Lady Wisdom in Proverbs [8:27]-28:

I was there when he established the heavens,
when he drew the horizon on the oceans.
I was there when he set the clouds above,
when he established springs deep in the earth.

The firmament dome surrounded the earth, with its edge meeting at the horizon as we read in Job 26:10, “He created the horizon when he separated the waters; he set the boundary between day and night.” 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 above could flow upon the earth from their storehouses Psalms 78:23, “But he commanded the skies to open; he opened the doors of heaven.” Psalms 33:7 says, “He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs.”

God was thought to dwell above the firmament, as described in Job 22:14, “For thick clouds swirl about him, and he cannot see us. He is way up there, walking on the vault of heaven.”

· The Earth

The earth sat upon the watery deep. The “waters below” speak not only to waters that people use but also the deeper abyss. Thus, the earth was surrounded by the seas Genesis 1:9-10, “Then God said, ‘Let the waters beneath the sky flow together into one place, so dry ground may appear.’ And that is what happened. God called the dry ground ‘land’ and the waters ‘seas.’ And God saw that it was good.”

The ancients thought the earth had arisen out of the water as 2 Peter 3:5 tells us, “They deliberately forget that God made the heavens long ago by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water.” The earth was thought to be held fast by foundations Psalms 104:5, “You placed the world on its foundation so it would never be moved.”

· The Underworld

The realm of the dead was located under the earth, or even beneath the seas. The most frequent term for this place was sheol. Proverbs 9:18 says, “But little do they know that the dead are there. Her guests are in the depths of the grave (sheol).”

The word for “earth” is also used—the graves dug by humans represented gateways to the Underworld. In Job, the realm of the dead is described in watery terms found in Job 26:5-6, “The dead tremble, those who live beneath the waters. The underworld is naked in God’s presence. The place of destruction is uncovered.” Jonah’s description of sheol is perhaps the most vivid. Though in the belly of the great fish, Jonah says he is in the Underworld in Jonah 2:5-6, “I sank beneath the waves, and the waters closed over me. Seaweed wrapped itself around my head. I sank down to the very roots of the mountains. I was imprisoned in the earth, whose gates lock shut forever. But you, O Lord my God, snatched me from the jaws of death!”

Becoming familiar with the ancient Near Eastern worldview can help us interpret the Old Testament. By understanding the Israelites’ concept of cosmology, we have a better idea of their perceptions of God. Next Wisdom Wednesday we will learn how to Walk Like an Israelite.

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of our past 810 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 810 – Carve Your Legacy on Hearts – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 08:03:35 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 810 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Carve Your Legacy on Hearts – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 810 of our trek, and it is time for our 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit of additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Shannon L. Alder, and it is, “Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.”

Carve Your Legacy on Hearts

When we die, I believe that all of us have an innate desire to be thought of in a positive light. To be praised for living a good and godly life. A life filled with integrity. A life to be modeled by others. This will not happen if our life focus is on accumulating worldly possessions, money, or building an empire.

What will make an impact on others both now and after you die is if your focus is on positively impacting the lives of others through love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. No amount of accumulated wealth will make a bigger impact on lives than these traits – a legacy that is etched into the minds and hearts of everyone you impact both now and into eternity.

If you truly desire to create a living legacy then practice what Jesus taught us in Matthew 6:19-21,“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 809 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 809 – Rest for the Soul – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 08:03:06 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 809 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Rest for the Soul – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 809 of our trek, and it is time for Meditation Monday.

Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For some, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. Some may utilize structured meditation practices. In my life, meditation includes reading and reflecting on God’s Word and praying. It is a time to renew my mind, refocus on what is most important, and make sure that I am nurturing my soul, mind, and body. As you come along with me on our trek each Meditation Monday, it is my hope and prayer that you too will experience a time for reflection and renewing of your mind.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Are you constantly busy, continually run down and stressed? Are you setting aside the proper time to rest and restore your mind, body, and soul? Today’s short meditation is taken from Max Lucado’s book called Traveling Light, and it is…

Rest for the Soul

When God gave the Ten Commandments, and it came to Sabbath rest, His message was clear, “If creation didn’t crash when I rested, it won’t crash when you do!” You know we need to rest. For a field to bear fruit, it must occasionally lie fallow. And for you to be healthy, you must rest. When David says in Psalm 23:2-3, “He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength.”

With His own pierced hands, Jesus created a pasture for the soul. He pried loose the huge boulders of sin. In their place, He planted seeds of grace and dug ponds of mercy. Can you imagine the satisfaction in the heart of the shepherd when the work is completed, and he sees his sheep rest in the tender grass? Can you imagine the satisfaction in the heart of God when we do the same?

Take some time this week, even today, to rest in green meadows and renew your strength.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 808 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 808 – Tools for Self-Management – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 08:03:03 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 808 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Tools for Self-Management – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 808 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy. As we continue on this trek called life, sometimes we have questions about life, so our Friday trek is a time where we can Ask Gramps.

Gramps will answer questions that you would like to ask your dad or granddad, but for whatever reason, are unable to. No matter how old we are, I know that all of us would like the opportunity to ask Dad or gramps questions about life in many areas. We will address areas such as finances, relationships, health/fitness, business/work, home repairs/renovations, seasons of life, spiritual/Biblical questions, and any others areas that come our way. As your fellow sojourner and mentor on this trek that we call life, it is my goal to provide you with practical wisdom and advice about any area of life. It is crucial that I receive a constant flow of questions, so please submit your questions to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com. And I will answer your questions on our Friday podcast.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Last week we explored why Time Management is a Myth. Gramps helped us to realize that we can’t manage time. All we can do is manage ourselves by making decisions and choices that focus on what is most important in our lives and what will have the greatest positive impact. We want to expand on this, so the question for today is…

“Hey Gramps, how do you specifically stay focused on those tasks, obligations, and responsibilities so that you are most effective and have the biggest impact?”

Tools for Self-Management

Granny and I stay very busy with all aspects of our life, which includes managing our own two small companies as well as running the financial or technical support work for five other companies. Let me share with you the four simple tools that help us to stay focused and not miss any of the many very important time-sensitive tasks that we are required to complete on a monthly basis.

Fortunately, most of the work we do for our client can be done remotely, so we can literally work from anywhere we have an internet connection. We have selected tools which can be accessed on any device we happen to be working on, so even if we are not at our own in-office computers, we can access all personal and client information from other computers, our smartphones, or our tablet devices. Here are the four tools.

Gmail for email: We switched several years ago to this platform because of the flexibility and accessibility from any device. Email still remains a crucial aspect of communications internally and with our clients. We have all of our email accounts for personal and multiple businesses populate into a common inbox, so we have one repository for all communications.
Google Calendar: We place all travel related events as well as all personal and business engagements which have a specific date and time with it on our calendar. This calendar also lists all birthdays, appointments, and important events. A companion application to this which resides on our smartphone is called Tiny Calendar. Granny and I share a common calendar, so we are always aware of any upcoming events. At the beginning of the year, we plan out as much of our calendar as possible for the year.
Go Task: This smartphone app allows me to log all tasks that I have to accomplish during the day, but these tasks do not have a specific time of day related to it. This app allows me to create recurring tasks, such as daily, weekly, monthly, or even annually. Each morning as I review my list, I know exactly which task needs accomplished that day. I will check it numerous times throughout the day to keep me “on task.” Nothing slips through the cracks.
Dropbox: We use Dropbox for all of our file storage needs. This allows the information to be replicated across all of our devices in the exact same folder structure. It stores all information both locally on all of our in-office computers and online. This gives us multiple backups of the information, along with historical version backups. We are protected and can access the online version from anywhere on any device.

Planning, preparing, and keeping our tools updated allows us the maximum the use of our time. It helps us to accomplish much more and to provide excellent service to all of our clients. It allows to stay focused and truly achieve work-life integration. It also allows us to be much more financially stable because we are focused on what is most important.

Of course, Gramps loves the sage wisdom on Proverbs where it tells us in Proverbs 21:5, “Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.”

If you would like to listen to any of the past 807 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you on Monday!

Day 807 – The Best Legacy – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 08:03:39 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 807 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Best Legacy – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 807 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit of additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Thomas Scott, and it is, “A man cannot leave a better legacy to the world than a well-educated family.”

The Best Legacy

What we choose and the decisions that we make each day become the legacy that we are. The impact that you have on your family should be your most important impact. The two most important things to teach your family is to love God and follow His precepts, and then teach them to love others and treat everyone with kindness and patience. In Matthew 22:37-40 , “Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

Once those two truths are firmly in place, teach your family to grow in learning, to work hard, and as John Wesley is quoted as saying:

“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.”

Just as you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 806 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 806 – Accept Whom God Made You – Loving Yourself – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 08:03:51 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 806 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Accept Whom God Made You – Loving Yourself – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 806 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. We continue this Wednesday to explore our trek of interpreting life through a Biblical Worldview. As a Christ follower, it is important to view all situations and events in life through the lens of the Bible. That is a view of the world that is aligned with what the Bible teaches us.

We are exploring current issues that impact our world and society and comparing them through the lens of the Bible, instead of the lens of our society, culture, modern media, or social media. I do not desire to tell you what to think, but teach you how to think so that you may be able to filter current issues and events through your Biblical Worldview. I may explore opposing views and challenge you to think. You may not always agree with my view, and that is okay. I am open to any comments that you may have on the subjects that we explore.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. On today’s trek, we will return to our discussion from two weeks ago. The information we are exploring is from a web interview in The Christian Post with Nancy Pearcey, a former agnostic who teaches at Houston Baptist University.

Nancy recently published a book titled Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality. I will continue to share some of the insights from this interview as it closely aligns with my Biblical worldview on the core concept about the sanctity of life. If you would like an in-depth analysis of this topic, I recommend that you purchase Nancy Pearcey’s book I mentioned earlier.

So our topic today is…

Accept Whom God Made You – Loving Yourself

Today’s topic is a controversial one for some, even within the Christian community, as we discuss same-sex relationships and transgenderism. This is particularly close to my heart because I have close family members who have chosen a same-sex lifestyle, including marriage. They are Christ followers with sincere beliefs that God’s Word does allow for or permits this choice.

With years of in-depth study of God’s Word, I have come to two conclusions within my Biblical worldview about sexuality and marriage. First is that sex outside your own marriage, regardless of gender preference, is not in line with God’s precepts. Secondly, that marriage should only be between a man and a woman for life.

My relationship with these family members or with anyone who has made choices contrary to my Biblical Worldview does not impact my love for them. My love is unconditional, just as God’s love is for all of us. Yes, from a Biblical perspective, I do not agree with their choices, but it is their choice. And I will not condemn or judge their choices. They alone must answer to God for their choices, just as I must answer for all the choices that I make. I am sure there are choices that I make which, according to others, would not be in agreement with their worldview.

Before we explore a few thoughts that Nancy Pearcey shares in her interview and book Love Thy Body, I will share some of the basis for my Biblical worldview on this topic.

First, every reference to marriage in God’s Word is always between a man and a woman, there are no exceptions. Marriage was established in Genesis from the very beginning of creation.

“This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one,” Genesis 2:24. This phrase is also repeated in Matthew 19:5, Mark 10:7, and Ephesians [5:31].

Secondly, as Pearcey writes, which I agree with “After all, no one really denies that on the level of biology, physiology, and anatomy, males and females are counterparts to one another. That’s the way the human sexual and reproductive system is designed. So when someone adopts a same-sex identity or transgenderism, they are contradicting their own biological design. Implicitly they are saying, ‘Why should my body inform my psychological identity? Why should my biological sex as male or female have any say in my moral choices?’”

Because of my Biblical Worldview, I don’t agree with family members or others who have chosen a same-sex identity and lifestyle. Although, after many hours of in-depth discussion and study, I am convinced and understand that certain men and women are physically, psychologically, and emotionally drawn towards persons of their own sex. It is built into their genetic makeup.

That being understood, we are all prone to certain attractions and preferences which may or may not be in aligned with God’s Word. To act on that preference is still a choice, which is made by those individuals. We all have predilections towards certain types of individuals which we are attracted to, but it is not always Biblical or wise to act on those desires with our choices.

So the questions for us as Christ-followers is “Should those who make those lifestyle choices, which we may not agree with, be treated unfairly or with biases?” Certainly not. We all violate God’s precepts in certain areas of our lives. We need to be very careful when we become judgmental of others because their sins are different than our own. We would all do well to consider the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:1-5, “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.”

My third point of contention covers both same-sex attractions and especially transgenderism. God created each of us as either male or female, and we are designed to complement and mutually assist each other physically, psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually. This is God’s design from the beginning of His creation of humans. Genesis 2:18 says, “Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.'” God made each of us either male or female by design for His purpose. To make choices that are contrary to the way God created us, as I see it through my Biblical Worldview, is to say that God made a mistake. As the Prophet, Isaiah told the nation of Israel in Isaiah [29:16]…

How foolish can you be?
He is the Potter, and he is certainly greater than you, the clay!
Should the created thing say of the one who made it,
“He didn’t make me”?
Does a jar ever say,
“The potter who made me is stupid”?

To change the way God has designed you is to say that you are not pleased with God’s plan for you. This is discontentment because you desire to change who God made you to be.

To put this into a context of another scenario, let me use a personal example. I am 5’ 4”, which is quite short for a man, especially in today’s western societies. Would it be nice to be 6’ or 6’ 6” in height? I believe most men would think so. In our culture, tallness equates to being manlier. When I was going through puberty, I could have been injected with growth hormones, but that is not how God designed me. I am completely content with who I am because God made me as I am for His distinct and unique purpose. We should be content with how God designed our physical bodies and our gender, so we can fulfill our God-given potential. 1 Timothy 6:6-7, “Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.”

Nancy Pearcy has this to say in her interview, “Ultimately our view of the body and sexuality rests on our view of nature. The secular worldview starts with a Darwinian assumption that nature is the product of blind, undirected forces. We tend to think of materialism as a philosophy that places a high value on the material world because it claims that matter is all that exists. Yet in reality, it places a low value on the material world as purely particles in motion with no higher purpose or meaning. In other words, if our bodies are products of blind, undirected forces, then they convey no moral message, give no clue to our identity, have no inherent purpose that we are obligated to respect.”

“By contrast, a Christian ethic respects nature as a good gift from God. That’s why it always takes into account the facts of biology, whether addressing abortion (the scientific facts about when life begins) or sexuality (the facts about sexual differentiation and reproduction).”

To craft an effective message for the secular world today, Christ-followers need to discover that the biblical view of the body is actually more appealing, more attractive, more affirming, than the secular ethics.

I realize that today’s podcast and journal only scratches the surface of a Biblical Worldview on some very controversial subjects. It is my prayer that you will study and learn more on your own. Above all else, let us put into practice Ephesians 4:2, “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.”

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of our past 805 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 805 – Better Skills and Wisdom – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 08:03:11 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 805 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Better Skills and Wisdom – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 805 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit of additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Jim Rohn,and it is, “Don’t wish life was easier; wish you were better. Don’t wish for fewer problems; wish for more skills. Don’t wish for fewer challenges; wish for more wisdom.”

Better Skills and Wisdom

So often we desire the easy trails of life with few problems or challenges, but that is not what life is. First, how we view events and circumstances in our lives is our choice.

There are those who view practically everything in life as bad. Their lives go from one drama to the next, and their mindset reminds me of the old television program Hee Haw, where a line in one of their songs was “If it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all.” This mindset creates a “victim mentality” where everything in life is out to get them. This thinking also creates a self-fulfilling prophecy and indeed, because of their mindset, their world is a mess.

They wish for the easy life with few problem or challenges, but they are not willing to change their mindset and choose to make it happen. My Grandma Burkhart has an old saying, “You can spit in one hand and wish in the other and see which one fills up first.” I think you get the picture.

No ones life is easy and free from problems or challenges, but we can still have a life that is full of immense joy in the midst of those problems and challenges. None of us will grow, mature, and flourish if our lives are easy and without problems. We need to become better, learn new skills, and then seek for wisdom as if it were a buried treasure.

It is then we will improve, grow, mature and find that immense joy of overcoming the obstacles and trials of life. As Jesus’ half-brother James teaches us in James 1:2-4, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 804 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 804 – The Prison of WANT – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 08:03:41 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 804 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Prison of WANT – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 804 of our trek, and it is time for Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Are you in prison? I don’t mean a physical prison, but self-created shackles and bars. Anything that stifles us from reaching our God-given potential is bars that will imprison us. Today’s meditation is taken from a book written by Max Lucado, and it is…

The Prison of WANT

Come with me to the most populated prison in the world. The facility has more inmates than bunks. More prisoners than plates. More residents than resources.

Come with me to the world’s most oppressive prison. Just ask the inmates. They will tell you. They are overworked and underfed. Their walls are bare, and their bunks are hard.

No prison is so populated. No prison is so oppressive. And, what’s more, no prison is so permanent. Most inmates never leave. They never escape. They never get released. They serve a life sentence in this overcrowded, under-provisioned facility.

The name of the prison? You’ll see it over the entrance. Rainbowed over the gate are four cast-iron letters that spell out its name:

W-A-N-T

The prison of want. You’ve seen her prisoners. They are “in want.” They want something. They want something bigger. Nicer. Faster. Thinner. They want.

They don’t want much, mind you. They want just one thing. One new job. One new car. One new house. One new spouse. They don’t want much. They want just one.

And when they have “one,” they will be happy. And they are right – they will be happy. When they have “one,” they will leave the prison. But then it happens. The new-car smell passes. The new job gets old. The neighbors buy a larger television set. The new spouse has bad habits. The sizzle fizzles, and before you know it, another ex-con breaks parole and returns to jail.
Are you in prison? You are if you feel better when you have more and worse when you have less. You are if joy is one delivery away, one transfer away, one award away, or one makeover away. If your happiness comes from something you deposit, drive, drink, or digest, then face it – you are in prison, the prison of want.

The Apostle Paul in his 1^st letter to his protégé Timothy explains it this way in 1 Timothy 6:6-10, “Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.”

When we surrender to God the cumbersome sack of discontent, we don’t just give up something; we gain something. God replaces it with a lightweight, tailor-made, sorrow-resistant attaché of gratitude.

What will you gain with contentment? You may gain your marriage. You may gain precious hours with your children. You may gain your self-respect. You may gain joy. You may gain the faith to say as King David did in Psalms 23:1, “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.”

Try saying it slowly, “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.”

Again, “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.”

Shhhhhhh. Did you hear something? I think I did. I’m not sure…but I think I heard the opening of a jail door.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 803 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 803 – Time Management Is a Myth – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 08:03:36 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 803 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Time Management Is a Myth – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 803 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy. As we continue on this trek called life, sometimes we have questions about life, so our Friday trek is a time when we can “Ask Gramps.”

Gramps will answer questions that you would like to ask your dad or granddad, but for whatever reason, you are not able to. No matter how old you are, I know that all of us would like the opportunity to ask dad or gramps questions about life in many areas. We will address areas such as finances, relationships, health/fitness, business/work, home repairs/renovations, seasons of life, spiritual/Biblical questions, and any others areas that come our way.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. For most of us, life is hectic, and we all seem to have much more to do than the time to do it in. Since we all have 24 hours in a day, 168 hours in a week, why it is that some people seem to get so much more accomplished in a day or week than other people do? So the question for today is…

“Hey Gramps, why does it appear that you are able to manage your time more effectively and efficiently than most people? How can I improve the management of my time?”

Time Management Is a Myth

You probably have heard about time management since you were young. You had to learn how to integrate school, homework, playtime, and extracurricular activities. Then as you grew older, you had to start learning how to integrate work with studies and relationships. As you continued on as an adult, it was about integrating all of the tasks at work with all of the tasks at home.

Time management is directly linked to your work-life balance, or as I like to refer to it as work-life integration, and thus it’s directly linked to your stress, health, happiness, and productivity. How you manage your time proportionally influences how you manage your life.

This means time management is more than just managing the hours on the clock. None of us can slow down, speed up, or change the amount of time that we have in our day. There are 24 hours in a day. You can’t change that. So how do you manage time if you have no control over it?

You don’t. Time management is a myth. It’s all about decision or choice management. Or as Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”

Do you ever wonder why it feels like some people have more time than others? Why do some people achieve so much more than their peers?

Every person only has 24 hours, but there are some who have learned how to make better decisions or choices on how to use that time. These individuals don’t manage their hours—they manage themselves.

To use an illustration that may be useful, I would like you to think of yourself as a tree. This tree is made up of four quadrants. We will relate this to what President Eisenhower is credited with creating and used when he was both a general and the President. It is referred to as:

1. The Eisenhower Decision Matrix

The Eisenhower Decision Matrix was popularized by Stephen Covey when he adapted it to his Time Management Matrix in “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” This tool helps you become more effective in how you use your time—by teaching you how to make time-related decisions. It has four quadrants that describe different sorts of activities based on importance and urgency.

I like to break up these four quadrants into the four elements that we would experience on an actual trek up a mountain. They are fire, water, earth, and wind.

· Fire

The first quadrant in the upper left corner of the tree is important and urgent. We call these the “fire” tasks. They need to be attended to right away, like a fire that needs to be put out. These include deadlines, problem-solving, and managing crises. Although these are important, they tend to be reactive. In this way, they don’t push your life forward. They keep you stressed, so you don’t burn down.

· Water

The second quadrant in the top right-hand corner of the tree is important but not urgent. These are the “water” tasks. You need them in order to survive and grow further. These activities include strategy, planning, leading and coaching others, training yourself, and setting goals. Water tasks are directly related to your personal vision, mission, and goals. To be truly effective, don’t forget to water all areas of your life, or you will end up with dead branches in your tree that will be pruned off!

· Earth

The third quadrant in the bottom left corner of your tree is not important but urgent. These “earth” tasks ground you, but they take away from growth upwards. These tend to include social media, emails, meetings, phone calls, and other distractions. They help to maintain relationships and meet the needs of important activities, but these tasks themselves are not going to help you grow. These tasks should be minimized or delegated if possible.

· Wind

The fourth quadrant in the bottom right corner of your tree includes non-important and non-urgent tasks. These are the “wind” or “air” tasks. They blow you around and change your focus away from what’s at hand. These tend to be the easiest to accomplish, but they’re also time wasters and busywork. You want to avoid wind tasks as much as possible, as they gobble up your time without adding anything productive to your work-life integration. These tasks should be removed entirely from your schedule.

2. Think of yourself as a tree.

You need to put out the fire tasks immediately, or your trunk and branches will be destroyed. If you neglect these tasks, your entire foundation is ruined—and nothing else can get done. Accomplish these first, so you can then tend to your tree without any reigniting flames.

The water tasks nurture you and give you energy. It’s this water that helps you grow up towards the sky, making your tree big and tall.

The earth tasks keep you grounded and nourished, but they hold you down rather than pushing you up towards the sky.

The wind tasks blow your branches, causing important leaves to fall off. These leaves can equal relationships, health, happiness, fun, financial security, and more. The wind comes by and slowly starts to shake these off your branches one by one.

Making wise time decisions or choices helps to cultivate your tree. Your relationship leaves will be large and green. Your core branches will be sturdy and strong. Your work-life integrated trunk will continue growing upward and outward. If you make the wrong decisions or choices, however, the leaves fall, and your branches start to wither.

3. Making Time Decisions

Look at the tree of time management illustration in the journal for today’s trek. Compare it to your work-life integration tree. What does your tree look like? Is it charred from constantly reacting to fires (fire tasks)? Does it have a strong root system, but it doesn’t have a tall trunk with strong branches (earth tasks)? Is it bare without relationship leaves because you’ve permitted windy distractions (wind tasks)? Or is your tree tall and strong with plenty of room for growth? Are you feeding, watering, and protecting your tree, so it can flourish in all areas of integrated life (water tasks)?

4. The Bottom Line

It is not so much managing your time, but managing your decisions on how your time is allocated. Which elements do you choose to put into your tree? The decisions you make about what goes into your tree directly influences what the growth, strength, and fruit your tree will produce. How you choose to invest your time, energy, and resources will impact what you get done during the day and week. These decisions will determine how stressed you are, how productive you are, and ultimately how successful you are.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 802 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play, so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you on Monday!

Day 802 – Reading is Fundamental – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 08:03:31 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 802 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Reading Is Fundamental – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 802 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit of additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Daniel J. Boorstin, and it is, “Books are the main source of our knowledge, our reservoir of first faith, memory, wisdom, morality, poetry, philosophy, history and science.”

Reading Is Fundamental

Reading and the study of books is the fundamental source and foundation of knowledge. It has been verified over and over that those who are avid readers advance faster and farther in all areas of life. With today’s technological breakthroughs and access to thousands of resources on the internet for little or no cost, there is little reason not to consume books on a regular basis.

Books can be consumed on a variety of devices from smartphones, to tablets, to computers, and in audio format, which allows you to perform another task while listening to great content. Here are some practical ways that I have found successful in maintaining a steady habit of reading or listening to a variety of information.

I listen to my Bible reading, devotional materials, emails, and podcast while I exercise first thing in the morning. Since I work at my computers throughout the day, many days for up to 12 hours, I am able to consume vast amounts of information about a variety of subjects. I also listen to many audio books while driving, working outdoors, cooking dinner each night, and renovating the various rooms inside our home.

If you enjoy reading from a physical book, set aside planned time each day to further your knowledge and learning. Books are also a great source of relaxing while enjoying a great mystery, sci-fi thriller, history, or any other genre of books. Create a habit of reading physical books or listening to audiobooks on a daily basis. It is an investment into your future self that pays huge dividends.

This type of study was what God commanded Joshua before he led the Israelites into the promised land as we read in Joshua 1:8, “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.”

Just as you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 801 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you in through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 801 – The God Kind of Love – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 08:03:34 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 801 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The God Kind of Love-Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 801 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. We continue this Wednesday to explore our trek of interpreting life through a Biblical Worldview.

As a Christ follower, it is important to view all situations and events in life through the lens of the Bible. That is a view of the world that is aligned with what the Bible teaches us. We are exploring current issues that impact our world and society and comparing them through the lens of the Bible, instead of the lens of our society, culture, modern media, or social media.

I do not desire to tell you what to think, but teach you how to think so that you may be able to filter current issues and events through your Biblical Worldview. I may explore opposing views and challenge you to think. You may not always agree with my view, and that is okay. I am open to any comments that you may have on the subjects that we explore.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. I am going to diverge this week from the topic of loving yourself that we started last week, and we will finish that topic next Wisdom Wednesday. Since this episode is being released on Valentine’s Day, I decided to explore a Biblical Worldview of what true love really is according to God’s Word.

So our topic today is…

The God Kind of Love

If I talk a lot about God and the Bible and the Church, but I fail to ask about your needs and then help you, I’m simply making a lot of empty religious noise.

If I graduate from theological seminary and know all the answers to questions you’ll never even think of asking, and if I have all the degrees to prove it and if I say I believe in God with all my heart, and soul and strength, and claim to have incredible answers to my prayers to show it, but I fail to take the time to find out where you are and what makes you laugh and why you cry, I’m nothing.

If I sell an extra car and some of my books to raise money for some poor starving kids somewhere, and if I give my life for God’s service and burn out after pouring everything I have into the work, but do it all without ever once thinking about the people, the real hurting people – the moms and dads and sons and daughters and orphans and widows and the lonely and hurting – if I pour my life into the Kingdom but forget to make it relevant to those here on earth, my energy is wasted, and so is my life.

Here is what love is like – genuine love. God’s kind of love. It’s patient. It can wait. It helps others, even if they never find out who did it. Love doesn’t look for greener pastures or dream of how things could be better if I just got rid of all my current commitments. Love doesn’t boast. It doesn’t try to build itself up to be something it isn’t. Love doesn’t act in a loose, immoral way. It doesn’t seek to take, but it willingly gives. Love doesn’t lose its cool. It doesn’t turn on and off. Love doesn’t think about how bad the other person is, and certainly doesn’t think of how it could get back at someone. Love is grieved deeply (as God is) over the evil in this world, but it rejoices over truth.

Love comes and sits with you when you’re feeling down and finds out what is wrong. It empathizes with you and believes in you. Love knows you’ll come through just as God planned, and love sticks right beside you all the way. Love doesn’t give up, or quit, or diminish or go home. Love keeps on keeping on, even when everything goes wrong, and the feelings leave, and the other person doesn’t seem as special anymore. Love succeeds 100 percent of the time. That, my friend, is what real love is!

Now let me read 1 Corinthians 13 from the New Living Translation.

If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! But when the time of perfection comes, these partial things will become useless.

When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.

Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

As we close out our Valentine’s edition of Wisdom-Trek, here is something to think about, “A physician once said: ‘The best medicine for humans is love.’ Someone asked, ‘What if it doesn’t work?’ He smiled and said: ‘Increase the dose.’”

Next week for Wisdom Wednesday, we will continue from last week with the subject of love for yourself and your body as we explore the concept of same-sex relationships and transgenderism through a Biblical lens. If you have any topics that you would like us to cover, please email them to me at guthrie@wisdom-trek.com.

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of our past 800 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you in through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 800 – The Riches of Gratitude – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 08:03:10 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 800 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Day 800 – The Riches of Gratitude – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 800 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit of additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and it is, “In ordinary life, we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich. It is very easy to overestimate the importance of our own achievements in comparison with what we owe others.”

The Riches of Gratitude

As we reach our 800^th day on our Wisdom-Trek, I want to thank you for coming along with me on this trek. Whether you have just trekked with me 1 day or all 800 days, thank you for the privilege of sharing with you as your guide, mentor, and friend on this trek that we call life. Because of the time I have invested into Wisdom-Trek, my life is filled with the riches of gratitude for this opportunity to share with you.

As with all aspects of life, some days we are on a high plateau, the sun is shining brightly, and our trail is smooth. Other days it feels like we are pushing uphill in a violent storm, and we have to navigate around or over obstacles every few feet.

In much the same way, creating, recording, editing, and publishing a daily podcast has its share of joys and hardships. It is my prayer that over the long haul I am able to provide you with the tools needed to provide you with the strength and encouragement to continue on your trek each day.

I pray that my life through Wisdom-Trek will always radiate the fruit of the Spirit as listed in Galatians 5:22-23, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” If you have any feedback on how I can better serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast, please let me know at guthrie@wisdom-trek.com.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 799 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 799 – Small Things Can Have a Big Impact – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 08:03:06 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 799 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Small Things Can Have a Big Impact – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 799 of our trek, and it is time for Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy.

As you come along with me on our trek each Meditation Monday, it is my hope and prayer that you too will experience a time for reflection and renewing of your mind.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Throughout the Scriptures, God uses the example of small things that have a great impact. Some of these are ants, the tongue, and a rudder on a ship. In language, changing just a single letter in a word in some instances can change the entire meaning. In today’s meditation, we will explore how our faith, even though it may be small can produce huge results.

Small Things Can Have a Big Impact

During Jesus’s ministry on earth, He talked about how important a person’s heart is. Mark 7:1-23 is just one example that we will review in a moment. The Jewish religious leaders had made all sorts of rules to be sure the people of God kept themselves ritually clean. Matthew and Mark placed Jesus’s words about the importance of the heart right before the events we will read about today. This sequence can help you see a key point Jesus made in His life. While Jesus’s earthly ministry was focused primarily on Jews, “the lost sheep of Israel” (Matthew [15:24]), He reached out to all kinds of people who were normally considered “unclean” by many fellow Jews.

Tyre and Sidon were places where old enemies of the Jewish people lived. Jesus’s very presence there, especially with His ministry to these non-Jews, was very shocking. Then Jesus traveled back to Decapolis or “the area of the Ten Cities,” another largely non-Jewish area on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus blessed, taught, and healed in this region just as He did in Tyre and Sidon.

The focus of Jesus’s work was once again on people’s hearts. Were they open and receptive? Were they seeking after God? Did they long for grace? Jesus’s focus was not on culture, nationality, or ethnicity. He was willing to help, bless, and be with people who His fellow Jews considered “unclean”!

This background of our scripture today is very important for you to know when we read the following story of the woman from Syrophoenicia. Jesus’s words are a little distorted by our modern translations because you can’t hear the subtle nuance of one letter. The little “i” in Greek makes a big difference and turns the word for a dog (kunaron) into the word for a puppy (kunarion) and changes Jesus’s words from an ugly ethnic slur into an invitation for faith.

Even today, so often people of different ethnic groups use slurs to dismiss the value of another person. Jesus used a play on words similar to an ethnic slur to invite the woman from Syrophoenicia to display both her wit and her faith. She was desperate and wanted help. She came expecting to be called a strange and mangy dog — the way many Jews would have referred to her and she would have referred to them.

However, Jesus took the term and softened it to mean puppy or lap dog — something that was often considered a part of the family. She instantly seized on this play on words. Instead of taking offense, she responded showing her heart: “O yes, Jesus, you are right. But in a family, the little puppies eat the crumbs that fall from the table!” She wasn’t just prostrating herself before Jesus; she came with her heart bowed down to receive His grace and help for her daughter!

She got it! Jesus wasn’t pushing her away, but inviting her in close if her faith could see through the fog of ethnic and cultural separation and suspicion. Thankfully, she did! She displayed incredible faith because she was determined to have Jesus’s powerful grace change her daughter’s condition.

After Jesus’s resurrection, He sent His disciples to share His message and His grace with every nation of the world and every ethnic group on the planet. Even though Jesus’s earthly ministry was primarily for the people of Israel, you can find many non-Jews brought to His table of grace and mercy. All of these people, Jews, and non-Jews had to do something if they were going to follow Jesus. They had to repent — change their hearts, minds, and behavior about how to live, and believe that Jesus came from the Father to bring them life.

So let me ask you this important question as I read Jesus’s story today. What would keep you from following Jesus? A supposed ethnic slur? A hard command? The challenge to change your cultural views? An unwillingness to leave your ethnic prejudice behind?

As hard as Jesus’s call to give up yourself and follow Him may seem, realize underneath it lays His great tenderness and love for you. He wants you to be like the daughter of the Syrophoenician woman: “whole and healthy”!

While each person must surrender his or her heart to Jesus in faith, He wants you to notice two things in the following two events Mark tells in the verses below.

First, someone who loves a person in need tries to show that person about Jesus. Faith becomes the key to unlocking God’s grace in the life of that other person! The woman in this story comes at a great social risk and gets Jesus’s help for her daughter. In the second event, a group of friends brought a person with deep needs to Jesus and begged Him to help. Without their urgency and their voice, the man with deep needs would not have had his hurts disclosed and his needs made known. What a wonderful example of a mother with courage and faith! What great friends of determination and faith!

Second, notice that the Father’s love, the love that Jesus’s actions demonstrate, is shared freely with all — man and woman, young and old, Jew and Gentile, regardless of region, culture, or nationality. Jesus’s love is available for all, but there will be times when you will need to put hands on your faith and help someone who feels helpless and alone to find her or his way to Jesus!

So now let’s read the passage for today which is Mark [7:24]-37.

Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre. He didn’t want anyone to know which house he was staying in, but he couldn’t keep it a secret. Right away a woman who had heard about him came and fell at his feet. Her little girl was possessed by an evil spirit, and she begged him to cast out the demon from her daughter.

Since she was a Gentile, born in Syrian Phoenicia, Jesus told her, “First I should feed the children—my own family, the Jews. It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.”

She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even the dogs under the table are allowed to eat the scraps from the children’s plates.”

“Good answer!” he said. “Now go home, for the demon has left your daughter.” And when she arrived home, she found her little girl lying quietly in bed, and the demon was gone.

Jesus left Tyre and went up to Sidon before going back to the Sea of Galilee and the region of the Ten Towns.A deaf man with a speech impediment was brought to him, and the people begged Jesus to lay his hands on the man to heal him.

Jesus led him away from the crowd so they could be alone. He put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then, spitting on his own fingers, he touched the man’s tongue. Looking up to heaven, he sighed and said, “Ephphatha,” which means, “Be opened!” Instantly the man could hear perfectly, and his tongue was freed so he could speak plainly!

Jesus told the crowd not to tell anyone, but the more he told them not to, the more they spread the news. They were completely amazed and said again and again, “Everything he does is wonderful. He even makes the deaf to hear and gives speech to those who cannot speak.”

Jesus’s mission was to establish a new covenant, a new Israel which includes all nations and ethnic groups throughout the world. Today’s meditation clearly shows us how He reached these two gentiles and included them in God’s kingdom. We are also to go into all the world and spread the good news of Jesus to all. Although you may feel that your impact is small, it can ripple throughout the world. Shine the light into the world where God has placed you.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 798 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 798 – The Perfect Marriage – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 08:03:45 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 798 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Perfect Marriage – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 798 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Marriage is the first institution designed by God himself. It is designed to be both wonderful and beautiful, a picture of Christ and the church. It does have its challenges, though, as two independent lives are merged into one.

Over the years there have been both correct and incorrect teachings about what God’s design is so that marriage can flourish and grow. More specifically, what roles should the husband and wife fulfill to allow the marriage to be as harmonious as possible? Paula and I will be celebrating our 39^th anniversary this August, and for the most part, we have an extremely wonderful and fulfilling relationship. So the question for today is…

“Hey Gramps, how can we structure our relationship so that our marriage is pleasant, fulfilling, and honoring to God?”

The Perfect Marriage

In today’s politically correct society, the God-designed picture of marriage has been tainted. This unfortunate scenario is not isolated to the secular world. Over the centuries, there have been many cases of abuse either condoned or at least tolerated within the church as well. This is not what God has designed for marriage.

When God, through Jesus Christ, dwelled among us, He broke many societal norms on what had become commonplace for a woman’s status both in society and in marriage. Over the centuries since, though, a husband and wife’s role and responsibility has not always been taught properly, even within the church.

As a foundation to the question today we will look at Ephesians [5:21]-33.

And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything.

For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. And we are members of his body.

As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

A Biblical marriage is one of mutual love, respect, and submission. We are to submit to each other because of our unconditional love for each other. Unconditional love is desiring what is best for each other. Although I know there are exceptions, generally, a husband and wife have distinctly different emotional needs that only the other can provide. Husbands desire respect and admiration where a wife desires love and security. The passage that I just read supports the foundation to make this possible.

Within any institution or organization there has to be some structure, or else there will be chaos and hardship. God has designed the structure listed in this passage. Since men are created to need respect and admiration, God set up the structure of marriage to where the husband is to lead, and the wife is to support within this structure. This in no way is a license for a husband to abuse his responsibility. In fact, God’s design is quite the opposite.

Before I focus on the husband’s role, let me make it perfectly clear to all husbands that are listening to this podcast or reading this journal. You are responsible before God for your leadership within the marriage. You should not transfer those responsibilities to your wife. God will still hold you responsible.

For the husbands, if you desire respect and admiration from your wife, then you must fulfill your God-given responsibilities towards your wife. There are two types of love that you are to show to your wife, and both are completely unconditional.

First, you are to love your wife as Christ loved the church and was willing to sacrifice His life for her. This is the purest form of love ever shown in all humanity. This also means that you are responsible for keeping your marriage pure in every way. Secondly, you are to love your wife as you love yourself. We as men can be very selfish, egotistical, and insensitive at times. We think about ourselves continually.

In this passage, it is clear that we are to turn this around and channel those traits as love for our wives. If you are willing to show through word and deed these two types of love on a constant basis to your wife, there will be little doubt that she will respect, admire, and love you in return.

If we love our wives as Christ loves the church and as we love ourselves, then even when we desire to have our own way, we will put our wives before us. Your wife will see this, will respect and admire you, and then mutual submission will be much easier.

The final verse in this passage tells us, we are to leave our father and mother and be joined together as one cohesive unit. Through this structure, we will still have our own distinct God-given personalities, talents, and abilities, which we should fully utilize. This difference will be when we commit ourselves to our marriage, then we will seek to enhance those abilities in our spouse, and we will be blended into a much stronger unified and loving unit.

I could elaborate on this more, but I trust that Gramps’s answer provides some insight into a more perfect marriage. Next week we will have a different question to “Ask Gramps.”

Gramps will answer any questions you may have about life and will provide you with practical wisdom about any area of life. Please submit questions that you have to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com, and Gramps will answer them on our Friday podcast with wisdom and philosophy that Gramps has gained over his years of experience and study.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 797 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you on Monday!

Day 797 – A Friend of God – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 08:03:27 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 797 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

A Friend of God – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 797 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Rick Warren, and it is, “Every time you trust God’s wisdom and do whatever he says, even when you don’t understand it, you deepen your friendship with God.”

A Friend of God

As a Christ follower, I believe all of us would like to be considered a friend of God. When we accept Christ by faith as our atoning sacrifice for our sins, then we automatically become a friend of God, and that will never change.

What does it take, though, to grow that friendship so that we are in close communion with God on a daily basis? That growth will happen over time as we put our faith into action. It is one thing to say we believe; it is quite another thing to show that belief through what we do for God.

We are not always privy to why God permits situations to impact our lives, especially if we consider them adverse. Sometimes we suffer because of choices we make, and we are living the consequences of those choices. Other times, God permits adversity into our lives to grow and mature us, or to allow others to grow and mature based on how we handle that adversity. We do have a prime example of this in the letter that James, the half-brother of Jesus wrote to 1^st century Jewish Christ-followers in James [2:18]-24.

Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”

You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?

Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God. So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone.

Just as you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 796 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 796 – The Sanctity of Life – Loving Yourself (1) – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 08:03:30 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 796 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Sanctity of Life – Loving Yourself (1) – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 796 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. We continue this Wednesday to explore our trek of interpreting life through a Biblical Worldview.

I do not desire to tell you what to think, but to teach you how to think so that you may be able to filter current issues and events through your Biblical Worldview. I may explore opposing views and challenge you to think. You may not always agree with my view, and that is okay. I am open to any comments that you may have on the subjects that we explore.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. The past few weeks we discussed that a Biblical Worldview should incorporate within it the sanctity of all human life. My personal Biblical Worldview includes the strong conviction and belief that all life is precious regardless of whether it is an unborn child; someone who through advanced age, illness, or accident may be nearing the end of life; or are severely restricted in life.

One reason that modern society devalues life for certain segments of society is that we have a warped view of God’s love for us, our love for God, our love for others, and love for ourselves. A proper love for ourselves will include the realization that we were created to be bearers of God’s image. As a Christ follower, we must understand that our bodies are the dwelling place of His Holy Spirit. A proper love for self will include love and respect for others.

The entire #metoo movement stems from the fact that certain men and women don’t respect or love other persons, their bodies, or the sanctity of life. Because of this, they abuse others physically, emotionally, and mentally.

I recently came across a web interview in The Christian Post with Nancy Pearcey, a former agnostic who teaches at Houston Baptist University. Nancy recently published a book titled Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality. For this week and next, I will share some of the insights from this interview as it closely aligns with my Biblical Worldview on the core concept about the sanctity of life. If you would like an in-depth analysis of this topic, I recommend that you purchase Nancy Pearcey’s book I mentioned earlier.

So our topic today is…

The Sanctity of Life – Loving Yourself (1)

Arguably no subject divides Americans and most of the western world more passionately than what it means to be a human being, especially when it comes to sexuality, identity, and the body. What lies beneath the bitter cultural squabbles over physician-assisted suicide, abortion, same-sex marriage, and transgenderism is a secularist ideology that wages war against the human body.

Pearcey, who The Economist describes as “America’s pre-eminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual,” stresses in the book’s introduction, “We live in a moral wasteland where human beings are desperately seeking answers to hard questions about life and sexuality.”

But there is hope. In the wasteland, we can cultivate a garden. We can discover a Biblical Worldview of a reality-based morality that expresses a positive, life-affirming view of the human person — one that is more inspiring, more appealing, and more liberating than the secular worldview.

Human life and sexuality have become the watershed moral issues of our age. The daily news cycle bombards us with stories related to sexuality, abortion, assisted suicide, homosexuality, and transgenderism. A secular orthodoxy is being imposed through virtually all the major social institutions: academia, media, public schools, Hollywood, private corporations, and the law.

In Pearcey’s book, Love Thy Body, she moves beyond trendy slogans to uncover the worldview that drives the secular ethics. As a former agnostic she gives an insider’s roadmap to postmodern moral theories, showing how they devalue the human being and destroy human rights.

While to some people assisted suicide seems like the compassion course when someone has lost cognitive or physical capacity through illness or accident. We explored this topic in our last Wisdom Wednesday episode.

Assisted suicide is a good example of how secular ethics devalues the human being. Bioethicists defend assisted suicide by proposing a distinction between being biologically human and being a person. If you lose a certain level of cognitive awareness, so the argument goes, then you are no longer a person that is fit to live, even though you are obviously still human.

With a secular worldview, you can be unplugged from life-sustaining equipment, your treatment can be withheld, your food and water can be discontinued, and your organs harvested.

The implication is that being human no longer guarantees human rights. As Pearcey writes, the call to “love thy body” is a call to counter this drastic devaluation of human life. A Biblical Worldview says all humans are persons and are worthy of dignity and rights. It holds to the sanctity of all human life.

Another topic that has come to light recently is the casualness of physical relationships with someone who is not your spouse. In some circles, the hookup culture is now being broadly criticized in light of the #metoo movement. The sad fact remains though there is little conscious effort or movement to change this based on Biblical morality.

The hookup culture rests on the same devaluation of the body. The assumption is that sex is a purely recreational activity cut off from the whole person — without any hint of love or emotional attachment.

Young people know the script all too well. In her book, Pearcey includes poignant quotes from college students, like Alicia who says, “Hookups are very scripted…You learn to turn everything off except your body and make yourself emotionally invulnerable.” A senior named Stephanie chimes in, “It’s body first, personality second.”

The stereotype is that men are happy with the hookup culture. But British singer Sam Smith, in “Stay with Me,” sings about the pain and emptiness a guy feels after a one-night stand. The character in the song is begging the other person to “stay with me,“ longing for human connection that goes beyond just the physical.

The hookup mentality comes out of a Darwinian worldview that treats the human being as nothing but a physical organism driven by physical impulses. No wonder it’s creating a trail of wounded people. They are trying to live out a worldview that does not fit who they truly created to be. There will not be a genuine turnaround unless we address the underlying worldview.

A Biblical Worldview incorporates a sanctity of all human life and mutual respect and love between a man and a woman, but only within the union of marriage.

A physical relationship outside of marriage is a very slippery slope based on a secular worldview that is not grounded in God’s precepts. Marriage is a sacred union based on love for God, love for each other, and love for yourself, including your body. As we are told by Jesus in Matthew 19:4-6 “‘Haven’t you read the Scriptures?’ Jesus replied. ‘They record that from the beginning God made them male and female.’ And he said, ‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’ Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.”

Next week for Wisdom Wednesday we will continue with the subject of love for yourself and your body as we explore the concept of same-sex relationships through a Biblical lens. If you have any topics that you would like us to cover, please email them to me at guthrie@wisdom-trek.com.

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of our past 795 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 795 – The Effective Father & Mother – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 08:03:01 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 795 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Effective Father & Mother – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 795 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit of additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Gordon McDonald, and it is, “All effective fathers learn the importance of a wise and flexible response to their children’s calls for attention. No busy signals here. No ‘hold’ button.”

The Effective Father and Mother

If a father or mother desires to effectively make a positive impact on their children, they will need to learn how to be both wise and flexible. Children are often very demanding, and it is not in their best interest to give in to their every whim and desire.

On the flip side of that, we should not withhold from our children the love and attention that they not only desire but need. There is a huge difference between giving our children what they desire and providing our children with what they need.

Although there is nothing wrong with providing material goods to our children, what they need most is to see us living our lives in both word and deed according to God’s precepts found in His Word. What our children need is our time and attention coupled with an abundance of unconditional love, kindness, mercy, forgiveness, and deep abiding joy. To be an effective father or mother, give to your children the gifts that are most precious and will impact them for all eternity.

Just as our children will ask us for things, Jesus taught us that we are to ask of God when we have needs and that He will provide us with what is best for our lives.

Matthew 7:7-11 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”

“You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 794 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 794 – God’s Truth through Storytelling – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 08:03:06 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 794 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

God’s Truth through Storytelling – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 794 of our trek, and it is time for Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. This past weekend we had the privilege of celebrating our grandson Kip’s 6^th birthday. He wanted to have the party at The Big House so his local cousins could also attend. We are thrilled to see him growing both physically and spiritually.

As parents and grandparents, we make sure our children receive proper nutrients and clothing so they can flourish physically. In the same manner, we must be careful to nourish our children spiritually through our daily walk and weaving stories about God into all that we do as Deuteronomy 11:18-20 tells us, “So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Jesus often used stories to apply the truths of God to everyday life.

God’s Truth through Story Telling

Jesus loved to tell stories from everyday life and connect them to heavenly truths. There is a reason for that. You can remember stories better than you can remember abstract words. You see things in your everyday life that tie stories back into your conscious mind. You can repeat these stories to others. You can pass these stories down to your children and grandchildren. These recollections and the retelling of Jesus’s stories all help you feel and see the truths in His stories as well as know their spiritual messages when you most need them.

The narrative in today’s verses is one of the most important stories that Jesus told. This story, or parable as they are referred to, has several different uses.

Jesus used it to challenge people to look into their hearts and see what kind of followers they really were. You need to know that you can choose how you hear what Jesus says. In the verses below, the concept of how people hear what Jesus says is presented in terms of how different types of soil receive seeds that are sown and then how the types of soil represent how different people receive Jesus’s teachings. Also, Jesus wants people to know that they actually choose which kind of soil they will be — they choose what kind of heart they have for His good news.

Jesus used this story to alert His disciples to the fate of many of those who follow Him. There are many people who at some point in their journey with Jesus are very excited about following Him. However, more than a few who start down the road of discipleship end up becoming distracted and are unfruitful. Some, regrettably, never even follow Jesus at all — they look up one day, and any interest they had in Him is gone!

Jesus is heartbroken when He sees people who lose interest, not bear up under trial, succumb to temptation, or become distracted by the cares of the world. His disciples needed to know these things happen all too frequently! Just because many reject His message or turn away from discipleship does not mean that you are to quit sharing it with others. You must not give up on someone when his or her heart turns away. Remember, just as you can choose which soil your heart is, that other person can choose to be a different soil, too!

Jesus also told this parable to warn His followers about some of the things that might distract them from a passionate life of productive faith. Jesus wants you to recognize those same kinds of things in your life. They can lead your heart to be poor soil and not respond to the good news of grace.

Notice the three things that can steal your heart away from following Jesus with passion:

Satan can come and steal away the message of God before your heart accepts it.
The heat of living for Jesus when the trials and temptations of life can wither your faith before it is fully grown.
The delight of things, the pursuit of wealth, and the worries of preserving these things can get in the way of your living productive lives for Jesus.

So which message do you most need to hear from Jesus’s words? Why not ask the Holy Spirit to help you hear what Jesus want your heart to hear today in His words of truth in the story of the soils? After Jesus presented this parable, His explanation of its meaning was longer than the parable itself. Why? Because He wants you to determine which type of soil you are. Actual soil “is what it is,” but you can enrich the type of “soil” you are! I encourage you to seek the Spirit’s guidance in enriching the soil of your heart or keeping it a fertile place for Jesus’s words to grow!

Luke 8:4-15

· Parable of the Farmer Scattering Seed

“One day Jesus told a story in the form of a parable to a large crowd that had gathered from many towns to hear him: ‘A farmer went out to plant his seed. As he scattered it across his field, some seed fell on a footpath, where it was stepped on, and the birds ate it. Other seed fell among rocks. It began to grow, but the plant soon wilted and died for lack of moisture. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up with it and choked out the tender plants. Still other seed fell on fertile soil. This seed grew and produced a crop that was a hundred times as much as had been planted!’ When he had said this, he called out, ‘Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.'”

His disciples asked him what this parable meant. He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables to teach the others so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled:

‘When they look, they won’t really see.
When they hear, they won’t understand.'”

“This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God’s word. The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved. The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation. The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity. And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.”

Let’s end our short devotional today with this prayer: Father, I ask that the Holy Spirit will help me hear the message I most need to hear today from Jesus’ words. I know that I can choose which kind of soil I will be. I also have concern for folks whose hearts are becoming like the nonproductive soils. O Father, please use me to help them turn their hearts back to Jesus. Also, dear Father, I don’t want to be deceived into living an unproductive life because the soil of my heart is bad. So, sweet Holy Spirit, guide me into all truth. Lord Jesus, please help me know the most important things from Your message today that You want me to know, feel, and put into practice. In Your name, I pray. Amen.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 793 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 793 – Renovation and Remodeling on a Limited Budget – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 02 Feb 2018 08:03:33 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 793 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Renovation and Remodeling on a Limited Budget – Ask Gramps – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 793 of our trek time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Our trip to assist Aunt Pauline has been delayed again since she still remains in rehab and does not have a discharge date yet. On the home front, we do hope to get started on the renovation of our bedroom this winter, but so far this year, we have either been traveling or have had family in every weekend. Our bedroom is the last room in the main part of the house which we have not renovated yet.

We do still have the third floor, which is a large open gathering room to renovate, and also the basement, but those are farther down our list. We are starting to come to the point where some of the rooms that we renovated early on are now in need for additional TLC, but nothing close to the initial work we completed. Living in the homestead that my great-grandparents built in 1903 is a blessing, but it also requires a lot of time and resources to maintain The Big House in good shape. So the question for today is…

“Hey Gramps, what is the best way to approach renovation or remolding of our house, considering that we are on a limited budget?”

Renovation & Remolding on a Limited Budget

When considering major renovation or remolding of your home, the first thing you need is a lot of patience, especially if you are on a limited budget. Here are some tangible suggestions that may make the process more enjoyable.

First, if you can do the renovations and remodeling without borrowing any funds, that is always the first thing to consider. You may have to delay some of the work as you save and sacrifice, but in the long term, it is a much better approach.

If the scope of the project is large, and it would be nearly impossible to save the money before beginning, then a general rule of thumb is to ask, “Will the value of your home increase more than the cost of the renovation/remodeling?” If so or if the repairs are needed to keep your home safe, then you may consider using an equity line of credit based on the current value of your home.

The next step is to determine both the long-term and then the short term plans for your renovation/remodel. What is the scope of the overall project, and how can that be broken down into segments that you can complete on a timely basis and that fits within your current short-term budget. Make sure you are able to complete the entire segment, so you do not have multiple unfinished project segments left partially completed.

Although most of us would like to work on large parts of the overall project, be willing to delay gratification by completing smaller segments that you can pay for as you go. Learn to be frugal and patient.

After you have determined the overall scope of the project and the individual phases, then determine what parts of the project you are able to complete yourself. For instance, if you are not trained or capable in framing and drywall, but feel confident you can handle painting of the walls and ceilings, plot out the various duties and determine where you may need to hire a contractor.

A contractor should be able to complete tasks quicker than you may be able to, but it will cost more to hire one. Finding a reputable contractor that will also complete the work on a timely basis is not always that easy. In our experience with contractors, they do a good job for about 90% of the project, but trying to get them to finish the last 10% has been challenging. There is always a trade-off between your time invested into a project and determining how much your time is worth and what it will cost to hire a licensed and reliable contractor.

Another factor that needs to be considered is whether you enjoy the work of renovating or remodeling. If you do not enjoy that type of work or don’t feel qualified to complete the work, then you will need to save and sacrifice so that you can earn the necessary monies to hire someone. I think the only thing that may be worse than the contractor not finishing a project on a timely basis is the tension it may cause with your spouse or children if you attempt to do a project and never quite complete it.

So my encouragement to you when contemplating a renovation or remodeling project is threefold.

Plan – Understand the entire scope of the project before moving forward.
Prepare – Save until you have enough money to complete the project or at lease definable stages of the project. Make sure that you understand all the cost associated with time and materials. If you are not doing the work yourself, make sure you agree in writing with your contractor of what the project cost will be and the timeline for completion.
Proceed – Once you are committed to the project, have the funding available either through savings or a line of credit, then move forward to complete the project on a timely basis.

Don’t fall victim to the parable that we read about in Luke [14:28]-30.

“But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’”

I trust that I have provided you with some tangible insights for your next renovation or remodeling project. The concepts can be applied to any type of project which you are participating in. Next week we will have a different question to “Ask Gramps.” Gramps will answer any questions you may have about life and will provide you with practical wisdom about any area of life.

Please submit questions that you have to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com, and Gramps will answer them on our Friday podcast with wisdom and philosophy that Gramps has gained over his years of experience and study. I know you will find these insights interesting, practical, and profitable in living a rich and satisfying life.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 792 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you on Monday!

Day 792 – Wise and Cheerful – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 08:03:57 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 792 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Wise and Cheerful– Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 792 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit of additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Michel de Montaigne, and it is, “The most certain sign of wisdom is cheerfulness.”

Wise and Cheerful

Do you consider yourself a cheerful person? A cheerful person is one who is full of joy and can share cheer with other people, even when their situation if less than ideal. It takes a wise person to understand this.

A person who is wise realizes that life doesn’t always go as planned and all of us face trials and tribulations of various degrees throughout our lives. A wise person also realizes that they can be cheerful in spite of the problems in life.

Being cheerful is a heart attitude. A wise person chooses to first act cheerful because it leads to being cheerful. As we are taught in Proverbs 15:30, “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.”

When you are cheerful it also leads to good health as we learn from Proverbs 17:22, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.”

A wise and cheerful person is also a loving and sharing person as Peter teaches us in 1 Peter 4:8-10, “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 791 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 791 – Euthanasia – When Is It Right to End a Life? – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 08:03:32 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 791 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Euthanasia – When Is It Right to End a Life? – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 791 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. We continue this Wednesday to explore our trek of interpreting life through a Biblical Worldview.

I do not desire to tell you what to think, but teach you how to think, so that you may be able to filter current issues and events through your Biblical Worldview. I may explore opposing views and challenge you to think. You may not always agree with my view, and that is okay. I am open to any comments that you may have on the subjects that we explore.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. We are making tentative plans to travel to Ft. Myers next week to assist Aunt Pauline in the transition from the rehab center to assisted living. Although she is quite frail and 90 years old, we feel that it is important to assist her in any way possible so that her remaining years here on earth are as rich and satisfying as possible.

Our personal Biblical Worldview includes the strong conviction and belief that all life is precious regardless of whether it is an unborn child, or someone who through advanced age, illness or accident may be nearing the end of life, or is severely restricted in life.

Last week we considered what a Biblical Worldview is for a yet to be born child. Today we will consider the other end of the spectrum. There is a growing trend around the world to accept physician-assisted suicide, and as a Christ follower, we need to ask ourselves, what is a Biblical Worldview on euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide? So that we all understand the term: “euthanasia” and “physician-assisted suicide” refer to deliberate action taken with the intention of ending a life, in order to relieve persistent suffering.

A Biblical Worldview, at its core, is grounded in the fact that the Bible is God’s Word and contains all truth that God chose to reveal to us. Even with that understanding, I realize that there are many interpretations of parts of the Bible, and even the most learned Bible scholars and theologians will disagree. Let us take time to pause and consider how we should view this topic.

So our topic today is…

Euthanasia – When Is It Right To End a Life?

With the advancement of technology and medical knowledge, life can be extended much longer than at any time during history. So the question/dilemma which we now face is, at what point should a patient, family members, or doctor be permitted to end a life which could be extended through medication, surgery, or other measures? While it may appear to be some gray area on this subject, there is a distinct difference between an advance directive declaration and choosing to prematurely end your life.

Advance directives are legal documents that allow you to spell out your decisions about end-of-life care ahead of time. They give you a way to tell your wishes to family, friends, and health care professionals and to avoid confusion later on. The key here is that this only comes into effect during a life or death situation and if that person who is in that condition cannot communicate themselves what their wishes are.

Euthanasia and/or physician-assisted suicide is where a person, who may be suffering, chooses to take medication or drugs which will end their lives prematurely. One of the major concerns is the fact that there are many different degrees of suffering and there are stages where emotionally the suffering is severe, but the situation can be minimized or even cured over time. To leave the decision up to the patient who is in the midst of suffering to prematurely take their lives sets a dangerous precedent. For doctors to participate goes against their Hippocratic Oath and places the final decision of life or death in their hand which is best left to God.

There are thousands of cases each year where the medical community has deemed an illness or accident victim to be terminal, but after additional treatment or therapy, the patients make a miraculous recovery. Another aspect from the patient perspective that we often overlook in this discussion is what type of positive impact the patient can have on the lives of others through their suffering.

One example that comes to mind is that of Joni Eareckson Tada, a 68-year-old quadriplegic. Tada, the founder of the Joni and Friends International Disability Center was paralyzed in a diving accident when she was 17. Tada recalled her own experiences and said that when she first suffered her diving accident over 50 years ago, she was in such despair and had lost hope. She explained that she even begged her friends to bring in their mom’s sleeping pills or their dad’s razors.

“What changed my life were Christian friends who not only gave me the Word but gave me their time and their love and gave me a chance to go to a movie with them,” Tada said. “They just befriended me. We need to practice Christianity with its sleeves rolled up.”

Because she chose to live, Joni Eareckson Tada has impacted millions of people throughout the world through her ministry. This story is repeated by thousands who have chosen to live instead of giving up and ending their lives.

Certainly, none of us likes to suffer, or see our loved ones suffer. Going through suffering is painful. It requires sacrifice to continue on, or to help those in need, so they can endure through these situations. All life is precious. Even an unborn child has a potential impact on the world that none of us can know or imagine. In the same manner, those who appear to have a terminal illness or potential life-shortening accident can have an impact on this world which we cannot know.

As a Christ follower, we must come to the understanding that all life is precious. From my perspective, a Biblical Worldview must maintain the sanctity of all life. God is the giver of life, and it is only God that should determine when our work for Him is complete. To shorten our lives voluntarily is to not fulfill our God-given potential for the work He has for us

Isaiah 42:5 – God, the Lord, created the heavens and stretched them out. He created the earth and everything in it. He gives breath to everyone, life to everyone who walks the earth.

Job 33:4 – For the Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

So we can fully understand, there is a difference between life-saving measures that need an immediate or fairly quick decision in order to sustain life and choosing to end your life because of suffering. While none of us like to face potentially life-threatening situations, such as cancer, other major illness, or tragic accidents, as long as God gives us breath, we need to persevere and continue on for Him.

With the advanced medical technologies that we have available today, I understand that there are some very murky situations between the two. In the situation where death is imminent only that person in that situation or family members can make that decision. A Biblical Worldview perspective will be first to maintain the sanctity of life, and then allow God to choose when the time has come.

A Biblical example of this was Job in the Old Testament who had suffered the loss of all his possession, his workers, his real estate, and his ten children. He understood that God is the author of life. This is the attitude that he expressed in Job [1:21]-22 He said,

“I came naked from my mother’s womb,
and I will be naked when I leave.
The Lord gave me what I had,
and the Lord has taken it away.
Praise the name of the Lord!”

In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God.

God uses our suffering to mature and perfect us. He also uses our suffering to encourage and strengthen others who we impact. As we continue to read the story of Job, in all his sufferings, including his body being covered with massive sores and Job’s wife telling him to curse God and die, Job’s perspective did not change in Job 2:10, “But Job replied, ‘You talk like a foolish woman. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?’ So in all this, Job said nothing wrong.”

I know these are difficult subjects to consider, and it is easy to become judgmental. There is so much more we could discuss about this hot issue. From my Biblical Worldview, I consider all life to be precious, regardless of the situation and should be preserved at all cost. I welcome your feedback, regardless of whether you agree with me, or not.

Next week for Wisdom Wednesday we will choose another topic that is prevalent today and explore it through a Biblical lens. If you have any topics that you would like us to cover, please email them to me at guthrie@wisdom-trek.com.

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of our past 790 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 790 – Wisdom, Will & Work – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 08:03:10 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 790 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Wisdom, Will & Work – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 790 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit of additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Condoleeza Rice, and it is, “Terror and tragedy have made us more aware of our vulnerabilities and mortality…We’re living through a time of testing and consequence, and pray that our wisdom and will are equal to the work before us.”

Wisdom, Will, & Work

What seems like terror and tragedy can strike us without warning. This can happen to us personally or as a nation. When it is personal, such as a serious illness, accident, a breakup, or the death of a close relationship can bring us to our knees with the realization that we certainly are vulnerable and mortal.

2017 was such a year for our family. With our granddaughter being diagnosed with leukemia along with me breaking my femur bone falling from a ladder, we were shaken to our core on how quickly our lives can change. Each of us face times of testing and consequences, and we must daily gain wisdom and the will to continue on.

Not only should we continue on, but constantly seek how to grow, learn, and mature as part of the process. We need the terrors and tragedies of life to hone and discipline us. When we do, we will have a similar affect on us that the Proverbs should have on our lives as is mention in Proverbs 1:3, “Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair.”

And it is further mentioned in Proverbs 2:9, “Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go.”

So while none of us desire terror and tragedy on a personal, national, or global basis, we can allow those times of testing to strengthen and teach us. To allow us to grow in wisdom and will, so we will be prepared for the work that is before us.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 789 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 789 – Choose the Correct Path – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 08:03:11 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 789 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Choose the Correct Path – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 789 of our trek, and it is time for Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Our pair of Red Shouldered Hawks which have nested for the past few years in the large oak tree outside our office windows have returned and have started their annual repairs to their nest. It is so interesting to watch them diligently work preparing their nest for this year’s chicks.

They are very particular to choose just the right sticks and other materials to provide a comfortable and safe environment for their chicks. Today let us reflect on why it is important for us to be particular in choosing what paths we take in life so that we can live in a manner that is in alignment with God’s precepts and teachings found in His Word.

Choose the Correct Path

The Father is holy and wholly given to doing what is right, just, holy, gracious, and merciful. What about you? What is your consuming passion? Is it to honor the Father? Is it to obey His words and follow His example? Is it to be conformed to the righteous character and gracious compassion of God?

In all ages, even long before the instant age, we find ourselves inhabiting, many people wanted an instant and easy holiness. The evil one has long twisted the truth and deceived the gullible into taking shortcuts. God’s Word warns us about four deceptions and temptations that the devil will offer us in the name of religion:

The wide door and the easy path — the ones that suggest all religions are okay and equal — but that lead to destruction.
The sweet deceiving words of false prophets whose lives (their bad fruit) show they cannot be trusted.
Nice sounding religious words of praise and adoration that are disconnected from a life of obedience and end in shocking condemnation.
A religion that is quickly embraced, shallowly believed, and focused on appearances, but cannot stand the stress and strain of real life.

There is one path, one way, and one truth John 14:6, “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.'”

Many in our world today don’t like such talk. In fact, you may bristle at it yourself because you’ve had the easy way peddled to you by false prophets who talk a good religious game while living any way they want. Such talk is foolish. It’s not new or innovative or post-modern; it’s just the lie of the old deceiver who wants to steer you the wrong way so that when the floods of life come…well, he can be there for your destruction.

Don’t be deceived. Follow God. Obey God. Trust God. Doing so may look narrow and hard, but Jesus promises you this in Matthew [11:28]-30:

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

The following are Jesus’s words from the Sermon on the Mount about choosing the right path that leads to the Father. If your heart is set on Jesus Christ — if your heart’s desire is to follow Him and obey Him — then you will be able to resist the deceptions and temptations of the easy way, the false prophets, a religion that is all talk with little obedience, and quickly constructed facade-based religion! These passages are found in Matthew [7:13]-29.

· The Narrow Gate

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow, and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

· The Tree and Its Fruit

“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way, they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.

· True Disciples

“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’

· Building on a Solid Foundation

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise, and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come, and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law.

So we see in today’s brief meditation, choosing the right path in life is crucial. Every choice we make has consequences which may be good or bad, depending on the choices we make. The most important choice that we will ever make is to choose to be a Christ follower because it will truly impact all eternity. Choose the Right Path.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 788 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 788 – Is Work-Life Balance Possible? – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 08:03:38 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 788 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Is Work-Life Balance Possible? – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 788 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

No matter how old we are, I know that all of us would like the opportunity to ask dad or gramps questions about life in many areas. We will address areas such as finances, relationships, health/fitness, business/work, home repairs/renovations, seasons of life, spiritual/Biblical questions, and any others areas that come our way. As your fellow sojourner and mentor on this trek that we call life, it is my goal to provide you with practical wisdom and advice about any area of life. It is crucial that I receive a constant flow of questions, so please submit your questions to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com, and I will answer your questions on our Friday podcast.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Since we did not have to travel to Ft. Myers as anticipated this week, it has been a good week to focus on all the tax related issues that need to be completed for our business and our client’s businesses before the end of this month.

While on a personal level, we have until April 15^th to file tax returns, companies are required to send out the W2s and 1099s by the end of January. There are also several quarterly and annual returns that have to be filed by the end of the month. Since we handle these duties for four companies, I utilized this time to complete these requirements. It is not always easy to balance work-related duties along with ministry, family, and other duties that each of us has in the course of our lives. So the question for today is…

“Hey Gramps, how can I effectively handle the demands of work, family, personal needs, and leisure so I can properly invest sufficient time in each area?”

Is Work-Life Balance Possible?

In our busy technology-driven culture, we all struggle with what is the proper balance in order to accomplish all that we are pressured to complete. We constantly ask ourselves if we are devoting enough time to family, work, leisure, health, fitness, sleep, socializing, and the various ministries or volunteer activities which we are part of. It is almost enough to send us “over the edge” on a daily basis. I continue to ask myself those same questions at times in an effort to make sure that I am prioritizing all aspects of life.

“Work-life balance” is such a “buzz word” these days that I get tired of hearing the phrase. While I agree with what is intended by those words, I feel we are approaching it in the wrong manner. We should not and actually cannot compartmentalize our lives into these different silos or containers.

Life is an integrated fabric that should be woven together and includes all that we are, and all that we do. This fabric of life should be a beautiful picture of a life well lived.

I see a great danger when we attempt to compartmentalize our lives in such a manner because it leaves it open for potential ethical and moral cracks in certain compartments. This is one reason we see leaders in churches and business who appear to be loving and Godly people with their families end up having affairs or becoming involved in other questionable practices.

When you realize that your life is one integrated piece of fabric where a decision in one area is connected to all other areas of life, then you will make decisions differently. As an example, if you realize and fully understand that your business practices are directly connected to your family life, or church persona, then you will make sure that those decisions are in alignment with those values.

You have to think in such a manner that every word that you say, everything that you view, and every decision that you make should be the same as if your spouse, children, or pastor/priest were standing right beside you. This is a very real scenario as Proverbs 24:12 says, “Don’t excuse yourself by saying, ‘Look, we didn’t know.’ For God understands all hearts, and he sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve.”

Even though I don’t feel you should compartmentalize your life, I also fully understand that there are many competing demands for your time, and investing your time in a balanced manner is not always easy. You must know and be fully committed in your mind what your core, unchangeable values are. You have to be willing to stand firm on those bedrock values, even when it is difficult. This will impact and direct your decisions in every area of life.

You also have to understand that life is made up of various seasons of various length. Certain seasons will require more focus in certain areas of life. An example here would be, if you are starting a new business, it will require more time invested in that area in order to make sure you are successful. This does not mean that you neglect that other area, but more time will need to be invested in starting or growing your business. This should only be for a season of life, not a lifelong focus. Never lose sight of the fact that all areas of life are a single piece of fabric, which is integrated together and should never be completely separate. There are ways to integrate family into the business, such as including them into areas where they may be able to assist. Also keeping lines of communication open with your spouse and children during this time and sharing with them what you are doing and why it is very crucial is important. Everyone should be involved in how your time is invested.

Within the various seasons of life, you may have to postpone some things that you would like to do, because it may just not be the proper season for it. You have to be willing to delay many activities until a more convenient and sensible season. You do not have to be involved in every opportunity that you are offered. A wise person will limit involvement in many activities that they would desire to be in so that they can focus on those areas of life that are most important. In our instant everything culture, it takes maturity to be willing to delay involvement for a more convenient season.

It is imperative in order to have a balanced, fully integrated life that you know what your values are and in what order of priority they rank in your life. Here is my list ranked in order of importance.

Knowing and serving God – My commitment is through Bible study and prayer. Serving God is integrated into every aspect of my life through our client work, this podcast/blog, being active in church ministry activities, and showing by example my love for others. This does not mean that I will be involved in every program that the local church has available, but only those which fit into my overall life plan that is balanced with all other demands. Part of my spiritual worship also involves taking care of myself physically, mentally, and emotionally.
My complete and dedicated focus to my wife – This means investing both quality and quantity time with her. Assisting her in fulfilling her God-given potential.
Our grown children – Investing time in their lives and activities where I can be a mentor and Godly example through my life
Our grandchildren – Where possible being involved and active in their lives through word and deed through watching them when needed and attending important functions that they are involved in. As they grow older becoming a crucial mentor in their lives.
Extended family – Providing assistance and guidance as needed when we have opportunity.
Others outside of family members where I can be of assistance.

I encourage you not to consider that you have to balance between segmented areas of life, but that life is a unified whole where one aspect directly impacts and affects every other aspect of life. Realize that all that you do is important and then invest your time during the various seasons of life to live abundantly. As the Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

If you would like to listen to any of the past 787 daily treks or or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you on Monday!

Day 787 – The Gift of Encouragement – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 08:03:20 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 787 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Gift of Encouragement – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 787 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit of additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from John O’Donohue, and it is, “One of the most beautiful gifts in the world is the gift of encouragement. When someone encourages you, that person helps you over a threshold you might otherwise never have crossed on your own.”

The Gift of Encouragement

Similar to the attribute of kindness, we all flourish when we are encouraged by others. With this in mind, we should make it a habit to encourage everyone that we meet each day with genuine sincerity. Encourage on a regular basis so that when others describe you as a person they will use the verb encourager.

The most meaningful and precious gifts which we can give to each other cost us nothing monetarily. Instead, they are multiplied each time they are given. When you encourage others, it helps them to fulfill their God-given potential for their lives and also for yours.

The writer of Hebrews encourages us in the same manner in Hebrews 10:24-25, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

If you are already an encourager, continue to do so as we are told in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 786 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 786 – Pro-Choice vs. Pro-Life – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 08:03:04 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 786 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Pro-Choice vs. Pro-Life – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 786 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. We continue this Wednesday to explore our trek of interpreting life through a Biblical Worldview.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. As mentioned in Monday’s podcast, we had anticipated being in Ft. Myers, Florida with Paula’s Aunt Pauline due to her failing health, but at the last moment, we changed plans as she was able to temporarily go into a nursing home for rehab after a few days in the hospital.

We are on-call to travel there once we know when she will be released from rehab. We will need to assist in her moving to an assisted living center. Assisting family in this manner is incorporated into our Biblical Worldview that all of life is precious from conception until death. God is the author of life, and He knows every moment of our lives. As King David wrote in Psalms 1[39:13]-16,

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.

A Biblical Worldview, at its core, is grounded in the fact that the Bible is God’s Word and contains all truth that God chose to reveal to us. Even with that understanding, I realize that there are many interpretations of parts of the Bible, and even the most learned Bible scholars and theologians will disagree. The last Wisdom Wednesday episode where we explored a Biblical Worldview we looked at additional aspects of Creation vs. Evolution. Which is true? Is it a blend of both?

The very core of the Creation vs. Evolution debate is centered on the argument between whether we are created by an all-loving God who made heaven and earth or are we here by random chance and circumstance. In the first scenario, every person is specifically created for a purpose that is unique to that person. In the second scenario, it is survival of the fittest where the strong survive, and the weak die off so that the human race can evolve and become better. In the case of Aunt Pauline who is 90, frail, and in poor health…Is her life any less important than a healthy young adult? What about a baby that is not yet born? Is that child less valuable than a healthy productive contributor to society?

This week marks the 45^th anniversary the Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion in all 50 states. Let us take time to pause and consider how we should view this decision. So our topic today is…

Pro-Choice vs. Pro-Life

When most people hear the phrase Pro-Choice or Pro-Life, they equate it to whether a person is for or against aborting unborn children or at least leaving that choice up to the woman who is pregnant, but it is so much more expansive than that.

At its very core, the argument boils down to whether we, as the human race, are accountable to God or only to ourselves. Are we a creation of an intelligent designer, or a product of random chance that have evolved into superior creatures because we are more fit than millions of other organisms that have ceased to be in existence over the eons of ages?

Are we responsible and able to decide who lives and survives and who does not? Are we capable of determining when life begins and when it should end? There certainly have been many world leaders through the ages who assumed that decision making role by eliminating what they felt were inferior ethnic groups. Throughout time and even today, we fall prey to the same mentality in the form of hate towards various ethnic groups.

Your answers to these questions, and many more are based solely on your Worldview. If your Worldview is based on God’s Word, then you have to acknowledge that all life is precious and only God should determine the beginning and end of life.

So the question is, should a woman, or a man, have complete control over what they do with their bodies? Within my worldview, I strongly agree that we are responsible for what we do with our bodies, but we must live with the choices that we make. If you choose to eat too much of the wrong food, you will gain weight, and your health will suffer. If you choose to smoke, take drugs, or drink excessively, you will become addicted to those substances.

We always harvest what we plant in our lives. Because of this worldview, I can confidently say that I am both pro-choice and pro-life. Let me explain with this illustration tied to our topic today.

A woman, or a man, have a choice whether to have sex with the realization that there is always a chance, regardless of precautions that are taken, that they will end up with a pregnancy. Once you follow through with the choice to have sex, if a pregnancy is a result, then they have forfeited their right to choose whether to remain pregnant or abort their unborn child.

At that point, there is another life to consider. Because of their original choice, quite literally a seed has been planted, and the harvest that is the result is a precious new life. You are responsible for that new life. The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Galatians 6:7-8, “Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.”

So we can be pro-choice and pro-life but still hold to a Biblical Worldview. It is the initial choices that are made that will determine what choices we have next because there are always consequences to every choice. Some consequences may be good, while others are not, depending on our choices.

The argument that is always brought up in the pro-choice and pro-life debate is what about the cases of rape or incest. Should the mother be forced to carry a baby that was a result of a heinous and disgusting crime? While the situation is horrible, and never justified, if a new life is a result of even this tragedy we have to consider that new life.

There are thousands of families who will give almost anything to have a child through adoption. The church, which is the Body of Christ, and even our government should ensure that in this type of situation that the victim of such crimes are taken care of completely with no financial burden to them. We should welcome with open arms these victims and care for them as if they were our own children.

Not to minimize this situation at all, because it is serious, but the fact is that less than 1% of all abortions are a result of rape or incest. We need to look at the bigger picture of the sanctity of all life; we need to keep this in perspective.

What about if the mother’s life is at risk if a child is carried to term. While I cannot speak as a mother, all measures should be taken to make sure all life is preserved, both the mother and the child. If it is still inevitable, then that choice should be left to the mother, along with guidance from the immediate family, and the doctor. I know my mother stated after having ten kids that if she were ever faced with that choice, she would gladly give her life if the child’s life could be spared. There again, this situation is very rare and needs to be kept in perspective as we consider the overall sanctity of life.

There is so much more we could discuss about this hot issue, but from my Biblical worldview, I consider all life to be precious, regardless of the situation and should be preserved at all cost. I welcome your feedback, regardless of whether you agree with me or not.

Next week for Wisdom Wednesday we will continue to discuss the topic of creation and life as we consider the other end of the spectrum for those who are near the end of their life, either because of advanced age, illness, or accident. What is a Biblical Worldview in these situations? Each week we will choose hot topics that are prevalent today and explore them through a Biblical lens. If you have any topics that you would like us to cover, please email them to me at guthrie@wisdom-trek.com.

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of our past 785 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 785 – Yesterday I Was Clever – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 08:03:57 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 785 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Yesterday I Was Clever – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 785 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little bit of additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget

Today’s quote is from Rumi, and it is, “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”

Yesterday I Was Clever

When we are young and starting out our adult lives, we think we know everything. We have an opinion about nearly every subject and are dogmatic in expressing that opinion. We see ourselves as clever and with the ability to influence and persuade masses of people to the point where we can truly change the world.

As we age and mature, we should also be gaining and growing in wisdom. If we become wise, then we will realize that it is nearly impossible to change others, for change is internal. We realize that the only way that we can impact others is by changing ourselves.

As we age and mature, we also realize that life is short. We realize that we need to maximize each day and impact others through a life of integrity. In other words, we need to be both good and Godly. Psalm 90:12 reinforces this when it says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” We are also taught how very valuable wisdom and understanding are in Proverbs [3:13]-14.

Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,
the one who gains understanding.
For wisdom is more profitable than silver,
and her wages are better than gold.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 784 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 784 – God’s Good News Always Begins with a Servant – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 08:03:00 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 784 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

God’s Good News Always Begins with a Servant – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 784 of our trek, and it is time for Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy.

For some, it may just be a time alone for quiet reflection. Some may utilize structured meditation practices. In my life meditation includes reading and reflecting on God’s Word and praying. It is a time to renew my mind, refocus on what is most important, and make sure that I am nurturing my soul, mind, and body. As you come along with me on our trek each Meditation Monday, it is my hope and prayer that you too will experience a time for reflection and renewing of your mind.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. It has been an extremely busy month of traveling, Christmas celebrations, and client work. Just when we thought we would be able to remain in Marietta for a few weeks, we found out that Paula’s Aunt Pauline has had a downturn in her health, so we are heading back to Fort Myers this week to help Aunt Pauline move from her senior apartment to an assisted living facility.

We visited her the last week of December and celebrated her 90^th birthday with her but did not anticipate that we would have to return so quickly. We are thankful that we can serve in this manner. Service to others should be what drives us on each day. It helps to get our mind off ourselves and on what is truly important in life. Today let us reflect on a person whose entire life’s trek or purpose for life was to prepare the world to receive the Messiah…

God’s Good News Always Begins with a Servant

I love the way Mark begins his good news story about Jesus Christ in Mark 1:1-4.

The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:

“I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way”
“a voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.’”

And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

This introduction is Mark’s way of saying that Jesus’s ministry, Jesus’s whole story, begins with a servant — and this servant’s name is John the Baptizer. There are no birth stories about Jesus in Mark. Nothing about His childhood is written in Mark. There are no genealogies that tell about Jesus’s ancestry. Mark is clear, purposeful, and to the point: for people to hear and believe the good news about Jesus, God most frequently uses those who offer themselves to Him to be servants so others can believe. That’s why in God’s Kingdom, the greatest is always a servant. As He said during His earthly ministry in Matthew 23:11-12, “The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Just as John the Baptizer was a servant who prepared the hearts of others to know Jesus, please know that you are to have that same role in the lives of your friends and family. For the good news about Jesus to reach the hearts of your friends, associates, and family, they must know that you do what you do for them because of your love for Jesus as well as for them.

Let’s back up and reread Mark 1:1-4 and continue through verse 8.

· John the Baptist Prepares the Way

The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:

“I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way”
“a voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.’”

And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

John’s life was a preparation for Jesus’s life. Just as John the Baptizer was a servant of Jesus, we need to have the same mind as Jesus, which He described in Mark [10:42]-45.

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Next week we will continue our trek on Meditation Monday as we take time to reflect on what is most important in creating our living legacy. On tomorrow’s trek, we will explore another wisdom quote. This 3-minute wisdom supplement will assist you in becoming healthy, wealthy and wise each day. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 783 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 783 – God Is Always In Control (2) – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 08:03:16 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 783 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

God Is Always In Control (2) – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 783 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy. Due to a heavy travel and activity-filled schedule for the past three weeks, our Wisdom-Trek episodes will be shorter so that I can pre-record them in advance of this time.

As we continue into this new year, I thought it would be good to invest this time discovering God and His key attributes. Yesterday we explored the first part of God Is Always In Control, and today’s we will finish this attribute.

God is Always in Control (2)

· God’s control of nations follows.

God fixed the boundaries for the peoples of the world.

He can make a nation large or small.

In the affairs of the world and its rulers, the Lord puts down one leader and lifts up another.

He uses heathen nations to accomplish the disciplining of His disobedient people

So far as it has suited His purposes, He has allowed nations to go their own way.

Behind the strange and sometimes unexpectedly generous actions of unbelieving rulers towards God’s people at various times is the working of God in their hearts without their knowledge. Examples are Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus, and Artaxerxes. They pursued their own chosen paths, and it served the furtherance of God’s will, though in their personal lives they were disobedient, self-willed, and sinful.

· God’s control of history follows.

His dominion is everlasting, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation, thus all the events of human history are under His direct control.

He fixes the epochs of human history and the limits of human territory. “From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries,” Acts [17:26].

God is at work in unrecognized events and processes to achieve His purposes of blessing. It was the Lord who sent Joseph ahead of his brothers to Egypt. It was the Lord who turned the hearts of the Egyptians to hate God’s people. It was the Lord who called Cyrus, a heathen ruler, “His anointed” because He was going to use him to accomplish His will for His people.

The outstanding example of God at work in an event to achieve His will – unrecognized at first – was the the Cross. “But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him,” Acts [2:23].

In all the events of history, God is working out His purpose of calling into one body, the Church, men and women of every nation and people, saved through His Son Jesus Christ.

· God’s control of all circumstances follows.

God, not chance, decides what happens in human affairs.

Behind every circumstance is the Lord.

He can shorten life or lengthen it.

The Lord brings both prosperity and disaster. Success and victory in battle and the ability to get wealth are from Him. He has the power to bring illness or to remove it. Ordinary daily needs are within His concern and control.

God is always in control of everything…let us never forget this and His love for us.

Monday we will return to our regular Wisdom-Trek episodes with Meditation Monday, where we will take time to meditate and renew our minds. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along on Monday for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 782 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 782 – God Is Always In Control (1) – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 08:03:32 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 782 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

God Is Always In Control (1) – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 782 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. Due to a heavy travel and activity-filled schedule for the past three weeks, our Wisdom-Trek episodes will be shorter so that I can pre-record them.

As we continue with this new year, I thought it would be good to invest this time discovering God and His key attributes. Yesterday we explored that God Never Changes. Today and tomorrow our attribute is…

God Is Always In Control

God controls all things, working out everything in conformity with the plan and purpose of His own will.

· God’s control extends to the whole universe.

He is the only Ruler, the King of kings, and Lord of lords. For “at just the right time, Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords,” 1 Timothy [6:15].

His throne is in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all.

He sustains the whole universe by His powerful word.

The government of the entire universe is His

· God’s control of nature follows.

All natural forces are in His control.

The elements are at His command.

All the processes of nature are at His direction.

It is the Lord who provides the sun to light the day
and the moon and stars to light the night,
and who stirs the sea into roaring waves.
His name is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. – Jeremiah [31:35]

· God’s control of His creatures follows.

His care, for example, extends to the smallest of His creatures. He gives the beasts their food.

Not a single sparrow falls to the ground apart from His will, “What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it,” Matthew [10:29].

He can appoint all His creatures to perform His will even for ravens to convey bread and meat to His servants.

· God’s control of human beings – and of evil individuals -follows.

There are occasions when God, desiring to show His wrath and to make known His power, has put up with evil individuals due for destruction. His purpose has been to make known the riches of His glory to those whom He has purposed to save.

Sometimes God sees to it that the worst of people are allowed to be exalted so that they may fulfill His purposes without their knowing it. He uses even the enemies of His people to discipline them in their disobedience. On the other hand, He can harden the hearts of His people’s enemies so that they fall into His people’s hands or even destroy themselves.

Tomorrow we will continue to discover God’s character exploring Part 2 of God Is In Control. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 781 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 781 – God Never Changes – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 08:03:40 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 781 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

God Never Changes – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 781 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Due to a heavy travel and activity-filled schedule for the remainder of this week, our Wisdom-Trek episodes will be shorter so that I can pre-record them.

As we continue with this new year, I thought it would be good to invest this time discovering God and His key attributes. Yesterday we explored that God Is Faithful. Today’s attribute is…

God Never Changes

Because God never changes…my future is secure and eternal.

“Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow,” James [1:17].

You can count on God because He never changes. In fact, it is impossible for God to change. The influences that cause change in your life have no effect on God. He will never be stronger or weaker. He does not have mood swings. His knowledge and wisdom will not increase or diminish.

God’s unchanging purpose gives you eternal significance. God’s unchangeable ways assure you of unwavering guidance. God’s unchanging Word equips you with timeless truth.

God’s unchanging commitment guarantees you everlasting security. If you have trusted in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you can be assured of eternal life.

God’s commitment to you is as strong as He is eternally constant. The storms of life change continually, but God remains the same. He is consistent and reliable. He is your anchor.

Life and its uncertainties may shake you, but God, the Rock of Ages, does not move. If you cling to Him, He will sustain you.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever,” Hebrews 13:8.

For the next two days, we will explore the fact that God is in control. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of our past 780 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 780 – God Is Faithful – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 08:03:42 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 780 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

God Is Faithful – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 780 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. Due to a heavy travel and activity-filled schedule for the next three weeks, our Wisdom-Trek episodes will be shorter so that I can pre-record them.

As we continue in this new year, I thought it would be good to invest this time discovering God and His key attributes. Yesterday we explored that God Is Merciful. Today’s attribute is…

God Is Faithful

Because God is faithful…I will trust Him to always keep His promises.

“O Lord God of Heaven’s armies! Where is there anyone as mighty as you, O Lord? You are entirely faithful,” Psalm 89:8.

God is faithful to help you in your need. He will never fail you! He is reliable. He is trustworthy. Your holy and loving God is faithful!

God is faithful to forgive you even when you are unfaithful. Because you are still in a body of flesh, you have a tendency be unfaithful. How encouraging it is to remember God’s promise, “If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself,” 2 Timothy [2:13].

God is faithful to protect you from temptation. Remember, when you are tempted, do not focus on the attractiveness of the temptation, but on God’s faithfulness to rescue you from that situation.

God is always faithful to keep His promises. He is ready and able to deliver all He has promised.

Faithfulness is at the heart of all that God is and does. His truthfulness, holiness, love, righteousness, and other attributes ensure His faithfulness. He is incapable of being otherwise.

“God can be trusted to keep His promise,” Hebrews [10:23].

Tomorrow we will continue to discover God’s character exploring how God never changes. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 779 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you in through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 779 – God Is Merciful – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 08:03:19 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 779 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

God Is Merciful – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 779 of our trek, and it is time for our segment called Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy.

For some, it may just be a time alone for quiet reflection. Some may utilize structured meditation practices. In my life meditation includes reading and reflecting on God’s Word, and in prayer. It is a time to renew my mind, refocus on what is most important, and make sure that I am nurturing my soul, mind, and body.

Due to a heavy travel and activity-filled schedule this week, our Wisdom-Trek episodes will be shorter so that I can pre-record them. As we continue with this new year, I thought it would be good to invest this time discovering God and His key attributes. Today’s attribute is…

God Is Merciful

Because God is merciful…He forgives me of my sins when I sincerely confess them.

“The Lord is full of tenderness and mercy,” James [5:11].

God shows you mercy because He compassionately cares about you. The Bible is filled with examples of how Jesus was moved with compassion and acted to help those who were sick, suffering, and in need.

All humanity benefits from God’s mercy to some degree. He demonstrates his mercy both by withholding punishment we so rightfully deserve and by showering us with blessings we do not deserve.

But God also has a sovereign mercy He shows to those who are His. To experience God’s full mercy, we must repent of our sin and self-centeredness and accept God’s forgiveness.

God wants us, in turn, to be merciful to others. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declared, “God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy,” Matthew 5:7.

Your loving heavenly Father is committed to your well-being. Out of His great compassion, He generously bestows on you His grace and mercy.

“Let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most,” Hebrews [4:16].

Tomorrow we will continue to discover God’s character exploring that God is faithful. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 778 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 778 – God Is Love – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 08:03:21 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 778 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

God Is Love – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 778 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy. Due to a heavy travel and activity-filled schedule for the next two weeks, our Wisdom-Trek episodes will be shorter so that I can pre-record them.

As we start this new year, I thought it would be good to invest this time discovering God and His key attributes. Yesterday we explored that God Is Just. Today’s attribute is…

God Is Love

Because God is love…He is unconditionally committed to my well-being.

“This is real love–not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins,” 1 John [4:10].

God’s love is unconditional. It is not based on how good you are. He loves you because He is God and you are His creation.

God’s love never fails. His love will not be terminated because of disappointment or a change of heart. He defines love, and He demonstrates what true love looks like – Jesus gave His life on your behalf.

We, in turn, are to love God wholeheartedly. God has created us to find our greatest joy and fulfillment in loving Him.

God also enables us to be channels of His supernatural love. On our own, we are incapable of loving as we should, but God has an unending supply of love. It is for us to claim, to enjoy, and to share with others.

When we begin to love God, love our neighbors as ourselves, and love our enemies, society will change for the better through the transforming power of God’s love.

“Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord,” Romans [8:39].

Monday we will continue to discover God’s character exploring how God is merciful. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along on Monday for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 777 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 777 – God Is Just – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 08:03:36 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 777 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

God Is Just – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 777 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. Due to a heavy travel and activity-filled schedule for the next two weeks, our Wisdom-Trek episodes will be shorter so that I can pre-record them.

As we start this new year, I thought it would be good to invest this time discovering God and His key attributes. Yesterday we explored that God Is Righteous. Today’s attribute is…

God Is Just

Because God is just…He will always treat me fairly.

“I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve,” Jeremiah [17:10].

Because God is just, He will always treat you fairly.

Justice is a pillar of society, ensuring that the innocent are vindicated, and the guilty are punished. But all too often, this standard of justice is compromised for personal gain by corrupt judges and unscrupulous lawyers. Consequently, many people mistakenly believe they can manipulate God’s system of justice. They think that God is fooled by their excuses and alibis.

However, as the holy and righteous sovereign of the universe, God cannot ignore any act of sin or self-centeredness. God hates sin with a holy passion. God’s anger over sin should never be underestimated. But God also rewards right behavior. Although your salvation is secured by faith in Jesus Christ, your good works determine the rewards you will receive from Him.

We serve a just God, so what you do in this life will matter for eternity.

“God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad,” Ecclesiastes [12:14].

Tomorrow we will continue to discover God’s Character exploring how God is love. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 776 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 776 – God Is Righteous – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 08:03:30 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 776 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

God Is Righteous – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 776 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Due to heavy travel and an activity-filled schedule for the next three to four weeks, our Wisdom-Trek episodes will be shorter so that I can pre-record them.

As we start this new year, I thought it would be good to invest this time discovering God and His key attributes. Yesterday we explored that God Is Absolute Truth. Today’s attribute is…

God Is Righteous

Because God is righteous…I will live by His standards.

“The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness,” Psalm 1[45:17].

We live in an age where the distinction between right and wrong is becoming increasingly blurred. Our culture has adopted the principle of situational ethics, which proposes that what is morally right varies from person to person and situation to situation. Yet God’s standards do not change; they are timeless.

God’s laws are a reflection of His own righteous nature. Only by receiving Jesus as our Savior and Lord are we made righteous because we cannot keep God’s perfect standard on our own.

However, God wants you to display His righteousness in your new life, but this is possible only as you consistently submit your will to the Holy Spirit and depend on Him to empower you.

As Christians, we must hold fast to the righteous standards set forth by the Sovereign Ruler of the universe. God will hold every person accountable. Whose standards of right are you following?

“Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith. He was even called the friend of God,” James [2:23].

Tomorrow we will continue to discover God’s character exploring how God is just. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of our past 775 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 775 – God Is Absolute Truth – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 08:03:24 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 775 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

God Is Absolute Truth – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 775 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. Due to heavy travel and an activity-filled schedule for the next three weeks, our Wisdom-Trek episodes will be shorter so that I can pre-record them in advance of this time.

As we start this new year, I thought it would be good to invest this time discovering God and His key attributes. Yesterday we explored that God is holy. Today’s attribute is…

God Is Absolute Truth

Because God is absolute truth…I will believe what He says and live accordingly.

[Jesus said] “I was born and come into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true,” John [18:37].

God wants us to know the truth. He gave us the Bible to help us understand the truth. He guides us into truth through the Holy Spirit.

God revealed the truth to us in the person of Jesus, who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” John 14:6. While many people claim to know the truth, only Jesus could honestly claim to be the truth.

God is the source of all truth because He is present everywhere, knows all things, and totally understands what is real, right, and true. Therefore, whatever He says is absolutely true.

God is our anchor in a society of relativism and falsehood. Do your actions demonstrate you have bought into the lies of popular culture? Or are you consistently discovering the truth in God’s Word?

The truth will only be found by those who diligently and honestly seek it. Commit yourself daily to walk in the light of God’s truth. God is the truth.

“Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth!” Psalm [86:11].

Tomorrow we will continue to discover God’s character exploring how God is righteous. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 774 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 774 – God Is Holy – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 08:03:59 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 774 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

God Is Holy – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 774 of our trek, and it is time for our segment called Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy.

Due to heavy travel and an activity-filled schedule for the next two weeks our Wisdom-Trek episodes will be shorter so that I can pre-record them. As we start this New Year, I thought it would be good to invest this time discovering God and His key attributes. Today’s attribute is…

God Is Holy

Because God is holy…I will devote myself to Him in purity, worship, and service.

“Who is like you among the gods, O Lord–glorious in holiness, awesome in splendor, performing great wonders?” Exodus [15:11].

Our God is holy. His character is perfect in every way. His moral excellence is the absolute standard of integrity and ethical purity. God’s supreme holiness infinitely sets Him apart from His creation.

Rather than reflecting the opinions and attitudes of this broken world, you are to reflect the beauty of God’s holiness. In order to reflect God’s holiness, you must first be made holy. And you can be made holy only by placing your faith in Jesus Christ.

As the holiness of God works into the fabric of your being, you will become sensitive to sin and self-centeredness, learning to abhor it as God does. As your life is transformed, you will project the light of His holiness into the darkness of this world.

God’s holiness demands your devotion. Where is your heart? Holy living involves a daily decision to surrender to the lordship of Christ.

“But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy,” 1 Peter [1:15].

Tomorrow we will continue to discover God’s character exploring that God is all absolute truth. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 773 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly, your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 773 – God Is Sovereign – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 05 Jan 2018 08:03:24 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 773 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

God Is Sovereign – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 773 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy. Due to heavy travel and an activity-filled schedule for the next three weeks, our Wisdom-Trek episodes will be shorter so that I can pre-record them.

As we start this new year, I thought it would be good to invest this time discovering God and His key attributes. Yesterday we explored that God knows everything. Today’s attribute is…

God Is Sovereign

Because GOD is sovereign…I will joyfully submit to His will.

“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom…” 1 Chronicles [29:11].

Do you feel overwhelmed by circumstances? Be encouraged. Your loving God is still in control, and He is sovereignly directing your life. In fact, difficulties and suffering are tools in God’s sovereign hands with which He shapes you into the image of Jesus. Nothing occurs without His divine permission.

God is the sovereign ruler of the universe. There is no higher authority. He is all-powerful, so no one can force Him to do anything against His will. He is present everywhere, so no one can hide from Him or escape His scrutiny. He is all-knowing, so there is nothing about which He is unaware.

God is actively directing His creation on a course that has been charted before the beginning of time. But within the context of His master plan, He gives each person the freedom to choose how he will participate. Will you choose to cooperate with Him?

“God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them,” Romans [8:28].

Monday we will continue to discover God’s Character exploring how God is holy. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along on Monday for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 772 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 772 – God Knows Everything – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 08:03:28 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 772 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

God Knows Everything – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 772 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. Due to heavy travel and an activity-filled schedule for the next three weeks, our Wisdom-Trek episodes will be shorter so that I can pre-record them.

As we start this new year, I thought it would be good to invest this time discovering God and His key attributes. Yesterday we explored that God Is Present Everywhere. Today’s attribute is…

God Knows Everything

Because GOD knows everything…I will go to Him with all my questions and concerns.

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking,” James 1:5.

God knows the answers to all of life’s questions. Unlike us, God is never surprised or bewildered because He is always completely aware of all events past, present, and future.

He also knows everything about you – your desires, motives, and thoughts. God knows more about you than you will ever know about yourself.

When you face challenges or difficulties, you can be encouraged that God understands what you are going through. He knows about your pressures and problems, and He also knows the purpose for your trials.

Whatever your circumstances, whatever your need, God has the answer. He knows everything about your situation and wants to help you.

Our magnificent Creator God knows everything and is the source of all true knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. His knowledge is undefiled by any distortions or wrong perspectives. It is totally true and accurate.

“I know the plans I have for you…They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope,” Jeremiah [29:11].

Tomorrow we will continue to discover God’s character exploring how God is sovereign. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 771 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you in the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 771 – God Is Present Everywhere – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 08:03:41 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 771 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

God Is Present Everywhere – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 771 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Due to heavy travel and an activity-filled schedule for the next three to four weeks, our Wisdom-Trek episodes will be shorter so that I can pre-record them.

As we start this new year, I thought it would be good to invest this time discovering God and His key attributes. Yesterday we explored that God is all-powerful. Today’s attribute is…

God Is Present Everywhere

Because GOD is present everywhere…He is always with me.

“Jesus said, ‘I am with you always,'” Matthew [28:20].

God’s magnificent presence is all we need for any challenge that may come our way. No person or circumstance can ever remove us from the presence of our loving God.

Because God is an infinite Spirit, He is not restricted to being in one location at a time. In fact, we actually have the presence of Almighty God living inside us.

He is always with us, hearing our cries for help. He is always with us, protecting us from danger.

However, often we ignore His presence because we are so preoccupied with our lives. God wants us to “consciously” live in His presence each day. His ever-presence makes it possible for us to be in constant communication with Him and to depend on Him in every situation.

He is always with us, watching what we do. He is our ever-present God, Savior, Lord, and Master – our dearest friend.

“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast,” Psalm 139:7-10.

Tomorrow we will continue to discover God’s character exploring how God knows everything. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of our past 770 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 770 – God Is All-Powerful – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 08:03:51 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 770 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

God Is All-Powerful – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 770 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. Due to heavy travel and an activity-filled schedule for the next three weeks, our Wisdom-Trek episodes will be shorter so that I can pre-record them.

As we start this new year, I thought it would be good to invest this time discovering God and His key attributes. Yesterday we explored that God is a Personal Spirit. Today’s attribute is…

God Is All-Powerful

Because GOD is all-powerful…He can help me with anything.

“O Sovereign Lord! You have made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you,” Jeremiah [32:17].

Do you ever feel overwhelmed? Our all-powerful Creator who cares for us longs to exhibit His power in our lives.

No matter what you might be facing, God can help you. Nothing is too hard for Him. No need is too great for Him to meet. No problem is too complicated for Him to solve. No foe is too strong for Him to conquer. No prayer is too difficult for Him to answer.

God merely spoke, and the universe sprang into being. But all the power contained in the entire universe is but a drop compared to God’s unlimited power.

The Bible promises, “By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope,” Ephesians [3:20].

If our hearts and motives are pure and we truly seek to do God’s will, then there is nothing too difficult for us as we depend on His strength.

“I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength,” Philippians [4:13].

Tomorrow we will continue to discover God’s character exploring God Is all Present Everywhere. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 769 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 769 – God Is a Personal Spirit – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 08:03:09 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 769 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

God Is a Personal Spirit – Meditation Monday

This is Day 769 of our trek, and it is time for our new segment called Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For some, it may just be a time alone for quiet reflection. Some may utilize structured meditation practices.

Due to a heavy travel and activity schedule for the next three weeks, our Wisdom-Trek episodes will be shorter so that I can pre-record them in advance of this time. As we start this New Year, I thought it would be good to invest this time discovering God and His key attributes. Today’s attribute is…

God Is a Personal Spirit

Because GOD is a personal Spirit…I will seek intimate fellowship with Him.

“The Lord is a friend to those who reverence him,” Psalm [25:14].

Through His infinite love God has provided a way for us to have a personal relationship with Him. It’s not about keeping a set of rules or just knowing about Him. It’s about having a relationship with the Creator God.

God came down from heaven to live on earth among us. For 33 years human beings could relate to the incarnate God through their senses as they walked and talked with His Son, Jesus.

Then God even destroyed the barrier that separated us from our holy God. Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. God also reveals Himself to you through the Bible. The Scriptures tell you what God is like.

God even sent His Holy Spirit to live inside Christians with His presence. We can actually enter into a warm friendship and intimate family relationship with Him. What a gracious offer and awesome privilege!

“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me,” Jeremiah [29:13].

Tomorrow we will continue to discover God’s character exploring that God is all powerful. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 768 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 768 – The Return to Nazareth – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 08:03:56 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 768 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Return to Nazareth – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 768 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

Due to travel and other events this next month, starting next week the Wisdom-Trek segments may be shorter so that I can pre-schedule them for the next few weeks. Today is our final installment that Gramps is telling of the Christmas story in chronological order.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. This is the final Wisdom-Trek episode of 2017 as we consider the end of what is considered the Christmas story. Just like next week we will begin 2018, the Christmas story was just the beginning of the purpose for which God took on flesh and dwelled alongside us. So today let’s quietly reflect on of the final segment of the very first Christmas.

The Return to Nazareth

We will begin reading Matthew [2:19]-23.

When Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. “Get up!” the angel said. “Take the child and his mother back to the land of Israel, because those who were trying to kill the child are dead.”

So Joseph got up and returned to the land of Israel with Jesus and his mother. But when he learned that the new ruler of Judea was Herod’s son Archelaus, he was afraid to go there. Then, after being warned in a dream, he left for the region of Galilee. So the family went and lived in a town called Nazareth. This fulfilled what the prophets had said: “He will be called a Nazarene.”

To put the finishing touches on our week of the Christmas story, let’s also look at Luke [2:39]-40.

When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.

For the next three weeks, we will have abbreviated episodes of Wisdom-trek due to our travel and workload. Even though these episodes may be slightly shorter, please continue to encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along on Monday for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 767 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play, so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 768 – The Return to Nazareth – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 08:03:56 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 768 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Return to Nazareth – Ask Gramps

The Return to Nazareth

We will begin reading Matthew [2:19]-23.

To put the finishing touches on our week of the Christmas story, let’s also look at Luke [2:39]-40.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 767 – The Escape to Egypt – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 08:03:26 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 767 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Escape to Egypt – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 767 of our trek and time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. Due to a heavy travel and activity-filled schedule for the next three weeks, our Wisdom-Trek episodes will be shorter so that I can pre-record them.

Yesterday we continued the telling of the complete Christmas story in chronological order with the Visit of the Wise Men. Today and tomorrow we will be focused on the final two events that took place after Christmas Day.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. The entire purpose of our celebration of Christmas is the birth of Christ, and here is the story that we find in God’s Word. So today let us reflect on Matthew [2:13]-18.

Today we will read about…

The Escape to Egypt

After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,” the angel said. “Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, and they stayed there until Herod’s death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “I called my Son out of Egypt.”

Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men’s report of the star’s first appearance. Herod’s brutal action fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet Jeremiah:

“A cry was heard in Ramah—
weeping and great mourning.
Rachel weeps for her children,
refusing to be comforted,
for they are dead.”

That’s a wrap for today’s portion of the Christmas story. As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 766 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 766 – Visit of the Wise Men – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 08:03:06 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 766 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Visit of the Wise Men – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 766 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Due to heavy travel and an activity-filled schedule for the next three to four weeks, our Wisdom-Trek episodes will be shorter so that I can pre-record them.

Yesterday we continued the telling of the complete Christmas story in chronological order with Presenting Jesus in the Temple. The remainder of this week will be focused on the other events that took place after Christmas Day.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. We should certainly celebrate and worship Christ during the Christmas season, but that worship should extend to every day of the year. So today let us reflect on Matthew 2:1-12.

Today we will read about…

Visit of the Wise Men

· Visitors from the East

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking,“Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”

King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”

“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote:

‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah,
are not least among the ruling cities of Judah,
for a ruler will come from you
who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’ ”

Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!”

After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.

That concludes the third day of our Christmas Story. Tomorrow will be our fourth day of the Christmas story as we explore the flight to Egypt. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of our past 765 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 765 – Presenting Jesus in the Temple – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 26 Dec 2017 08:03:02 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 765 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Presenting Jesus in the Temple – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week, wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 765 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. Due to a heavy travel and activity-filled schedule for the next three to four weeks, our Wisdom-Trek episodes will be shorter so that I can pre-record them.

Yesterday we continued the telling of the complete Christmas story in chronological order with the birth of Christ and the shepherds. The remainder of this week will be focused on the events that took place after Christmas day.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. The entire purpose of our celebration of Christmas is the birth of Christ and here is the story that we find in God’s Word. So today let us reflect on Luke [2:21]-38.

Today we will read about…

Presenting Jesus in the Temple

· Jesus Is Presented in the Temple

Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived.

Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. The law of the Lord says, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord.”So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord—“either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

· The Prophecy of Simeon

At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

“Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,
as you have promised.
I have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared for all people.
He is a light to reveal God to the nations,
and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”

· The Prophecy of Anna

Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.

That concludes the third day of our Christmas Story. Tomorrow will be our fourth day of the Christmas story as we explore the visit of the Wise Men. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 764 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 764 – The Birth of Christ and the Shepherds – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 25 Dec 2017 08:03:58 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 764 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Birth of Christ and the Shepherds – Meditation Monday

Hello, my friend, and welcome to Wisdom-Trek! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your Guide to Wisdom and Creating a Living Legacy. Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 764 of our trek, and it is time for, Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For some, it may just be a time alone for quiet reflection. Some may utilize structured meditation practices. In my life meditation includes reading and reflecting on God’s Word, and in prayer. It is a time to renew my mind, refocus on what is most important, and making sure that I am nurturing my soul, mind, and body.

Due to a heavy travel and activity schedule for the next three to four weeks, our Wisdom-Trek episodes will be shorter so that I can pre-record them in advance of this time. On Friday we began the telling of the complete Christmas story in chronological order. Today is Christmas so we will be reading about the birth of Christ. The remainder of this week will be focused on the events that took place after Christmas day.

The Birth of Christ and the Shepherds

· The Birth of Christ

At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.

And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger because there was no lodging available for them.

· The Shepherds and Angels

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in highest heaven,
and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished,but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.

Tomorrow will be our third day of the Christmas story as we explore the presentation of Jesus in the Temple. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us, and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 763 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 763 – ‘Twas the Year Before Christmas – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 08:03:57 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 763 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

‘Twas the Year Before Christmas – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 763 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life, and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

Beginning with today’s podcast and for the next three to four weeks we are going to interrupt our regular podcast schedule. Due to travel and other events this next month, starting next week, the Wisdom-Trek segments may be shorter so that I can pre-schedule them for the next few weeks. Today and all next week Gramps will be telling the Christmas story in chronological order.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Christmas is just a few days away, but often during this busy time of year, we don’t invest the time to reflect on the true Christmas story as it was revealed in the New Testament. So let’s take the time these next six days to quietly reflect on all that took place during the very first Christmas.

“Hey Gramps, would you please tell us the Christmas story chronologically as it is revealed in the Bible?”

‘Twas the Year Before Christmas

To get the entire Christmas story in chronological order, you must go to several passages in the books of Matthew and Luke. We will start with Luke 1:5-56.

· The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold

When Herod was king of Judea, there was a Jewish priest named Zechariah. He was a member of the priestly order of Abijah, and his wife, Elizabeth, was also from the priestly line of Aaron. Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old.

One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week. As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying.

While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.”

Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.”

Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.”

Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah to come out of the sanctuary, wondering why he was taking so long. When he finally did come out, he couldn’t speak to them. Then they realized from his gestures and his silence that he must have seen a vision in the sanctuary.

When Zechariah’s week of service in the Temple was over, he returned home. Soon afterward his wife, Elizabeth, became pregnant and went into seclusion for five months. “How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.”

· The Birth of Jesus Foretold

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!”

Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”

Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”

The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. For the word of God will never fail.”

Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.

· Mary Visits Elizabeth

A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth.At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”

· The Magnificat: Mary’s Song of Praise

Mary responded,

“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.
How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
For he took notice of his lowly servant girl,
and from now on all generations will call me blessed.
For the Mighty One is holy,
and he has done great things for me.
He shows mercy from generation to generation
to all who fear him.
His mighty arm has done tremendous things!
He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.
He has brought down princes from their thrones
and exalted the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away with empty hands.
He has helped his servant Israel
and remembered to be merciful.
For he made this promise to our ancestors,
to Abraham and his children forever.”

Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back to her own home.

Now Gramps will switch to Joseph’s year before Christmas, which is found in Matthew [1:18]-25.

· The Birth of Jesus Foretold to Joseph

This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.

As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:

“Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
She will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel,
which means ‘God is with us.’”

When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.

Monday through Friday of next week Gramps will continue with a short segment of the Christmas story as we finish out the Christmas week and the year. So encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along on Monday for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 762 daily treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play, so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 762 – Son of God – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 08:03:56 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 762 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Son of God – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 762 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Dr. Luke, author of one of the four gospels in the New Testament, and it is, “The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you [Mary], and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.'”

Son of God

Jesus is the Son of God and holy because he was conceived in the womb of Mary through the power of the Most High, revealed to us as the Holy Spirit. This conception is not something we can understand logically. It is something we recognize as a miracle of God’s power and is reflective of God’s divine love.

Even believing in this miraculous conception is both a gift and a miracle of God’s grace and comes from the conviction of the Holy Spirit upon our hearts. If we believe that Jesus is God come in human flesh, we know that the truth of this story had to begin in a miracle that is both incomprehensible and yet very simple.

God takes on human flesh as a baby named Jesus. This baby was conceived and carried in the womb of an ordinary young woman. This miracle of conception reveals the character and compassion of the Most High God to bridge the distance from his heavenly perfection to our human mortality.

While we may not fully understand it, we can receive its truth by grace. Let’s ask the Holy Spirit who brought this miracle to Mary to open our hearts to this miracle and join with all who share the wonder of God’s love, mercy, and grace.

O Father, the One True and Almighty God, I ask that the Holy Spirit that conceived Jesus in Mary deepen my faith and awaken my sense of joy and amazement for the gift of Jesus’ birth. I ask for this grace in Jesus’ name. Amen.

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 761 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 761 – Creation vs. Evolution – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 08:03:42 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 761 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Creation vs. Evolution – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 761 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. We continue this Wednesday to explore our trek of interpreting life through a Biblical worldview.

I do not desire to tell you what to think but teach you how to think, so that you may be able to filter current issues and events through your Biblical worldview. I may explore opposing views and challenge you to think. You may not always agree with my view, and that is okay. I am open to any comments that you may have on the subjects that we explore.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. A Biblical worldview, at its core, is grounded in the fact that the Bible is God’s Word and contains all truth that God chose to reveal to us. Even with that understanding, there are many interpretations of parts of the Bible, and even the most learned Bible scholars will disagree. As finite humans living within the constraints of time and space, it is difficult for us to comprehend the mind of God. This gap was partially bridged when God came to earth as Jesus Christ, but not completely. As the Prophet Isaiah wrote in Isaiah 55:9,“For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”

So today we will start with the creation of humans in Genesis 1:26-27, “Then God said, ‘Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.’ So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

Even though we cannot understand fully all that God has done and is doing, there are three points that we want to consider today about…

Creation vs. Evolution

Creation vs. Evolution – A Question of Origins

The creation vs. evolution debate is a question of origins. How did we get here? Were we created or did we evolve randomly? Are we the product of purposeful intelligence or are we merely the end result of countless cosmic accidents? Does it even matter?

Creation vs. Evolution – Reason vs. Religion

The popular media often portrays the creation vs. evolution debate as science vs. religion, with creation being religious and evolution being scientific. Unfortunately if you don’t agree with this label, you too are labeled. Regardless of whether you’re a creationist or an evolutionist, if you disagree with the stereotype, you’re condemned and “exposed” as a religious fanatic who is secretly trying to pass religion off as science or, even worse, trying to disprove science in order to redeem a ridiculous, unscientific, religious worldview. The fact is neither model of origins has been established beyond a reasonable doubt (otherwise, the theory of evolution wouldn’t be called the “theory” of evolution). Whether we like to admit it or not, those of us who subscribe to the theory of evolution do so by faith. It is by faith that we interpret creation through a Biblical worldview. While the recognition of intelligent design in biology may have theological implications, it is not based upon religious premise. It’s based upon empirical observation and logic.

Creation vs. Evolution – Why Does It Matter?

Why do we even squabble over creation vs. evolution? Does it really matter what we believe about where we came from? Absolutely. Our views on morality, justice, purpose, self-worth, humanity, obligation, and destination are all closely tied to our views on human origins. For example, without affirming or denying the veracity of evolution theory, let’s take a moment to consider what the theory of evolution teaches about human origins and what impact this teaching has had upon human behavioral patterns.

Evolution teaches that as species evolve, they eventually reach ideal population levels. As species advance, superior species eliminate inferior species – “survival of the fittest.” Weak and inferior members of a species should be eliminated for the preservation of superior bloodlines and for the conservation of essential resources. “Nature” doesn’t desire “the mating of weaker with stronger individuals, even less does she desire the blending of a higher with a lower race, since if she did, her whole work of higher breeding, over perhaps hundreds of thousands of years, might be ruined with one blow. Thus, from the war of nature, from famine and death, the most exalted object which we are capable of conceiving, namely, the production of the higher animals, directly follows.”

Following the evolution logic, since humans are merely a species of animal, we have no intrinsic value and are therefore by no means exempt from “the war of nature.” Because of this logic we have Adolf Hitler (1889-1945) asking the rhetorical question, “Should I not also have the right to eliminate millions of an inferior race that multiplies like vermin?” Hitler, of course, is remembered for murdering more than 6,000,000 individual human beings, all of whom he deemed to be inferior members of the species. Was Hitler wrong? Did he misinterpret and misrepresent the theory he claimed to cherish so much? Apparently not.

Renowned British evolutionary anthropologist and anatomist Sir Arthur Keith (1866-1955), who was knighted in 1921, came to Hitler’s defense. “Hitler is an uncompromising evolutionist, and we must seek for an evolutionary explanation if we are to understand his actions.” Keith reassured us, “The German leader, as I have consistently maintained, is an evolutionist; he has consciously sought to make the practice of Germany conform to the theory of evolution.”

Joseph Stalin (1879-1953), another ardent evolutionist, surpassed even Hitler in zeal, murdering at least ten times as many “inferiors” (estimates range from 60,000,000 to 100,000,000 people). Was Stalin wrong? What about the Khmer Rouge regime which is estimated to have killed 1.5 to 3 million Cambodians? Were these exterminations of population subsets wrong? Well, not if you subscribe to the evolutionary worldview. In fact, to the philosophically consistent, uncompromised evolutionist, Hitler and Stalin ought to be considered role models.

We see how a worldview can impact human behavior. Here, we see murder, a most disapproved human behavior, not only condoned, but encouraged. So, does it matter what we believe about where we came from? Absolutely. However, even more important than what we believe to be true is what actually is true according to God’s Word.

Someone might not believe in gravity, for example. Nevertheless, if that person were to step off a tall building, that person would splat on the ground below, regardless of what they believed. Once again, we have the question, “Are we the product of purposeful intelligence or are we merely the end result of countless cosmic accidents?” Don’t rely on hearsay. Investigate the evidence for yourself by studying God’s Word so that you can form a Biblical worldview in light of today’s social environments and events.

Next week for Wisdom Wednesday, we will continue to discuss the topic of creation and how we can have a Biblical worldview that will allow us to confidently reason with those who adamantly proclaim that humans are a product of random evolution. Each week we will choose hot topics that are prevalent today and explore them through a Biblical lens. If you have any topics that you would like us to cover, please email them to me at guthrie@wisdom-trek.com.

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of our past 760 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play, so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 760 – What Is Christmas? – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 08:03:50 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 760 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

What Is Christmas? – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 760 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Agnes M. Pahro, and it is, “What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.”

What Is Christmas?

Christmas is that special time of year throughout the world where many people will take time to reflect on the blessings that overflow in their lives. We give gifts to each other in celebration of the gift that God gave to us. John 1:17 – For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ.

Because of this love for us, we can reflect on the tenderness of the past. We can have courage for the present, regardless of our circumstances. We can have hope for the future. Because of God’s love for us, He became flesh and moved in alongside us. Why did he do this? Hebrews 2:14 – Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death.

It is because of this we can share our rich and eternal blessings, which will overflow into the lives of others thereby establishing true peace with everyone.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 759 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 759 – The Shepherds Were Astonishing – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 08:03:59 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 759 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Shepherds Were Astonishing – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 759 of our trek, and it is time for our new segment which we started last week called Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Only two weeks until Christmas! When God became human on that very first Christmas, it was not ushered in with great fanfare that would normally be part of a new king being born. Instead, God shared this great proclamation with the least likely people.

First, He was born in a manger with a few smelly animals to witness his birth as He was laid in their feeding bin. The next account was before those who were charged with taking care of yet more animals that smell and are rather dumb. That was the shepherds as they cared for their flocks in the hills around Bethlehem.

Today in our Monday Meditation let us consider lowly shepherds and the proclamation made by God’s Messengers. So today let us reflect on:

The Shepherds Were Astonishing

If you were a shepherd in the time when God came to earth in the form of a baby and chose to dwell among us, you would never have expected anyone to be astonished at anything you could ever say or do. You would have been “just” a lowly and despised shepherd. Most shepherds (like those who celebrated Christ’s birth) were quite young and most often ignored. Like all good shepherds, they smelled like sheep — they were not the kind of folks you invite into your house for a long conversation or a dinner party. Shepherds, in general, were not considered intellectually astute. Most people felt that shepherds would have little to say that was important. In fact, the occupation of a shepherd was looked down on, as one of the lowest occupations.

Then came Jesus’s birth. Look at what God made of these shepherds. They were the first to share the good news of Jesus’s birth. They were the first “missionaries” sent to tell the story of God coming down to live with people. These shepherds were told this good news by God’s messengers sent from the glory of heaven.

People were astonished. They were astonished that God would use shepherds. They were astonished at what the shepherds told them about the angels. They were astonished at the story the shepherds told about who Jesus was and where He was born.

Look at what the Father made of these shepherds. They were the first to know and to proclaim the astonishing good news of God coming to the world as a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and placed in a feed bin — the glory of the newborn King of the Jews, the Messiah of Israel, and the Savior of the world.

And what about you? Are you astonishing?

If you listen closely to the passages below, you will see that Jesus has done something just as astonishing with you as He did with the shepherds. Because of Jesus, you are now “holy, blameless, and totally free of imperfection.” Just like the shepherds, you have been given the opportunity to be astonishing! Let’s look at God’s Word as we see simple shepherds share the astonishing news!

After seeing him [baby Jesus], the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished…Luke [2:17]-18 NLT

In the flesh, Jesus bring you this same astonishing identity as we read in Colossians [1:15]-23.

Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.
He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,
for through him God created everything
in the heavenly realms and on earth.
He made the things we can see
and the things we can’t see—
such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.
Everything was created through him and for him.
He existed before anything else,
and he holds all creation together.
Christ is also the head of the church,
which is his body.
He is the beginning,
supreme over all who rise from the dead.
So he is first in everything.
For God in all his fullness
was pleased to live in Christ,
and through him God reconciled
everything to himself.
He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth
by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.

Let’s pray as we conclude our meditation for today.

O Father, help me to be a willing and humble servant as the shepherds were on the first Christmas day. Help me to study your Word daily so I will be prepared to share your Good News as you grant me the opportunity. May my life during this Christmas season and throughout the year be a picture of you when you chose to come to earth and dwell among your creation. In Jesus, my Savior’s name I pray, Amen.

Next week we will continue our trek on Meditation Monday and explore more of the Christmas story. On tomorrow’s trek, we will explore another wisdom quote. This 3-minute wisdom supplement will assist you in becoming healthy, wealthy, and wise each day. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 758 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly, your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 758 – Blessed Are the Peacemakers – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 08:03:44 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 758 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Blessed Are the Peacemakers – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 758 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

As we continue on this trek called life, sometimes we have questions about life, so our Friday trek is a time where we can “Ask Gramps.” Gramps will answer questions that you would like to ask your dad or granddad, but for whatever reason, you are unable to. No matter how old we are, I know that all of us would like the opportunity to ask Dad or Gramps questions about life in many areas.

We will address areas such as finances, relationships, health/fitness, business/work, home repairs/renovations, seasons of life, spiritual/Biblical questions, and any other areas that come our way.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. During the holiday season of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, there are many opportunities for getting together with family, friends, and associates. During those gatherings there are usually conversations that come up that you may not agree with whether it is politics, raising kids, religion, or a myriad of other topics. So the question for today is:

“Hey Gramps, how can I avoid getting involved with conversations that may cause conflict when I get together with others?”

Blessed Are the Peacemakers

When you are either hosting or attending gatherings and parties during this festive Christmas and New Year’s season, your focus should be to enjoy the food, fun, and fellowship with others. Realize though there is always a potential for topics and conversations to come up that can cause tension and disagreements. You must understand that everyone has an opinion about every topic, and opinions are like armpits…Everyone has at least two, and if they are not maintained, they usually stink, including yourself.

That being understood, you need to comprehend that for an argument or conflict to proceed you are choosing to be an active participant. You do not need to air your opinion, regardless of how “wrong” another person may appear to be. We are told in Proverbs 17:14, “Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out.”

Also understand that you do not have to be right about everything, or as a matter of fact, anything. Be willing to keep your mouth closed, even when you are burning with the desire to reply or retort. You probably will not change another person’s strong opinion about the topic, and even if they do concede, the old adage will probably apply, “A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.”

Office parties and family gatherings are also a hotbed for gossip about others. Four short words…Just don’t do it! As we are told in Proverbs 26:20, “Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.” If the people you are with talk about others behind their back, they are doing the same about you. If you participate, you are just as prone to gossip about them. It is never wise, kind or loving to gossip.

Enjoy your family, friends, and office gatherings and parties, but instead of risking any sort of conflict, determine to be a peacemaker this holiday season. I will leave you with two verses in response to this question.

Matthew 5:9 – God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.

James 3:18 – And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 757 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play, so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you on Monday!

Day 757 – Christmas Choices – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 08:03:59 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 757 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Christmas Choices – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 757 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Charles Dickens, and it is, “I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys.”

Christmas Choices

If we are not careful, Christmas can be a time of hectic schedules, frantic preparations, and spending money we don’t really have. Instead, let this and every Christmas be a time for relaxing, reflection, and sharing with others. We need to be prepared and then choose to see that enough is enough. Yes, Christmas should be a time of giving and charity, but only within what we can afford. The most special and appreciated gifts cost us nothing and mean everything to those who receive them. Here are a few suggestions:

Making a visit
Writing letter
Making a phone call
Showing kindness to a complete stranger
Helping someone in need
Sharing what you do have with those who have less
Encouraging others who are discouraged
Inviting others into your home who do not have anyone near to share Christmas with you.

There are so many ways to give gifts in abundance that will richly bless others and not strap you financially. In return, your lives will also be blessed. Choose to make a difference in the lives of others this Christmas, just as God chose to make a difference in your life.

As we are told in Colossians 3:12, “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 756 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 756 – Creation or The Big Bang? – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 08:03:40 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 756 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Creation or The Big Bang? – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 756 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. We continue this Wednesday to explore our trek of interpreting life through a Biblical worldview.

As a Christ follower, it is important to view all situations and events in life through the lenses of the Bible. That is a view of the world that is aligned with what the Bible teaches us. We are exploring current issues that impact our world and society and comparing them through the lens of the Bible, instead of the lens of our society, culture, modern media, or social media.

I do not desire to tell you what to think, but to teach you how to think so that you may be able to filter current issues and events through your Biblical worldview. I may explore opposing views and challenge you to think. You may not always agree with my view, and that is okay. I am open to any comments that you may have on the subjects that we explore.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. A Biblical Worldview, at its core, is grounded in the fact that the Bible is God’s word and contains all truth that God chose to reveal to us. Even with that understanding, there are many interpretations of parts of the Bible, and even the most learned Bible scholars will disagree.

As finite humans living within the constraints of time and space, it is difficult for us to comprehend the mind of God. This gap was partially bridged when God came to earth as Jesus Christ, but not completely. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:12, “Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.”

So today we will start at the very beginning and analyze Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

Creation or The Big Bang?

This is quite a complex issue to deal with, so we may extend it over multiple episodes. Realize that there is no way to categorically prove that Genesis 1:1 is true or untrue. No human was present to verify this. All of what we consider truth in God’s word must be recognized and believed by faith.

As you look at the conflict between creation vs. evolution those who believe evolution say that they have scientific facts to prove it. Evolution is strictly a theory, as is creationism. One basis for science is that it has to be verified and proven by in-person observation. No one living today, nor any written narrative can prove evolution or creation. So an evolutionist argument must also be recognized and believed by faith.

In order to be transparent with you, throughout my life, I have maintained, by faith, a young earth view. I have to admit though, the more I study God’s word, the universe, and all of creation from my limited perspective, the more I realize that a young earth theory cannot be proven.

If somehow there was a way to prove that the earth and indeed the entire universe, was millions or billions of years old, would that negate the truth of Genesis 1:1? Absolutely not! Again by faith, I have no doubt in my mind that, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Although I cannot scientifically prove this verse, within the scope of my Biblical Worldview this is the very bedrock and foundation of my life.

There are so many weak areas within the camp of those who believe that the universe was some sort of happenstance and earth was the result of some sort of random cosmic explosion. The fallacy of this argument is, where did these elements originate in the eons of ages in the past? Living within time and space, we cannot grasp the concept of eternity past. The universe had to come from somewhere. Certainly, the faith required to believe that the universe just happened without an intelligent designer has to be so much greater than believing the Bible that God is that intelligent designer.

A Biblical worldview understands that God is the creator of all. Yes, it is by faith, but faith based on His written word that was miraculously written and assembled over many thousands of years. It is the revelation of God to the human race. It contains everything that is important for us to know and understand.

Did creation happen in a literal 6 days only 8 thousand years ago? That is the premise that I grew up believing and still believe that it could have happened that way. I believe that God could have created the universe with age built in. He could have set up creation with starlight reaching over thousands of light years already in place. He could have created the universe on an ever-expanding trajectory. Since we cannot grasp anything outside of our understanding of space/time continuum, it is possible.

Holding to those tenants that the earth is young and the entire universe was created in a literal 6, 24-hour days may be true, but cannot be proven verifiably, and that is okay. Ultimately our belief system is by faith. I look at the moon and see that it is pocked with craters and wonder how they were formed. I look at Mars and see the deep river beds and craters and wonder how they can be like this without some sort of cosmic mayhem in eons past.

The universe contains an unknown number of galaxies. Each of those galaxies contains an unknown number of solar systems. There is no way to know with certainty. That does not in any way diminish my belief that, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth,” which is the foundation of my Biblical Worldview.

These unknowns do not mitigate the fact at all that God is the creator of the heavens and the earth. Could God have started His creation process of the universe with a big explosion that caused the galaxies and solar systems to expand farther and farther out? He could have. If that were somehow proven, would it change our worldview that God is the creator of heaven and earth? Not in the least.

Even with the advances made in our understanding of space and the universe in the past few decades, our knowledge is still so limited. Most of our knowledge of the universe is still based on theories and conjecture. We have gained significant knowledge of space in the past few decades, but it only makes us realize how little we really do comprehend. We know so little about the planets that are even in our own solar system. To think that mankind has a grasp on the universe with any certainty is ludicrous. We may have theories, but very few verifiable facts.

Even if we do not fully understand the details of how the universe was created, we do know that God was the creator. Over a dozen times in various scripture passages, it refers to “the Lord who made heaven and earth.” This is our Biblical worldview foundation that we have by faith. We also know that the triune Godhead was active at creation. Genesis 1:1 clearly states, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” The Gospel according to John clearly presents Christ as an active member of creation in John 1:1-5,

and his life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness can never extinguish it.

Well, we barely scratched the surface of creation, but I trust that it has given you a foundation from which to establish a Biblical worldview about creation, regardless of what others may propagate. It is my goal to help you learn how to think and study, rather than just telling you what to think.

Next week for Wisdom Wednesday we will continue to discuss the topic of creation and how we can have a Biblical worldview that will allow us to confidently reason with those who adamantly proclaim that humans are a product of random evolution. Each week we will choose hot topics that are prevalent today and explore them through a Biblical lens. If you have any topics that you would like us to cover, please email them to me at guthrie@wisdom-trek.com.

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of our past 755 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 755 – Christmas Gift Suggestions – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 08:03:45 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 755 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Christmas Gift Suggestions – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 755 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Oren Arnold, and it is, “Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect.”

Christmas Gift Suggestions

The old adage that “it is better to give than receive” rings loud and clear in nearly everyone’s heart during the Christmas season. Too often though the focus is on buying presents for family, friends, and associates which many times they don’t need and you can’t afford.

The gifts that are truly precious are those that we can give away and still keep them for ourselves. The best part of this is they are the gifts which are cherished above any other gifts. Another positive factor is that these gifts cost us nothing except for a little time and effort to give them away in love. Forgiveness, tolerance, heart, service, love, a good example, and respect.

I would also add to this list encouragement, mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. During this blessed Christmas time and then throughout the year, let us put aside our differences and be united in love.

As we are taught in Colossians 3:11-15, “In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 754 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 754 – Joseph – Trial by Faith – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 08:03:13 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 754 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Joseph – Trial by Faith – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 754 of our trek, and today we are transitioning our focus from mindshift to meditation.

So starting today, we will be calling our segment Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For some, it may just be a time alone for quiet reflection. Some may utilize structured meditation practices.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. We are quickly approaching Christmas and then New Years. 2017 has been a challenging time for our family. Businesswise, we are battling the ever-changing fluctuations in the oil and construction sectors. Familywise, our world was shaken to its foundations when our granddaughter Hazel was diagnosed with Leukemia on April 15^th. Our lives and perspective of life will be forever changed. As Hazel goes through the treatment regimen that will last over two years, we are adapting to a life which is much different than we anticipated.

On July 8^th, I fell from a ladder and broke my femur bone right below the ball socket of the hip. I am still recovering from that as I go through the healing process. The bone is healing well, but rebuilding the muscles and tendons through daily exercise is certainly more painful than exercising was before the fall.

Unexpected events and trials can certainly rock our world. As I reflect during this Christmas season, I realize that many of you go through trials and challenges too. Today in our Monday Meditation, let us consider such a trial from one of the key members in the story of Christ’s birth. Today let us reflect on…

Joseph – Trial by Faith

Most of us really dislike tests. I was not a stellar student in school, so tests brought a certain amount of stress although I certainly had some control over the outcome if I chose to. As we have experienced this year with Hazel and her numerous medical tests, these test results are completely out of our control.

As we have experienced and so have many of you, other tests are life tests. They have to do with tough times in your lives, times that are hard, painful, and discouraging. They may involve a time of illness, hardship, persecution, marriage problems, family upheaval, job difficulties, loneliness, grief, or a host of other painful experiences. Some tests are a result of the choices that we make, but many of these tests come because we live in a broken world.

Some periods of testing invade your lives because other people do evil things or make unwise choices. Sometimes, times of testing come because Satan wants to discourage you and lead you to doubt God’s love and grace. Sometimes testing comes because of your unwise or sinful choices. Bottom line: The fallout from times of testing can blow into your world and wreak havoc in your lives. Sometimes trials come because we are grasping for things to make us content instead of being content in our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Hebrews 13:5 tells us, “Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.'”

As we reflect on Christmas, it causes me to consider Joseph and the trials he had to endure over many years, which were completely out of his control. One of the things I most appreciate about Joseph, who served as Jesus’s earthly father, was that he faced an incredibly difficult test and proved himself faithful. He had shown himself to be completely committed to being a man of God. He had lived in purity so he could honorably marry a woman who had saved herself for him.

Joseph was committed legally to marry a young woman named Mary, Jesus’s mother. This is sometimes called betrothal, something much more binding than our modern engagement. Then, she told him that she was pregnant by the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit. After that, she disappeared and went away to be with her cousin Elizabeth for several months. What was Joseph supposed to think? How could he understand Mary’s pregnancy? He thought that there was only one way for her to be carrying a baby: she had betrayed him sexually. There was no other way, except…

Joseph believed by faith what Mary told him. Joseph believed by faith what the angel told him. Joseph believed that the baby in his fiancé’s womb was the Messiah, the Son of God, and that baby was conceived by the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit. He believed that Mary was not only pure and faithful to him but also that both of them together were chosen to parent their Savior, Christ the Lord. The author of Hebrews would write later in Hebrews 11:1, “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.”

Incredibly, Joseph accepted this truth by faith. He knew he would be tested all the days of his life for his faith. People would talk behind his back. People would say he wasn’t the father and that Mary had “cheated” on him and been unfaithful to him. He chose to accept this ridicule, and he also accepted taking care of Jesus throughout his childhood with all of the associated risks, hardships, and impenetrable mysteries. He taught Jesus his craft of carpentry. Joseph passed all these tests and helped Jesus to prepare for when His time came to serve.

So here’s my message for you today: You never know who will be blessed — even saved — by the character and compassion you show while you go through your tests!

I know this may seem hard to believe. So remember Joseph. Please remember God’s kingdom on earth through Jesus’s life, and the on-going message is furthered through your faith as it was through Joseph’s faithfulness.

Also remember this: Someone is watching and depending on you to pass your test! Hang in despite the hardship…Keep your faith despite the pain…“For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.'”

Your testing will not be wasted. Your character and your compassion will be blessings to others — many of the people that you impact you will never know till you share in eternal glory with them.

Let us remember the words of Jesus’s half-brother who grew up in the same household with the Messiah although did not accept Him as such until after His resurrection. James 1:2-4, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

When you remember Jesus during this special Christmas season, please remember these truths and Joseph who endured Trial by Faith!

Next week we will continue our trek on Meditation Monday and look at the lives of the shepherds who were there the night that Jesus was born. On tomorrow’s trek, we will explore another wisdom quote. This 3-minute wisdom supplement will assist you in becoming healthy, wealthy, and wise each day. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 753 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow!

Day 753 – The Seasons of Life – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 08 Dec 2017 08:03:44 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 753 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Seasons of Life – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 753 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

As we continue on this trek called life, sometimes we have questions about life, so our Friday trek is a time where we can “Ask Gramps.” Gramps will answer questions that you would like to ask your dad or granddad, but for whatever reason are unable to.

No matter how old we are, I know that all of us would like the opportunity to ask Dad or Gramps questions about life in many areas. We will address areas such as finances, relationships, health/fitness, business/work, home repairs/renovations, seasons of life, spiritual/Biblical questions, and any others areas that come our way. As your fellow sojourner and mentor on this trek that we call life, it is my goal to provide you with practical wisdom and advice about any area of life. It is crucial that I receive a constant flow of questions, so please submit your questions to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com, send me a message at the bottom of any page on wisdom-trek.com, or text me at 740.350.5732, and I will answer your questions on our Friday podcast.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Hazel’s blood counts rebounded enough this week, so she is back at Nationwide Children’s Hospital for her next set of treatments, which include an IV of chemo and steroids along with another lumbar puncture to administer another type of chemo.

This season of life as grandparents to Hazel has been somewhat challenging since we do not have any control over her battle with leukemia. It does bring us comfort that Nat and Elizabeth are completely engaged and are excellent parents to Hazel and her siblings as she goes through her regimen of treatments and the side effects of them.

As grandparents, we are able to engage by assisting with the other kids, their dogs, and other areas to help alleviate at least some of the surrounding details of life. As we consider our lives, just like the transition from fall to winter this month, many people struggle with preparing for and adapting to the various seasons in their life. So the question for today is:

“Hey Gramps, how can I adjust to the various seasons of life that we all go through so that I can have an even greater impact on others as I go through these times of transition?”

The Seasons of Life

Just like the world in which we live that is comprised of four distinct seasons but is actually transitioning on a daily basis, so is our lives. Our lives are made up of four progressively changing seasons. We have our childhood, which is the spring season of life where everything is new and fresh. Our young adult years are represented by summer and usually include getting married, having children, and beginning to build a career. The fall season of life is when the children start to leave home and is a time for the building of assets and settling into a pattern of life that may not be so rapidly changing and hectic. The winter season usually begins when we transition from a full-time career to a part-time vocation or hobbies and begin to enjoy life at a slightly slower pace, depending on the foundation we have built in the previous seasons.

As our culture changes and medical technology extends our lifespans so we can live a quality life much longer, these seasons are shifting based on our health and expected longevity of life. In the past 100 years, most working adults would consider “retiring” around 65, but it is feasible now to be productively working well into your 80s or 90s. For those individuals that were not able to build a solid enough financial base in previous seasons of life, working much longer has become a necessity to support lifespans that extends several decades longer.

Midlife which used to be considered the late forties and early fifties can now be extended into the mid-sixties and well beyond as we look forward to much longer lifespans. Considering these shifts are important as we plan and adjust for the various seasons of life.

So how do we adjust and transition to the numerous transitions of seasons that we will face during life? Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” We have to understand and take ownership of this principle.

A life that is rich and satisfying in every season of life is a life where you plan properly. You must understand and take ownership of the law of planting and harvesting. Even as a young teen, or earlier, this concept needs to be learned and then applied before entering adulthood. Life’s transition through the various seasons will be much more pleasant if the law of planting and harvesting is learned early…

Even during the spring of life when the seeds which will produce an abundant harvest in the fall should be planted, transitioning the seasons of life can be difficult at times, but we must continue on with consistent persistence to move through each season. As we are told in Galatians 6:9, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”

This means minimizing debt early and not taking on debt unless it is an emergency. This includes college debt. This may require working while going to school, stretching your degree pursuit over a longer time span, or finding lower cost alternative to obtaining a degree. There is certainly no shame in pursuing a solid trade career as opposed to a college degree. In many trades, you can get paid while learning, and you end up with no debt.

Next, understand that many “things” that we purchase are not needs, but wants. Learn to sacrifice now and purchase only what you can pay cash for. In doing so, the transitions through the seasons of life are much easier and less stressful. You don’t need to live the lifestyle that your parents or grandparents are living now when you are only in the summer of your life. In most cases, they had to work hard for many years to achieve that level. This principle applies to any season of life though. Be patient and be satisfied with what you have today while pursuing what you desire later in life.

The best way to adjust to the seasons of life is to prepare in advance for them. I know that even if you have planned thoroughly that life can throw you a curveball that is completely out of your control. If this happens, pivot and adjust to your new reality. In any situation, you need to accept life as it is, not as you wish it to be, and then plan for this new situation.

The most effective way to adjust to the seasons of life so that you can have the greatest impact on the lives of others is to live a life of integrity at all times, to be as debt free as possible, and then choose to enjoy your journey. Living a rich and satisfying life is not about the destination, but choosing to enjoy each day. Each season of the year is special, beautiful, and can be enjoyable if we choose to enjoy it. In the same manner each season of life, even during the transition periods, can be special, beautiful, and enjoyable. Make that your choice.

Since this question can cover a multitude of different areas, we will revisit this question in future episodes of “Ask Gramps.” Next week we will have a different question to “Ask Gramps.” Gramps will answer any questions you may have about life and will provide you with practical wisdom about any area of life.

Please submit questions that you have to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com, and Gramps will answer them on our Friday podcast with wisdom and philosophy that Gramps has gained over the years of experience and study. I know you will find these insights interesting, practical, and profitable in living a rich and satisfying life.

Our next trek is Mindshift Monday where we will help you live differently by thinking differently. So encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along on Monday for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 752 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 752 – Accept Yourself As You Are – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 08:03:10 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 752 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Accept Yourself As You Are – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 752 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from the Maxwell Maltz, and it is, “Accept yourself as you are. Otherwise, you will never see opportunity. You will not feel free to move toward it; you will feel you are not deserving.”

Accept Yourself As You Are

Yes, I realize that all of us have areas in our lives where we can improve, but we need to accept ourselves today with all of our warts, weaknesses, and flaws if we ever expect to take advantages of the opportunities that will allow us to improve. If we do not accept ourselves, others will not accept us either.

This is not an ego-driven self-love, but a realization that we are created by a loving and gracious God who loves us as we are today, not what we should be tomorrow. God does not make any mistakes and you are created to be His image bearer and to not accept yourself is to not accept what God has created.

You must move confidently forward to reach your God-given potential in life. Otherwise, you will languish in the cesspool of mediocrity. When you accept yourself for who you are today with the desire to reach your potential, then others will also accept you and the opportunities to grow will flow your way.

Even the Apostle Paul who wrote many of the letters in the New Testament accepted himself with the realization that he was still fulfilling God’s calling to be a bearer of His image. In Philippians 3:13-14 he writes, “No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing. Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 751 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 751 – Two Opposing Worldviews – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 06 Dec 2017 08:03:39 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 751 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Two Opposing Worldviews – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 751 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. We continue this Wednesday to explore our trek of life through a Biblical Worldview. It is important as a Christ follower to interpret life through the lenses of a Biblical Worldview.

That is a view of the world that is aligned with what the Bible teaches us. We are exploring current issues that impact our world and society and comparing them through the lens of the Bible, instead of the lens of our society, culture, modern media, or social media.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. As more and more homes are decorated for Christmas, I enjoy looking at the beautiful homes. It reminds me that as part of my Biblical Worldview, we are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world.

A biblical worldview begins with God in Genesis 1:1. A Biblical worldview is viewing the world, the beginning of the world, people in the world, the problems in the world, governments in the world, issues in the world, solutions for the problems in the world, and the future of the world – through God’s Word.

When you boil it all down there are only…

Two Opposing Worldviews

While there are really only two opposing worldviews, in today’s world, as it has been since the beginning of time, all of us have a mix of worldviews that make up our personal worldview. The key for the Christ-follower is to continually refine your worldview to be more and more in alignment with God’s Word. It is an unfortunate fact that many Christ-followers don’t know God’s Word well enough to have a strong Biblical Worldview.

A biblical worldview requires that you know what the Word of God teaches!

Everyone has a worldview whether they realize it or not. Your response to news about an abortion clinic is based on your worldview. Your response to school shootings is based on your worldview. Your response to evolution is based on your worldview. Your response to issues of sexuality is based on your worldview. Your response to issues of life and death is based on your worldview. Everyone has developed a “system of beliefs” and core values that they operate from. The goal is to be sure that this “system of beliefs” is based completely on the Word of God!

It is also an unfortunate fact that each of us mixes our own partiality based on our own weaknesses, biases, addictions, genetic makeup, and environment into our worldview.

This is even true of those who are in what we consider full-time ministries, such as pastors and priest. Even as Christ-followers if we do not have a good understanding of the entirety of God’s Word from the perspective of the authors and their culture, our worldview will be a hybrid between a humanistic worldview and a Biblical worldview. A pure Biblical worldview cannot be based upon any human system of beliefs and values.

The best way to define a worldview is “simply how you see the world.” If you were to put on a pair of glasses that had “blue lenses” everything you see would be “blue.” If you were to put on a pair of glasses that had “green lenses” everything you see would be “green.” There is an older phrase that is used when someone is not aware that their worldview is tinted which is “they see the world through their ‘rose colored’ glasses.”

The same is true for a worldview. In a Biblical worldview, everything you see should be viewed through the Word of God that is a Biblical lens. If you have a humanistic worldview, which puts man at the center of all things, or an atheistic worldview, one that does not include God at all, you will seek to develop an answer for every situation, issue, or problem which is centered on humans and does not include God.

For example, a humanistic or atheistic worldview does not allow for creation because man is the center of all things and there is no God. From their perspective, the world came to be out of naturalistic causes, not because God created it. If you are coming from a humanistic or atheistic worldview, you will do everything in your power to promote your view and discredit your opponent’s view.

The centerpiece of a Biblical worldview is God, while the centerpiece of a humanistic or atheistic worldview is nature and man. A Biblical worldview has its entire focus on God, while a humanistic or atheistic worldview does everything in its power to be sure God is not a part of the world.

One acknowledges God while the other believes there is no God. One believes that God created the universe, while the other believes that naturalistic causes brought our world into existence. One believes that God created man, while the other believes that man came into existence through millions of years of evolution. One believes that God has given us an absolute moral code of ethics, while the other believes that humans are to establish their own code of ethics.

One believes that choosing to disobey God’s Word, or sin, is man’s greatest problem, while the other believes that we are all basically born good, but due to negative influences, some people have become bad. One believes man’s greatest problem is solved spiritually, while the other believes that man’s problems are solved through government intervention, more education, technological developments or a variety of other ways.

One believes that every man and woman has a soul, while the other believes men and women do not have a soul. One believes that every man or woman has an eternal destiny, while the other believes that either life ends at death or they believe in some system of reincarnation. Unfortunately, both Christ-followers and many humanistic people have a mix of Biblical and Naturalistic worldviews.

Developing and maintaining a worldview has a far greater impact than you might initially think. For if you have a Biblical worldview, you will know how to respond to issues in the world. Having a Biblical worldview should give you confidence, answers to life’s problems, and hope for the future. If your worldview does not, then more refining is needed

As Christians we need to – we must – understand what the Bible has to teach in all areas of life. Without a biblical understanding, we have left ourselves open and vulnerable to adopting many of the false teaching and false systems of the world. Unless you know and understand the truth, anything sounds good and reasonable. Many a person has fallen for a lie, simply because they did not know the truth. We cannot abrogate this responsibility to fulltime paid pastors, elders, or priest to teach us what to believe. They may be helpful, but it is our individual responsibility to study and know what God’s precepts are so we can filter all input through a clear Biblical lens, not the opaque lens of a naturalistic worldview.

If you do not know what the Word of God says about the prevalent issues that we face today, and why they are right or wrong, you are not operating with a Biblical worldview. You are simply operating in a “default mode” and vulnerable to believing what the majority of people are saying.

It is only when we understand a Biblical worldview that we can best understand life on this earth and our role in the world. It is a Biblical worldview that answers the questions…Where did we come from? Why are we here? What is our problem? What is the solution? And where are we going?

It is only when we have developed a Biblical worldview that we can properly understand how God relates to our vocation, our family, our neighbors, our material possession, our nation, and indeed the world as we fulfill His kingdom.

Understanding God’s design for our world and building a biblical system of beliefs (worldview) will result in more meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in life.

May our worldview be as King David wrote in Psalm 17:3-5.

You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night.
You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong.
I am determined not to sin in what I say.
I have followed your commands,
which keep me from following cruel and evil people.
My steps have stayed on your path;
I have not wavered from following you.

Next week for Wisdom Wednesday we explore the topic of creation vs. evolution through a Biblical Worldview. Each week we will choose hot topics that are prevalent today and explore them through a Biblical lens. If you have any topics that you would like us to cover, please email them to me at guthrie@wisdom-trek.com.

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of our past 750 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 750 – Wisdom Without Love Is Foolishness – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 05 Dec 2017 08:03:10 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 750 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Wisdom Without Love Is Foolishness – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 750 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from John Owen, and it is, “That wisdom which cannot teach me that God is love, shall ever pass for foolishness.”

Wisdom Without Love Is Foolishness

All true wisdom comes from God and God in His very essence is love. Therefore all wisdom will ultimately teach us about God and His love for us. To grow in wisdom is to grow in our understanding of God, and it is our responsibility to follow His commands which are given to in His Word.

To grow in our knowledge of God requires spiritual wisdom. As the Apostle Paul shared with the Christ-followers in Ephesians 1:16-18, “I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.”

So as we grow in wisdom, we will also grow in our love for God and for others. This is such a profound truth that Jesus taught us that the entirety of the laws and prophets of God can be summed up in two commands in Mark 12:29-31 Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord, our God, is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”

Wisdom comes to you when you love God and love others.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 749 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you in through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 749 – Hope For The World – Mindshift Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 08:03:17 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 749 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Hope For The World – Mindshift Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 749 of our trek, and it is time for our Mindshift Monday series. Wisdom-Trek’s primary focus is to assist you in creating your living legacy.

It is easy to get stuck in a mindset that your current circumstances cannot be changed. This is not true, but you must understand this fundamental principle: In order to change your life, you must change how you think and what you think about. Our Mindshift Monday podcast and journal will be to provide you practical ways to make a mindshift to a rich and satisfying life.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. During this Christmas season, it brings a feeling of hope that regardless of the turmoil in the world that is accentuated by news media and social media that we can have peace.

Peace between countries and cultures. Peace between political parties. Peace within families. Most important is peace within ourselves. It is when we lose hope that we lose our peace. So today we want to have a mindshift as we explore…

Hope for the World

I read a story about a man who is going through very difficult times and had sought out the council of his pastor. His work was not going well. Some of his grown children had left the principles they were taught and not living as they should, and he was worried about that. The straw that finally drove him to seek council was that his wife decided to leave him. As he sat there talking with the pastor, he was slumped over in despair. It was his final sentence that was alarming when he said, “I have nothing to live for. I have lost all hope.”

The pastor shared with him that hope was the one thing he could not afford to lose. He could lose his business, his money, and even his family and still be able to rebound in life if he kept a glimmer of hope alive. It is the core that allows us to get up one more day and continue on, even when circumstances are dismal.

We can think of Abraham and Sarah who were well past childbearing age, and yet in Romans 4:18 we read, “Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!”

Campbell Morgan tells of a man whose shop burned during the disastrous Chicago fire that happened on October 8-10, 1871. A man whose shop burned completely down arrived at the ruins the next morning carrying a table. He set the table amid the charred debris, and above it, he placed this optimistic sign, “Everything was lost, except wife, children, and hope. Business will resume as usual tomorrow morning.”

Many people become bitter towards life because of the unfortunate circumstances in which they find themselves. Many quit. Others have taken their own lives. What is the difference in how a person reacts to the difficult situations of life? It certainly is not talent, ability, or intellect. The only difference between those who throw in the towel and quit and those who get back up one more time and keep going is found in the word “hope.”

Romans 5:3-5 shows us a better way, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”

Hope will not lead to disappointment and is the very foundation of our faith as we are told in Hebrews 11:1, “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.”

Hope can still be in our lives in the most horrible and difficult situations. I often think of the conditions of the Nazi concentration camps where more than 6 million Jews were killed. Yet Victor Frankl who had everything taken from him and was in the middle of the worst conditions had this to say, “We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

Having hope is our choice. During this Christmas season, as you are celebrating with family, friends, and associates let us keep in our minds that the purpose of our celebrations is to bring our focus on the one who we are celebrating, “Jesus Christ Is the Light, Life, and Hope of the World!”

Next week we will continue our trek on Mindshift Monday. On tomorrow’s trek, we will explore another wisdom quote. This 3-minute wisdom supplement will assist you in becoming healthy, wealthy and wise each day. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 748 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly, your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 748 – What Is Your Calling? – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 08:03:18 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 748 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

What Is Your Calling? – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 748 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

As we continue on this trek called life, sometimes we have questions about life, so our Friday trek is a time where we can “Ask Gramps.” Gramps will answer questions that you would like to ask your dad or granddad, but for whatever reason are not able to. No matter how old you are, I know that all of us would like the opportunity to ask Dad or Gramps questions about life in many areas.

We will address areas such as finances, relationships, health/fitness, business/work, home repairs/renovations, seasons of life, spiritual/Biblical questions, and any others areas that come our way. As your fellow sojourner and mentor on this trek that we call life, it is my goal to provide you with practical wisdom and advice about any area of life. It is crucial that I receive a constant flow of questions, so please submit your questions to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com, or send me a message at the bottom of any page on wisdom-trek.com or text me at 740.350.5732, and I will answer your questions on our Friday podcast.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. During this wonderful almost magical time of year where we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I tend to get wrapped up in the Christmas season.

As Christmas Day draws closer, it is more difficult to stay focused on work and other responsibilities that must be fulfilled. I would rather sit in front of a roaring fire, look at the Christmas tree, and reflect on the season.

There is a time for that, but it can’t be the entire month of December. You may find yourself having a difficult time enjoying your work or staying focused on your work most of the year. Many people do not like their work or job and have a difficult time staying focused and motivated to do good work. So the question for today is:

“Hey Gramps, how can I stay motivated and enjoy my work every day? I find it so difficult to do so.”

What Is Your Calling?

First let me start out by saying that it is unrealistic to think that you will be overjoyed every day at work, no matter how much you love what you are doing. We all have days where we don’t feel well physically, mentally, or spiritually.

With that being understood, as with all of life, enjoyment first comes when we choose to enjoy our circumstance or situation regardless of how difficult it may be. Our happiness may be impacted on our current situation or happenstance, but deep abiding joy is grounded in the fact the God is in control of every situation, and He will provide us with the peace and joy needed to endure it.

Another, maybe even more crucial point, is the understanding that as a Christ-follower our work or occupation is our calling. This may be a stay at home parent (which is very honorable), a laborer, a business owner, a doctor, a lawyer, a pastor, or an executive in a worldwide company. Whatever God has called you to do for this season of life is your calling and purpose to advance His kingdom throughout the world. As long as your work is not immoral or illegal, no work should be considered unworthy of your best effort.

During the time that most of the New Testament was written within the Roman Empire, up to 50% of the population were either slaves or indentured servants. They had no choice of occupation, and yet the Apostle Paul wrote in Colossians 3:23-24, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.”

Whether you own your own business and feel you are the boss or work for a company and have a boss, ultimately you are serving Christ in all that you do. Your work is your calling, and its purpose is to meet the needs of your family and to further God’s kingdom on earth.

If you are in a job that you just do not like and you live in a country where you are free to choose, then start making plans and preparing for a different occupation. This transition may take months or years to accomplish depending on your training needs and job availability, but you can start preparing for that transition today. Until that point, your current work is your calling before God, and that position is no less important than being a pastor, executive, or business owner.

Throughout the history of the Bible, there are numerous examples of people who made an eternal impact for God by just being obedient in the position they were in. The Apostle Paul invested much of his life and ministry to making tents.

Joseph, son of Jacob (Israel) was sold by his brothers as a slave and invested 13 years learning as a slave, being wrongly accused, and then enduring imprisonment before becoming the 2^nd in command of all of Egypt. While I am sure Joseph had many days where he was not pleased and wondered what God was up to, he always worked diligently. He was promoted to lead Potiphar’s household before being wrongly accused by Potiphar’s wife. After being sent to prison because of those accusations, he worked so diligently once again that he was put in charge of all the other prisoners. He worked diligently at all he did as slave or ruler to advance God’s plans, not his own. It was his calling.

Nehemiah was a slave in exile and the cupbearer for King Artaxerxes, and yet God used his lowly position to gain favor with the King and then to go on to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem in preparation for the return of the exiles. In Chapter 2 of the book of Nehemiah after hearing of the desolation of Jerusalem, he became very sad, but he records, “I had never before appeared sad in his presence.”

I am sure that this was not the first time Nehemiah felt sad, but he did what was expected of him because it was his calling.

Another prominent example is Daniel. He was a slave under King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and then King Cyrus and King Darius of Persia. He worked tirelessly for them and had a tremendous impact for God. Daniel remained faithful all of his life in the midst of very difficult conditions. As far as we know, Daniel never did return to his homeland of Israel, and yet he worked for God, not his earthly masters. It was his calling.

Unless you view your occupation as your calling from God, it will be difficult to remain satisfied and focused on doing your very best. Your occupation is your calling to fulfill God’s work through you for the furtherance of His kingdom. Just like Joseph, Nehemiah, and Daniel, you may never become a pastor or what we consider a full-time minister, but your impact for God can be even greater by “working willingly at whatever you do.”

There will be days where it is easier than others, but if you stay focused on your calling, regardless of what it is, you will have an impact for God. Your calling may pivot and change in various seasons of life, as you follow God’s leading. That is fine, and you should seek to grow and advance to the best possible you.

We are told in Romans 12:11, “Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.”

All of us have a special mission for God to do His work wherever He places us. We are all doing our part to further God’s kingdom here on earth. One final word of exhortation from Gramps is found in 1 Corinthians 3:8, “The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work.”

Next week we will have another question to “Ask Gramps.” Gramps will answer any questions you may have about life and will provide you with practical wisdom about any area of life. Please submit questions that you have to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com, and Gramps will answer them on our Friday podcast with wisdom and philosophy that Gramps has gained over the years of experience and study.

I know you will find these insights interesting, practical, and profitable in living a rich and satisfying life. Our next trek is Mindshift Monday where we will help you live differently by thinking differently. So encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along on Monday for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 742 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 747 – Life Rushes On – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 08:03:24 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 747 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Life Rushes On – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 747 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget…

Today’s quote is from the George Benjamin Curiel, and it is, “You get old too young, and wise too old.”

Life Rushes On

Life rushes by so quickly and the older you are, the faster the years seem to slip by. When you are young, you have so many ambitions, dreams, and plans. As the years click off in rapid succession, you soon realize that you are not as young as you once were. With advances in medicines and technologies, our lifespans are being extended to well over 100 years.

So while life does rush by, you may have many more years of life where you can positively impact the lives of others. While our bodies may age more rapidly than we would like, we need to do all that we can to take care of them by eating right, exercising, and getting adequate sleep.

We need to take care of our minds by learning new information and remaining mentally active. We also need to take care of our soul by studying God’s Word and communing with Him in prayer. If we do these things, we will be less likely to get old too soon and wise too late in life. Seek wisdom as you take care of your body, mind, and soul. As we are told in Job [12:12]-13.

Wisdom belongs to the aged,
and understanding to the old.

But true wisdom and power are found in God;
counsel and understanding are his.

Just as you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 746 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 746 – 6 Conflicts with a Biblical Worldview – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 08:03:17 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 746 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

6 Conflicts with a Biblical Worldview – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 746 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. We continue this Wednesday to explore the trails through a Biblical worldview.

We have invested the past five Wednesdays plotting out what a Biblical worldview is, and why it is so important as a Christ follower to interpret life through the lenses of a Biblical worldview. We are now exploring current issues that impact our world and society and comparing them through the lens of a Biblical worldview, instead of the lens of our society, culture, modern media, or social media.

I do not desire to tell you what to think, but teach you how to think, so that you may be able to filter current issues and events through your Biblical Worldview. You may not always agree with my view, and that is okay. I am open to any comments that you may have on the subjects that we explore.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. With the Thanksgiving holiday behind us and Christmas just before us, many people during this season will at least acknowledge Christ’s birth and participate in many Christmas events and traditions. It is a good thing to take time to pause and reflect during this time, but if it is not driven by a true Biblical Worldview, it will be short lived once the season is over.

In order to live as a Christ-follower all year long, your life must be based on a core set of beliefs that are in line with the precepts of the Bible, which is God’s Word. I realize that there have been a lot of misinterpretations, false teachings, perversions of passages, and abuse of the Bible over the centuries, but that is why it is so important to study God’s Word for yourself and learn from a wide spectrum of viewpoints. This is not an easy habit to establish, but its value is far greater than the world’s riches.

Before we drill down on particular issues that influence our lives in our modern cultures and society, we will explore…

6 Conflicts with a Biblical Worldview

Christ followers don’t have problems with the Biblical worldview, right? After all, it is the belief system that they should claim as their own.

The truth is, a very large percentage of self-identified Christ followers, many who are even active in church, have mixed other beliefs in with their Christian faith. Some of these other beliefs are overtly non-Biblical, such as a belief that the Bible is not the authoritative revelation of God, or that naturalistic evolution reflects the truth about human origins.

Other of these mixed in beliefs are of a different nature. Many who self-identify as Christ followers are, in fact, what could be referred to as cultural Christians. That is, they identify as Christians not because they believe and live out the teachings of the Bible, but because they were born in a “Christian family,” a “Christian country” such as America, or were baptized or confirmed when they were young.

A worldview is more than just an intellectual belief. Belief at a worldview level originates at a gut or unconscious level. Worldview beliefs are such that it is almost impossible to live in a way that is contrary to the tenets of those beliefs.

So, even though people may call themselves Christ followers, many of these same people don’t see any problem living a lifestyle or believing things which go against biblical teachings. Many will rationalize their lifestyle based on feelings or prevalent societal thought instead of understanding God’s Word. In other words, their actual worldview beliefs are not consistent with the Biblical beliefs that they claim to hold. These people may be Christ-followers in name but obviously do not base their beliefs on the Bible but rather worldly views.

Worldview beliefs are so foundational that people cannot imagine going against them. If someone declares that they are Christ follower but are able to give themselves permission to believe or act in ways that are contrary to biblical teachings, then it is a sure thing that there are beliefs mixed in at the worldview level which come from some other worldview. With that understanding in place, let’s look at six areas where many people who call themselves Christ followers have other beliefs mixed in with their Biblical worldview.

Conflict #1 – Theological Distortions

As we live life, particularly when we are young, we pick up our beliefs just by living. We are taught our basic beliefs and morality by our parents and other relatives, school teachers, pastors, and friends. Unfortunately, many times there are beliefs that we pick up which are simply not right – even as it regards teachings from the Bible.

Many times these beliefs stem from observing role models who also have a mixed worldview and do not live completely Biblically. It is not unusual at all to find people who have non-biblical beliefs about the importance of church interaction, who is saved and how to be saved, evolution, abortion, homosexuality, sexual morality, and many other things. It is not sufficient to believe something just because “that is the way I was raised,” or “that is what my pastor taught.”

We must be diligent to compare what we believe with what the Bible teaches and adjust our beliefs to align completely with biblical teachings. This is a lifelong process which requires that we be willing to evaluate our lives based on the teachings of the Bible on a continual basis regardless of age. When Jesus was resurrected and ascended into Heaven, he did not leave us helpless as He told his disciples, and which also applies to us. John 14:26 – But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

Conflict #2 – Lack of Understanding of God

This second problem is rather sneaky. Every person interacts with God based on his or her beliefs about Him. If one’s understanding of God is wrong or incomplete, the personal interaction with him will be distorted. God has revealed himself in the Bible to be King of kings and Lord of lords. But he has also revealed himself to be our loving Heavenly Father. We must recognize God in both of these capacities.

As our great King, we must have a profound respect for him and acknowledge both the priority of his will and the status of his position. As our Father, we need to recognize that he loves us and is both personal and near. If both of these are not incorporated into our understanding, we will not worship God properly. Once again, our understanding of God must come from the Bible. It is critical to have humility and be willing to adjust our beliefs about him as we study the Bible and learn more about the fullness of this personhood.

Conflict #3 – Lifestyle Conflicts

Another issue that causes problems with many Christians has its roots in pure selfishness. It is a matter of putting one’s own will above the known will of God. Because of our sin nature, we all have a tendency and a desire to be self-governing over every part of our life. In other words, we want to do what we want to do, no matter what. In many people’s lives, this plays out in addictions and illicit or immoral behavior.

Many self-identify as Christ followers but are engaging in sexual relations outside of marriage both of the heterosexual and homosexual variety. They are using mind-altering substances simply for personal pleasure, they are living life as if their material resources were their own rather than God’s, and they are participating in activities which don’t further God’s purposes. Most of us can see these flaws in others, but choose to ignore them in our own lives.

God has called us to holiness. We cannot be in fellowship with Him when we are deliberately living a lifestyle that puts us outside of His precepts and therefore His presence. If we are making lifestyle choices based on non-biblical beliefs, we have somehow allowed beliefs from another place to seep into our lives. The only remedy for this is to know what the Bible teaches about God’s will and to have a personal commitment to follow his will no matter what.

Conflict #4 – Belief Intellectualization

Conflict four is something every Christian must be on the lookout for. That is, allowing our beliefs to become impersonal. Since God does not manifest himself to us as a physical being (except through other flawed individuals), we don’t have a frame of reference for interacting with Him that corresponds with our usual way of dealing with other persons. As such, many don’t really think of God as a person and act toward Him as if he is some kind of impersonal spirit being.

Although God is a Spirit, He is also a person and has revealed himself to us as personal and was manifested in Jesus Christ when he dwelt on the earth. As such, we must learn how to personalize our belief about God rather than intellectualize it. This is not an admonition to be anti-intellectual. Obviously, we can’t act on what we do not know. Along with an intellectual understanding of God, we must have an experiential knowledge of Him. In doing that, we are able to relate to Him as the person he is – that is, in the same way, we relate to others with whom we have a personal relationship.

Conflict #5 – Purpose Confusion

Many people, even Christians, have their life purpose focused on themselves, rather than on God. The truth is, God created us for relationship with himself, and we can only find true meaning for our lives as we understand and tap into that purpose. When we live a life based on self-purpose, God’s purpose for our existence gets set aside, and we are unable to live in and to accomplish his will for our lives.

But when we live in God’s purpose, we are able to walk a path that leads to the ultimate in meaning and joy. Once again, we clarify God’s will for our lives by growing in our knowledge of his revelation and making the personal commitment that we are going to live in His will above our own. We are created to be bearers of God’s image. Those who are not Christ followers should be able to see God through our lives as representatives of Him.

Conflict #6 – Unwillingness to Acknowledge God’s Calling

The sixth problem many Christians have with living out a Biblical worldview is that they are not willing to acknowledge God’s calling on their lives. Many people have the belief that the only people God calls into full-time Biblical ministry are those who go into Christian vocational professions. That belief does not come from a Biblical worldview.

God does call some people into vocational Biblical ministry, but that is a small subset of a larger group of God called people. God has called every believer into full-time Biblical ministry. It is just that the ministry most are called to is to be done from the platform of a secular rather than a church-related vocation.

People who don’t acknowledge God’s calling on their lives don’t see a need to personally do the work of God in the world. Rather, they tend to look to others to do that work – usually the professional vocational minister. No Christian can truly live out a Biblical worldview who does not recognize God’s calling on his or her life and actively work to accomplish God’s purpose through the vocation they work in.

Any Christ follower who struggles with living out a Biblical worldview need not look very far to find the problem. The problem is that non-Biblical worldview beliefs have crept in. To solve this problem, there is only one cure. That cure is to recognize where the problem beliefs are and remove them from our lives. Most likely, the culprit relates to one or more of the six conflicts above. Solve those conflicts, and you will find yourself in a position to live out a Biblical worldview in ways that you never imagined possible.

Next week for Wisdom Wednesday we will select another topic and explore it through a Biblical Worldview. Each week we will choose hot topics that are prevalent today and explore them through a Biblical lens. If you have any topics that you would like us to cover, please email them to me at guthrie@wisdom-trek.com.

Tomorrow we will continue with our 3-minute wisdom nugget that will provide you with a bit of wisdom that if followed will allow you to grow healthier, wealthier, and wiser each day. So encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along with us tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of our past 745 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 745 – Clever Answers or Wise Questions – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 08:03:29 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 745 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Clever Answers or Wise Questions – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 745 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Naguib Mahfouz, and it is, “You can tell whether a man is clever by his answers. You can tell whether a man is wise by his questions.”

Clever Answers or Wise Questions

Is it better to be clever or wise? These are not mutually exclusive to be sure. To be clever is to be shrewd, astute, ingenious, crafty, cunning, or knowing. Each of these synonyms leaves us with a slightly different impression.

A person can be wise and clever. Wise and shrewd. Wise and ingenious. To be clever without wisdom usually leads to arrogance and an inflated ego. A clever person likes to be thought of as wise, but many times their answers are often in the form of sarcasm, which can really hurt another person, which is not at all wise.

When I was younger and starting out my adult life as a business owner, I used to think I was quite witty with my answers, which were usually in the form of sarcasm. It took me many years before I gained enough wisdom to realize that I was hurting many people’s feeling in the process.

The more wisdom I gained, the less clever and overtly sarcastic answers I provided to others. I realized to really help others, it is much better to ask probing questions so that I could really gain insight into the needs of others.

It certainly is best that we ask wise questions first before providing clever and shrewd answers that are filled with wisdom. The fact is Jesus commands us to be shrewd as we trek through this life building His kingdom as is He tells us in Matthew 10:16, “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.”

We are to be shrewd but never to the extent where it becomes harmful to others. To be shrewd is to be discerning, perceptive, sharp, and insightful as well as wise as we live in a world that needs the love of God shining through us.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 744 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 744 – The Formula For Overcoming Discouragement – Mindshift Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 27 Nov 2017 08:03:43 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 744 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Formula for Overcoming Discouragement – Mindshift Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 744 of our trek, and it is time for our Mindshift Monday series. Wisdom-Trek’s primary focus is to assist you in creating your living legacy.

It is easy to get stuck in a mindset that your current circumstances cannot be changed. This is not true, but you must understand this fundamental principle: In order to change your life, you must change how you think and what you think about. Our Mindshift Monday podcast and journal will provide you practical ways to make a mindshift to a rich and satisfying life.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. I trust that you had a blessed Thanksgiving weekend. We have much to be thankful for.

Since we celebrated Thanksgiving with family the Saturday before, the weekend allowed us to get all of the leaves picked up, blow off the roofs, and clean out all of the gutters. We were also able to plant 12 flowering saplings that should have time to take root before winter sets in. It was a very productive weekend.

Our granddaughter Hazel had to receive a unit of blood on two occasions this past week, as the most recent round of chemo has depleted her blood counts. It will still take a couple of weeks before she is able to rebound on her own. This was expected, but still difficult to see her go through. If you would like to follow her blog written by her father Nat, go to basilforhazel.org. Watching Hazel go through her treatment regimen can cause discouragement since there is little that we can do to help her. So today we want to have a mindshift as we analyze…

The Formula for Overcoming Discouragement

Discouragement has the following effect on our lives:

Keeps us from becoming what God intends for us
Hides the beauties of life from our lives
Smothers our ambitions
Causes us to gravitate into the crowd of losers
Causes our light to flicker when it should be shining brightly for Jesus
Causes us to identify with failure
Causes doubts to control our actions
Freezes our creative minds
Paralyzes our faith
Magnifies our problems
Stifles our influence on others
Forces us into becoming introverted
Clouds our vision
Dashes our dreams

Discouragement is a terrible hindrance to effective living. It is Satan’s most effective tool, for it causes people to throw up their hands and quit. Although it is impossible to live in an atmosphere totally divorced from discouragement, there are a few positive steps that will help us to have a mindshift and be victorious when discouragement surrounds us. Here is the Formula for Overcoming Discouragement:

Add up all the successes of the past. Too many times when we are discouraged, we forget our past victories. Discouragement has a tendency to make us wallow in negative thinking until we think only of failure. You may say to yourself, “I’m no good,” or “I’m always making mistakes,” or “Why can’t I ever do anything right?” You need to stop dwelling in the dark of negativism. Allow the light of past victories to shine into your dungeon of discouragement.

Subtract all of your discouraging influences. Perhaps you have friends or relatives like Job had. Maybe they hinder you instead of help you. Take a piece of paper and make a list of your friends or those you invest a lot of time with. Now write down their characteristics. Are they negative or positive? Do they encourage you or tear you down? Do they possess such attitudes as envy, jealousy, anger, and bitterness? What do they talk about? If your friends are tearing you down, it is better to find new friends or walk alone with God for a season. Begin reading good, positive, encouraging literature that will build your faith. Eliminate anything from your life that leads you toward discouragement.

Multiply all of God’s promises to you. One of such promises is found in Isaiah 43:1-3.

But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you.
O Israel, the one who formed you says,
“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine.
When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.
For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom;
I gave Ethiopia and Seba in your place.

There is a treasure trove of God’s promises found in His Word. Invest the time to harvest these promises.

Divide up all of God’s blessings to you, and then share them with others. There is no more effective way of overcoming discouragement than by sharing something good with someone else. One of the major causes of discouragement is self-pity. When we begin to forget ourselves by reaching out to others a spirit of usefulness and encouragement invades our lives.

The grass is never greener on the other side of the fence. The grass is only greener where you plant it and take care of it. Moses taught us in Deuteronomy 31:8, “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Next week we will continue our trek on Mindshift Monday. On tomorrow’s trek, we will explore another wisdom quote. This 3-minute wisdom supplement will assist you in becoming healthy, wealthy, and wise each day. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 743 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you in through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 743 – The Wisdom of Credit Cards – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 24 Nov 2017 08:03:57 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 743 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Wisdom of Credit Cards – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 743 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy. As we continue on this trek called life, sometimes we have questions about life, so our Friday trek is a time where we can “Ask Gramps.”

Gramps will answer questions that you would like to ask your dad or granddad, but for whatever reason are unable to. No matter how old we are, I know that all of us would like the opportunity to ask Dad or Gramps questions about life in many areas. We will address areas such as finances, relationships, health/fitness, business/work, home repairs/renovations, seasons of life, spiritual/Biblical questions, and any others that come our way.

As your fellow sojourner and mentor on this trek that we call life, it is my goal to provide you with practical wisdom and advice about any area of life. It is crucial that I receive a constant flow of questions, so please submit your questions to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com, send me a message at the bottom of any page on wisdom-trek.com, or text me at 740.350.5732. And I will answer your questions on our Friday podcast.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. As we now enter the holiday season of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years, many people in the western countries will be faced with the choice of how much they should spend on gifts for family and friends.

Most of us are tempted to spend more than we really should. The unfortunate reality is that many people also make these purchases with credit cards when they have no plan or idea of how they will afford those same purchases. So the question for today is:

“Hey Gramps, is it wise to use credit cards, or do you advise not using them at all?”

The Wisdom of Credit Cards

This is a tough question because there are no clear-cut answers. Some financial advisers, such as Dave Ramsey, teach that you should never use credit cards, and I understand why he teaches that. Many people do not have the financial discipline to use them prudently and effectively.

So my answer is, it depends. If you know that you are not disciplined financially, I would strongly suggest not using credit cards at all. They make it too easy to get trapped into the never-ending cycle of mounting debt, which can shackle you into the prison of financial bondage and limit the choices that you can make. When you are shackled financially, you are not be able to take advantages of wise choices and investments. You will be ever chained to a life of mediocrity with limited paths to free yourself. You will become a slave to the lender, or in this case, the loan sharks which we nicely refer to as credit card companies.

Uncontrolled credit card debt has destroyed marriages, uprooted families, and has caused untold misery to millions of people. As we are told in Proverbs 22:7, “Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.”

The sad part of this situation is that most credit card purchases are for things you don’t really need to impress people you don’t really like. When you are on a tight budget, it is nearly impossible to climb out of the abyss of credit card debt unless you are fully committed to making the sacrifices that are needed.

With that being said, you probably think that Gramps is completely against any use of credit cards, but that is not true. In fact, using credit cards prudently and wisely can actually make you money. You might be thinking, “Gramps, that is not possible.”

But let me share how Granny and I have used credit cards over several decades and have literally made several thousand dollars doing so. We currently have two active businesses, so we have three credit cards that we use on a regular basis. One card for purchases in each of the businesses and one for personal purchases. Let me share the four uncompromising rules for wise use of credit cards.

First, never use a credit card that charges you an annual fee just to have it, such as American Express. There is no logical reason to pay for a credit card just to be a member. It is usually to build a person’s ego, and there is no room for ego with finances.

Second, only use credit cards that pay you cash back bonuses for every dollar you spend using the credit card. These cash back bonuses will range anywhere from 1% to 3% of your purchases, and sometimes higher for special promotions.

Third, never purchase something on a credit card unless you already have the money in the bank to pay for that purchase. Never anticipate that you will have the money when it is due, too many times you will get over-extended or anticipated income does not arrive on time.

Fourth, always pay your credit card bill in full when it is due every single month, no exceptions.

I have to admit that Granny and I are very prudent and careful with our spending and money that we earn. So let’s assume that you are financially disciplined and you are able to comply with the four rules listed above. Here is how Granny and Gramps use three credit cards effectively.

Nearly all purchases that we make are put on one of our three credit cards, depending on which business is making the purchase or if it is a personal purchase – this includes office supplies, computer equipment, software, groceries, fuel, personal items, utility bills, medical and dental bills, and any other business or household items. This can add up to several thousand dollars per year. Even if you have a modest budget, it would also add up to several thousand dollars over a years’ time.

If you strictly follow the four credit card rules, there are two ways where you have the potential to earn money instead of paying interest and fees. First, if you have a savings account, the time between your purchase and when the credit card statement is due can range from 30 – 45 days. You can earn interest on your money during this time. Second, if you put nearly all your purchases on your credit card, then you are earning 1-3% back on those purchases.

On a monthly basis, this may not be a huge amount, but pennies add up to dollars, and dollars can add up to substantial money. If you are disciplined enough to follow these rules, then on $20,000 worth of purchases applied to a credit card you can earn $200 to $500 more per year of free money.

Most credit card users, especially if they are only making minimum payments, don’t realize that they end up paying several thousands of dollars in interest and fees over the course of a year. If you earn a few hundred dollars instead of spending a few thousand in fees and interest, that can add up to a lot of money.

Being debt free is so liberating. It is a feeling that is hard to describe. Your choices are so much greater. The financial pressures are so much less. The conflicts in a family are minimized.

It has not been easy for Granny and Gramps to continually make the financial sacrifices that we have over the years, but it is worth it. We are still very frugal with our money, but it allows us to help others and to have the resources to play a small part in the furtherance of God’s kingdom.

For many who find themselves drowning in credit card debt, it is because of their love for money. Even when they do not really have money, they crave it. As we are instructed by the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.”

There are few situations in life that cause so much stress and hardship than what is brought on by living in debt when it is not necessary. You can still have a blessed and enjoyable Christmas and holiday season without going into debt to do so. If you do use credit cards, follow the four rules mentioned, and you will live free from the shackles of debt.

If you have any questions or comments about today’s question and answer, please leave me a comment on Wisdom-Trek.com or email me at guthrie@wisdom-trek.com

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 742 – Live a Life of Thanksgiving – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 23 Nov 2017 08:03:43 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 742 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Live a Life of Thanksgiving – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 742 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from the President John F. Kennedy, and it is, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

Live a Life of Thanksgiving

As we celebrate this special day of Thanksgiving in the United States, let us consider the words to this quote of gratitude. Being thankful is good. It is even better to express thankfulness to others. It is great when we are able to go beyond that and actively practice the spirit of Thanksgiving by living and showing others in tangible ways through actions that you are truly thankful for them.

Let us make it a habit to live a life of thanksgiving and gratitude by encouraging and helping others with acts of kindness. Let us express in word and in deed all that we are thankful for. There are so many people and situations that we can be thankful for. Let us show them.

Our first and foremost thanksgiving should be to God, the maker of heaven and earth. The One who made us and gives us each breath that we breathe. The one who sent His Son to die on the cross so we might have life eternal.

As King David tells us in Psalm 100:4, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.”

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 736 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 741 – Particular Applications of a Biblical Worldview – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 08:03:01 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 741 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Particular Applications of a Biblical Worldview – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 741 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. We continue this Wednesday to explore new trails on how to gain wisdom through a Biblical worldview. The first few weeks we are plotting out what a Biblical worldview is and why it is so important as a Christ follower to interpret life through the lenses of a Biblical worldview.

Once we lay the foundation, we will then look at current issues that impact our world and society and explore them through the lens of a Biblical Worldview, instead of the lens of our society, culture, modern media, or social media. I do not desire to tell you what to think, but teach you how to think, so that you may be able to filter current issues and events through your Biblical worldview. You may not always agree with my view, and that is okay. I am open to any comments that you may have on the subjects that we explore.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. This week of Thanksgiving in the United States is a time for reflection and thankfulness of the freedom that we have. Freedom of worship, freedom of speech, freedom to choose, freedom to work hard and prosper.

As Christ followers, this freedom allows us to explore and discuss why we view our world through the lens of a Biblical Worldview. We should be thankful and never take it for granted.

Last week on our Wisdom Wednesday we explored the General Implications of a Biblical Worldview, and today we will conclude our introduction with just some highlights of what we will be exploring in the coming weeks. If you missed listening to the last four Wisdom Wednesdays, it would be good to go back to understand the foundation of a Biblical worldview. Today we will explore…

Particular Applications of a Biblical Worldview

While many examples could be offered, here are six particular applications where a Biblical worldview provides a difference in perspective:

Technology—Technology can become either an instrument through which we fulfill our role as God’s stewards or an object of worship that will eventually rule us. A Biblical worldview provides balance and insight for understanding this crucial aspect of twenty-first-century life.
Sexuality and Marriage—Sexuality has become a major topic for those entering the third millennium. Much confusion exists among Christians and non-Christians. Sexuality is good in the covenant relationship of mutual self-giving marriage. Sexual intimacy, separated from covenant marriage, in heterosexual or homosexual relations is sinful and has a distorted meaning, a self-serving purpose and negative consequences for the Christ follower.
The Environment—Environmental stewardship means we have a responsibility to the nonhuman aspects of God’s creation. Since God’s plan of redemption includes his earthly creation, as well as human (as is listed in Romans [8:18]–27), we should do all we can to live in it carefully and lovingly.
The Arts and Recreation—The arts and recreation are understood as legitimate and important parts of human creativity and community. They express what it means to be created as God’s image bearers. We need to develop critical skills of analysis and evaluation so that we are informed, intentional, and reflective about what we create, see, and do.
Science and Faith—For almost two centuries science has been at the forefront of our modern world. We must explore how we see scientific issues from the vantage point of a Biblical worldview. An understanding of God includes the knowledge we gain through scientific investigation. With the lens of faith in place, a picture of God’s world emerges that complements and harmonizes the findings of science and the teachings of Scripture.
Vocation—Important for any culture is an understanding of work. Work is a gift from God and is to be pursued with excellence for God’s glory. We recognize that all honest professions are honorable, that the gifts and abilities we have for our vocation which is our calling comes from God, and that prosperity, promotions, and success come from God.

These are only a few examples that we will explore in depth on subsequent “Wisdom Wednesday” episodes. These discussions will help you shape your thinking in many areas so that you can adopt a Biblical Worldview in every area of life.

As we conclude, Biblical thinking must surely outrank all other endeavors to the improvement of the mind in pursuit of truth, taking every thought captive to Jesus Christ as we are instructed in 2 Corinthians 10:5, “We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.” Two other places in the book of 2 Corinthians Paul reminds us that we cannot presume that our thinking is Christ-centered. In 2 Corinthians 3:14, we learn that the minds of the Israelites were hardened, “But the people’s minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ.”

In 2 Corinthians 4:4 Paul says, “Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.”

So today, as in the days of the Corinthian correspondence, our minds and our thinking are ensnared by the many challenges and opposing worldviews in today’s world. Like Paul and Bernard of Clairvaux several centuries after him, we must combine the intellectual with the moral and spiritual expounded in Bernard’s famous statement:

Some seek knowledge for

The sake of knowledge:

That is curiosity;

Others seek knowledge so that

They themselves may be known:

That is vanity;

But there are still others

Who seek knowledge in

Order to serve and edify others;

And that is charity.

That is the essence of serious Biblical worldview thinking—bringing every thought captive to the lordship of Jesus Christ in order to serve and edify others. It is not so we can win arguments because a man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still. It is to present logical and Biblical thinking to spur others to study God’s Word so that they too can align their thoughts with God’s thoughts. This will allow them to become bearers of His image. That is a high calling indeed as we move forward and faithfully in the twenty-first century.

Next week for Wisdom Wednesday we will select a prominent topic and explore it through a Biblical Worldview. Each week we will choose hot topics that are prevalent today and explore them through a Biblical lens. If you have any topics that you would like us to cover, please email them to me at guthrie@wisdom-trek.com.

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of our past 740 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 740 – Be Thankful for What You Already Have – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 08:03:58 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 740 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Be Thankful for What You Already Have – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 740 of our trek, and it is time for our 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Jim Rohn, and it is, “There is no better opportunity to receive more than to be thankful for what you already have. Thanksgiving opens the windows of opportunity for ideas to flow your way.”

Be Thankful for What You Already Have

We all tend to desire that which we do not have, whether we already have little or much. The only path to true joy and happiness in life is to be thankful for what we already have.

When we practice this mindset of thankfulness, then opportunities will open up to receive even more. When we are ungrateful for that which we already have, then we will not have the opportunities to receive more. In fact when you are unthankful, then that which you already have will be diminished.

Even during hard times and times of scarcity, we must possess a heart of thankfulness, and proclaim that thankfulness to others. As the Apostle, Paul instructed us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

In one of His parables, Jesus taught us the principle that God expects us to follow, which is to be thankful for all that He has given us regardless of whether it is a lot or a little. If we practice thankfulness in all circumstances, then more will be given to us. Jesus says in the parable in Matthew 25:29, “To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.”

Let us be thankful for all that we have and in every circumstance.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 739 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe to iTunes or Google play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 739 – The Power of a Thankful Heart – Mindshift Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 08:03:11 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 739 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Power of a Thankful Heart – Mindshift Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 739 of our trek, and it is time for our Mindshift Monday series. Wisdom-Trek’s primary focus is to assist you in creating your living legacy.

It is easy to get stuck in a mindset that your current circumstances cannot be changed. This is not true, but you must understand this fundamental principle: In order to change your life, you must change how you think and what you think about. Our Mindshift Monday podcast and journal will be to provide you practical ways to make a mindshift to a rich and satisfying life.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. This past weekend we celebrated an early Thanksgiving and a belated 87^th birthday for my Dad with four of my nine siblings and other family members. We had a total of 23 people here in all. It certainly was not what we consider a large family gathering, but one of great joy, celebration, and thankfulness. Since this week we do observe Thanksgiving in the United States, today our mindshift is to consider…

The Power of a Thankful Heart

The Apostle Paul encourages us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

It is not always easy to give thanks, but this is the very thing we must do in order to see God’s will accomplished in our lives. This is how we move into higher realms of faith for ourselves, our city, our nation, and indeed for the Kingdom of God.

Thanksgiving has great power to bring joy and break the power of the enemy. Whenever you give thanks to God despite the most difficult circumstances, the enemy loses a big battle in your life. When you give thanks in the midst of difficulty, you bring pleasure to God’s heart. He is looking for Christ-followers who live in a realm of praise and thanksgiving where the enemy no longer has an ability to hold or manipulate that person. Satan is defeated when we have a thankful heart because thankfulness during difficulty is a sacrifice pleasing to God.

Are you thankful? Are you thankful for your present circumstances? Are you thankful for your salvation, your friendships, your job? Thankfulness is a key to your life. It is the key that turns your situation around because it changes you, your outlook, and your attitude. There is power in a thankful heart.

· Thanksgiving Brings Contentment

Begin to thank God for all the blessings he has given you instead of dwelling on the negative. Discontentment dries up the soul. Consider what missionary Elizabeth Elliott, who lost her husband on the mission field and has faced multitudes of hardships, says about loving God’s will and being content, “To love God is to love His will. It is to wait quietly for life to be measured by one who knows us through and through. It is to be content with His timing and His wise apportionment. It is to follow in the steps of the Master, as did Paul, who was able to say that he had learned contentment no matter what the circumstances. His circumstances when he wrote that? Prison. No easy lesson, but great gain which is the sum of godliness plus contentment.” I Timothy 6:6 – Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.

Look at the example of Jesus. He followed the will of His Father to the very end. He obeyed without complaint. In Philippians 2:5-8, Paul teaches us:

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Though he was God,
    he did not think of equality with God
    as something to cling to.
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
    he took the humble position of a slave
    and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
he humbled himself in obedience to God
    and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

· Offer God a Sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving

The Duke of Wellington was the great British military leader who regretted that he had not learned the secret of praise during his lifetime. He had many great accomplishments and even defeated Napoleon at Waterloo. He was a brilliant and demanding man, and when he was older, he realized that there were areas in his life that needed to change. In his old age, a women asked him this question, “What would you do differently if you had your life to live over again?” He thought carefully and said, “I would give more praise.” This is a lesson for all of us; if we learned to be people of praise and thanksgiving all the days of our lives, it would be a great accomplishment.

David said in Psalm 116:17, “I will offer you a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord.”

Let each of us seek to have an attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving, rising to a new level of holiness in our lives.

Here are 3 ways to practice an attitude of thankfulness in everyday life:

Thank and praise God for everything in your life.Thank Him for even the difficulties. It is a sacrifice to do this. But He can turn troubles to triumph. Hebrews 13:15 – Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.
Don’t allow yourself to complain about anything. During the difficult times, be very careful to watch your tongue. Instead of complaining, think of ways you can verbally offer God the sacrifice of thanksgiving.
Don’t compare yourself with others. Don’t wish that your life was different. God knows what is best. The Bible says having a thankful heart is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. When we begin to thank God for what we have rather than comparing ourselves with others, it opens the door for God’s blessings.

Here is a quote from Rick Warren that sums it up pretty well.

“God smiles when we praise and thank Him continually. Few things feel better than receiving heartfelt praise and appreciation from someone else. God loves it, too…An amazing thing happens when we offer praise and thanksgiving to God. When we give God enjoyment, our own hearts are filled with joy.”

Next week we will continue our trek of Mindshift Monday. On tomorrow’s trek, we will explore another wisdom quote. This 3-minute wisdom supplement will assist you in becoming healthy, wealthy, and wise each day. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 738 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe on iTunes and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 738 – The Value of Relationships – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 17 Nov 2017 08:03:31 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 738 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Value of Relationships – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 738 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

As we continue on this trek called life sometimes we have questions about life, so our Friday trek is a time when we can “Ask Gramps.” Gramps will answer questions that you would like to ask your dad or granddad, but for whatever reason, you are not able to.

As your fellow sojourner and mentor on this trek that we call life, it is my goal to provide you with practical wisdom and advice about any area of life. It is crucial that I receive a constant flow of questions. So please submit your questions to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com, send me a message at the bottom of any page on wisdom-trek.com, or text me at 740.350.5732. And I will answer your questions on our Friday podcast.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. This past week I was in Arizona working on our construction project. It was a very busy, productive week, and we were able to lay out the “Schedule of Values” for the entirety of Phase II.

I am sure that we will have some modifications and adjustments, but we made very good progress. Just like we create a schedule of the values within a project, we personally need to take the time to create values within a relationship, especially with a spouse or close friend. So the question for today is…

“Hey Gramps, how can I create a valuable relationship with my spouse or close friend?”

The Value of Relationships

Before you can value others properly, you must first value yourself. You will never love or value another person fully if you feel that you are not valuable and loved. In order to do this, you must understand that your value is not necessarily based on who you are or what you have accomplished up to this point in your life, but whose you are.

As Christ followers, we are created by God to be bearers of His image. The Apostle Paul instructs us in Ephesians 2:8-10, “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”Once you understand that your value is based on the fact that God made you and considers you valuable, then you can realize that you are truly valuable. Jesus explained the concept of how important it is for us to love ourselves so that we can properly love others. Mark 12:30-31 says, “‘And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”

Paul drills down even further when he says in Galatians 5:14, “For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”

So it begs the question, how can you love others if you do not love yourself? You can’t. If we all practiced this verse, there would be few problems in the world.

The relationship between a husband and wife goes even deeper because this is an intimate and very close relationship. So the love must go much deeper. The fact is the same, though. If you do not value yourself, then you cannot value your spouse fully. This is a very serious matter. There is so much conflict in marriages because we do not respect and love ourselves properly, but instead, we are selfish and cruel.

Love is never selfish or cruel under any circumstances, but I realize that this is a two-way street, especially in a marriage. That is why Paul gives us a blueprint for a successful, fulfilling marriage. It is found in Ephesians [5:21]-33 and says:

And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything. For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word.He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. And we are members of his body. As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

There is certainly a lot to unwrap in that passage, but we may leave that for another time. Let me summarize it for today’s question. Both husband and wife must be willing to submit to one another. Wives, your husband’s greatest need is to be respected and trusted. Husbands your wives greatest need is your love and security. In fact, if husbands loved their wives as Christ loves the church, there would be very few issues within a marriage. That is my prayer daily – that I will love Paula as Christ loves the church.

This is a deep question, and we may expand on it further in the future. If you desire valuable, fulfilling relationships remember that the entire law is summed up in two statements. Love God, Love Others. I might add that to do this you must properly value and love yourself. You are God’s Masterpiece!

Next week we will have another question to “Ask Gramps.” Gramps will answer any questions you may have about life and will provide you with practical wisdom about any area of life. Please submit questions that you have to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com, and Gramps will answer them on our Friday podcast with wisdom and philosophy that he has gained over the years of experience and study.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 737 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe through iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you on Monday!

Day 737 – Always Be Full of Joy – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 16 Nov 2017 08:03:57 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 737 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Always Be Full of Joy – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 737 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from the Apostle Paul, and it is, “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again, Rejoice!”

Always Be Full of Joy

Dr. Victor Frankl, the author of Man’s Search for Meaning, was imprisoned by the Nazis in World War II because he was a Jew. His wife, his children, and his parents were all killed in the Holocaust. The Gestapo stripped him of his clothes. He stood totally naked before them.

As they cut off his wedding band, Viktor said to himself, “You can take away my wife, you can take away my children, you can strip me of my clothes and my freedom, but there is one thing no person can ever take away from me—and that is my freedom to choose how I will react to what happens to me!” Even under the most difficult of circumstances, joy is a choice which transforms our tragedies into triumph.

Let’s face it, not everything goes our way. Things don’t always work out as we planned. Some days are disasters. Other days are worse than that.

Happiness comes easily when things go our way. Joy is different. It’s deeper. Joy is an attitude we select. Happiness is external and subject to what happens. Joy is an inside job in which we opt to rejoice regardless of the circumstances.

Don’t confuse happiness with joy. Happiness is a buoyant emotion that results from the momentary plateaus of well-being. Joy is bedrock stuff. Joy is a confidence that operates irrespective of our moods. Joy is the certainty that all is well, regardless of how we feel.

Joy is a divine dimension of living that is not shackled by circumstances simply because we have chosen to respond positively. Paul is saying in Philippians 4:4 that joy is not something that happens to me but rather something I deliberately and consciously select. Circumstances seldom generate lasting smiles and laughter. Joy comes to those who determine to choose it in spite of their circumstances.

So let’s read this quote from Philippians 4:4 once again, “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again, Rejoice!”

Just as you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 736 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 736 – General Implications of a Biblical Worldview – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 08:03:35 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 736 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

General Implications of a Biblical Worldview – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 736 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. We continue this Wednesday to explore new trails on how to gain wisdom through a Biblical worldview.

The first few weeks we are plotting out what a biblical worldview is and why it is so important as a Christ follower to interpret life through the lenses of a Biblical worldview. Once we lay the foundation, we will then look at current issues that impact our world and society and explore them through the lens of a Biblical worldview, instead of the lens of our society, culture, modern media, or social media.

I do not desire to tell you what to think but teach you how to think, so that you may be able to filter current issues and events through your Biblical worldview. You may not always agree with my view, and that is okay. I am open to any comments that you may have on the subjects that we explore.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Last week on our Wisdom Wednesday, we explored the starting points of a Biblical Worldview, and today we will extend that subject and focus on the General Implications of a Biblical Worldview. If you missed listening to the last three weeks, it would be good to go back to Day 721, Day 726, and Day 731. So today we will explore…

General Implications of a Biblical Worldview

A Biblical Worldview becomes a driving force in life, giving us a sense of God’s plan and purpose for this world. Our very identity is shaped by this worldview. We no longer see ourselves as alienated sinners. A Biblical worldview is not escapism but is an energizing motivation for godly and faithful thinking and living in the here and now. It also gives us confidence and hope for the future. In the midst of life’s challenges and struggles, a Biblical worldview helps to stabilize life, anchoring us to God’s faithfulness and steadfastness.

Thus, a Biblical worldview provides a framework for ethical thinking. We recognize that humans, who are made to be God’s image bearers, are essentially moral beings. We also recognize that the fullest embodiment of good, love, holiness, grace, and truth is in Jesus Christ as we see in John [1:14]–18.

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. John testified about him when he shouted to the crowds, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’” From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.

A Biblical worldview has implications for understanding history. We see that history is not cyclical or random. Rather, we see history as linear, a meaningful sequence of events leading to the fulfillment of God’s purposes for humanity. Human history will climax where it began, on the earth. This truth is another distinctive of Biblical thinking, for Christianity is historical at its heart. In the sense that according to its essential teaching, God has acted decisively in history, revealing himself in specific acts and events. Moreover, God will act to bring history to its providential destiny and planned conclusion.

God who has acted in history in past events will also act in history to consummate this age. So when we ask, “How will it end?” we do not simply or suddenly pass out of the realm of history into a never-never land. We pass to that which is nevertheless certain of occurring because God is behind it and is himself the One who tells us it will come to pass.

Developing a Biblical worldview is an ever-advancing process for us, a process in which Biblical convictions more and more shape our participation in culture. This disciplined, vigorous, and unending process will help shape how we assess culture and our place in it. Otherwise, the culture will shape us and our thinking. Thus a Biblical Worldview offers a new way of thinking, seeing, and doing, based on a new way of being.

A Biblical worldview is a coherent way of seeing life, of seeing the world distinct from deism, naturalism, and materialism, existentialism, polytheism, pantheism, mysticism, or deconstructionist postmodernism. Such a theistic perspective provides bearings and direction when confronted with New Age spirituality or secularistic and pluralistic approaches to truth and morality. Fear about the future, suffering, disease, and poverty are informed by a Biblical worldview, grounded in the redemptive work of Christ and the grandeur of God. Moreover, a Biblical worldview offers meaning and purpose for all aspects of life.

Next week for Wisdom Wednesday as we continue, we will explore some sample Particular Applications for a Biblical Worldview. The week following we will begin to view some of the hot topics that are prevalent today through a Biblical lens. If you have any topics that you would like us to cover, please email them to me at guthrie@wisdom-trek.com.

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of our past 735 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe at iTunes or Google Play, so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 735 – Do As The Roman Do – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 08:03:23 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 735 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Do As The Romans Do – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 735 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from St. Ambrose, and it is, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

Do As The Romans Do

Rome was the sin capital of the ancient world. It would have made Las Vegas look like a Sunday school picnic where the saying, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” Rome was filled with every kind of sin, debauchery, and immorality, which was prevalent. And when in Rome what’s expected and accepted? “Do as the Romans do!” But a certain group of people refused to indulge in such sinful behavior. They had integrity and were filled with goodness.

In fact, the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 15:14, “I am fully convinced, my dear brothers and sisters, that you are full of goodness. You know these things so well you can teach each other all about them.” To paraphrase this “In the middle of this cesspool, you are full of goodness.” What a testimony! What a reputation! What a life! Do you have that kind of reputation? Are you full of goodness?Consider a water-saturated sponge. If we push down with our finger even slightly, water runs out onto the table. We immediately know what fills the interior pockets of the sponge.

The same is true for people. What fills the inside of a person comes out under pressure. If we are soaked with God’s grace, generosity, and goodness, when we are pushed to our limits and pressed down, the goodness of God trickles out on everyone in our presence.

Let’s face it, most, if not all of us, will never be on a magazine cover, or sit as the chairman of the board of a major corporation, or have our names in lights, but we can be good. We can make a difference in our world by doing all the good we can with all the life we have. To make our mark means far more than fame or fortune; it means helping someone along the way to be a better person or to perform a noble task.

Go forth and be good.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 734 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe on iTunes or Google play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 734 – Outside Influences – Mindshift Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 08:03:48 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 734 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Outside Influences – Mindshift Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 734 of our trek, and it is time for our Mindshift Monday series. Wisdom-Trek’s primary focus is to assist you in creating your living legacy.

Creating your living legacy can only be accomplished by gaining wisdom in many areas of life. You can only gain wisdom by changing what you allow to go into your mind which is a result of changing the way you think. In other words, to create your living legacy, you must choose to be in a continual mode of Mindshift. It is easy to get stuck in a mindset that your current circumstances cannot be changed. This is not true, but you must understand this fundamental principle: In order to change your life, you must change how you think and what you think about. Our Mindshift Monday podcast and journal will be to provide you practical ways to make a mindshift to a rich and satisfying life.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Do you consider yourself an influential person? Who or what impacts your life choices and decisions the most? On our trek today, let’s look at…

Outside Influences

Too many times we allow outward circumstances and influences to control our actions and mold our thinking. Too often we limit our happiness by submitting to the constant pressures all around us. It is vitally important to realize that either the situations around us control our lives, or we control them. For instance, we don’t need to wait until we are happy before we sing. We can sing to make us happy. Indeed, we can create our own environment. We can make our own bed in which we choose to lie down in. We truly can color our own world with the colors that we choose.

Have you ever known someone who could walk into a room full of people and within a few short moments completely change the atmosphere? How about the person who seemingly keeps their head above water while everyone else is drowning in confusion? Do you know people who, while others are bitter and critical, can smile and spread joy? What is their secret?

Those individuals have learned to control their situation instead of allowing outside influences to control them. They have realized that the outlook of their world largely depends on what is right, not what is easy or convenient. They have learned that while conditions may not always be favorable, they must color their own world the colors they would like to see.

The following characteristics are evident in positive influencers:

They face each day with internal joy and optimism regardless of external influences.
Their radiant lives draw others around them like a magnet.
They are doing while others are doubting.
They do not wait for favorable conditions to accomplish something worthwhile.
They always lift the spirits of those around them.
They work while others worry.
They are always discovering more potential within their own lives.
They make things happen while others wait for things to happen.
The initiate good thinking and positive actions in an atmosphere that is prone to doubt and discouragement.
They seem lucky because they create their own luck through action.

Who or what influences you? Where are you right now? Are you sitting on a heap of ashes feeling sorry for yourself? Are you drowning in a pool of problems? Are you slowly being buried by the pressures of life? If so, it is time to pick up your own crayons, go to your life canvas, and start coloring your world the colors and picture you would like to see in your life.

You may ask, “How can I do this?” It may require that you have a mindshift and a great starting point is found in Philippians 4:4-9.

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 733 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe on iTunes and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 733 – Home Sweet Home – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 08:03:29 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 733 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Home Sweet Home – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 733 of our trek time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy. As we continue on this trek called life sometimes we have questions about life so our Friday trek is a time where we can “Ask Gramps.”

Gramps will answer questions that you would like to ask your dad or granddad, but for whatever reason this is not possible. No matter how old you are, I know that all of us would like the opportunity to ask Dad or Gramps questions about life in many areas. We will address areas such as finances, relationships, health/fitness, business/work, home repairs/renovations, seasons of life, spiritual/Biblical questions, and any other areas that come our way.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. When this episode is originally released, I will be in Mesa, Arizona, working with our partners on Phase II of the Mesa Townhome project. We are the general contractor for the funding group that is having the homes built, so we are able to see the progress from breaking ground through the final sale of the home. So I thought it would be appropriate to answer a question about home buying today.

“Hey Gramps, We are looking to buy a home, should I apply for a 15- or 30-year mortgage?”

Home Sweet Home

Regardless of whether you are a first time homebuyer or a current homeowner looking to move to a new home, the same principles should apply. Let me share some background thoughts first before answering the question because they are so crucial to your decision.

First off is to make sure that you do not look to buy more of a home than you need. It is not necessary to buy a home with four bedrooms and 4 bathrooms for a family of four, especially if your budget will make it very tight. It is nice to have spare rooms for company and other purposes, but the fact is if you have to pay several hundred dollars more per month for a larger home, then it may not be a wise investment.

Second, do you have adequate reserves for a down payment? Most lending institutions require 10-20% down, and that money is not supposed to be borrowed from any other sources, including family. If you are able to purchase a home that appraises for 20% higher than the selling price, sometimes the down payment is waived. If you do not have an adequate down payment, it would be best to wait until you do. There are also several hundred or thousands of dollars in closing fees that need to be considered. Never use up all of your reserves to make a down payment, leave at least 1 to 2 months of income in an emergency fund. Unexpected expenses happen to all of us.

If you have credit card debt or significant student loans, use your reserves to pay those off before investing in a home. The only exception is if the student loan interest rates are very low, which is not the case in most instances. The actual interest paid on credit card bills is usually much higher than what is stated, especially if you are only making minimum payments.

Assuming that you can still wisely move forward with a home purchase, what amount can you afford in your monthly budget without being strapped for cash? When you determine that, it is my strong recommendation to find a home that will fit your budget and still allow you to apply for a 15-year mortgage. It may not be your “dream home,” but you can choose to make any home a dream home if your family can be together and enjoy each day without the added financial pressure.

Here is an example of the difference between a 15-year and 30-year mortgage. Let’s say you have found an acceptable home and the selling price is $200,000.00. Also, let’s assume your credit score is decent, and you qualify for a 4.5% annual interest rate.

First, you will need between $20,000 and $40,000 for a down payment unless there is equity built in. For our example, let’s say that the amount borrowed is the same as the selling price.

A 30-year mortgage at 4.5% will equate to a monthly payment of about $1,015. This does not include insurance, property taxes, and in some instances monthly HOA fees which are usually added onto your monthly payment as escrow. Let’s say escrow adds another $300 to your payment for a total of $1,315 per month for housing. If you take 30 years to pay off your mortgage, you will have paid a total of $364,815.00 for a $200,000 home. $164,815.00 in interest, almost doubling the price of the home.

If on the other hand, you are able to obtain a 15-year mortgage at the same 4.5% interest rate your monthly payment will be $1530.00 plus $300.00 for escrow making your monthly payment $1830.00 or $515.00 more per month. I realize that is a substantial increase, but let’s look at the results. If you pay off your mortgage in 15 years, you will have paid a total of $275,397.58 for a $200,000.00 home. $75,397.58 in interest. You will save $89,417.00 in interest alone by having a 15-year mortgage. In addition to this, the amount of equity in your home will grow much faster each month as you are paying more principle, even in a flat housing market.

I do realize that there are many other factors, such as how rapidly home prices are increasing, current interest rates, what you may be currently paying for rent or other housing, and what your current financial situation is. Don’t forget, though, even on newer homes, there is always repair and upkeep that you do not have when renting. And this cost can be substantial.

Because of favorable tax laws and the fact that home values historically rise in every market over a long period of time, purchasing usually makes more sense than renting. Keep in mind, though, the less you borrow, the better. The shorter the mortgage length, the better. If you do not buy more house than you really need, are able to manage your monthly payments without straining your finances, a home purchase can be a good investment under most conditions.

All things considered though, it is better not to be in debt, but if you do borrow, borrow wisely. There is nothing more freeing than being completely out of debt, including your mortgage. Gramps has been blessed to be in this situation, and it is very freeing. Being debt free gives you options to make wise choices and provides more opportunity to further God’s work throughout the world. Gramps will wrap up his answer today with these wise teachings from God’s Word.

Proverbs 22:7 – Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.

Romans 13:8 – Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 732 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe through iTunes or Google Play, so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 732 – Any Kindness That I Can Show – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 09 Nov 2017 08:03:27 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 732 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Any Kindness That I Can Show – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 732 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from William Penn, and it is, “I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”

Any Kindness That I Can Show

Kindness is not an inconvenience to be avoided but a characteristic to be embraced.
Sometimes it is as simple as a pleasant smile, a warm handshake, sending a thank you note, assisting a neighbor with a household project, or being with a friend in distress. I have heard it said, “The greatest thing a man can do for his heavenly Father is to be kind to his other children.”

Kindness originates from the heart of God. God is kind because he cannot be otherwise. It is essential to his nature. Likewise, that kindness becomes a part of our new nature, which comes to us through the Holy Spirit. Kindness becomes a part of our conduct because our character is rooted in God.

Kindness provides for other people’s needs. Kindness is more than a pat on the back while saying, “Have a nice day.” Kindness gets involved. It gets its hands dirty. It’s visible and active. It moves beyond the spiritual and the emotional to the physical and practical.

The watchword of today’s society is “Don’t get involved.” But at the heart of a kind person is involvement. They see the needs and seek to fill them. They are willing to risk in order to help others out. They know they can’t do everything, but they can do something.

1 Thessalonians 5:15 – See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 731 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 731 – A Biblical Worldview Starting Point – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 08:03:42 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 731 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

A Biblical Worldview Starting Point – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 731 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. We continue to explore new trails on how to gain wisdom through a Biblical Worldview this Wednesday. The first few weeks we will plot out what a Biblical Worldview is and why it is so important as a Christ follower to interpret life through the lenses of a Biblical Worldview.

Once we lay the foundation we will then look at current issues that impact our world and society and explore them through the lens of a Biblical Worldview, instead of our society, culture, modern media, or social media. I do not desire to tell you what to think, but teach you how to think so that you may be able to filter current issues and events through your Biblical Worldview. You may not always agree with my view, and that is okay. I am open to any comments that you may have on the subjects that we explore.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. When this trek originally airs, I will be heading back to Arizona for a week as we continue ramping up Phase II of our Mesa Townhome project. The scope and magnitude of the project are formidable with a lot of details which we need to focus on to keep the project on schedule.

When Hazel returned to Children’s Hospital last week, her blood counts had dropped again, so they delayed her next round of chemo treatments until this week. She will be tested locally to ensure her counts are high enough before heading back. It is our prayer that she is able to continue with these treatments on a timely basis, so it does not extend her overall regimen any longer than required.

Last week on our Wisdom Wednesday we explored how to shape a Biblical Worldview, and today we will extend that subject and focus on what the starting point is when shaping a Biblical Worldview. If you missed listening to the last two weeks, it would be good to go back to Day 721 and Day 726. So today we will explore…

A Biblical Worldview Starting Point

We ended last week with the foundation of a Biblical Worldview, which comes from the Apostles Creed and says, “We believe in God, creator of heaven and earth.” A worldview must offer a way to live that is consistent with reality by offering a comprehensive understanding of all areas of life and thought, every aspect of creation.

As we said earlier, the starting point for a Biblical worldview brings us into the presence of God without delay. The central affirmation of Scripture is not only that there is a God but that God has acted and spoken in history. God is Lord and King over this world, ruling all things for his own glory, displaying his perfections in all that he does so that humans and other heavenly beings may worship and adore him.

God is triune; there are within the Godhead three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The concept of the Trinity was not fully understood until Christ was bodily present on earth. Even today for some it is difficult to grasp the concept of one God manifested in three aspects.

To think wrongly about God is idolatry. Thinking rightly about God is eternal life, which John 17:3 explains, “And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.” Thinking rightly about God should be the believer’s life objective. We can think rightly about God because he is knowable, at least to the extent we can comprehend through His Spirit that resides within us. 1 Corinthians 2:11 puts it this way, “No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit.” We do have to keep in perspective that we are finite, and it would be impossible to completely know an infinite God. Romans [11:33]-36 helps to explain this.

Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!

For who can know the Lord’s thoughts?
Who knows enough to give him advice?
And who has given him so much
that he needs to pay it back?

For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.

Deuteronomy 29:29 infers that we are responsible for thinking rightly of God to the point that we know Him. The more we mature in our Biblical Worldview, the more accountable we are to God to think rightly about Him, “The Lord, our God, has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that he has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions.”

God is a personal God and has created us to be bearers of His image. God desires us to commune with Him. He is differentiated from any other created beings, from nature, and from the universe. This is in contrast to other worldviews which, if they acknowledge God at all, they view Him as an impersonal cosmic being. This being is part of the overall universe similar to “The Force” in Star Wars. This force is an ever-changing process, and that the process itself is God—or becoming God.

In a Biblical Worldview, God is self-existent, dependent on nothing external to himself. God is infinite, meaning that God is not only unlimited but that nothing outside of God can limit God. God is infinite in relation to time (eternal), in relation to knowledge (omniscience), and in relation to power (omnipotent). He is sovereign and unchanging. God is infinite and personal, transcendent, and imminent. He is holy, righteous, just, good, true, faithful, loving, gracious, and merciful.

God, without the use of any preexisting material, brought into existence everything that is. The opening verse of the Bible Genesis 1:1 proclaims, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” John 1:1-5 ties in Jesus (the Word) as the second nature of the triune God.

In the beginning, the Word already existed.
The Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He existed in the beginning with God.
God created everything through him,
and nothing was created except through him.
The Word gave life to everything that was created,
and his life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness can never extinguish it.

The initial sentence of the Apostles’ Creed confesses God as Creator. Creation is the work of the Trinitarian God. Creation reveals God and brings glory to him. All of creation was originally good but is now imperfect because of the entrance of sin and its effects on creation in Genesis 3:16–19. This is, however, only a temporary imperfection for Romans [8:19]-22 tells us that it will be redeemed in the final work of God, the new creation.

The Creator God is not different from the God who provides redemption in Jesus Christ through his Holy Spirit. God is the source of all things. This means that God has brought the world into existence out of nothing through a purposeful act of his free will. A Biblical Worldview affirms that God is the sovereign and almighty Lord of all existence.

A Biblical Worldview also contends that God is set apart from and transcends his creation. It also maintains that God is a purposeful God who creates in freedom. In creation and in God’s provision and preservation for creation, he is working out his ultimate purposes for humanity and the world. Human life is thus meaningful, significant, intelligent, and purposeful. This affirms the overall unity and intelligibility of the universe. In this, we see God’s greatness, goodness, and wisdom.

Next week for Wisdom Wednesday, we will continue to explore Implications of a Biblical Worldview. After a few weeks of establishing a foundation for a Biblical worldview, we will then view some of the hot topics that are prevalent today through a Biblical lens. If you have any topics that you would like us to cover, please email them to me at guthrie@wisdom-trek.com.

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of our past 730 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe at iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 730 – Which Tent Do You Live In? – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 08:03:52 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 730 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Which Tent Do You Live In? – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 730 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget:

Today’s quote is from John Maxwell, and it is, “All persons live in one of two tents, content or discontent. In which do you live?”

Which Tent Do You Live In?

The contented person looks beyond circumstances and sees a better day; the discontented person looks at the circumstances and sees no other way.

The contented person understands the purpose for which he was born; the discontented person looks at others’ success with a face filled with scorn.

The contented person has surrendered to a purpose that demands his best; the discontented person has selfishly hoarded much and, grasping for more, will not rest.

The contented person has placed his values on things that will forever last; the discontented person has placed his values on things that will soon be past.

The contented person is anchored to clear goals and is hardly every swayed; the discontented person has no goals to anchor him and is usually dismayed.

The contented person counts his blessings and names them one by one; the discontented person counts others’ blessings and thinks that he will have no fun.

As the Apostle Paul wrote to his protégé Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:7-8, “After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.”

All persons live in one of two tents – content or discontent. In which tent do you live?

If you would like to listen to any of our past 729 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe on iTunes or Google play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 729 – What’s Your Problem? – Mindshift Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 08:03:20 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 729 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

What’s Your Problem? – Mindshift Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 729 of our trek, and it is time for our Mindshift Monday series. Wisdom-Trek’s primary focus is to assist you in creating your living legacy. Creating your living legacy can only be accomplished by gaining wisdom in many areas of life.

You can only gain wisdom by changing what you allow to go into your mind, which is a result of changing the way you think. In other words, to create your living legacy, you must choose to be in a continual mode of Mindshift. It is easy to get stuck in a mindset that your current circumstances cannot be changed.

This is not true, but you must understand this fundamental principle: In order to change your life, you must change how you think and what you think about. Our Mindshift Monday podcast and journal will be to provide you practical ways to make a mindshift to a rich and satisfying life.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Have you ever met anyone who does not have problems in their life? No, I haven’t either. Now I have met some that seemed to have so many problems that “if it weren’t for bad luck, they’d have no luck at all.” They seem to go from one drama to the next, but no one has to live that way. So let me ask you…

What’s Your Problem?

Problems are many things to many people, but let’s look at it through the eyes of those people that successfully handle problems on a consistent basis. Problems are predictors. They forecast the future by exposing areas of potential weakness.

How you react to difficulties when they begin to surface will determine where you and the problems will be tomorrow. No trial will leave you as the same person that you are today. The decisions we make today concerning the problems that face us will shape our future. This requires that we are in a continual mindshift mode to most effectively handle these problems.

Remember, the circumstances in which we find ourselves today are a direct reflection of the decisions that we made yesterday. The decisions that we make are a direct reflection of what we allow to enter into our mind.

· Problems Are Reminders

They remind us that we need God’s help to handle the upheavals of life. The Apostle Paul realized if he had the thought “I can do everything” that it would be an arrogant and improper mindset which would have caused problems. Instead, he knew the truth as he wrote to in Philippians 4:13, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Paul knew the secret of success was much more than self-confidence, but Christ-confidence. His achievements could only come through Christ, and he succeeded because in every problem he remembered the truth.

· Problems Are Obstacles

Problems frustrate us while we attempt to reach specific objectives or goals. For instance, a baby or toddler handles most obstacles by crying or whining. Some adults never outgrow that phase as they will pout, quit, blame someone else, or just ignore the entire situation. Others will come up with solutions on how to eliminate the problem, or at least work around them in order to keep moving forward. Regardless of our reaction to a problem for a time, it is an obstacle on our trek of life.

· Problems Are Blessings

Problems will refine us until the dross of our frailty burns off and we become stronger on our trek through life. A smooth trail never makes a skillful hiker. Problems help to keep us alert and sharp. Otherwise, we will become complacent and unmotivated. A few problems and tensions can be good for us, as long as we address them and work through them successfully. Too many unsolved problems can weigh us down and stifle us. King David wrote in Psalms 119:71, “My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.”

· Problems Are Lessons

Problems teach us to be flexible, yet determined. Most of life’s lessons are taught through trial and error. This is the life course that is labeled “Experience.” Experience is a hard teacher, though, because it gives us the test first and the lesson afterward. You might say that experience is yesterday’s answer to today’s problem.

· Problems Are Everywhere

Problems are no respecter of persons, places, or time. If a person is wise, he will discover that life is a mixture of good days and bad, victory and defeat, give and take. You need to learn that it doesn’t pay to be too sensitive to the difficult treks of life. It is best to shake off the dirt and keep moving forward. You must learn that losing your temper or throwing a temper tantrum is never the best course of action. Everyone must eat burnt toast for breakfast now and then. It is best not to take yourself too seriously, or others will not take you seriously either.

· Problems Are Messages

Problems are indications of what may possibly lie ahead of us on our trail. They are waypoints measuring progress and development in life. They are maps or GPS providing us with vital feedback and information. Sometimes they will tell us that we are off the path and need to take a new trail. They should never be ignored, or you will find yourself lost on your trek of life. You need to take time to analyze and study each problem and interpret the message that they are sending. Then you can respond appropriately.

· Problems Are Solvable

There is always a solution to a problem. Perhaps it may not be evident initially, but there is a solution. The difficulty does not lie in finding the solution, but being willing to pay the price to solve the problem. There is always a solution. You must be willing to find it.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 728 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe on iTunes and Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly, your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 728 – Trials and Tribulations – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 03 Nov 2017 07:03:58 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 728 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Trials and Tribulations – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 728 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

Last week we started on a new trek called“Ask Gramps.” This is a time where Gramps will answer questions that you would possibly like to ask your dad or granddad, but for whatever reason are unable to. No matter how old you are, I know that all of us would like the opportunity to ask Dad or Gramps questions about life in all areas.

We will address areas such as finances, relationships, health/fitness, business/work, home repairs/renovations, seasons of life, spiritual/Biblical questions, and any others areas that come our way. As your fellow sojourner and mentor on this trek that we call life, it is my goal to provide you with practical wisdom and advice about any area of life. It is crucial that I receive a constant flow of questions, so please submit your questions to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com, send me a message at the bottom of any page on wisdom-trek.com, or text me at 740.350.5732. I will answer your questions on our Friday podcast. I hope that this will become a highly interactive and informative time.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. We all face hardships at times, and our life’s trek can be steep and winding with many obstacles along the path. So here is our question for today:

“Hey Gramps, why does God allow us to go through trials and tribulations?”

Trials and Tribulations

This is one question that has certainly gone through my mind several times during this year. One of the most difficult parts of the Christian life is the fact that becoming a disciple of Christ does not make us immune to life’s trials and tribulations. The question still comes to mind, though, “Why would a good and loving God allow us to go through such things as Hazel getting leukemia, or me breaking my femur bone in a freak accident, or a grown child losing the job which causes financial hardships, worry, and fear?” Surely, if God loved us, He would take all these things away from us. After all, doesn’t loving us mean He wants our lives to be easy and comfortable?

Well, no, it doesn’t. God’s ultimate purpose for His children is to mold them into being an image bearer for Him. An often misrepresentation of Romans 8:28 is that “all things work together for good.” To us “good” is often thought of as what we desire or what we think is best for us. A closer look at Romans 8:28 shows, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

So that must mean that the trials and tribulations God allows in our lives, He causes or shapes those circumstances that will allow us to mature as the bearers of His image.

As in all things, God’s ultimate purpose for us is to grow more and more like His Son, which continues in Romans 8:29-30, “For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.”

This is the goal of the Christian, and everything in life, including the trials and tribulations, is designed to enable us to reach that goal. It is part of the process of being set apart for God’s purposes and fitted to live for His glory.

The way trials accomplish this is explained in 1 Peter 1:6-7, “So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” The true believer’s faith will be made sure by the trials we experience so that we can rest in the knowledge that it is real and will last forever.

Even though we do not like them, trials develop godly character. Romans 5:3-5 explains it this way, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”

However, we must be careful never to make excuses for our “trials and tribulations” if they are a result of our own wrongdoing. We also don’t want to have a victim mentality that is often expressed as “that’s just my cross to bear.” Some trials and tribulations are a result of choices that we have made that may have lifelong ramifications. Many others may not be tied to anything that we have done, such as Hazel contracting leukemia, or someone else getting cancer or a devastating disease.

If hardships are caused by some choice that we made which is contrary to God’s precepts found in His Word, then God will forgive our sins because the eternal punishment for them has been paid by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. However, we still have to suffer the natural consequences in this life for our sins and bad choices. But God uses even those sufferings to mold and shape us for His purposes and our ultimate good.

In fact, I have found in my own life that the trials that I go through may also be used for the perfecting of others, or bringing other people to the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Never underestimate that what appears to be your trial is actually not about you, but another person that may be observing your life.

Trials and tribulations come with both a purpose and a reward. As we are taught in James 1:2-4, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James [1:12] also tells us, “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

Although we are in a spiritual battle, please grasp the concept that Satan has no authority over the believer in Christ. God has given us His Word to guide us, His Holy Spirit to enable us, and the privilege of coming to Him anywhere, at any time, to pray about anything. Are you utilizing these resources each day?

God also assures us through the Apostle Paul that no trial will test us beyond our ability to bear it and no temptation will be too strong to withstand. 1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds, “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

In summary, I don’t like trials or tribulations any more than you do, but allowing them to grow and mature us will allow us to become more like Christ as image bearers of God.

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of the past daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe through iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 727 – Today Is Like Ready Cash – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 07:03:31 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 727 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Today Is Like Ready Cash – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 727 of our trek, and it is time for our 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from an unknown author, and it is, “Yesterday is like a canceled check. Tomorrow is a promissory note. Today is like ready cash. Use it wisely, for today is the most precious possession you can have.”

Today Is Like Ready Cash

There is absolutely nothing that we can do about yesterday, other than applying the lessons that we have learned. No one is guaranteed that they will be alive tomorrow. We need to prepare, but not obsess over it.

Today is all that we have. We need to invest our time and resources today so that they will have the greatest impact on others and on our potential tomorrows. We must use the moments that we have today as wisely as possible to maximize their impact on the lives of others.

Too often we dwell on the past with either regret or in unrealistic yearning for the “good old days.” We yearn for the future as if it will be the cure-all for all of the problems that we face today. We should forget that which is behind and press forward to our tomorrows, but with the realistic expectation that we can only make an impact today.

Yes, we should plan and hope for the future, but we cannot dwell there when there is work to be done and an impact to be made today. Do what you know is right for today. As James the half-brother of Jesus tells us in his letter James 4:13-17, “Look here, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.’ How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.’ What you ought to say is, ‘If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.’Otherwise, you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil. Remember, it is a sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.”

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly I am your friend as I serve you in through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 726 – How to Shape a Biblical Worldview? – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 07:03:24 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 726 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

How to Shape a Biblical Worldview? – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 726 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. We continue to explore new trails on how to gain wisdom this week.

Starting last week our focus is on how we can explore our trek of life through a Biblical Worldview. The first few weeks we will plot out what a Biblical Worldview is and why it is so important to interpret life through the lenses of a Biblical Worldview as a Christ follower. Once we lay the foundation, we will then look at current issues that impact our world and society and explore them through the lens of a Biblical Worldview, instead of the lens of modern media or social media.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. The cool fall weather and cold fall rains are upon us this week. The majority of the leaves are hanging on tight, though, so it looks like it will be late leaf harvest this year. With many mature walnut, maple, and oak trees on our over three acres of lawn, picking up all the leaves is similar to a small harvest. It is great to get out and enjoy fall in this manner.

After over a week in isolation, Hazel’s test of varicella virus (which is the vaccine given for chicken pox) came back negative, so as long as her blood count remains high, then she will start on her next round of chemo this week. It is our prayer that she is able to continue with these treatments, so it does not extend her overall regimen any longer than required.

Last week on our Wisdom Wednesday we explored what a Biblical Worldview is. If you missed listening to it, it would be good to go back to Day 721. Today we will explore…

How to Shape a Biblical Worldview?

A Chinese proverb says, “If you want to know what water is, don’t ask the fish.” Water is the sum and substance of the world in which the fish is immersed. The fish may not reflect on its own environment until suddenly it is thrust onto dry land, where it struggles for life. Then it realizes that water provided its sustenance.

· Everyone Has a Worldview

As I mentioned last week, everyone has a worldview. We are immersed in our culture and environment, and because of this, we have failed to take the ramifications of a secular worldview seriously. I am sure it is the same for other countries, but in the United States, we also need to be careful that we do not accept the culture and societies worldview as a Biblical Worldview.

Every culture has its own coherent set of answers to the questions of why we are here and what is our purpose for life. Cultures and societies change over time, so a secular worldview is not constant. A Biblical worldview is based on the unchanging truths and precepts in God’s Word.

What is at stake is how we understand the world in which we live. An example is how a culture or society views the sanctity of human life. Over time a society or culture may vary its view on the unborn, the sick, the aged, or a certain ethnic subsector of society. If you have a secular worldview based on societal norms and values, then there may be a strong conflict between that and a Biblical worldview as a Christ follower. You cannot have both.

These issues are worldview issues. Christ followers should recognize there is a great spiritual battle raging for the hearts and minds of men and women around the world. We now find ourselves in a cosmic struggle between Biblical truth and a morally indifferent culture. Thus we need to shape a Biblical worldview and view of life so that we will know how to learn and think Biblically and live out the truth of Biblically based faith.

The fact is that everyone has a worldview, whether they realize it or not. Some, even who consider themselves as Christ followers, have worldviews that are incoherent, being merely a smorgasbord of options from natural, supernatural, pre-modern, modern, and post-modern options.

An examined and thoughtful worldview, however, is more than a private personal viewpoint; it is a comprehensive life system that seeks to answer the basic and even some not so basic questions of life. A Biblical worldview is not just one’s personal faith expression, not just a theory. It is an all-consuming way of life, applicable to all spheres of life. It becomes the very fabric of who you are and is so integrated within you that it cannot be separated.

· Distinguishing a Biblical Worldview

There is a definite Biblical view of life, which has a character, coherence, and unity of its own, and stands in sharp contrast to counter theories and speculations. A Biblical worldview has the stamp of reason and reality and can stand the test of time, history, emotions, and experience.

A Biblical view of the world cannot be infringed upon, accepted or rejected piecemeal, but stands or falls on its Biblical integrity. Such a holistic approach offers a stability of thought, a unity of comprehensive insight that bears not only on what some may consider a religious sphere but also on the whole of thought. A Biblical worldview is built on the universal truths and principles found in the entirety of God’s Word. It is an all-embracing system that shapes religion, natural and social sciences, law, history, health care, the arts, the humanities, and all disciplines of study with an application to all of life.

Christ followers must articulate a Biblical worldview for the twenty-first century, with all of its accompanying challenges and changes, and to show how such Biblical thinking is applicable across all areas of life. At the heart of a secular worldview, we see that truth, morality, and interpretive frameworks are being ignored if not rejected. Much of today’s morality is based on the foundation of situational ethics. These challenges for the Christ follower are formidable indeed. Throughout culture, the very existence of a fixed truth is being challenged.

For Christ-followers to respond to these challenges, we must think differently by filtering all of the input into our minds through God’s Word as we are told in Romans 12:2, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

We need to take the greatest commandment seriously which we were taught by Jesus who told us to love God not only with our hearts and souls but also with our minds in Matthew 22:36–40, “‘Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?’ Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.'”

Jesus’ words refer to a wholehearted devotion to God with every aspect of our being from whatever angle we choose to consider it—emotionally, volitionally, or cognitively. This kind of love for God results in taking every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ as we are taught in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5,“We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.” This type of Biblical worldview is shaped by a wholehearted devotion to distinctively Biblical thinking, or to think in Biblical categories. This means being able to see life from a Biblical vantage point; it means thinking with the mind of Christ.

The beginning point for building a Biblical worldview is a confession that we believe in God the Father, maker of heaven and earth (the Apostles’ Creed). We recognize that “He holds all of creation together” for all true knowledge flows from the One Creator to his one creation. As the Apostle Paul wrote in Colossians [1:15]-18,

Next week for Wisdom Wednesday we will continue to explore a Biblical Worldview Starting Point. After a few weeks of establishing a foundation for a Biblical worldview, we will then view some of the hot topics that are prevalent today through a Biblical lens. If you have any topics that you would like us to cover, please email them to me at guthrie@wisdom-trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 725 – Courage Is the Foundation – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 07:03:37 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 725 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Courage Is the Foundation – Wisdom Unplugged

Hello, my friend, and welcome to Wisdom-Trek! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your Guide to Wisdom and Creating a Living Legacy. Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 725 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Keshavan Nair, and it is, “With courage, you will dare to take risks, have the strength to be compassionate, and the wisdom to be humble. Courage is the foundation of integrity.”

Courage Is the Foundation

Courage is the very basis for a life well lived. Courage is the opposite of selfishness because you are willing to put what is right ahead of what you desire. Integrity is built on that foundation of courage because it provides you with the strength to always do what is right instead of what is convenient. Courage provides strength to love others, even if they are unlovable.

Courage provides the wisdom to be humble when you would be prone to swell up with pride. Courage allows you to risk the comfortable, for the uncomfortable. Courage requires faith that if we do what is right at all times that God will provide us with the strength needed when our strength begins to fail. As the Apostle Paul encouraged us in Corinthians 16:13-14, “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.And do everything with love.”

If you would like to listen to any of our past treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe on iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 724 – Great Expectations – Mindshift Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 07:03:13 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 724 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Great Expectations – Mindshift Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 724 of our trek, and it is time for our Mindshift Monday series. Wisdom-Trek’s primary focus is to assist you in creating your living legacy.

It is easy to get stuck in a mindset that your current circumstances cannot be changed. This is not true, but you must understand this fundamental principle, “In order to change your life, you must change how you think and what you think about.” Our Mindshift Monday podcast and journal will be to provide you practical ways to make a mindshift to a rich and satisfying life.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Last week was a busy work week and a bit difficult to balance between our focus on the needs of the family helping with our kids and grandkids and many work-related tasks.

Each morning I start with great expectations of how the day will go, which is good, but the day does not always go as planned. We need a mindshift throughout the day to adjust and adapt to a very fluid schedule. The expectations that you have for yourself will greatly influence overall performance and success. Since these expectations are so important, make sure that your expectations are…

Great Expectations

As we think about expectations, let me start with a story that will help to illustrate this. An elderly man and a young boy were fishing near each other by a lake. The older man noticed that the boy was having considerable success with his fishing, but observed a very unusual habit. Each time the boy caught a fish he would hold it up to his hand and measure it. If the fish were larger than his hand, he would throw it back into the water, and he only kept the smaller fish.

Finally, the older man’s curiosity motivated him to slip over to the younger boy and ask. “Son, why do you keep the small fish and throw the larger ones back into the lake?”

The boy replied, “I can’t keep the big ones, I only have a 10-inch frying pan!”

This brings to mind for me that a lot of people are shortchanging themselves because they are limited to a 10-inch frying pan. They think no bigger, see no bigger, and expect no bigger. Instead of expanding their horizons by enlarging their expectations, they reduce their potential by shrinking their hopes.

Too many people fail to realize that their expectation measures the height of their future possibilities. It is impossible to achieve success without expecting it and then acting on the expectations. Think of your expectations as seeds that you plant for future harvest. This reminds me of a verse from the Bible 2 Corinthians 9:6, “Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.”

Many people are not harvesting abundantly in their lives because they have set their expectations so low. They have only planted a few seeds, so there is no possibility for a generous crop. Your expectations may have waned over time as life’s trek wears you down. Once you had dreams, but now you have doubts. Once the future looked bright with expectations, but now it looks bleak with reality. Sunny days ahead have been clouded by the bitter days behind. If this has happened to you, you need a mindshift in your expectations by adopting the following principles.

1. Your future is influenced by your expectations, not your past experiences.

Most people’s lives are often influenced by some dramatic experience of the past. Tragically, they never gain any new ground because they are prisoners, shackled by past problems. You will know their mindset by their frequently used phrases such as, “I tried that once, and it failed, so I am not trying it again.” Or, “You can’t teach old dogs new tricks.” Or, “It’s always been done that way.” One phrase that really gets to me is, “I can’t win for losing.” These individuals have made the terrible mistake of believing that circumstances never change and that experience is the best teacher. The problem is that experience gives the test first and the lesson afterward.

If we limit ourselves to past experiences is to cheat ourselves from developing our potential and increasing our possibilities for success. As the famous author Mark Twain said it, “If a cat sits on a hot stove, it will never sit on a hot stove again. Of course, it will never sit on a cold one either.” You need to forget your past failures and begin again to enlarge your expectations for tomorrow.

2. Your life must be influenced by your expectations, not by the examples of others.

We all have people that we admire. At times it is tempting to imitate them. It is important that we admire those who have the principles that we would like to emulate. The danger in patterning our lives after others is that too often we forget that they are human and may eventually disappoint us. Their feet are made of clay, and they are susceptible to failures just like we are. Their downfalls could possibly become ours. Their stumbling on the obstacles on our trek of life may limit your ascent to the summit of the mountain.

3. Your life must be influenced by your expectations, not your fleeting excitement and emotions.

The emotions and moods of a person will vary to a great degree. There are times where your emotions, whether they are joyful or depressed, that you will make decisions that are not in your best interest. Decisions must be made based on factual evidence and sound reasoning, not made on the rollercoaster of your emotions. Your emotions are created by too many unstable factors in life. The world is run by people who make decisions based purely on emotions. No other area in your life will reveal your discipline more than your ability to conquer your emotions and rely on the truth-based facts of your expectations.

You need to take time to analyze your expectations and realize that they must not be based on what or who you are today, but on what you hope to become someday. Your expectations must be energized because it’s the key that will unlock the door to untold “miracles.” As we are taught in James 4:2, “You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.”

Most of the time you don’t ask God because you never expect Him to fulfill it. We should not selfishly ask, but your asking will increase your confidence to the degree that your expectations will increase. A change of mindshift may be in order.

If you would like to listen to any of the past daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe through iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 723 – Pushing Through – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 07:03:39 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 723 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Pushing Through – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 723 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series.

Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy. Starting this week and for the foreseeable future we are going to initiate a new series called Ask Gramps. This is a time when Gramps will answer questions that you would possibly like to ask your dad or granddad, but for whatever reason, are unable to.

No matter how old we are, all of us would like the opportunity to ask Dad or Gramps questions about life in all areas. We will address areas such as finances, relationships, health/fitness, business/work, home repairs/renovations, seasons of life, spiritual/Biblical growth, and any others areas that come our way.

As your fellow sojourner and mentor on this trek that we call life, it is my goal to provide you with practical wisdom and advice about any area of life. It is crucial that I receive a constant flow of questions, so please submit your questions to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com, send me a message at the bottom of any page on wisdom-trek.com, or text me at 740.350.5732, and I will answer them on our Friday podcast. I hope that this will become a highly interactive and informative time.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. It has been a much cooler, and somewhat rainy week here in Marietta, and the leaves are starting to fall. I mulched, vacuumed, and hauled away six large loads of leaves last weekend. This weekend does not look real favorable as more rain is predicted, but we will invest our time when the opportunities present themselves.

One thing that I have learned over the years is that the leaves will remain on the ground until I am able to get them, so it is not something that will cause any stress. In fact, even as dusty and difficult as the task is at times, I do enjoy getting outside and getting to do some more physical work than most days allow me to. Sometimes it is difficult to push through each day with so many competing demands for our most limited resource, which is time. So here is our question for today…

“Hey, Gramps, how do you continue to push through each day even when you are tired and don’t feel like it?”

Pushing Through

I have to admit, some days are easier than others. While it is best not to compare ourselves with others, it does appear that I tend to be more disciplined than many people. So another question would be, is it my genetic make-up or habits that I have infused into my life over the years?

It goes back to the nature versus nurture scenario, and as with most questions like this, it is probably a mix of both. As I analyze this question, I have come to the conclusion that it largely boils down to WHY you practice certain habits.

Since I can only speak for myself, because I cannot really get into the mind of another person, I will answer for myself. I have found that I work best with at least some structure in my life, but not so rigid in that structure where I cannot adapt. I have practiced the habit of rising early throughout my adult life.

Currently, I get up at 4:45 am Monday through Friday. After getting dressed and taking care of bathroom functions, I start about 1.5 hours of exercising which currently includes pull-ups, leg lifts, push-ups, ab workout, stationary bike, weight machine, and treadmill. During this workout time is when I listen to Bible reading, other devotional emails, and podcast or audio books on my phone.

So what drives this, or WHY do I do this? For me, the sacrifice of getting up is offset by the physical, spiritual, intellectual, and emotional strengthening that I am able to receive. Do I jump out of bed all happy and ready to go? No! I usually feel tired and would rather stay in bed, but I do get up and push through because my WHY is greater than the sacrifice.

I try, not always successfully, to be asleep by 10 pm, because adequate sleep is equally important. Now on the weekends, I do sleep in some to recharge and relax from my daily routine. So I work towards balance. I realize that God is ultimately in control of my lifespan and will determine when I die, but I do have a goal to live to at least 125. That helps me to put life into perspective, that I could have another 64 years to which I could positively impact my world. That drives my WHY I do what I can to take care of myself.

The same habits apply to how I eat, what I allow to go into my mind, and what I focus on during the day. Many times the anxiety, self-doubt, and discouragement all of us experience is based on what we allow into our minds, including our self-talk. We need to make a conscious effort each day to focus on what we can control and allow God to work through us on all that we cannot control.

Do I get tired and feel like quitting? Certainly, sometimes multiple times each day. My work schedule is usually from 8 am to about 6 pm. It is not always as structured as I would like, so I have had to learn to be more flexible. I also have to work many Saturdays to keep up with the load. On a daily basis, I push through even when I don’t feel like it.

My WHY is to serve others for a purpose that is greater than I am. To help other companies succeed. To be able to assist family members and friends that are in need. To be able to further God’s kingdom throughout the world.

To sum it up, this is how and why I continue to push through each day even when I am tired and don’t feel like it.

As Galatians 6:9 tells us, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”

Next week we will have another question to “Ask Gramps.” Gramps will answer questions that I trust to provide you with practical wisdom about any area of life. Please submit questions that you have to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com, and I will answer them on our Friday podcast with wisdom and philosophy that Gramps has gained over years of experience and study.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 722 – A Kind Word Is Never Thrown Away – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 07:03:53 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 722 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

A Kind Word Is Never Thrown Away – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 722 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Sir Arthur Helps, and it is, “Wise sayings often fall on barren ground, but a kind word is never thrown away.”

A Kind Word Is Never Thrown Away

Whenever truth and wise words are shared, there are many people that either choose to ignore them or are not receptive to those words. Wisdom-Trek’s purpose is to apply practical wisdom to everyday life as we intentionally focus on creating a living legacy each day. While wisdom is important, it must be shared and applied with kindness.

You may not see the immediate benefit to being kind to all people, especially those who are not kind to you. A kind word or deed will always germinate and sprout into something good, which will positively impact even those who are difficult.

Part of growing in wisdom is to practice kindness at all times and in every situation. Kindness always produces a reward, even if it is not immediately evident. As we are told in Ephesians 4:31-32, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. ³²Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”That’s a wrap for today’s Wisdom Unplugged. If you enjoy these quotes, I have created and published a searchable database of over 10,000 quotes that I have collected for many years. If you would like free access to my database of inspirational quotes, the link is available on the main page of Wisdom-Trek.com.

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Philosophy Friday!

Day 721 – What Is a Biblical Worldview? – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 07:03:12 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 721 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

What Is a Biblical Worldview? – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 721 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Starting today and on every Wednesday, we are shifting focus to explore new trails on how to gain wisdom. We are starting a series that will help us to explore our trek of life through a Biblical Worldview.

The first few weeks we will plot out what a Biblical worldview is, and why it is so important as a Christ follower to interpret life through the lenses of a Biblical worldview. Once we lay the foundation, we will then look at current issues that impact our world and society and explore them through the lens of a Biblical worldview, instead of the lens of modern media or social media. You may not always agree with my view, and that is okay. I am open to any comments that you may have on the subjects that we explore.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. My time invested last week with our partners in Arizona was productive as we start with the construction of Phase II townhomes in Mesa. We do have a tight schedule, so it is imperative that we stay focused and are able to meet our deadlines. I have found that most of us are more productive and can accomplish much more when there is a deadline and schedule that we must adhere to.

On the home front, Hazel is back at Children’s Hospital in Columbus this week. She was scheduled for chemo treatments through an IV and Spinal Tap. Unfortunately, during their initial testing, they determined that she has contracted chicken pox, which happens to some leukemia patients since the chemo kills off the cells created from the vaccination for it. They will have to alter her treatment because of this. Your continued prayers for Hazel and her family are appreciated.

As a Christ follower, how does a Biblical worldview help us to interpret events that impact our lives? Whether it is an illness, such as what Hazel is going through, or current events around the world, the first item we need to establish is…

What Is a Biblical Worldview?

The short answer is: looking at the world and all events past, present, and future from God’s viewpoint. Since we are certainly not God, what does this mean?

First, we have to understand that everybody has a worldview! From the remote tribes of the Amazon and villages in rural Africa to the staff members, officials, and elected officials at the White House, everybody has a philosophy of how they view the world.

Simply put, a worldview is simply the way that a human being regardless of ethnicity or background looks at life—the way we perceive things. This is also referred to as your paradigm or the filters by which you process life. You might say it is our “rose-colored” glasses by which we view the world.

Everyone has this lens that they look at the world through. And the way we look at the world makes all the difference in the world. It determines how we define reality, as well as how we relate to each other.

Everybody has a lens through which they interpret where life came from, why bad things happen, and what their purpose of existence is really all about. Anything from the very macro view of why are we here to minor everyday incidents, such as a flat tire.

In other words, everybody has a worldview.

If you are a Christ follower, as I am, then you should choose to have a Biblical worldview, which means that we view life through the lens of God’s Word. We believe the Bible is inspired of God, inerrant, and infallible in its original writing.

It is sad to say that few believers can put their hands on what they believe as their worldview because we really do not know what the Bible teaches. A new joint study by Barna and Summit Ministries looks at the worldviews of practicing Christ followers. The results aren’t flattering. Among other things, it found that only 17 percent of Christ followers have what the researchers consider a Biblical worldview. I may get further into this study in subsequent Wisdom Wednesday series, but suffice to say, it is a low percentage.

Not everybody you live around today has the same worldview as you do. In fact, the public education system in the United States and most advanced countries have been teaching the opposite of a Biblical worldview for the past seventy-five years. It is not surprising that most of those living around you have an opposing humanistic worldview!

There are also those who have a confused worldview because they attempt to mix a Biblical worldview with a humanistic worldview and then wonder why everything seems so mixed up in this world! Is it any wonder why so many people, including Christ-followers, are on anxiety medicines, suffer from stress-related illnesses, and are more prone to suicidal thoughts or actual suicide? I would conjecture, that there is at least some correlation between the two. So how is a person’s worldview formed?

A Person’s Worldview Is Formed in Many Ways

Culture— The civilization or culture that a person lives in, their society, value system, customs, arts, and their heritage with all of its traditions, traits, and ideals.
Education— What a person has been taught as truth. Please understand that you and I are a product of what we read, watch, and subject our minds to.
Religious beliefs— What a person has been taught as matters of faith.
Emotions— How a person feels about a matter can be so strong that it outweighs any other logic or truth!
The Bible— For the Christ follower, it is a belief in God’s written Word and adherence to its teachings! For others, it may be a Koran or other scripture which is considered to them as of supreme authority.

How you and I look at the world is largely shaped by the culture around us, and our culture is largely shaped by the worldview that is accepted by the majority of those we live with. For example, if you work a job in which you are the only Christian present or if you attend a liberal college you may be subjected to a pretty rough environment.

The same is true when you live in a society that is dominated by media that is anti-God—the culture is ordinarily shaped by the majority, and you and I have to be careful that we do not let this anti-God worldview shape or change our worldview.

The culture around us is made up of the sum of everything that is prevalent in the society in which we live, and it is not neutral. The danger for us is that we can become so attached and so enamored with the culture around us that we actually become captive to it. When that happens, the first thing that we begin to question is our worldview. We begin to question the absolutes of God and trust the theories of the world! This is a subtle mindshift over time as we allow input into our minds that is not aligned to God’s precepts.

When Paul delivered the sermon on Mars Hill to a humanistic society in Acts 17, he did not even remotely question his worldview! He was so confident in his belief system (his faith) that he took his biblical worldview and engaged a pagan society that was very sincere in what they believed! He did not back down as he boldly proclaimed his God as true and their gods as false.

I will give you important components of a biblical worldview below and follow them with some dangers facing a biblical worldview.

Six Important Components of a Biblical Worldview

God is the Creator of the world and rules this universe! (Genesis 1:1)
The Bible is God’s Word for mankind and is completely accurate including matters of life and its origin. (2 Timothy [3:16])
Because of God and His Word, absolute moral truth exists! (Psalms 1[02:25]–27; Malachi 3:6)
Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, and He lived a sinless life, died for our sins, was buried, and rose again from the grave three days later! (1 Corinthians 15:3–4; 1 John 4:9–10)
Satan is a real being (not symbolic) and seeks to defeat God’s plan for man! (1 Peter 5:8)
Salvation is obtained solely by individual faith in Christ’s work on the Cross and cannot be earned! (Ephesians 2:8–9)

Three Dangers Facing a Biblical Worldview

Not viewing all of life through the Bible. You can’t just take bits and pieces of God’s Word and form a philosophy of life! This is the biggest downfall today among Christ followers. They say, “We will only believe those things about God that allow us to still be accepted by society!”

Jesus did not live like that. Paul did not live life like that and neither can you. You and I must run everything about life through the lens or filter of God’s view of the world—the Bible.

Viewing opposing worldviews as enemies rather than opportunities. This is one of the hardest things for me to do, but that is exactly what Paul did on Mars Hill. He stood among them armed with nothing but the Scriptures burning in his heart and spoke to them of repentance and judgment.

Mars Hill is a mission field, not a battlefield! Our apathetic, sensual, arrogant, and sometimes perverted culture is not the enemy! Satan is the enemy. People are an opportunity for evangelism.

We must get off the defensive and get on the offensive. The Bible says that those around us who have an opposing worldview have their minds blinded by Satan! – Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. (2 Corinthians 4:4).

Not believing your worldview is absolute. Not just right, but absolutely right. This is not an Americanized Biblical worldview, but a Biblical worldview based on God’s kingdom which supersedes and replaces any particular country, culture, or society.

Paul preached to pantheists—who believe in many gods, not one God.
Paul preached to the elitists of his day—poets, historians, educators, culture-shapers…
Paul preached to idol-worshippers.
Paul preached to mockers.
Paul preached to unbelievers.
Paul preached to evolutionists (Acts [17:24]).
Paul preached to racists (Acts [17:26]).

Though we live in a liberal society that is fast being overtaken by other religions, we do not immerse ourselves as fish in the fishbowl of the world; rather we immerse ourselves in the truth of the Bible. This is the only way we can live a victorious, God-honoring life.

What you believe means nothing until you put it into action by living a life that aligns with the precepts found in God’s Word. Our worldview should be to build God’s kingdom throughout the entire world, not to build an empire of any particular country.

Next week for Wisdom Wednesday, we will continue to explore how to shape a Biblical worldview. After a few weeks of establishing a foundation for a Biblical worldview, we will then view some of the hot topics that are prevalent today from a Biblical lens. If you have any topics that you would like us to cover, please email them to me at guthrie@wisdom-trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 720 – Fools Speak Because They Have to Say Something – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 07:03:31 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 720 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Fools Speak Because They Have to Say Something – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 720 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Plato, and it is, “Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something.”

One of the most beautiful sounds in the world is the sound of silence. It takes a wise and mature person to enjoy and be comfortable with silence, especially when you are with other people. All too often we destroy this peaceful bliss because we are uncomfortable with that silence.

We feel compelled to fill what we perceive is a void with conversation, even if it does not encourage or positively impact the lives of others. We engage in unproductive small talk, or meaningless chatter just so we don’t have to be alone with our thoughts.

We need to grow and mature to the point where we are comfortable with ourselves and with those who we invest time with, even if there is not a constant conversation. Certainly if what you desire to speak encourages and helps others to learn, grow, mature, and gain wisdom, then there is an appropriate time to speak, but you should keep it limited.

Don’t fall prey to the trap of spewing out verbiage just for the sake of filling the silence. Be wise and speak when you have something to say. Don’t be foolish by speaking because you just have to say something.

James 1:19 – Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

If you would like to listen to any of our past treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe on iTunes or Google play, so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 719 – Success Through Failure – Mindshift Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 07:03:17 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 719 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Success Through Failure – Mindshift Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 719 of our trek, and it is time for our Mindshift Monday series. Wisdom-Trek’s primary focus is to assist you in creating your living legacy. Creating your living legacy can only be accomplished by gaining wisdom in many areas of life. You can only gain wisdom by changing what you allow to go into your mind, which is a result of changing the way you think.

In other words, to create your living legacy, you must choose to be in a continual mode of mindshift. It is easy to get stuck in a mindset that your current circumstances cannot be changed. That is not true, but you must understand this fundamental principle: In order to change your life, you must change how you think and what you think about. Our Mindshift Monday podcast and journal will provide you with practical ways to make a mindshift to a rich and satisfying life.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. When this episode originally airs, I should be back from Arizona working with our partners on our townhome project. Everything is in place now, and we have begun Phase II. We have a tight deadline for this phase, so it is important that we streamline our processes to be successful.

We learned many lessons during Phase I. Lessons learned is a nice way of saying we had many failures. Cost overruns, labor overruns, and time overruns caused the potential profits from Phase I to evaporate. This forces us to have a mindshift in our approach, and as with most important lessons learned, we know that Phase II will be…

Success Through Failure

For most of us during this trek of life, we have had a variety of experiences that we would consider failures. The frustration, hurt, expended energy, disappointments, and loss of resources is a feeling that applies to most of us. Perhaps it’s the feeling of failure that causes many to begin to fear failure. Maybe that fear stems from the fact that we have a misconception that failure is final. Even with significant failure, if it did not result in loss of life, those failures can be used to build future success through these principles.

1. A failure is not a failure if it prods you to keep on trying.

The line between failure and success is so fine that we scarcely know when we pass it. In fact, we are often on that line and don’t realize it. Many a person has thrown up their hands and quit when with a little more effort and patience they would have succeeded. Just as the tide goes clear out, so it comes back clear in. There is no failure except from within yourself. This is no insurmountable barrier until you give up on your pursuit.

Booker T. Washington said, “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.” Each person has a choice to live in one of two worlds: the crowded world of the defeated with those who quit or the roomy world of the successful with those who persist.

God does not desire for us to be defeated, but will allow hardships to grow us and mature us to handle the success. In most situations, it boils down to the laws of planning and harvesting as we are told in 2 Corinthians 9:6, “Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.”

2. A failure is not a failure if we learn a lesson from that experience and use it for good.

H. Lawrence said, “If only we could have two lives, the first in which we make the mistakes, and the second in which we profit from the lessons learned.” A young writer was told, “Every one of your rejected manuscripts were rejected for a reason.” Have you checked each failure you have had and found out why? You must put your failure to work for you. The greatest mistake we can make is not learning from and correcting what caused us to fail.

3. A failure is not a failure if through it we discover our own true selves.

Reading the biographies of many great men and women, it is evident that most successful people started out in life as failures and because of those failures found their life’s work.

As an example, when Nathaniel Hawthorne lost his position in the Custom House at Salem Massachusetts, he came home utterly defeated and told his wife that he was a complete failure. To his amazement, she greeted his dismal news with delight and joy, saying “Great, now you can write that book you wanted to.” So he sat down and wrote The Scarlet Letter, which is still considered by many critics as the greatest novel ever written in the United States. If because of failure a person finally discovers where and how their talents can be used for God, the failure will turn into a success.

4. A failure is not a failure if through it we become better-disciplined individuals.

The Bible has much to say about disciplined living. The Apostle Paul teaches us in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, “Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.”

All great men and women have had failure, struggle, and discipline woven into their lives. If the experiences we encounter on our trek of life, regardless of how bitter and unfortunate, soften our hearts, humble our spirits, purify our motives, clean our souls, and make us more sensitive to proper values and more sympathetic towards the unfortunate, then we will have succeeded. If we allow our failures to be an instrument to discipline our inner spirits, they will be successes.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 718 – Facing Fears in the Valleys – FearLess Friday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 07:03:36 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 718 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Facing Fears in the Valleys

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 718 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy. We are focusing on how to live with less fear. We are exploring the trails on our trek of life that will help us to be fearless.

This does not imply that we will reach the point where were are completely without any fear, for that is not only impossible, but also not wise. There is a time and a place for an appropriate level of fear, but most fear that we experience on a daily basis has no grounding and can be eliminated as we grow in wisdom, insight, and understanding. So our objective is to experience a FearLess Friday on our trek of life.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. As I have often mentioned on the Wisdom-Trek podcast, we go through many different seasons in our lives. It is now autumn in the US, and the leaves are starting to change and fall. We will soon be covered in leaves here and invest many days with our large leaf vacuum picking them up between now and the end of the year.

I enjoy fall with its cooler, crisp days and the anticipation of building roaring fires in the library as we enjoy the cold winter nights. We could look at it differently and complain, but instead, we choose to embrace the inevitable and enjoy the changing season. Life is much the same way, we go through times of sunny bliss and times of bitter cold. Times when we are on the mountaintop, and times when we are in deep valleys that are cold and fearful. Let’s explore today the times when we are…

Facing Fears in the Valleys

Today, we are going to explore one of the most comforting and definitely one of the most well-known psalms in the Bible – the 23rd Psalm. It was written by David, who presents us with the scenes of a shepherd’s life, which he was familiar with, since he wandered the hills and valleys of Israel as a young shepherd boy. In it, he describes God’s providential care in providing refreshment, guidance, protection, and abundance, and in so doing provides grounds for confidence in His everlasting kindness.

David is someone whom most of us can relate to very well. He knew what it was like to be a lowly peasant because he served as a shepherd for his father’s sheep. He knew what it was like to be on top of the social ladder because he became king of millions of Israelites. He knew what sin was all about, having committed murder and adultery. He was a brilliant fighter and an excellent musician as well. Maybe that’s why most of us know the story of David so well; we can relate to him in some way. He was a man with a vast amount of experience, but the best thing that can be said about him was said by God, Himself. He called David a “man after my own heart.” David wrote this psalm, but he wrote it by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Let’s look at the first two verses.

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.

What a peaceful picture! David, the shepherd of the sheep, said that God was his shepherd. The word LORD in this verse refers to Yahweh, which stands for the ever constant God, the one who had consistently been there for the Israelites, mercifully saved them from slavery to the Egyptians, led them for forty years through the wilderness, and brought them to the Promised Land. Jesus identified Himself to be that shepherd. David knew that this LORD was his shepherd. He is also the shepherd of Israel, the shepherd of the whole church in general, and the shepherd of every individual believer. He is my shepherd, and I hope He is yours too. We couldn’t ask for a better shepherd. And when David says that the Lord is his shepherd, what a comforting thought that is. Our Lord is a living and personal God, one who carries us in His arms, searches for us when we are lost, and takes a personal interest in us.

How does this shepherd provide for us? He lets us rest in green meadows and leads us beside peaceful streams. For a natural sheep, nothing can be better than when his shepherd feeds him in pleasant green pastures and near fresh water.

What are these green pastures symbols of? It can be nothing else than the Word of God.

The Great Shepherd takes care of His sheep and gives them all they need. If I don’t have everything I desire, I may conclude it is either not fit for me or not good for me, or I shall have it in the future. I am His sheep, so I trust Him for all things, even the air I breathe. The blessings of God and the joys of the Holy Spirit are those still waters by which the people of God are led.

Now we come to the third and fourth verses.

He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

You might get the impression from the first two verses that being a Christ follower is easy and we just lay around in green meadows drinking cool water. If you have been a Christ follower for a while, you know that this is not true.

David makes that clear, as he shows where the shepherd leads his sheep. As they continue down the path of righteousness; they soon find out that this wonderfully refreshing stream leads through the valley of the darkest valleys. In the darkest and most trying hour, God is near.

Why do we have to go through this valley? Didn’t Jesus suffer enough for our sins? Yes, He did, but will you feel a need to pray to God if everything you desire is given to you? Will you feel a need for His ministering Holy Spirit if you don’t occasionally suffer loss? Will you want to drink of God’s eternal life if life here was so much fun?

No! The path of righteousness, Jesus’ righteousness, must lead through the darkest valley. It’s then that our dependence on Him is greatest.

Now on to verses 5-6.

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

God has prepared a great diet for us to eat, to protect us against the Devil’s attacks. We have been provided with a smorgasbord of God’s Word, that all of us have easy access to. It’s through that Word that God anoints our head with oil and fills our cups to overflowing. In the Old Testament, oil was used in times of joy and celebration. It smelled and felt good. Priests and Kings were customarily anointed with it. When the Jews had their festivals and wished to be happy, they would anoint or sprinkle themselves with precious oils.

There is the most wonderful word in verse six which is “mercy.” It does not mean the same as love or grace. It carries with it a sense of carrying out a responsibility and fulfilling an obligation. The Lord has an obligation toward us, just as the shepherd has for his sheep. It is not based on what we have done. He has an obligation to live up to His name as a merciful God. Since He is a faithful God who keeps his promises and a loving God, He has an obligation to his own name to do what He has promised to do.

Have you noticed the one repeating theme throughout this psalm? What is it? It is the importance of the Word of God. By it, our Shepherd gives us nourishment through the message of Christ. In it, we find comfort in life’s trials and tribulations. In the message of Christ our Good Shepherd, we find eternal life. Therefore, we can say with David, “The Lord is my shepherd, I have all that I need.”

Starting next week, our Philosophy Friday series will switch focus from living with less fear to a new segment called “Ask Gramps,” where Gramps will answer questions that you would possibly like to ask your dad or granddad, but for whatever reason, are not able to. I hope to provide you with practical wisdom about any area of life. Please submit questions that you have to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com, and I will answer them on our Friday podcast with wisdom and philosophy that Gramps has gained over the years of experience and study.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 717 – The Wise Learn From Fools – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 07:03:42 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 717 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Wise Learn From Fools – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 717 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Cato the Elder, and it is, “Wise men learn more from fools than fools from the wise.”

The Wise Learn From Fools

There are many ways to gain wisdom. What comes to mind first is to associate with wise individuals and learn from materials that teach us about wisdom. While those are probably the best way for obtaining wisdom, there is also another way that we may not think of. That is to observe those individuals who are not wise and practice foolish habits on a regular basis.

By observing those individuals and learning how not to act or live from them then, we can gain wisdom to avoid those same habits. We need to always be learning and always be gaining wisdom. We can do this by observing and learning from everyone that we meet. Some will teach us much good, others will teach us by knowing what to avoid. These three verses in Proverbs supports this thought.

Proverbs 10:8 – The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.

Proverbs 12:15 – Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.

Proverbs 13:20 – Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Fear Less Friday!

Day 716 – Lady Wisdom from A to Z – Proverbs 31

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 07:03:54 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 716 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Lady Wisdom from A to Z – Proverbs 31

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 716 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Every Wednesday along life’s trails we dig for the nuggets of wisdom that are found within the book of Proverbs. Today we will explore the final chapter, Proverbs 31 from The Voice Translation, which gives us a fresh perspective on this book of timeless wisdom.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. As we complete this 31 week series in Proverbs, I would like to reemphasize that all the precepts found in God’s Word have the law of planting and harvesting built into them. If you plant good seeds in life, you will reap a bountiful harvest of good. The opposite is also true.

Over the course of our lives, we will harvest what we plant. The entire book of Proverbs provides us with rich wisdom, insight, and understanding on a myriad of life issues. Regardless of where you are in your faith walk, if you follow the precepts in Proverbs, your life will be rich and satisfying. I encourage you to take them and plant the seeds of wisdom in your heart so that you will reap a harvest of wisdom throughout your life. Today we will explore Proverbs 31 about a very wise lady as we see…

Lady Wisdom from A to Z

In Chapter 31 we hear from the second non-Israelite. Like Agur, Lemuel is a wise son, but unlike Agur, Lemuel is also a king. This is “an oracle” of Lemuel (verse 1).

We don’t know anything about Lemuel, such as where or when he was a king, but just as Chapter 30 opened with Agur’s short autobiography (30:1-9), Lemuel begins with his own as well (31:1-9). We learn that all his wisdom came from his mother, who warned him about women and wine and instilled in him the high value of advocating for the poor and needy.

Women are very important throughout Proverbs as we saw the very idea of wisdom personified as a woman (Chapters 1-9). This final poem continues this theme by creating a portrait of a particularly wise woman who shows true, deep understanding.

This 22-verse poem is designed as another Hebrew alphabet poem. Each line begins with a new letter and shows how this woman embodies wisdom from A to Z. She blesses her household and is praised by her family. Just as we met Lady Wisdom at the beginning of Proverbs, it is a fitting conclusion to see this portrait of a wise woman who blesses her household and earns the praise of her family. It is a compelling vision of a life devoted to the wisdom and blessing of the LORD.

How has your life been shaped by wisdom? What areas still need to be aligned with God’s wisdom?

This marks the end of our time in Proverbs. This whole book is an exploration on how to live well in God’s good world. Come back to this book again and again as you build a life on the foundation of God’s wisdom.

Listen intently as I read Proverbs 31.

¹These are the words of King Lemuel. An oracle of wisdom handed down to him by his mother:

²Mother: What shall I say to you, my son? What wisdom can I impart, child of my womb?
What insight can I share, son of my vows?
³Do not waste your strength on women
or invest yourself in women who would destroy even kings.
⁴Take care, my son, O Lemuel.
Kings should not drink too much wine
or rulers should not crave strong drink;
⁵For if they do, they will become drunk and forget the decree they just made
and alter the course of justice for all the poor and afflicted.
⁶Rather, give liquor to one who is dying,
and offer wine to those struggling with life’s harsh realities.
⁷Let such a one drink and forget what he is missing;
then perhaps he won’t remember his sorrows anymore.
⁸Speak out on behalf of those who have no voice,
and defend all those who have been passed over.
⁹Open your mouth, judge fairly,
and stand up for the rights of the afflicted and the poor.

¹⁰Who can find a truly excellent woman? One who is superior in all that she is and all that she does?
Her worth far exceeds that of rubies and expensive jewelry.
¹¹She inspires trust, and her husband’s heart is safe with her,
and because of her, he has every good thing.
¹²Every day of her life she does what is best for him,
never anything harmful or hurtful.
¹³Delight attends her work and guides her fingers
as she selects the finest wool and flax for spinning.
¹⁴She moves through the market like merchant ships
that dock here and there in distant ports,
finally arriving home with food she’s carried from afar.
¹⁵She rises from bed early, in the still of night,
carefully preparing food for her family
and providing a portion to her servants.
¹⁶She has a plan. She considers some land and buys it;
then with her earnings, she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷She wraps herself in strength, carries herself with confidence,
and works hard, strengthening her arms for the task at hand.
¹⁸She tastes success and knows it is good,
and under lamplight she works deep into the night.
¹⁹Her hands skillfully place the unspun flax and wool on the distaff,
and her fingers twist the spindle until thread forms.
²⁰She reaches out to the poor
and extends mercy to those in need.
²¹She is not worried about the cold or snow for her family,
for she has clothed them all in warm, crimson coats.
²²She makes her own bed linens
and clothes herself in purple and fine cloth.
²³Everyone recognizes her husband in the public square,
and no one fails to respect him as he takes his place of leadership in the community.
²⁴She makes linen garments and sells them in the market,
and she supplies belts for tradesmen to carry across the sea.
²⁵Clothed in strength and dignity, with nothing to fear,
she smiles when she thinks about the future.
²⁶She conducts her conversations with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is ever her concern.
²⁷She directs the activities of her household,
and never does she indulge in laziness.
²⁸Her children rise up and bless her.
Her husband, too, joins in the praise, saying:
²⁹“There are some—indeed many—women who do well in every way,
but of all of them only you are truly excellent.”
³⁰Charm can be deceptive and physical beauty will not last,
but a woman who reveres the Eternal should be praised above all others.
³¹Celebrate all she has achieved.
Let all her accomplishments publicly praise her.

That will conclude our exploration of Proverbs 31 and the entire book of Proverbs. The woman wisdom provides us with an example that all of us can follow regardless of our gender. As we complete the book of Proverbs, we need to strive to be complete in our lives and in our wisdom. Next week we will begin a new series for Wisdom Wednesday as we explore Biblical Worldviews of some of the hot topics that are prevalent today. If you have any topics that you would like us to cover, please email them to me at guthrie@wisdom-trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 715 – The Wise Know When to be Silent – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 07:03:13 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 715 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Wise Know When to be Silent – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 715 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today.

So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget. Today’s quote is from an unknown source, and it is, “Wise men are not always silent, but they know when to be.”

The Wise Know When to be Silent

As Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” Specifically, in the 2^nd line of verse 7, “A time to be quiet and a time to speak.” For most of us, we have no problem speaking, and many times do so without much thought. We engage our mouths before we engage our brains.

I agree with this quote that those individuals who have sought after and been blessed with a measure of wisdom need to speak up when necessary. Equally important, though, a wise person knows when not to speak. Sometimes there is a fine balance between the two. Speaking enough to help, but knowing when to hold your tongue because what you speak brings no redeeming value.

We should encourage and strengthen others with our speech. If we find our speaking is negatively impacting others or is just empty words filling the silence, then we need to keep our mouth closed. As another quote says, “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.” Proverbs 17:28 teaches us something similar, “Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.” We are also told in Proverbs 21:23, “Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.”

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 714 – Persistence Fuels Success – Mindshift Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 07:03:02 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 714 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Persistence Fuels Success – Mindshift Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 714 of our trek, and it is time for our Mindshift Monday series. Wisdom-Trek’s primary focus is to assist you in creating your living legacy.

Creating your living legacy can only be accomplished by gaining wisdom in many areas of life. You can only gain wisdom by changing what you allow to go into your mind, which is a result of changing the way you think. In other words, to create your living legacy you must choose to be in a continual mode of Mindshift. It is easy to get stuck in a mindset that your current circumstances cannot be changed. This is not true, but you must understand this fundamental principle, “In order to change your life, you must change how you think and what you think about.” Our Mindshift Monday podcast and journal will provide you practical ways to make a mind-shift to a rich and satisfying life.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. When this episode originally airs I will be back in Arizona working with our partners on our townhome project. Phase II should begin this week, and we are excited to move forward with it. With several other smaller projects that need to be finished up during this month, it remains a challenge to stay on top of everything and still keep a positive cash flow. It is so easy to become overwhelmed and weary, but it is very crucial that we remain persistent to bring it all together. It takes a continual mindshift to continue on, even on those days where we don’t really feel like it. We do so because we know and understand that over the long term…

Persistence Fuels Success

We all need to understand that success does not usually go to the most skilled or qualified. Success usually results by those who are most persistence, even in the face of adversity.

Regardless of how you define success, a persistent effort is one of the most important ingredients for personal, or organizational success. Numerous studies back up the fact that the one indispensable ingredient common to everyone who is ultimately successful is persistence.

Even if these same individuals had numerous failures and setbacks, they were in a continual mode of mindshift to remain persistent in their effort. In fact, the stories of greatest successes are completed by people who overcome incredible obstacles and great discouragement. Success is achieved and maintained by those who keep trying. Indeed persistence fuels success.

So my question for today is, if persistence is so rewarding, why are there so many people who become discouraged and give up? We could go on for days with reasons, I am sure, but today let’s explore five reasons why people stop progress towards the summit on their trek of life.

1. People do not persist because they are uncertain of what they really desire.

Here is an example…Say you decide to learn a foreign language, study music, begin a new career, or train yourself physically. Will your efforts succeed or meet with failure? It depends on how much effort you are willing to put behind your decision. It requires confidence that nothing can stop or overcome your decision. That nothing will distract you from success in your decision. If you are not committed and certain of your decision, you will find yourself wandering off the trail instead of overcoming the obstacles.

2. People sometimes quit because they don’t feel qualified.

One of the most common barriers to success is to have the mindset that success requires some genius or some magic formula. Nothing is farther from the truth. While natural abilities may allow success to come easier to some people than others, that ability will get them nowhere on its own. Success is generally the result of holding on, and failure results when you let go too soon. Ability is 90% stick-ability.

3. People quit when they feel there is no hope.

When the clouds of discouragement obscure the sunshine of the dream of success, the situation becomes crucial. The test of true persistence is not near the top of the summit when the sense of victory is near. The true test of persistence comes when you are in the cold dark valleys, and you are struggling to find your next step on the trek. Only when the light of day fades into the darkness of night, and you can’t see the path forward can the strength of your endurance be tested. Only then will the strength of your persistence be determined.

The line between failure and success is that thin veil when the darkness of night overwhelms you before the first gleam of dawn appears. Once that veil is broken through will the full light of day come rushing towards you. This reminds me of Proverbs 4:18, “The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.”

Many a person will stop on the path and throw up his hands at a time when a little more effort, a little more patience, a little more persistence would have brought success. The darkest of nights are always followed by the brightness of day, if we persist on our trek.

4. People fail because they are unwilling to pay the price of success.

The long-distance runner learns through persistence to depend on his “second wind.” There comes a point while running that the runner feels that he or she can run no farther. Instead of giving in to this overwhelming feeling, the runner continues to run. Soon those overwhelming feelings gradually subside, and the runner gets his second wind. This same principle can be applied to any area of life. Until a person is willing to push through those overwhelming feelings and gain his second wind, he will never know for sure how far he can go.

5. People sometimes lose determination because they have not tasted the sweet fruit of success.

Nothing fuels success like the fruit of previous success. Your reserve tank of perseverance is filled full with each milestone of success that is achieved. Those who fail and quit do so because they have not experienced what it is like to reach the summit of previous successes. They quit because they are so comfortable with mediocrity that they are unwilling to go through the trials and hardships needed to reach the summit.

Every person who achieves any level of success does so through continual persistence through the trials and hardships on this trek of life. They have a mindshift that the trials will not defeat them. With joy, they welcome those trials because in the end they know and understand that the results are worth the effort.As James, the half-brother of Jesus tells us in James 1:2-4, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

Next week we will continue our trek of Mind-Shift Monday. On tomorrow’s trek, we will explore another wisdom quote. This 3-minute wisdom supplement will assist you in becoming healthy, wealthy, and wise each day. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 713 – Be of Good Courage – FearLess Friday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 07:03:42 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 713 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Be of Good Courage

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 713 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

We are focusing on how to live with less fear. We are exploring the trails on our trek of life that will help us to be fearless. This does not imply that we will reach the point where we are completely without any fear, for that is not only impossible, but also not wise. There is a time and a place for an appropriate level of fear, but most fear that we experience on a daily basis has no grounding and can be eliminated as we grow in wisdom, insight, and understanding. So our objective is to experience a FearLess Friday on our trek of life.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. This year has been a trying time for our family and many others. With our granddaughter Hazel’s leukemia, my broken femur in a fall from a ladder, employment issues, and death of close family members, it is a time when we have needed courage to get through.

With recent hurricanes, fires, and shootings impacting our country, many thousands of people need courage to carry on with their trek of life. With these thoughts in mind, today on our trek we will explore how we need to…

Be of Good Courage

We will start out with a couple humorous stories, where fear was not as significant as what many have faced this year. I read a story about the man who bragged about how brave he was because he had cut off the tail of a ferocious man-eating lion with his pocket knife. When asked why he hadn’t cut off the lion’s head, the man replied, “Someone else had already done that.”

There is another story of the little boy having trouble sleeping during a storm. You know what this is like; most of us have been there. After his Mother tucked him in bed, and as she was about to turn off the light, he asked with a tremor in his voice, “Mommy, will you sleep with me tonight?” The mother smiled and gave him a reassuring hug. “I can’t, Dear,” she said, “I have to sleep with Daddy.” A long silence was broken at last by a shaken little voice saying, “The big sissy.”

“Do not fear” or “Fear not” is a common phrase found throughout the Bible. In fact, we are warned about being fearful over 360 times from Genesis to Revelation! Therefore, I believe it must be important!

Our Scripture reference is from the Old Testament Book of Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy was written by Moses 1400 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. It is the fifth of five books penned by Moses, the first five books are known as the Pentateuch (Penta – five; Teuch – book, or vessel).

It is a wonderful book written over the span of only a month. It is a compilation of speeches from Moses who lived to be 120 years old. At the end of his life, God appointed Joshua as his successor and our specific Scriptures are words of encouragement from Moses to the Nation of Israel and words of encouragement from Moses to Joshua.

Let’s read Deuteronomy 31: 6-8.

“‘So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.’ Then Moses called for Joshua, and as all Israel watched, he said to him, ‘Be strong and courageous! For you will lead these people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors he would give them. You are the one who will divide it among them as their grants of land. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.'”

So Joshua is leading a new generation of Israelites into the land God promised their forefathers (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). Joshua led them into the Promised Land, the land known as Canaan. Biblical history tells us of the covenant God made with Abraham, the father of all nations. Genesis 12:1-3 gives us these powerful words from God when He says to Abraham, “‘Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.'” Then in 15:5-6, “Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, ‘Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!’ And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.”

As far as we are told in the Bible, Abraham had never heard the voice of God before that first encounter. Whether God appeared in physical form during the first encounter, we do not know. It is clear that He did in the 2^nd encounter we read today. Although Abraham may have initially had some doubt and fear, he followed God’s instruction because he had faith. The biggest difference would be leaving an area that was the core of his family and civilization to a place that was just emerging. Abraham starts new in a place that was previously unknown to him. He goes by faith into that unknown land.

Joshua also goes by faith into an unknown land – the same Promised Land. Throughout our lives, God may lead us into places that were previously unknown to us. We too must trek through life by faith.

God spoke to Abraham and Sarah, his wife, go to a land I will show you. God told Moses to go to a place he did not know. God speaking through Moses told Joshua to go to a place he did not know.

Where is your trek of life taking you? Abraham’s, Moses’s, and Joshua’s journeys began with hesitation and with fear. God said, “Go, and do not be afraid.” As with us, there may be first hesitation, then fear, then hope. If we follow God’s precepts found in His Word, then there is always hope, no matter what we are facing.

In Joshua 1:6 he was told, “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them.”

Strength and courage are the foundation we need to set out…to continue…and to ultimately complete our journeys. Be of strength and good courage. No journey’s destination is completely known. Think of your own life and the decisions you are facing. Do you trust that God is directing you? Or do you feel separated for some reason? Is there a behavior that is holding you back, a sacrifice you must make if you will? God is asking each of us for our all, scripture is full of references throughout the Old and New Testaments.

Are you facing a particular challenge? Has the economy beaten you down? Are you struggling with an addiction or a relationship problem? Be of strength and good courage. Nothing is too big to bring to God, nor is anything too small. One of the things I have noticed in my own life is that we grow through adversity. When we endure, when we trust that God will lead us through the unknown, there is always a story of faith on the other side.

If there is one thing, I can do as your friend, it is to encourage you each day on your trek of life. During those times in my life where I have endured hardships, and I have, I trust that my stories may help you. I know we all will face more hardships in the future and although we may have hesitation and fear at times, ultimately we have hope. Strength and courage are the foundation we need, to set out…to continue…and to ultimately complete our journeys.

Next FearLess Friday we will explore Facing Fear in the Valley. I know you will find these insights interesting and profitable in living a rich and satisfying life. Our next trek is Mindshift Monday where we will help you live differently by thinking differently. So encourage your friends and family to join us, and then come along on Monday for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 712 – Wisdom Starts With Humility – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 07:03:03 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 712 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Wisdom Starts with Humility – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 712 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from an unknown author, and it is, “Wisdom is, and starts with, the humility to accept the fact that you don’t have all the right answers, and the courage to learn to ask the right questions.”

Wisdom Starts With Humility

A person who thinks that he knows it all, or thinks he has a great grasp of wisdom, is actually a fool. It takes real humility to know and understand, that no matter how much knowledge and wisdom that you possess, it is just like a drop in the ocean of how much more there is to learn and how much wisdom there is yet to gain.

It is impossible to gain vast amounts of knowledge in a short period of time, and it is also impossible to gain true wisdom quickly. It takes years of humiliating experiences, study, failures, and lessons learned to gain any significant amount of wisdom. Even then it is just a small percentage of the wisdom yet to be gained.

I have studied wisdom and more specifically the book of Proverbs continually for my entire adult life, and yet at the age of 61, I still feel that I have barely scratched the surface of the wisdom yet to be gained. It truly does take studying continually, asking the right questions to those that are wise, and being in a continual mode of learning with a humble spirit. Maybe by the time I am 125, I may feel a bit wiser, but I suspect, even then there will be much wisdom yet to obtain.As we are told in Proverbs 1:5, “Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance,” and Proverbs 9:9, “Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more.”That’s a wrap for today’s Wisdom Unplugged. If you enjoy these quotes, I have created and published a searchable database of over 10,000 quotes that I have collected for many years. If you would like free access to my database of inspirational quotes, the link is available on the main page of Wisdom-Trek.com.

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for FearLess Friday!

Day 711 – Riddles of the Wise – Proverbs 30

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 07:03:59 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 711 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Riddles of the Wise – Proverbs 30

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 711 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Every Wednesday along life’s trails we dig for the nuggets of wisdom that are found within the book of Proverbs. Today we will explore Proverbs 30 from The Voice Translation, which will give us a fresh perspective on this book of timeless wisdom.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. I tend to relate to practical everyday advice and wisdom and strive to share that same practical wisdom with each listener of Wisdom-Trek. The practical advice and wisdom in today’s passage is that same type of wisdom. Wisdom can be shared in many different ways and in Proverbs 30 we read the…

Riddles of the Wise

Chapters 30 and 31 are the final parts of this ancient book of biblical wisdom. Interestingly, each chapter contains poems attributed to non-Israelite authors named Agur and Lemuel. Agur is a commoner, while Lemuel is a king. According to the superscriptions, both are referred to as sons — a fitting conclusion to a book devoted to sons acquiring wisdom.

In Chapter 30 we hear from the first wise son, Agur. There’s a mini-autobiography in verses 1-9, followed by a collection of fascinating riddles (verses 10-33). Most of these riddles explore things in life that you should avoid: slander, cursing, hate, deception, mockery, adultery, pride, and evil. As bad as these things sound, Agur’s sayings reveal that those who do such things often consider themselves innocent.

Some of these riddles are not about virtue or morality, but are simply observations about nature or relationships. Their structure consists of three observations. The first two are observations about how the world works. The third shows how the first two relate to how wisdom works.

“For as churning cream produces butter” (observation 1), and “as twisting the nose produces blood” (observation 2), “so stirring up anger produces strife” (observation 3).

The riddles, along with the autobiography, are asking us to consider the outcomes of our choices and actions. What do you need to pay most attention to as you go into your day?

Listen intently as I read Proverbs 30.

¹These are the words of Agur, son of Jakeh. An oracle of wisdom.

He says, “I am weary, God.
I am weary and spent, O God.”^[a]
²Certainly I am a stupid man, as dumb as an ox.
I don’t understand the way that most people do.
³I have never learned wisdom,
and I have no knowledge at all of the Holy One.
⁴Who has ascended into the heavens and then come back down?
Who has collected the winds in the palm of His hand?
Who has wrapped up the vast oceans in His coat?
Who has plotted the ends of the earth and then fashioned them?
What is His name?
What is His son’s name?
Do you know? Indeed, you do.

⁵Every word of God will be put to the test and proven true;
He is a defense for those who trust in Him.
⁶Take care. Add nothing to what He has said;
for if you do, He will correct you and expose you as a liar.

⁷Two things I ask, O God.
Sometime before I die, grant these humble requests:
⁸Eliminate any hint of worthless and deceitful words from my lips.
Do not make me poor or rich,
but give me each day what I need;
⁹For if I have too much, I might forget You are the One who provides,
saying, “Who is the Eternal One?”
Or if I do not have enough, I might become hungry and turn to stealing
and thus dishonor the good name of my God.

¹⁰Never run down a servant to his master
because the slave might curse you and you would suffer as a result.

¹¹There is a kind of person who curses his father
and pronounces no blessing upon his mother;
¹²A kind of person who is without fault in his own estimation
but has not been scrubbed clean of his own sordidness;
¹³A kind whose look is too haughty,
whose eyebrows arch as he looks down on others;
¹⁴A kind whose very teeth cut like swords
and whose jaws sever like knives,
All the better to consume the poor of the earth
and the oppressed among men.

¹⁵The leech has twin suckers;
“More blood! More blood,” they demand.
Three other things are just as insatiable,
no, make it four that never say, “Enough”:
¹⁶The grave, the childless woman who cannot bear,
the parched earth that cries for rain,
and the fire, which never says, “Enough!”

¹⁷One who derides his father
and fails to honor his mother in old age
Will die in contempt: his eyes will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley
and eaten by the young vultures when his unburied body lies on the trash heap.

¹⁸There are three mysteries I find absolutely amazing,
no, make it four I cannot comprehend:
¹⁹The way an eagle flies through the sky,
the way a snake moves over a rock,
The way a boat glides through the middle of the sea,
and the way a man becomes one with his virgin wife.

²⁰An adulterous woman is so cavalier by nature.
When she’s done, it is as if she washed after eating
and then says, “I have done nothing wrong.”

²¹Three situations disturb the earth,
no, make it four that it cannot endure:
²²When a slave is elevated to king,
when a fool is full of fine food,
²³When a hated woman finally marries,
and when a serving girl takes possession of her mistress’s wealth.

²⁴There are four creatures on earth that are small,
but they are very wise and we can learn from them:
²⁵While ants are hardly a strong species,
they work constantly to store up food during the summer;
²⁶While badgers are animals without many defenses,
they are wise enough to make their homes in the rocky cliffs;
²⁷While locusts live without a ruler,
they all know how to move in formation;
²⁸While a lizard is easy enough to catch in your hand,
it is shrewd enough to enter the palaces of kings.

²⁹There are three creatures with majesty in their stride,
no, make it four that move with grace:
³⁰The lion, which is the strongest of the animals,
does not back down from any other creature;
³¹The strutting rooster, the male goat,
and a king as he goes out with his army.^[b]

³²If you have been foolish enough to insinuate yourself in some high position
or if you have concocted some sort of evil plan,
clamp your hand tightly over your mouth;
³³For pressing down milk makes butter,
pressing your nose makes it bleed,
and pressing anger makes trouble. That will conclude our exploration of Proverbs 30. These riddles of the wise have such deep and lasting truths for us to apply each day. All the precepts found in God’s Word have the law of planting and harvesting built into them. If you plant good seeds in life, you will reap a bountiful harvest of good. The opposite is also true. Over the course of our lives, we will harvest what we plant. Each week we will explore a full chapter in Proverbs. I hope that you will join us next week for Chapter 31 so that you can gain wisdom, insight, and understanding for yourself.

The entire book of Proverbs provides us with rich wisdom, insight, and understanding on a myriad of life issues. Regardless of where you are in your faith walk, if you follow the precepts in Proverbs, your life will be rich and satisfying. I encourage you to take them and plant the seeds of wisdom in your heart so that you will reap a harvest of wisdom throughout your life.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 710 – Wisdom Is Health to the Soul – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 07:03:55 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 710 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Wisdom Is Health to the Soul – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 710 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget…

Wisdom Is Health to the Soul

Today’s quote is from César Vichard de Saint-Réal, and it is, “Wisdom is to the soul what health is to the body.”Although we do not always practice it, it is vitally important that we keep our bodies in good physical shape by eating properly, exercising regularly, and getting an adequate amount of sleep. If we practice these habits, it will prolong our lives, and our quality of life will be better physically, emotionally, and mentally.

We often neglect the spiritual aspect of our lives, which is our soul. This is who we truly are at our core. Just like a healthy body is required for a quality life, so our soul is strengthened by daily infusing it with wisdom, insight, and understanding. When we invest into our soul the daily input of wisdom, we are strengthened in all other areas of life.

Too often we neglect that which is most important to our long-term spiritual and physical health, but it is to our own detriment. We need to establish healthy habits for our body and our soul. God’s Word is an excellent source of wisdom for your soul. Of course, Proverbs is referred to as the book of Wisdom, but wisdom is found throughout the entirety of God’s Word. As Psalm 19:7 says, “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.”That’s a wrap for today’s Wisdom Unplugged quote. If you would like free access to my database of over 10,000 inspirational quotes, the link is available on the main page of Wisdom-Trek.com. As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.If you would like to listen to any of our past treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe on iTunes or Google play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly, your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 709 – Opportunity Comes More Than Once – Mindshift Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 07:03:21 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 709 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Opportunity Comes More Than Once – Mindshift Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 709 of our trek, and it is time for our Mindshift Monday series. Wisdom-Trek’s primary focus is to assist you in creating your living legacy. Creating your living legacy can only be accomplished by gaining wisdom in many areas of life.

You can only gain wisdom by changing what you allow to go into your mind, which is a result of changing the way you think. In other words, to create your living legacy you must choose to be in a continual mode of mindshift. It is easy to get stuck in a mindset that your current circumstances cannot be changed. This is not true, but you must understand this fundamental principle: In order to change your life, you must change how you think and what you think about. Our Mindshift Monday podcast and journal provide you practical ways to make a mindshift to a rich and satisfying life.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Each day we have opportunities that are presented to us, and we make choices to capitalize on those opportunities or not too. In much of the motivational rhetoric that we hear today, it would seem that opportunity only knocks once, and if we miss it, then we will never have that opportunity again.

In most situations in life, this is just not true. We need to realize that our lives are made up of different seasons, and we may have to pass up opportunities in life that are just not suited for the season of life that we are currently in. While I don’t promote procrastination or putting off something that we should do now, if an opportunity is not quite right for now, or if you are not prepared for it now, then the same, or maybe even a better opportunity will come your way in another season of life. We need to have a mindshift and be prepared when the time is right.

Let’s look at it this way. I am now 61, and in the past, that would be considered nearing retirement and winding down my activities. With today’s medical breakthroughs and staying in good physical, mental, and spiritual shape, I could easily live another 60 plus years. That being said, I look forward with anticipation to the opportunities that will come my way because of my experience, wisdom, time availability, and financial situation, which I was unable to capitalize on in the past. Instead of being of the mindset that we will lose opportunities if we don’t take them now, it is time for a mindshift to realize that…

Opportunity Comes More Than Once

In the days before modern harbors, a ship would sometimes have to wait until flood tide before it could make it into port. The Latin for this was “ob porter,” which signifies a ship standing over against the port waiting for the moment when it can ride the turn of the tide into the harbor.

The English word “opportunity” is derived from this original meaning. The captain and the crew were ready and waiting for that one moment, for they realized that if they missed it, they would have to wait for another tide to come in. We cannot lose sight in this situation that there would always be another tide, maybe at a more convenient or proper time.

All is not lost if we allow an opportunity to pass us by without seizing it. It may not be the proper time, or you may not have the proper resources, or you may not prepared in some other way to capitalize on the opportunity today. Opportunities, like tides, will come again and give you another chance, when the time is more appropriate. Below are four scenarios where opportunity comes more than once.

1. Opportunity comes more than once if we are patient.

Just as the tide comes and goes, so do opportunities. Often after we miss an opportunity, it is time to be patient. While you are waiting, be improving and preparing yourself for when the opportunity returns. If it is the right opportunity for you, just like the tide, it will come back in.

2. Opportunities come more than once if we are looking for them.

Opportunities of all kinds are surrounding us within any particular season of life, which we may have the desire to capitalize on. It’s not the lack of opportunities that is the problem, but rather, whether we are prepared to act on them when they come.

If you are not adequately prepared when an opportunity presents itself, then you may have to wait for the next time it comes around, just like the ebbs and flows of the tide. The key is, the sooner you are prepared, the sooner you will be ready when opportunities present themselves. You not only have to be looking for opportunities but preparing for them also.

This is the foundation for people who are successful. As an example, a successful inventor is a person who sees opportunity in things when others see nothing. People who sense are alive to creative possibilities. Even at that, an inventor may fail numerous times before his “opportunity” brings success.

3. Opportunity comes more than once when we continually pursue success.

Opportunity is not mere chance or an unusual set of circumstances. You must often make your own opportunities. I have read that nearly 75% of the most successful people in the world had been handicapped in their youths by tragedies, disabilities, and other major obstacles. Don’t feel sorry for yourself if you are limited in your abilities and talents. The world is full of opportunities, but most are behind closed doors. You must open the door and force your way in. As Thomas Edison once said, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it comes dressed in overalls and looks like work.”

4. Opportunities come more than once if we are willing to take new paths to our destination.

Perhaps you missed the tide, and the next one may not come for a long time. Maybe you will need to try a different harbor altogether. There are usually many trails that will take you to the mountain’s summit of success. Don’t allow yourself to become discouraged. Have a mindshift. Your chances for opportunities are not lost forever. Sit down, analyze, strategize, plan, and then move toward the summit traveling a different road, with its own unique opportunities.

What is your strategy when you feel that you have missed an important opportunity? Remember, there will be another chance at the opportunity when the time is right, and you are prepared. Be patient, continue seeking, continue on even if you fail, and be willing to try a new trail to the summit.

As we are told by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 5:15-17, “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.”

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on tomorrow!

Day 708 – The Power to Overcome Fear (Part 2) – FearLess Friday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 07:03:56 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 708 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Power to Overcome Fear – 2

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 708 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. As we continue our lesson from last week, we pick up the story of Naaman from 2 Kings 5:1-17 where Elisha had told Naaman to dip seven times in the Jordan River to be cured of his leprosy. If you missed last Friday’s lesson, it can be found at wisdom-trek.com/day-703. Overcoming fear does not have to be some grand feat, but the small miracle of trusting God and His Word. Today on our trek, we will continue to explore how we need to be in a continual Mindshift mode, so we can have…

The Power to Overcome Fear (Part 2)

When General Naaman approached Elisha for the cure, Elisha didn’t even bother to come out and meet with him. Instead, he sent a servant out with orders from God. This infuriated Naaman.

He was the commander of the entire Syrian army, which comprised thousands of soldiers. He was certainly used to being shown a high level of respect. His money, power, and position had given him a great amount of prestige. The fact that Elisha did not even come to the door to greet Naaman was an insult.

Naaman’s pride got in the way of his cure. He wanted to be cured, but on his terms and not in obedience to God’s Word. He almost turned his back on God, but his officers talked him into at least trying to do what Elisha had said. He had already traveled a far distance, and they told him he had nothing to lose. This caused Naaman to have a change of heart, however reluctantly. God used Naaman’s obedience to show the world that there is power in God’s Word, even if it does not always fit societal norms.

We need to realize that in the times of deepest fears God can use these opportunities to strengthen our faith. Naaman had money, power, and prestige, but none of these could overcome his fear of leprosy. The immediate cure Naaman gained through obedience was even more miraculous because it could not be bought for any price. Using his weakness and fear, God was teaching Naaman that relief only came through obedience. Our fears can also be used to stretch and strengthen our faith when we overcome it through obedience.

Naaman found the thought of washing in a dirty river embarrassing. Just as this command was unique to Naaman, God’s call on our lives is personal. Fearing what people think of us is the opposite of fearing God. Whose approval do we fear losing? Our friends? Our family? Our leaders? Or is it God?

Oswald Chambers said, “The remarkable thing about God is that when you fear and respect God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you don’t fear and respect God, you fear everything else.”

Pride is the first enemy we have to battle when faced with our fear. Anger usually soon follows. Naaman was prideful and then angry with Elisha because it hurt his pride. Because he felt that Elisha was telling him to do something unreasonable, he was even angrier. Naaman was ready to pay good money for that cure. Instead, Naaman was so insulted, so angry, that he almost turned around and went home to live with the fear of leprosy that plagued him and would eventually take his life.

His officers wisely pleaded with him in 2 Kings 5:13, “But his officers tried to reason with him and said, ‘Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, ‘Go and wash and be cured!””

If Elisha had sent Naaman on a great quest climbing mountains and slaying foes he would have gladly done it. Then the cure would have been based on his power and might. Instead, God only required obedience.

Naaman could not believe that, and thought it was too demeaning and easy. Could God really overcome his leprosy by dipping in a muddy river? He probably thought that would contaminate the open sores. His unbelief and pride nearly robbed him of what he desired most. How many blessings do we miss out on because of our lack of simple obedience to God’s precepts? Are we letting unbelief rob us of what we desire most?

Following God’s precepts is not always easy, but it is always right to do so. We have fears and need God’s power to overcome them. Just like Naaman’s officers encouraging him to be obedient, we have other believers to come alongside us and God’s Holy Spirit within us to encourage and guide us when our faith is weak and our fears are strong.

When Naaman continued to dip himself in the muddy Jordan River submerging his entire body over his head, there is no record of partial healing. It was not until he emerged from the seventh dip that his body was made new found in 2 Kings 5:14, “So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child, and he was healed!”

Naaman’s life was completely changed after his obedience. No longer did he have a fear of slowly dying as leprosy ravished his body from the outside. Only after his healing was complete was he able to meet Elisha. He still wanted to pay for his healing, Elisha refused all offers. So instead, Naaman requested soil from Israel that he could take back to Syria as the holy ground which to worship the one true God.

Naaman overcame his fear of leprosy, his fear of ridicule, and his pride through obedience to God’s Word as spoken through Elisha. It was the power of the Word that brought victory over fear. Allow God’s power to help you overcome fear in your life.

Next FearLess Friday we will explore Faith That Overcomes Fear. I know you will find these insights interesting and profitable in living a rich and satisfying life. Our next trek is Mindshift Monday where we will help you live differently by thinking differently. So encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along on Monday for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 707 – Listening or Talking – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 05 Oct 2017 07:03:55 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 707 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Listening or Talking – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 707 of our trek, and it is time for our 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Doug Larson, and it is, “Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you’d have preferred to talk.”

Listening or Talking

Very little or no wisdom can be gained when we are talking. Wisdom is the reward when we restrict the urge to share our knowledge and wisdom with others, and instead actively listen to others as they are speaking. Not everyone who speaks will have wisdom and knowledgeable words, but as we listen throughout our lives, we will gain and glean bits of wisdom from conversations that, when connected together, will enrich our lives.

It is this slow accumulation of wisdom that will become integrated into the very fabric of our lives that will be the foundation of who we are. It is so difficult to intently listen in order to learn instead of listening to respond. The less we speak, the wiser we will become. Listening can also be through studying books of wisdom as Proverbs 1:5 tells us, “Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance.”

Wisdom truly is the reward for a life invested listening more than speaking. Proverbs 12:15 says, “Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.”

In fact, too much speaking is actually detrimental to our lives as we learn from, Proverbs 10:19, “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.”

This is finalized with Ecclesiastes 6:11, “The more words you speak, the less they mean. So what good are they?”

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly, your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for FearLess Friday!

Day 706 – Self-Controlled Wisdom – Proverbs 29

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 04 Oct 2017 07:03:01 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 706 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Self-Controlled Wisdom – Proverbs 29

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 706 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Every Wednesday along life’s trails we dig for the nuggets of wisdom that are found within the book of Proverbs. Today we will explore Proverbs 29 from The Voice Translation, which will give us a fresh perspective on this book of timeless wisdom.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. I am blessed to have a close relationship with our grown children, and we have many opportunities to discuss issues, challenges, and struggles that we are all facing in life. I am privileged to be a mentor and provide them with counsel.

Recently I was discussing with one of our sons who works from home as a sales rep providing industrial coatings for commercial businesses about the difficulty of self-discipline and focus in work. It takes real self-control, consistency, and persistence to be successful. To successfully gain wisdom also requires long-term self-control as we will explore today from Proverbs 29 about…

Self-Controlled Wisdom

This is the last installment of wise sayings assembled by the men of Hezekiah. This chapter begins with a lesson on teachability— one of the greatest values of the wise. The wise must be able to listen and receive correction (see verse 1). Look ahead at how the collection ends. We are told to fear the Lord above any other human because it is from Him that all justice truly comes (verses 25-26). Teachability and trusting God: these two values frame everything in this chapter.

Between these opening and closing proverbs is a strong emphasis on self-control. A wise leader must be able to lead themselves if they want to lead others. Leading those under our authority (particularly children) is not an option; it is a requirement to enjoy the sweet fruit of wisdom (verses 15 and 17). Consider these three virtues: teachability, restraint, and trust in God. What theme is the Lord asking you to pay more attention to?

Listen intently as I read Proverbs 29.

¹The one who remains defiant after repeated reprimands
will suddenly be shattered, and there will be no remedy for him.
²When just leaders are in power, the citizens celebrate;
but when evil people gain control, their joys become moans.

³An adult who loves wisdom and follows its ways gives his parents joy,
but one who hangs out with women of the street will lose everything.

⁴A king brings stability to a land with his justice,
but one who makes unjust demands brings it to ruin.
⁵The one who flatters his friend
is laying a trap that will catch his friend’s feet.
⁶An evil person is sure to be trapped by his sin,
but a man who lives right is free to sing and be glad.
⁷The just get involved with the poor and know their issues,
but the wicked cannot comprehend such concerns.
⁸Mockers stir up a city and inflame passions,
but the wise know how to put out the fire and ease tensions.

⁹When the wise go to court against a fool,
there will be ranting and raving but no resolution.

¹⁰Bloodthirsty men despise those who are honest,
but the just find a way to help them.

¹¹A fool does not think before he unleashes his temper,
but a wise man holds back and remains quiet.

¹²When it is known that a ruler listens to the words of liars,
soon he will have only scoundrels for advisors.
¹³A poor man and his oppressor have this in common:
the Eternal created them and provides both with light and life.
¹⁴The king who is fair in his treatment of the poor
will see his dynasty continue forever.

¹⁵Corporal punishment and correction produce wisdom,
but a child left to follow his own willful way shames his mother.
¹⁶When evil people are free to flourish, sin is on the rise,
but the just will surely see their destruction.
¹⁷If you discipline your children, they will make your life easier
and refresh your soul.

¹⁸Where there is no vision from God, the people run wild,
but those who adhere to God’s instruction know genuine happiness.
¹⁹Words are not enough to correct a servant;
even if he understands, he will not respond.
²⁰Have you ever met someone who is overly eager to talk?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
²¹If you indulge your servant from early in life,
in the end it won’t go well for either of you.

²²A hot-head provokes quarrels,
and one mastered by anger commits all kinds of sins.
²³A person’s pride brings him down,
but one of humble spirit has a firm hold on honor and respect.
²⁴Anyone who teams up with a thief must despise his own life,
for he is bound by an oath to tell the truth and yet refuses.^[a]
²⁵If you fear other people, you are walking into a dangerous trap;
but if you trust in the Eternal, you will be safe.
²⁶Many people vie for special treatment from a ruler,
yet genuine justice proceeds from the Eternal.
²⁷The right-living are disgusted by the actions of the unjust;
likewise, the wicked are disgusted by the ways of the righteous.

That will conclude our exploration of Proverbs 29. Do you have the self-control that it takes to gain lifelong wisdom? Doing so is wise. The precepts found in God’s Word have the law of planting and harvesting built into them. If you plant good seeds in life, you will reap a bountiful harvest of good. The opposite is also true. Over the course of our lives, we will harvest what we plant. Each week we will explore a full chapter in Proverbs. I hope that you will join us next week for Chapter 30 so that you can gain wisdom, insight, and understanding for yourself.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 705 – Wisdom Is A Lifelong Pursuit – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 07:03:59 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 705 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Wisdom Is A Lifelong Pursuit – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 705 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Albert Einstein, and it is, “Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it.”

Wisdom Is A Lifelong Pursuit

Learning and gaining knowledge is essential to function in this ever-changing, technology-driven world, but knowledge in and of itself does not result in wisdom. It is what we learn about life as we gain knowledge that results in true wisdom. This does not happen overnight nor within a matter of a few years. Wisdom is gained through a lifelong pursuit and acquisition of knowledge and applying that knowledge practically to our trek of life.

The knowledge that is gained is only a by-product of the lessons that are acquired through perseverance. Continual persistence is required to continually grow in wisdom, insight, and knowledge. We need to seek for wisdom as if our lives depend on it.

Indeed, if we truly desire to gain wisdom, then our lives do depend on it. We need to be ever learning and through that learning allow it to change the way we think so we are learning the lessons that also bring wisdom. Wisdom and knowledge are like a hand in a glove. Knowledge that is enveloped within wisdom allows a person to be truly wise in many areas of life.

The wisest man to ever live, King Solomon, knew to ask God for the dynamic duo of wisdom and knowledge as we read in, 2 Chronicles 1:10, “Give me the wisdom and knowledge to lead them properly, for who could possibly govern this great people of yours?”

Later in his life, Solomon wrote in Proverbs 8:12, “I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment.”

If you would like to listen to any of our past treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe on iTunes or Google play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly, your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 704 – Setbacks Are Not Stop Signs – Mindshift Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 07:03:10 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 704 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Setbacks Are Not Stop Signs – Mindshift Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 704 of our trek, and it is time for our Mindshift Monday series. Wisdom-Trek’s primary focus is to assist you in creating your living legacy. Creating your living legacy can only be accomplished by gaining wisdom in many areas of life. You can only gain wisdom by changing what you allow to go into your mind which is a result of changing the way you think.

In other words, to create your living legacy you must choose to be in a continual mode of Mindshift. It is easy to get stuck in a mindset that your current circumstances cannot be changed. This is not true, but you must understand this fundamental principle: In order to change your life, you must change how you think and what you think about. Our Mindshift Monday podcast and journal will provide you practical ways to make a mind-shift to a rich and satisfying life.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Life is like a rollercoaster; it has many ups and downs.

This past weekend we had the privilege to celebrate our granddaughter Hazel’s third birthday. We could not have imagined how drastically our lives would change during this past year. We did not know that Hazel would be diagnosed with Leukemia and her little body would be ravished by this unseen foe and the resultant treatments. We did not know that I would break my femur in a fall that would result in several months of rehab.

There are times when the unexpected erupts, and our lives change abruptly. It is interesting to observe how people cope with unexpected setbacks, especially when these events are so life-changing that it creates a radically different lifestyle. We have all had our share of setbacks and disappointments in life where our fondest hopes and dreams are completely uprooted. It is so important that during these times we are in a state of continual mindshift because…

Setbacks Are Not Stop Signs

Each difficult experience that we face is hard to take, sometimes even hard to grasp within our finite minds. Regardless of how difficult life’s trek is at times, it is not the end of the world, nor even the end of the trail that we are currently navigating.

Setbacks are only delays and detours. When our plans, hopes, and dreams are delayed, we have to have a mindshift and understand that what cannot be enjoyed today, may possibly be enjoyed later. Yes, we may have to reshuffle, or even radically change plans. Don’t lose sight of the destination, just because you are forced onto a different path.

Setbacks should be instructional. We can learn from every setback or detour on our trails of life. Valuable and rich lessons freely flow our way when our plans are denied or postponed.

Setbacks are not stop signs. There are times when evaluation is necessary in our lives. Perhaps the promotion that you were anticipating did not materialize. This may allow you to take a new path for your career. We need to remember that the path to joy and success is an uphill path which may be very difficult to hike at times.

Setbacks are times for adjustment. Too many times we so easily slide into the ruts of life. We become life robots just going through the motions, but not really living a rich and satisfying life. Some of life’s most rewarding times come when you are forced out of the ruts of life because of a setup or upheaval. It is during these times that we are forced to adjust our plans and look at life from a fresh perspective.

Setbacks allow for refocusing. When setbacks occur, it is good to take some time to analyze the reason for it, if it was under your control. If it was not under your control, it is a time to step back and incorporate this situation into your future planning.

Setbacks are pacesetters. Although the healing from the fracture of my femur is progressing well, it is still discouraging that I am still experiencing a good bit of pain. I still walk with a bit of a limp, and it may be a while before full mobility is possible. I have to realize though that the pain of the injury is setting the pace for my body to heal properly. With any setback, you may need to experience some type of pain so that your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being can become properly balanced for that path of life that you are currently hiking.

Setbacks are merely obstacles. Ever since Adam and Eve disobeyed God, life has not been all that easy. Thorns grow right beside beautiful roses. Weeds spring up in our gardens. Clouds hide the sunshine and setbacks clouds our days. Keep it in perspective. Remember that is life, and we need to capitalize on all experiences.

Setbacks are trail indicators. Setbacks sometimes indicate that even greater problems lie ahead if we continue on our path. Setbacks may indicate that we need to change our course, and take a new trail. Most important is how you react to these indicators. It will show what kind of person you are and will become as you continue on.

Setbacks are necessary. To become mature and complete, we need setbacks and trials in our lives. There is no possible way that the fruit of maturity can be in evidenced in your life without experiencing setbacks. James 1:2-4 tells us, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

Setbacks are a test. The greatest test of your character is what it takes to stop you. The most noticeable difference between those who continue on and those who stop is seen in the area of perseverance. Everyone has setbacks. Every person faces obstacles on their trails of life. We must continue on regardless.

Setbacks are motivators. There are times on our trails of life when we become apathetic and listless with no motivation. Setbacks can arouse in us an eager desire to spring out of apathy into action.

Setbacks are eliminators. In our routines of life, we can get our eyes off what is most important. Just as it is important for a successful hiker to eliminate all dead weight, setbacks can help us to eliminate what is really not important in our lives.

Setbacks are normal. Setbacks don’t have a positive or negative impact in and of themselves. Our reaction towards setbacks will make them either positive or negative. Two people can experience that exact same setback with a totally different outcome.

Setbacks are part of life. Hebrews 12:11 tells us, “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.”

Setbacks are no fun, but if we faithfully endure we will reap a bountiful harvest of blessings in our lives.

Setbacks are stepping-stones. If you desire to reach the summit of the mountain, you must use the stepping-stones of setbacks to reach the top. For some people, setbacks are stumbling stones, while for others the exact same stones become stepping-stones. As each stone appears along our trails of life to the summit, they either become a help or a hindrance, depending on how we handle each situation. We need to use our setbacks as stepping stones as we keep moving forward on our trails of life.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 703 – The Power To Overcome Fear (Part 1) – FearLess Friday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 29 Sep 2017 07:03:01 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 703 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Power To Overcome Fear

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 703 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

We are focusing on how to live with less fear. We are exploring the trails on our trek of life that will help us to be fearless. This does not imply that we will reach the point where were are completely without any fear, for that is not only impossible, but also not wise. There is a time and a place for an appropriate level of fear, but most fear that we experience on a daily basis has no grounding and can be eliminated as we grow in wisdom, insight, and understanding. So our objective is to experience a FearLess Friday on our trek of life.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. This week has been extremely busy with extra projects for each of our clients. Knowing how to balance demands, or perceived demands, in every area of life can become challenging. So many times we get caught in the tyranny of the urgent where everything appears to be a priority. When this happens, it can cause inaction, paralysis, and fear. Today on our trek we will continue to explore how we need to be in a continual mindshift mode so we can have…

The Power To Overcome Fear (Part 1)

I strive to be a rational and logical person in my interactions and circumstances of life. The problem, though, is that fear is neither rational nor logical, so how do we overcome it? I have found over the years of my life that sometimes overcoming fear requires doing what seems to be impractical and illogical, which is difficult for me.

Overcoming fear and living a life of obedience to God and the precepts that are found in His Word go hand in hand. How committed are you to living a life according to His precepts? From my study of the Bible, it appears that partial obedience is not acceptable. To gain complete victory over our fear, we have to be in complete obedience to God.

There is a very interesting story found in 2 Kings 5:1-17 which tells of a man named Naaman who was the commander of the army for the king of Syria. Naaman had the terrible disease called leprosy which causes your skin to flake off and become rotten. It is similar to what we think about cancer today – a dreaded, fearful disease to have that was also contagious. Let me read the story to you so that you will see clearly the circumstances:

¹The king of Aram had great admiration for Naaman, the commander of his army, because through him the Lord had given Aram great victories. But though Naaman was a mighty warrior, he suffered from leprosy.^[a]

²At this time Aramean raiders had invaded the land of Israel, and among their captives was a young girl who had been given to Naaman’s wife as a maid. ³One day the girl said to her mistress, “I wish my master would go to see the prophet in Samaria. He would heal him of his leprosy.”

⁴So Naaman told the king what the young girl from Israel had said. ⁵“Go and visit the prophet,” the king of Aram told him. “I will send a letter of introduction for you to take to the king of Israel.” So Naaman started out, carrying as gifts 750 pounds of silver, 150 pounds of gold,^[b] and ten sets of clothing. ⁶The letter to the king of Israel said: “With this letter I present my servant Naaman. I want you to heal him of his leprosy.”

⁷When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes in dismay and said, “Am I God, that I can give life and take it away? Why is this man asking me to heal someone with leprosy? I can see that he’s just trying to pick a fight with me.”

⁸But when Elisha, the man of God, heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes in dismay, he sent this message to him: “Why are you so upset? Send Naaman to me, and he will learn that there is a true prophet here in Israel.”

⁹So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and waited at the door of Elisha’s house. ¹⁰But Elisha sent a messenger out to him with this message: “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of your leprosy.”

¹¹But Naaman became angry and stalked away. “I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!” he said. “I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the Lord his God and heal me! ¹²Aren’t the rivers of Damascus, the Abana and the Pharpar, better than any of the rivers of Israel? Why shouldn’t I wash in them and be healed?” So Naaman turned and went away in a rage.

¹³But his officers tried to reason with him and said, “Sir,^[c] if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, ‘Go and wash and be cured!’” ¹⁴So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child, and he was healed!

¹⁵Then Naaman and his entire party went back to find the man of God. They stood before him, and Naaman said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.”

¹⁶But Elisha replied, “As surely as the Lord lives, whom I serve, I will not accept any gifts.” And though Naaman urged him to take the gift, Elisha refused.

¹⁷Then Naaman said, “All right, but please allow me to load two of my mules with earth from this place, and I will take it back home with me. From now on I will never again offer burnt offerings or sacrifices to any other god except the Lord.

Like Naaman, we are trying to get over our sickness. His was leprosy, ours is fear in many different forms. Both can be crippling and deadly to us, at least spiritually. When Naaman comes to Elisha to be healed of his sickness, he is given very impractical and illogical advice. To overcome, he has to follow Elisha’s instructions exactly. The results of his eventual obedience were immediate and miraculous. Just like we do, Naaman had to debate with the prophet and himself before he decided to obey based on the advice and encouragement of his officers, who were actually his subordinates. As a side note here, no matter what your station or standing in life is, God can use you mightily.

We will continue the story of Naaman next week. We will explore more in-depth what changed Naaman’s mind and what the results were. In the same manner we will discover what we need to do to overcome our fear.

Next FearLess Friday we will explore The Power To Overcome Fear (Part 2). I know you will find these insights interesting and profitable in living a rich and satisfying life. Our next trek is Mindshift Monday where we will help you live differently by thinking differently. So encourage your friends and family to join us, and then come along on Monday for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 702 – Tempered Knowledge – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 28 Sep 2017 07:03:29 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 702 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Tempered Knowledge – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week, wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 702 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Peter Ritchie Calder, and it is, “Wisdom is knowledge tempered with judgment.”

Tempered Knowledge

It is great to have knowledge, vast amounts of knowledge. But knowledge in and of itself has minimal value unless it comes coupled with a good dose of judgment. Knowledge with good judgment is what we refer to as common sense. It is evident as we observe life that common sense is not all that common. It is that valuable and rare trait in a person who is able to expound on truths and facts in such a way that they don’t come off as arrogant. It requires judgment to speak only when it adds value to a person or circumstance. As knowledge and judgment are coupled together in a person, that person gains wisdom, insight, and understanding.

Since all truth comes from God, common sense is also His gift to us if we learn and understand His precepts found in His Word.

Proverbs 2:7 – He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.

Proverbs 3:21-22 – My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace.

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for FearLess Friday!

Day 701 – Good Lion, Bad Lion – Proverbs 28

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 27 Sep 2017 07:03:01 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 701 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Good Lion, Bad Lion – Proverbs 28

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 701 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Every Wednesday along life’s trails we dig for the nuggets of wisdom that are found within the book of Proverbs. Today we will explore Proverbs 28 from The Voice Translation which will give us a fresh perspective on this book of timeless wisdom.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Last week I invested time in Arizona working on our construction projects. We made some headway, but still have a lot to do this week as we finalize our proposal and contract for Phase II. As with all work or any activities that we are involved in, there are good aspects and bad aspects, and we need to take the good with the bad. This reminds me of Proverbs 28 that we will explore today. There is a contrast between…

Good Lion, Bad Lion

As we know, chapters 25-29 were arranged by King Hezekiah’s men some 250 years after the time of King Solomon. The first part (chapters 25-27) is for people who serve under leaders, but this second part (chapters 28-29) is aimed at people who are the leaders.

What’s more, the literary design of this section is fascinating! It contains 28 proverbs, with 14 in the first half and 14 in the second. Each half begins with a proverb about lions (verses 1 and 15). One of them is a good lion, the other is bad. One is bold and dignified, and the other one just huffs and puffs. The lion, of course, is a symbol of a leader. Which type will you be? One who uses their position of authority to protect others, or one who uses leadership for selfish advantage?

The wise and righteous leader, according to this chapter, will demonstrate a heart of compassion. Look at how many times the poor and oppressed are referenced in this chapter. The one who cares for the less privileged shows true dignity, but cursed is the one who hides his eyes from the poor (verse 27). You may not view yourself as a ruler or leader, but we all lead to some degree, even if it is just among friends and family. Let these proverbs challenge how you lead your life today.

Listen intently as I read Proverbs 28.

¹The wicked run away even when no one is chasing them;
the right-living, however, stand their ground as boldly as lions.
²Where there is rebellion in a land,
there are many petty and contending rulers;
But where there is a wise and intelligent leader,
peace and order endure.

³A poor person who oppresses others who are poor
is like a driving rain that destroys the crops and leaves no food.

⁴Those who turn their backs on God’s teaching applaud the wicked,
while those who observe His instruction oppose them at every turn.

⁵Evil people are not able to understand justice,
but those who pursue the Eternal understand it completely.

⁶It is better to be a pauper walking in integrity
than a dishonest man, even if he is rich.

⁷Whoever follows God’s teaching is a wise child,
but the one who spends time with gluttons and drunks disgraces his parents.

⁸Anyone who increases his wealth by charging a high rate of interest
is only collecting it for another who will deal more liberally with the poor.

⁹The one who turns his ear from hearing God’s instruction
will find that even his prayers are detestable to God.

¹⁰Whoever tries to deceive a good person into taking the path of evil
will fall into the pit he himself made,
but the truly honest shall be the heirs of all that is good.

¹¹A rich man may be wise in his own sight,
but a perceptive pauper will see right through him.

¹²There is much glory when just men celebrate;
but when the wicked gain power, people take cover.

¹³Whoever tries to hide his sins will not succeed,
but the one who confesses his sins and leaves them behind will find mercy.
¹⁴Happy is the one who always fears the Lord,
but the person who hardens his heart to God falls into misfortune.

¹⁵Like a roaring lion or a charging bear,
so is a wicked man ruling over an impoverished people.
¹⁶A leader who lacks intelligence cruelly oppresses the people,
but one who hates corruption will prosper and live a long life.

¹⁷A man guilty of murder is a fugitive,
fleeing to the nearest hole in the ground but not escaping death’s cold pit.
Don’t do anything to save him.

¹⁸Whoever walks in honesty will be safe,
but whoever travels the crooked path will suddenly fall.
¹⁹Whoever cultivates his land will have plenty of food in the harvest,
but whoever cultivates worthless ventures will have poverty in abundance.

²⁰A reliable person will not escape blessings,
but one who wants to get rich quick will not escape trouble.

²¹Showing favoritism is not good;
some will desert the truth for a measly crust of bread.

²²A greedy person is in a hurry to get rich,
but he is ignorant of the loss that is about to overtake him.

²³A person who offers constructive criticism will, in the end, be appreciated more
than a person who engages in empty flattery.

²⁴One who robs his father or his mother
and says, “There’s nothing wrong with that! I had it coming!”
walks in the company of murderers.

²⁵When the greedy want more, they stir up trouble;
but when a person trusts in the Eternal, he’s sure to prosper.
²⁶Anyone who puts confidence only in himself is a fool,
but the person who follows wisdom will be kept safe.

²⁷Whoever gives to the poor will have what he needs,
but the one who shuts his eyes to their plight will face curse after curse.

²⁸When the wicked have the upper hand, people go into hiding;
but when they perish, the good folk will begin to increase.

That will conclude our exploration of Proverbs 28. Are you a good lion or bad lion? In other words, are you a good leader or a bad leader? We all lead in some area of life. The precepts found in God’s Word have the law of planting and harvesting built into them. If you plant good seeds in life, you will reap a bountiful harvest of good. The opposite is also true. Over the course of our lives, we will harvest what we plant. Each week we will explore a full chapter in Proverbs. I hope that you will join us next week for Chapter 29 so that you can gain wisdom, insight, and understanding for yourself.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 700 – Integrity Will Light The Way – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 26 Sep 2017 07:03:17 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 700 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Integrity Will Light the Way – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week, wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 700 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from M.H. McKee, and it is, “Wisdom is knowing what path to take next…Integrity is taking it.”

It is hard to believe that we have been on this trek together for 700 days now. Life continues to rush on, but all we need is consistent persistence to make an impact on our world. One day at a time, one trek at a time, one step at a time. If we continue, we will persevere. As we take each step, they will connect together to our daily trek. Each day connects to the next to make up our lives.

Each day is important, and although we may not see a lot of progress made each day, as they do connect together, we can look back to see that path that we have trekked. As we look forward with wisdom, we will know which path to take next. The key is to have integrity that is part of the very fabric of our lives. When we approach paths that may be difficult for us to take, our integrity will give us the strength to take the correct path each time. It truly is one thing to know which path to take next, and quite another to take that path.

Integrity grows when your life is built on the unchanging truth of God’s Word. As it says in Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 699 – Your Decisions Determine Your Destiny – Mindshift Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 07:03:00 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 699 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Your Decisions Determine Your Destiny – Mindshift Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 699 of our trek, and it is time for our Mindshift Monday series. Wisdom-Trek’s primary focus is to assist you in creating your living legacy. Creating your living legacy can only be accomplished by gaining wisdom in many areas of life. You can only gain wisdom by changing what you allow to go into your mind, which is a result of changing the way you think.

In other words, to create your living legacy you must choose to be in a continual mode of Mindshift. It is easy to get stuck in a mindset that your current circumstances cannot be changed. This is not true, but you must understand this fundamental principle, “In order to change your life, you must change how you think and what you think about.” Our Mindshift Monday podcast and journal will be to provide you practical ways to make a mind-shift to a rich and satisfying life.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Every decision, large and small that you make on a daily basis impacts your life and the lives of those that you impact. You are 100% responsible for the decisions that you make. This is why it is so important to guard what we allow into our minds because it will affect our decision-making ability.

All of us will make decisions which, after the fact, appear to be poor decisions. You must make the best decision possible, based on the information that you have at that point in time. As you learn to make better decisions by continually making a mindshift based on previous outcomes, your decision-making ability will become wiser, and results will turn out better in the long run. This is why we must be in the state of continual mindshift because…

Your Decisions Determine Your Destiny

Let me relay a story from the Old Testament about decisions that impacted an entire generation of Israelites. The importance of making proper decisions in life is illustrated by the children of Israel right when they were to enter into the Promised Land that God had promised He would give to them. At a crucial time when they were to enter the land of Canaan at Kadesh, they came to the point that had to make a crucial decision, and they began to doubt. The consequences were severe. Moses sent 12 spies to find out what they were up against and asked them to bring back a report. This is found in Numbers [13:25]-33.

After exploring the land for forty days, the men returned to Moses, Aaron, and the whole community of Israel at Kadesh in the wilderness of Paran. They reported to the whole community what they had seen and showed them the fruit they had taken from the land. This was their report to Moses: “We entered the land you sent us to explore, and it is indeed a bountiful country—a land flowing with milk and honey. Here is the kind of fruit it produces. But the people living there are powerful, and their towns are large and fortified. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak! The Amalekites live in the Negev, and the Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites live in the hill country. The Canaanites live along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea^[a] and along the Jordan Valley.”

But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. “Let’s go at once to take the land,” he said. “We can certainly conquer it!”

But the other men who had explored the land with him disagreed. “We can’t go up against them! They are stronger than we are!” So they spread this bad report about the land among the Israelites: “The land we traveled through and explored will devour anyone who goes to live there. All the people we saw were huge. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. Next to them we felt like grasshoppers, and that’s what they thought, too!”

The Israelites needed a drastic mindshift, and because they did not have one, the following factors influenced the nation of Israel into making a very unwise and wrong decision.

1. Their perceived circumstances caused the Israelites to make an unwise decision.

Walled cities and giants gave God’s people a “grasshopper” complex. They felt small, insignificant, powerless, and frustrated. Why? They had an incorrect mindset. They looked at God in light of their circumstances instead of their possibilities. They were more influenced by the size of the men than the size of God. The Jordan River wasn’t the great barrier that kept them from The Promised Land. The hindrances that shattered them were beyond the Jordon.

They made the drastic mistake of trying to handle tomorrow’s problems with today’s strength. It was not today’s difficulty that influenced their wrong decision, but the anticipation of tomorrow’s problems that brought about their defeat. How true this is in our lives also? How many times has an unwise decision been the result of bringing tomorrow’s perceived problems into today and making giants out of them? You cannot win tomorrow’s battles with today’s strength.

2. The negative influence of the 10 spies impacted an entire generation.

Ten men kept thousands of people from finding God’s perfect will for them. Ten men were more of an obstacle than the nations that they were to conquer.

In this situation, the enemies were not the Hittites, Amalekites, or the Jebusites but the unbelieving spies who spread a bad report. None of the previous miracles that the nation of Israel had experienced up to this point seemed to matter now. Just 10 men of influence and they used their influence to sway the minds of thousands.

It does not take great multitudes to change the mindset of the nation. Ten negative men caused untold misery that lasted 40 years and killed thousands of people. The blessings of God were lost for an entire generation.

3. Their unwillingness to sacrifice now caused suffering for 40 years.

With every great endeavor, a price must be paid. The greater the cause, the greater the cost. Men and women who accomplish much, sacrifice much. It falls back to the laws of planting and harvesting found in Psalms 126:5-6.

Those who plant in tears
will harvest with shouts of joy.
They weep as they go to plant their seed,
but they sing as they return with the harvest.

The price to be paid for entering The Promised Land weighed heavily on the nation of Israel. They did not realize that the harvest they would reap for not obeying was an entire 40 years wandering in the wilderness until an entire generation of people died. They thought security was not having to confront the giant battles of life. The only security that we have as Christ-followers is not found in avoiding battles, temptation, and problems, but being found obedient to God’s Word, regardless of the price.

The nation of Israel would have been far more secure fighting the giants in The Promised Land than wandering in the wilderness. No new land. No milk and honey. No shouts of victory. Just wandering. Every person over 20 at the time, except Joshua and Caleb, never entered The Promised Land. They all died in the wilderness. They tried to save their lives and ended up losing them.

We need to be in a continual mode of mindshift. Every decision that we make is a determining factor in our destiny of life, and the lives of generations to come.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 698 – The Power to Act In Spite Of Fear – FearLess Friday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 07:03:20 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 698 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Power to Act In Spite Of Fear

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 698 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and learn how they can impact us in creating our living legacy. We are focusing on how to live with less fear. We are exploring the trails on our trek of life that will help us to be fearless. This does not imply that we will reach the point where we are completely without any fear, for that is not only impossible, but also not wise.

There is a time and a place for an appropriate level of fear, but most fear that we experience on a daily basis has no grounding and can be eliminated as we grow in wisdom, insight, and understanding. So our objective is to experience a FearLess Friday on our trek of life.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. I will still be in Arizona when this trek is originally released wrapping up our week as we prepare for Phase II of our Mesa Townhome Project. Certainly, large projects such as this one bring with it a bit of concern, worry, and trepidation…which all boils down to fear. If we are not careful in situations like this, the fear can stifle us from making the progress that is needed for success. We need to learn to face fear and keep moving forward.

Today on our trek, we will continue to explore how we need to be in a continual mindshift mode so we can have…

The Power To Act In Spite Of Fear

What most of us don’t seem to realize or grasp is that God has given us a spirit to do what is right even when it is fearful and difficult. When it’s time to move forward, time to act on our convictions, time to utilize our God-given talents and abilities, the monster of fear can raise its ugly head attempting to stifle us once again. Fear screams in our face, or whispers in our mind, that something bad will happen if we move forward. Last Fearless Friday we explored how your comfort zone gets smaller when fear tells you that you can’t leave it or something bad will happen.

This sort of fear is called timidity. Timidity can paralyze you to the point of inaction. This is what happened to the Israelites when they faced the Philistine army led by the giant Goliath.

When faced with Goliath in 1 Samuel 17, the Israelites hid behind rocks instead of accepting the giant’s challenge. They were timid in the face of the enemy. What if they tried and failed? What if the giant demolished them? The enemy was so huge – how could they even hope to win? For forty days Goliath continued to loudly proclaim his challenge. For forty days the Israelites trembled in fear, including King Saul.

The Israelites forgot who brought them out of Egypt and destroyed Pharaoh. The Israelites forgot all the many victories they had conquering The Promised Land. They forgot the promises that David later penned in Psalms 18:2,

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me,
and my place of safety.

When David, the youngest of the family, and in everyone’s eye a runt of a kid, came out to the battlefield and heard the Philistine’s proposition, his mind was steadfast on what to do. David knew who was in control, and it wasn’t himself as he proclaimed in verse 25, “Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?” David immediately understood that this Philistine wasn’t just defying the army of people, but God himself.

David’s faith instantly became a model for others. God presented a giant problem in Goliath that was too big for the Israelites to handle on their own. It was too big for their strongest and most capable warrior to even dream of handling. Then God solved the problem with the simple faith of a young Shepherd boy.

How could this boy possibly defeat the taunting giant? So even though David declared he’d do it, King Saul was right in line with the other naysayers letting David know it was impossible. Although David had likely feared, he did not doubt. His faith in God was greater than his fear of the giant Goliath.

In the same manner when you are facing small or giant fears and are on the cusp of breaking free from your comfort zone, fear will become your greatest naysayer. It will remind you of your weaknesses and all the reasons why you can’t move forward. It will come in your comfort zone and tell you how scary life is on the outside if you attempt to break free. The choice is always yours. Do you listen to the naysayers and go back to tending sheep in the field, or do you trust in God and believe that He will support you in slaying your giants.

Nelson Mandela put it this way, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers fear.” You have to understand that fear is not a sin. It is our body’s natural response to the unknown, that area outside your comfort zone. God expects us to trust Him in spite of that fear. Psalms 56:3 – “But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.”

Through trusting in God, we can overcome the spirit of fear, feel the power of God, learn to love Him, and have the self-discipline to move forward in the face of fear.

2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

His great grace is shown to us and given to us in the times of trouble. In order to break free of your shackles and the jail cell of fear that bind you, you need to step out of your comfort zone and let God lead you to greater heights. He will give us the strength that we need each day. The Apostle Paul wrote these truths that Jesus spoke to Him when he was battling his fears in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.”

Next FearLess Friday we will explore The Power To Overcome Fear. I know you will find these insights interesting and profitable in living a rich and satisfying life. Our next trek is Mindshift Monday where we will help you live differently by thinking differently. So encourage your friends and family to join us, and then come along on Monday for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 697 – Wisdom Through God’s Eyes – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 21 Sep 2017 07:03:31 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 697 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Wisdom Through God’s Eyes – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 697 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Wisdom-Trek, and it is, “Wisdom is being able to see the circumstances of life as God sees them.”

Wisdom Through God’s Eyes

Being finite, it is difficult to see life’s situations as the eternal God sees them. We are so shortsighted that we feel that any situation that is difficult for us is negative and bad. We see the situations that are easy and pleasant as positive and good.

As we look back at our life though, if we are wise, we will realize and understand that the difficult situations many times turn out for our good. They force us to rely on God for our strength. When times are good, we tend to rely on ourselves and feel that life is good because of something we have done.

Certainly, our daily choices impact our lives, but God is bigger than our circumstances and sees our lives from an infinite perspective. As we grow and mature, we should welcome both the easy and difficult times because it takes both to make us who we are today and who we are growing into. As King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 7:14, “Enjoy prosperity while you can, but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. Remember that nothing is certain in this life.”

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for FearLess Friday!

Day 696 – People Are More Important Than Things – Proverbs 27

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 20 Sep 2017 07:03:54 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 696 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

People Are More Important Than Things – Proverbs 27

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 696 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Every Wednesday along life’s trails we dig for the nuggets of wisdom that are found within the book of Proverbs. Today we will explore Proverbs 27 from The Voice Translation which will give us a fresh perspective on this book of timeless wisdom.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. I am working on-site with our partners on our construction projects in Mesa, Arizona, and it is important that we invest this time together assisting each other to make the business and projects successful. Even more important is that we are providing a product that will benefit the funding group and ultimately the purchasers of the townhomes. As we explore Proverbs 27 today, it is very important that we invest in the lives of people because…

People Are More Important Than Things

Hezekiah’s scribes arranged this collection into two parts, each with a unique design and message. Part 1 is made up of verses 1-22. Every two verses in Part 1 are linked together by a common theme. Part 2 is a one-unit poem that spans from verses 23-27.

Part 1: verses 1-22 — The Hebrew alphabet is comprised of 22 letters, and many scholars believe this section is intentionally designed to be 22 verses long. Every two verses are paired (1-2, 3-4, 5-6, etc.) and highlight different interpersonal skills. In other words, this collection is the “ABC’s of Successful Relationships.” If you ignore this wisdom, your relationships will suffer. Follow its advice, and you will nurture lasting friendships.

Part 2: verses 23-27 — This section is one long, flowing poem about leadership and is rich in farming imagery. Its purpose is to develop character in a leader (see verse 24), and the point is that leading requires constant attention and personal care. One’s resources are continually shifting and opportunities changing. The only way to create stability is through careful attention to those you lead.

Together, Parts 1 and 2 send a clear message: People are more important than things. Invest your energy into people. Do the hard work it takes to cultivate healthy relationships. Who needs your time today? In what ways can you prioritize people over tasks? Ask the Lord for insight as you go into your day.

Listen intently as I read Proverbs 27.

¹Don’t brag about what may happen tomorrow
because you have no idea what it will bring.
²Let someone else praise you;
compliments are always sweeter from a stranger’s lips than from your own.

³Heavy is rock and weighty is sand,
but more burdensome than either is the anger of a fool.
⁴Wrath is fierce and anger is a tidal wave of fury,
but who of us can stand up against jealousy?

⁵Open rebuke is better
than hidden love.
⁶Wounds inflicted by the correction of a friend prove he is faithful;
the abundant kisses of an enemy show his lies.

⁷The person who is full has no interest in honey;
but to the starving, bitterness itself is sweet.
⁸Like a bird that strays far from its nest,
so is a person who forsakes his own home.

⁹The heart is delighted by the fragrance of oil and sweet perfumes,
and in just the same way, the soul is sweetened by the wise counsel of a friend.
¹⁰Do not neglect your friend or your parent’s friend for that matter.
When hard times come, you don’t have to travel far to get help from family;
A neighbor who is near is better
than a brother who is far away.

¹¹Study to be wise, my son, and make my heart glad,
for then your life will be my answer to anyone who hurls insults.
¹²The astute see evil coming and take shelter,
but the stupid plow right on and then, of course, have to pay the price.
¹³If someone guarantees a stranger’s debt, hold his garment as collateral;
if that guarantee is for the debt of a foreigner, make sure you get a deposit.
¹⁴Anyone who blesses his neighbor with a loud voice
early in the morning,
will find his blessing regarded as a curse.

¹⁵A constant dripping on a rainy day
and a wife’s bickering are very much alike:
¹⁶Anyone who tries to control her might as well try to control the wind
or pick up oil in his right hand.
¹⁷In the same way that iron sharpens iron,
a person sharpens the character of his friend.

¹⁸Whoever takes care of a fig tree will eat of its fruit,
and whoever cares for his master will be honored.

¹⁹Just as water reflects a person’s true face,
so the human heart reflects a person’s true character.
²⁰Neither the grave nor destruction is ever satisfied;
the desires of people are never totally fulfilled.

²¹The crucible is used for refining silver, the furnace for gold,
but praise is what tests a person’s mettle.
²²Though you grind a fool like grain
in a mortar with a pestle,
still his foolishness will not be separated from him.

²³Pay careful attention to your flocks,
and see to the welfare of your herds
²⁴Because riches do not last forever,
nor does one dynasty retain power through all generations.
²⁵When the hay is harvested and the autumn grasses begin to grow
and the herbs of the mountains are gathered,
²⁶Then the lambs will provide wool for your clothing,
young goats can be sold to buy a new field,
²⁷And there will be enough milk from your goats
to sustain you, your family, and your serving girls.

That will conclude our exploration of Proverbs 27. We must learn that people truly are more important than things or possessions. Each of us needs to focus our lives on this principle. The precepts found in God’s Word have the law of planting and harvesting built into them. If you plant good seeds in life, you will reap a bountiful harvest of good. The opposite is also true. Over the course of our lives, we will harvest what we plant. Each week we will explore a full chapter in Proverbs. I hope that you will join us next week for Chapter 28 so that you can gain wisdom, insight, and understanding for yourself.

The entire book of Proverbs provides us with rich wisdom, insight, and understanding on a myriad of life issues. Regardless of where you are in your faith walk, if you apply the precepts in Proverbs, your life will be rich and satisfying. I encourage you to take them and plant the seeds of wisdom in your heart so that you will reap a harvest of wisdom throughout your life.

Tomorrow we will continue with our 3-minute wisdom nugget that will provide you with a bit of wisdom that, if followed, will allow you to grow healthier, wealthier and wiser each day. So encourage your friends and family to join us, and then come along with us tomorrow for another day of Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 695 – Old Age Causes Wrinkles Not Wisdom – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 19 Sep 2017 07:03:09 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 695 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Old Age Causes Wrinkles Not Wisdom – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 695 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Old Age Causes Wrinkles Not Wisdom

Today’s quote is from Abigail Van Buren (Dear Abby), and it is, “Wisdom doesn’t automatically come with old age. Nothing does — except wrinkles. It’s true some wines improve with age. But only if the grapes were good in the first place.”

Although it should be a natural progression of an aging person, there are many old people, who are not wise. Even the wisest person to ever live, King Solomon realized that age does not equate to wisdom in Ecclesiastes 4:13, “It is better to be a poor but wise youth than an old and foolish king who refuses all advice.”

As Dear Abby wisely observes, old age does bring on wrinkles, and there is really no way to prevent them. But it certainly does not guarantee wisdom. Another astute observation is wine which improves with age, but only if it started out with grapes that are of superior quality. In the same manner, as a person ages, they will only become wise and have integrity if that is part of the very fabric of their life at their core during their youth.

If you desire to gain wisdom as you age, then you need to make sure that you live a life of integrity and that you are in continual pursuit of more and more wisdom. Not only should you become wiser with age, as a general principle the wiser you are, the longer you will live as is described in Proverbs [3:13]-18,

Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,
the one who gains understanding.
For wisdom is more profitable than silver,
and her wages are better than gold.
Wisdom is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
She offers you long life in her right hand,
and riches and honor in her left.
She will guide you down delightful paths;
all her ways are satisfying.
Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
happy are those who hold her tightly.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 694 – Commitment Is The Key – Mindshift Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 18 Sep 2017 07:03:47 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 694 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Commitment Is The Key – Mindshift Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 694 of our trek, and it is time for our Mindshift Monday series. Wisdom-Trek’s primary focus is to assist you in creating your living legacy. Creating your living legacy can only be accomplished by gaining wisdom in many areas of life.

You can only gain wisdom by changing what you allow to go into your mind which is a result of changing the way you think. In other words to create your living legacy, you must choose to be in a continual mode of mindshift. It is easy to get stuck in a mindset that your current circumstances cannot be changed. This is not true, but you must understand this fundamental principle, “In order to change your life, you must change how you think and what you think about.” Our Mindshift Monday podcast and journal will provide you practical ways to make a mindshift to a rich and satisfying life.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. When this trek airs, I will be in Arizona working with our partners as we prepare for Phase II of the townhome project. It takes a significant commitment to make projects of this size successful. There is rarely a short term financial gain, so we must be committed long term, exerting blood, sweat, and tears in the process.

Many people today don’t seem to have the commitment to long term success as we have become all too comfortable with instant access and gratification. We need to have a mindshift where we come to the realization that…

Commitment Is the Key

History is full of people who were advised to quit just short of a great accomplishment. Experts told Benjamin Franklin to leave alone all that foolish experimenting with lighting, that it was a waste of time. Fortunately, Franklin did not quit. He was committed.

Christopher Columbus had to face an impressive panel of experts, headed by Spain’s leading geographer and scholar, who examined his plans and presented their findings to the king and queen of Portugal. They wrote, “Columbus’s plan cannot be accomplished. Quite impossible.” Columbus did not quit. He was committed.

Orville and Wilbur Wright built bicycles but decided to invest time and energy on a contraption that hopefully would fly into the air. Finally, in 1908 near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, the Wright brothers taxied their crackpot idea down a sandy runway and launched the human race into the air. The Wright brothers would not quit. They were committed.

Thomas Edison performed nearly 1,000 experiments before discovering the proper material for the filament in the light bulb. Edison would not quit. He was committed.

Interestingly, Edison urged his friend Henry Ford to abandon his work on the fledgling idea of a motor car. “It’s a worthless idea,” remarked Edison. Ford would not quit. He was committed.

Experts told Madame Curie to forget her experimentation with radium. It was a scientific dead end, she was told. She went onto invent the x-ray machine. She would not quit. She was committed.

Abraham Lincoln ran for state legislator and failed. He started multiple businesses that failed and invested 17 years paying off his debt. He ran for Congress and was defeated. He ran for US Senate and lost. He finally became President of the United States. Lincoln would not quit. He was committed.

To be committed requires a continual mindshift to keep on going. The key that unlocks the door to success is the key of commitment. Without that key, the doors will never open. No amount of genius, talent, finesse, or “right connections” will ever bring the fruit of success unless it is coupled with real commitment. Most quitters never achieve their God-given potential, not because of bad breaks or unusual problems, but because of a failure to commit themselves to their goal regardless of obstacles.

The level of your determination to accomplish your work is measured by what it takes to make you quit. Any reservation in your mind concerning the rightness of your plan will become a roadblock to you. Every great endeavor has a price tag. The greater the reward, the greater the risk. The reward only comes in proportion to your commitment. Here are the four keys of commitment that will allow you to succeed.

Lasting commitment is making the decision to finish the task before the solution is found because you are convinced that it is a worthwhile achievement.
Commitment is the motivator that keeps you moving toward the final goal.
Commitment lets other people know where you stand and is the internal drive that forces you to carry on in pursuit of your objective.
Commitment gets you started while others continue to stand around. It keeps you going when others quit. Commitment is the key.

Commitment takes perseverance and strength when you feel like giving up. It is continuing on when others have quit. It is putting up with naysayers who are out partying while you are still toiling. God desires us to be committed to Him and the work that He has given us to do. God will give us the strength to carry on as He told us through His prophet in Isaiah [40:28]-31:

Have you never heard?
Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

Next week we will continue our trek of Mindshift Monday. On tomorrow’s trek, we will explore another wisdom quote. This 3-minute wisdom supplement will assist you in becoming healthy, wealthy and wise each day. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us, and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 693 – Standing In the Face of Fear – FearLess Friday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 15 Sep 2017 07:03:40 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 693 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Standing In the Face of Fear

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 693 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy. We are focusing on how to live with less fear. We are exploring the trails on our trek of life that will help us to be fearless.

This does not imply that we will reach the point where we are completely without any fear, for that is not only impossible, but also not wise. There is a time and a place for an appropriate level of fear, but most fear that we experience on a daily basis has no grounding and can be eliminated as we grow in wisdom, insight, and understanding. So our objective is to experience a FearLess Friday on our trek of life. Today on our trek we will explore how to stand in the face of fear.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Our granddaughter Hazel who is battling leukemia will have a delay in her treatments this week as her immune system count needs to rebound a bit more. Her appointment for the next round of chemo and steroids has been postponed for one week. She will have an additional blood test this week to verify where her immune system level stands.

We are praying that it rebounds sufficiently so they can proceed with her regimen. As we battle this cancer with her, if we are not careful and trust in God for effective healing, then the monsters of fear and doubt will subtly creep back into our minds and try to destroy us. Today on our trek we will continue to explore how we need to be in a continual mindshift mode so we can daily be…

Standing In the Face of Fear

Fear ignites in us the natural response to run, which is called the flight instinct. This is especially true when we cannot control the situation. When we have no opportunity for flight, as is the case in most fearful situations, then the fight instinct needs to kick in so that we can move forward to deal with the fear. We cannot always conquer fear, but we can fight to keep it controlled. God desires for us to fight and move forward, overcoming our fear. A clear example of this was when Pharaoh and his armies were chasing after the children of Israel after the exodus and when they were hemmed in by the Red Sea.

This story is found in in Exodus 14:10-15, “As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the Lord, and they said to Moses, ‘Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? Didn’t we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, ‘Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!’

But Moses told the people, ‘Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.’ Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving!'”

When faced with the fear of death from Pharaoh and the impossible task of crossing the Red Sea in front of them, the Israelites responded naturally. In the same way, we would, they wanted to run back to Egypt. They wished they had never left. Suddenly, the pains of slavery faded in their minds. Our minds have the uncanny ability to settle for known misery opposed to the unknown.

When we are faced with the trials of life that we must overcome in order to move forward, we feel and act the same way. We settle for second best when we realize that excelling will just be too difficult and causes us fear. We will never excel if we choose not to overcome the fear of uncertainty.

The first step to overcoming fear in the face of impossible circumstances is to realize that these feelings are in our minds, and it is time for a mindshift. It is not just self-doubt, but also the fear of the unknown. Your first step is to recognize the voice of fear when you hear it. It is that voice in your mind trying to get you to turn back to your Egypt. We need to ignore that voice that is based on fear.

It has been said, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” If we continue to live where just within an area of comfort, then our lives will never improve, and we will not reach our God-given potential. If you are fearful of moving out of your current situation, it will not lessen the fear, but allow it to grow into a monster that becomes more difficult to conquer. Fear is a demon that slowly entraps you, taking away your freedom a little piece at a time until you are caged in an ever shrinking jail cell. Unless you push past your comfort zone that fear creates you will find yourself in a prison that is difficult to break free from.

There is no comfort in the comfort zone. So when you are faced with the fear of things going wrong outside your comfort zone, don’t panic and revert to your old habits. Recognize fear for what it is and that it wants to enslave you. Recognize that fear wants to make you turn and run. As we read in Exodus, stand your ground, trust in the Lord and ask Him for the strength to move forward. Once they stood their ground and faced their fears, God told them to “get moving.”

Even though they were still fearful, when the Israelites took their first step as God commanded, God opened the sea with a rush of wind and the Israelites had a Mindshift. It did require action on their part. For God to display His mighty power they had to get close to the water and Moses had to lift his rod and stretch his hand out over the water. In the same way, we must stand and face our fears and then take action and get moving.

It is through the trials on our trek of life where we need to trust God to deliver us when everything seems impossible. It is then we can hold fast to what the prophet Isaiah told us in Isaiah 41:10, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

Next FearLess Friday we will explore The Power To Act In Spite Of Fear. I know you will find these insights interesting and profitable in living a rich and satisfying life. Our next trek is Mindshift Monday where we will help you live differently by thinking differently. So encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along on Monday for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 692 – Wisdom Comes From Grace – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 14 Sep 2017 07:03:30 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 692 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Wisdom Comes From Grace – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 692 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Chuck Sink who said, “Wisdom comes not from age and experience so much as it comes from grace.”

Wisdom Comes From Grace

All that we are or ever hope to be is provided by God. It is because of God’s grace to us that we are able to obtain it. As Acts 17:28 puts it, “For in him we live and move and exist.” The dictionary definition of grace is, “The free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.”

When it comes to obtaining wisdom, while age and experience should help, it is not the basis for wisdom. God provides wisdom by His grace because it is unmerited, but in His Word he clearly teaches us how to add an ever increasing supply of wisdom. The entire chapter of Proverbs 2 lays out the instruction for wisdom. Verses 2-6 are the heart of those instructions:

So we see that God grants wisdom…but we are to seek for it. Also James the half-brother of Jesus told us in James 1:5-6, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. ⁶But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.”

Here we also see that God provides wisdom, but we are to ask and believe. Wisdom, it is so valuable that each of us should seek it with all of our might, and then rely on God to provide it by His grace.

Just as you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for FearLess Friday!

Day 691 – How Not to Be a Fool – Proverbs 26

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 07:03:03 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 691 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

How Not to Be a Fool – Proverbs 26

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 691 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Every Wednesday along life’s trails we dig for the nuggets of wisdom that are found within the book of Proverbs. Today we will explore Proverbs 26 from The Voice Translation, which will give us a fresh perspective on this book of timeless wisdom.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Since I will be heading back to our construction project in Arizona next week, I will be recording some additional episodes ahead of time. This allows me to focus on the project when I am there. This time we are preparing the bid, budget, and schedule for Phase II of the townhome project that we are working on. It is important that we make a concentrated effort and not make any foolish mistakes that could impact the profitability of the project. This requires that we gain wisdom from the mistakes of the previous phase where we did have time and cost overruns.

Today in Proverbs 26 these lessons are appropriate as we will learn…

How Not to Be a Fool

Chapter 26 contains character portraits of five sketchy individuals:

The Fool (verses 1-12)
The Sluggard (verses 13-16)
The Meddler (verses 17-19)
The Whisperer (verses 20-22)
The Hater (verses 23-28)

This chapter is full of comparisons (the words “like” or “just as” are all over), which usually equates these sketchy people with really bad things (“like a maniac shooting arrows of death,” sheesh!). Notice how many comparisons are drawn from the natural world (sparrows, horses, donkeys, lions, etc.). The overall point is clear: “Don’t be one of these people!”

Don’t be the Fool. He is thoughtless and stupid. He cannot be trusted, nor can he be relied upon. He is a liability to all who send him. Don’t be the Sluggard. He recognizes problems but does nothing about them. He begins jobs that he never knows how to finish. He thinks himself wise but he can’t get out of bed.

Don’t be the Meddler. He goes snooping around and finds nothing but trouble. He causes strife and then calls it a joke. Don’t be the Whisperer. He instigates trouble and keeps the animosity burning. He knows which buttons to push and thinks it’s delicious fun. Don’t be the Hater. He harbors a grudge yet comes off like a friend. He flatters and fawns, but his deception will be brought out into broad daylight.

As you read this chapter, invest time with each character prayerfully contemplating the prospects of each way of life.

Listen intently as I read Proverbs 26…

¹Like snow in the summer and rain in the time of harvest,
so honor is never fitting for a fool.
²Like a bird that flits and flutters or a swallow in mid-flight,
so a curse that lacks cause will never come to light.
³A whip is for the horse, a bridle is for the donkey,
and a rod is for the fool’s back.

⁴Never answer a fool on his own foolish terms,
or you will become like him;
⁵Rather, answer a fool on his own foolish terms,
or he will become wise in his own eyes.

⁶Like someone who cuts off his feet or drinks to his ruin,
so is the one who uses a fool to pass on his message.
⁷As lame legs are useless, dangling on the crippled,
so is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
⁸Like one who ties a stone in his slingshot,
so is one who honors a fool.
⁹Like a thorn in the hand of a drunkard,
so is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
¹⁰Like an archer who shoots at random and injures everyone,
so is a person who hires a fool or someone off the street.^[a]
¹¹Like a dog who goes back to his own vomit,^[b]
so is a fool who always returns to his foolishness.

¹²Have you seen a person who is wise in his own sight?
Know that there is more hope for a fool than for him.

¹³A lazy person says, “There’s a lion in the road!
A lion in the streets!
Another good reason to stay in today.”
¹⁴As a door swings on its hinges and goes nowhere,
so a slacker turns over in his bed.
¹⁵Some people are so lazy that they reach for food on the plate
but lack the will to bring it up to their mouths.
¹⁶The slacker sees himself as wiser by far
than seven men who can converse intelligently.

¹⁷Like a man who seizes a wild dog by the ears,
so is anyone who walks by and meddles in someone else’s argument.
¹⁸Like a madman who hurls flaming spears and shoots deadly arrows,
¹⁹So is anyone who deceives a neighbor
and then says, “But I was only joking with you.”

²⁰When there is no wood, the fire goes out;
when there is no one to spread gossip, arguing stops.
²¹Like charcoal to smoldering embers and dry wood to a fire,
so a hot-tempered man kindles strife.
²²Whispered gossip is like a delicious first course:
it is devoured with pleasure and then penetrates deep within you.

²³Like a shiny glaze^[c] coating a rough clay pot,
so are burning lips that conceal an evil heart.
²⁴One who hates may camouflage it beneath pleasant words,
but deep inside him, treachery still rages;
²⁵Don’t believe him when he speaks kindly
because his heart is completely ruled by evil.^[d]

²⁶And though he covers his hatred with cleverness,
his wicked ways will be publicly exposed.
²⁷The one who digs a trap for another will fall into it,
and the one who starts rolling a stone will have it roll back over him.
²⁸Liars take no pity on those they crush with their lies,
and flattery spoils everyone it touches.

That will conclude our exploration of Proverbs 26. We must learn to avoid the bad traits and habits of a fool and the other characters in this chapter so that we can be wise and discerning in all areas of life. The precepts found in God’s Word have the law of planting and harvesting built into them. You plant good seeds in life; you will reap a bountiful harvest of good. The opposite is also true. Over the course of our lives, we will harvest what we plant. Each week we will explore a full chapter in Proverbs. I hope that you will join us next week for Chapter 26 so that you can gain wisdom, insight, and understanding for yourself.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 690 – Proper Respect for God – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 12 Sep 2017 07:03:26 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 690 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Proper Respect for God – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 690 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget:

Today’s quote is from Unknown, and it is, “Wisdom comes from a proper respect for God and a humble walk before Him.”

Proper Respect For God

The very foundation of wisdom in your life is the acknowledgment that God is the creator of all things and that we should follow His precepts that are found in His Word. As Psalm 111:10 proclaims, “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever!”

Fear in this verse is the humble understanding that God is responsible for us as we are to our own children. That He loves us, cares for us, and will only allow what is in our own best interest if we follow the guidelines for a rich and satisfying life. He has given us His complete instruction manual for our lives in His Word. It is up to us to follow those instructions.

When we follow those instructions, we will come to realize that He sent His Son Jesus to be our sacrifice so that we could become His masterpiece as declared in Ephesians 2:9-10, “Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

If you desire to grow in wisdom, insight and, understanding, then you must humbly allow God to be responsible for and direct your life. Your salvation and dependence will be on Him.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 689 – What Is Success? – Mindshift Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 11 Sep 2017 07:03:41 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 689 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

What Is Success? – Mindshift Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 689 of our trek, and it is time for our Mindshift Monday series. Wisdom-Trek’s primary focus is to assist you in creating your living legacy. Creating your living legacy can only be accomplished by gaining wisdom in many areas of life. You can only gain wisdom by changing what you allow to go into your mind which is a result of changing the way you think.

In other words to create your living legacy, you must choose to be in a continual mode of Mindshift. It is easy to get stuck in a mindset that your current circumstances cannot be changed. This is not true, but you must understand this fundamental principle, “In order to change your life, you must change how you think and what you think about.” Our Mindshift Monday podcast and journal will be to provide you practical ways to make a mind-shift to a rich and satisfying life.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. This past weekend was a beautiful fall weekend filled with many outdoor activities. The annual Sternwheel Festival in Marietta was this past weekend also. There are always many events going on with the highlight being a huge fireworks display on Saturday night.

It rivals anything that is put on by larger cities with the fireworks being set off from a barge on the Ohio river. The fireworks display over the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio rivers with dozens of boats watching from the river and thousands of people on the shoreline. When we are in town, we do try to attend at least the fireworks. With the great weather, the Sternwheel Festival certainly was successful this year.

With our connected society of today, we hear a lot about success. So the question has to be asked…

What Is Success?

Over many years I have collected inspirational and motivational quotes covering a variety of topics. Many of them do deal with success and what success really means. When they are all synthesized down, I have come to the conclusion that success is choosing to give of yourself to a life of legacy that is greater than yourself which will have a positive impact on your world. Seven key elements will make us a living legacy.

1. Knowing the truth and accepting it.

Since success is a choice, it involves a decision. Success is knowing the truth and accepting it. Our lives are filled with the instant gratification of fast foods, cheap thrills, entitlements, victim mentalities, false hopes and foundations of sand. We live in a day of shortcuts, loopholes, and “one more for the road,” as we look for a way to escape reality. We are not truly successful, though, until we know what is right and then do it.

2. Finding a need and filling it.

Many people can find a need, point to the problem, and size up the situation. Only a successful person goes that next step beyond finding the need. They endeavor to fill it.

The story of the Good Samaritan vividly illustrates the difference between finding a need and filling a need. Here is the story from Luke 10:30-37, “Jesus replied with a story: A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.

By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.

‘Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?’ Jesus asked.

The man replied, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’

Then Jesus said, ‘Yes, now go and do the same.’

Every time you do what is responsible and fill a need by helping someone else understand that when you help others that are in need, you also are helping yourself. As Zig Ziglar put it, “You can get everything in life you want if you help enough other people get what they want.”

3. Facing a challenge and meeting it.

Once you determine that you will take on the responsibility of accepting the challenges that are required for success, be ready for problems and issues to come rushing towards you. Little problems that will irritate and nibble at you. Big problems that at times will seem to devour you. Ongoing nagging problems that seem to never end. Perplexing problems that leave you confused. Problems come in all sorts of sizes and shapes. They come at all times. They are what make up our trek of life. Like death, problems are not a respecter of persons.

It’s not nearly as important where you are located when the problems come as to where you are when the problems have been conquered. No problem will leave you the same person after it is gone. Problems are the great dividers between success and failure. How you handle them will determine on which side of the success equation you live.

4. Losing your life so you can find it.

In Matthew 10:39 Jesus said, “If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.” What you cling to, you will lose, and what you give up, you will find. What a paradox. One of the reasons many have never tasted the sweetness of success is that they are unwilling to sacrifice what is required to achieve. It goes back to the law of planting and harvesting. As a general principle, if you plant sparingly, your harvest will be small. If you plant abundantly, your harvest will be bountiful.

5. Success is having a plan and following it

The Apostle Paul told us in his letter to the Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Do you live as a masterpiece or a piece of garbage? God has created you for a purpose. It’s easy to see what an individual is pursuing in his or her goals for life. The way a person undertakes their affairs of life is largely determined by the way a person sees their goals. We need to live up to our God-given potential which includes being a masterpiece for Him through the effective pursuit of goals.

6. Developing your talents and impacting others with your talents.

It is very disappointing to see people with great ability and talents sitting on the shelf of life. The parable of the three servants found in Matthew [25:14]-30 tells of how the master was not as concerned with how many talents his servants had, but how they used the talents that they did have. They were only responsible for what they did with their talents. So it is with us. God is only concerned that we use the talents that He gave us. It is impossible to lose when you share your talents impacting others.

7. Knowing that you are secure for eternity.

No matter how much success we have in our lives, unless our eternity is secure, then all is for nothing. The only way that your life will impact eternity is through the positive impact that you have on the lives of others for generations to come. It is then that you will be successful. Create your living legacy each day.

With these thoughts in mind, let me challenge you to use your talents to your full potential by impacting the lives of others. It is not as important on how many talents you have, but if you fully utilize what you have. Have a mindshift to multiply your God-given abilities through others.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 688 – Fear Is a Cage – FearLess Friday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 07:03:08 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 688 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Fear Is a Cage

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 688 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life, and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy. We are focusing on how to live with less fear. We are exploring the trails on our trek of life that will help us to be fearless. This does not imply that we will reach the point where were are completely without any fear, for that is not only impossible, but also not wise.

There is a time and a place for an appropriate level of fear, but most fear that we experience on a daily basis has no grounding and can be eliminated as we grow in wisdom, insight, and understanding. So our objective for these next several Fridays is to experience a FearLess Friday on our trek of life. Today on our trek, we will explore how fear traps us in like a cage.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. We are experiencing cooler fall like temperatures this week which causes us to realize that within a matter of a few weeks we will begin our leaf harvest once again. With many mature oak, maple, and walnut trees on our property, the volume of leaves that we collect is overwhelming at times. As we explore the topic of fear on our trek today if we are not careful, fear can also overwhelm us because…

Fear Is a Cage

Fear entraps us in the same manner that a physical cage or jail cell would entrap us forcing us to become fearful as we lose our freedom to make rational choices. It closes us in and keeps us from living in freedom. Some people become so overwhelmed with fear that they cannot even leave their house. In today’s western culture it seems that phobias of all types have become almost fashionable. We label our fears and hug them tight to us as if they are things we need to keep. In our confused mental state, we coddle fears and keep them happy, so they don’t destroy us. The last thing we want to do is to provoke or stir up those fears.

That powerlessness keeps us from accomplishing great things in our lives, either personally or to advance God’s kingdom. Over the next several FearLess Fridays treks, we will explore ways to increase our faith and walk in obedience, which are the keys that will set us free from our imprisonment of fear.

As a foundation to these treks, we must believe that God, through faith in Jesus can and will help us to overcome. Too often we have faith in our mind, but not in our actions. We are like the father in Mark 9:22-24 who had a son with an evil spirit and was in dialog with Jesus, “‘The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.'” ^“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” “The father instantly cried out, ‘I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!'”

If He can? Our faith tends to stop there because we have lost our ability to trust. Either in our minds or verbally we cry out in our fears, “If He can, if He will, if He cares enough to even think about helping.” Jesus’s answer was, “Anything is possible if a person believes.” So the question becomes, do we believe, and if we believe, how do we act upon that belief?

Each believer develops their own personal faith in God through Jesus Christ. They develop their own relationship with Him. He is not the friend of a friend, nor your father’s friend, nor your mother’s friend. He is your friend. In fact, God has made us heirs explained in Romans 8:17, “And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.”

What we need is:

· Faith That Overcomes Fear

We must learn to trust Jesus in the midst of all of life’s circumstances. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Faith overcomes the three main causes of fear. We fear because we don’t like when things are out of our control. We feel afraid when we feel alone. In the face of our trials, we fear because we feel helpless to change our circumstances. As we explored last month about fear, even Jesus’s closest friends and disciples who saw all of his wondrous signs and miracles still feared. Even when they were in the presence of Jesus, they thought they would die, as told in Mark 4:35-41, “As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.’ So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, ‘Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?’ When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!’ Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, ‘Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?’ The disciples were absolutely terrified. ‘Who is this man?’ they asked each other. ‘Even the wind and waves obey him!'”

Next FearLess Friday we will begin our treks to explore the three main causes of fear, the first being the fear of being out of control. I know you will find these insights interesting and profitable in living a rich and satisfying life. Our next trek is Mindshift Monday where we will help you live differently by thinking differently. So encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along on Monday for another day of Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 687 – Wisdom Conquers Fear – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 07:03:27 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 687 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Wisdom Conquers Fear – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 687 of our trek and time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Lactantius who said, “Where fear is present, wisdom cannot be.”

Wisdom Conquers Fear

If all true wisdom comes from God, then unfounded fear should not be present in a wise person. Acknowledging God is the foundation of wisdom. Proverbs 9:10 says, “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.” The fear referred to in this passage is respect and honor for God and His precepts.

Baseless fear has no standing in the presence of wisdom because as you grow in wisdom, you will come to understand that God is in control of all things. Therefore we have no reason or space in our lives for fear. Worry, anxiety, and fear grows in our lives when we lack the faith that God will work all circumstances and situations out for our good. God loves us and only desires what is best for us. As we gain wisdom, fear will evaporate from within us.

Romans 8:38-39 – And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for FearLess Friday!

Day 686 – Wisdom for Leadership Development – Proverbs 25

H. Guthrie Chamberlain, III — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 07:03:00 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 686 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Wisdom for Leadership Development – Proverbs 25

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 686 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Every Wednesday along life’s trails, we dig for the nuggets of wisdom that are found within the book of Proverbs. Today we will explore Proverbs 25 from The Voice Translation, which will give us a fresh perspective on this book of timeless wisdom.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. I have experienced continual healing on my broken femur over the past three weeks. I am now able to walk completely unassisted. I do still have a slight limp and am experiencing some pain but we are very pleased with how rapidly it is healing. Paula and I invested Labor Day morning outside weeding and replacing the impatiens that we planted in the spring with burnt orange mums for the fall months.

I am thankful that my leg is healed to the point where I can now work outside and return to many of my usual duties. Some tasks are still a bit difficult and takes wisdom to know when to limit myself while still pushing towards that limit to strengthen the fracture and muscles. Wisdom is important in all areas of life.

Today in Proverbs 25, we will learn…

Wisdom for Leadership Development

Chapter 25 marks the beginning of the fifth major section of the Proverbs. Let’s review what we’ve covered so far:

Section 1 (Chapters 1-9) consisted of speeches from a father to a son.
Section 2 (Chapters 10-[22:16]) contained 375 sayings of Solomon.
Section 3 (Chapters [22:17]-[24:22]) began the “Thirty Sayings of the Wise.”
Section 4 (Chapter [24:23]b-34) included more “Further Sayings of the Wise.”
Section 5 (Chapters 25-29) enfolds even more of Solomon’s proverbs.

We know from 1 Kings [4:32] that Solomon was a prolific sage who was responsible for thousands of proverbs, though other hands are responsible for organizing and editing this book. An interesting note is that Section 5 was actually collected some 250 years after Solomon by King Hezekiah (25:1).

This section of Proverbs is all about leadership development. Chapters 25-27 are directed to royal messengers while Chapters 28-29 are addressed to people in places of authority. Imagine life as a royal servant—you’d need to know proper etiquette, protocol, and how to conduct yourself. You’d also need to learn how to resolve conflict, diffuse a tense situation, or how to make a compelling case.

All that knowledge is right here! Chapter 25 is a manual of courteous conduct for important affairs. Whether you are an ambassador for a country or a spokesperson for a company, an agent for a client or a go-between for friends and family, there is something here for you. What might the Lord teach you today about how to conduct your important affairs?

Listen intently as I read Proverbs 25.

¹These words, too, are proverbs of King Solomon, words which Hezekiah, king of Judah, later told his scribes to record for posterity:

²God’s glory is shown when He conceals things;
a king’s glory is shown in his ability to explore the facts of the matter.
³As the heights of heaven and the depths of earth are beyond comprehension,
so are the hearts of kings.

⁴Take away the impurities from the silver,
and a good smith can create something of value;
⁵Take away the wicked from among the king’s advisors,
and his reign will be established with integrity.

⁶Do not claim to be important in the presence of the king
or vie for a position within the company of great men.
⁷Truly, it is far sweeter to have someone of influence say to you, “Come up here and join us,”
than to be ordered to some lower rank in front of a noble.
Just because you think you have seen something
⁸ doesn’t mean you should be quick to go to court,
For what will you do
when your neighbor disproves the charge and embarrasses you?
⁹Instead, discuss the matter directly with your neighbor,
but in doing so, remember never to reveal another person’s secrets;
¹⁰For if you do, someone who hears you could disgrace you,
and a bad reputation will cling to you ever afterward.

¹¹A well-spoken word at just the right moment
is like golden apples in settings of silver.
¹²To an attentive ear, constructive criticism from a truly wise person
is like an earring or jewelry made of fine gold.

¹³Like a cooling snow that breaks the heat of a harvest day,
so is the messenger who is faithful to those who sent him,
for he refreshes the soul of his masters.

¹⁴Like clouds and wind that bring no rain,
so is one who boasts of gifts promised but never delivered.

¹⁵Patience can soften up a leader,
and a tender tongue can break even bone.

¹⁶When you find honey, remember to eat only what you need,
because if you eat in excess, you may be sick and lose all of it.
¹⁷Don’t visit your neighbor too often,
or he will become tired of you and grow to hate you.

¹⁸Like a maul and a sword and a sharp arrow all in one,
so is anyone who bears false witness against a neighbor.

¹⁹Like a tooth that is rotten or a foot that is unsteady,
so is relying on a person who can’t be trusted in times of trouble.

²⁰Like a man who undresses in winter
or a woman who pours vinegar on a wound,^[a]
So is anyone who tries to sing happy songs
to a sorrowful heart.

²¹If your enemy is hungry, give him something to eat;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink,
²²For your kind treatment will be like heaping hot coals on his head,^[b]
it may cause a change in heart,
and the Eternal will repay you.

²³As surely as a north wind drives the rain before it,
a backbiting tongue brings angry looks.

²⁴It is better to dwell outside on the corner of your roof
than to live inside your house with a badgering wife.

²⁵Like cool water to a weary soul,
so is good news from a distant country.

²⁶Like a muddy spring or a polluted fountain,
so is a righteous person who gives in to the wicked.

²⁷Eating too much honey is not good for you,
nor is it good to seek one honor after another.

²⁸Like a conquered city with no walls,
so is a man who has no self-control.

That will conclude our exploration of Proverbs 25. We all must learn the wisdom necessary to be prepared for the leadership roles that we are involved in. Each of us is a leader in some aspect of life. The precepts found in God’s Word have the law of planting and harvesting built into them. You plant good seeds in life, and you will reap a bountiful harvest of good. The opposite is also true.

Over the course of our lives, we will harvest what we plant. Each week we will explore a full chapter in Proverbs. I hope that you will join us next week for Chapter 26 so that you can gain wisdom, insight, and understanding for yourself.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 685 – Kindness Shows Wisdom – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 05 Sep 2017 07:03:15 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 685 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Kindness Shows Wisdom – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 685 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Jean Jacques Rousseau, and it is, “What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?”

Kindness, it costs us nothing and should be so easy to incorporate into our everyday lives. Why are we not kind to everyone at all times? It stems back to the fact that we become selfish and feel that getting our way is more important. Just like love is a choice that we make each day, kindness is also a choice. We need to choose to be kind to everyone and in every situation, even if others are not kind to us. In fact, it is more important that we display kindness to those who choose not to be kind to us.

Kindness is an element of the fruit of the Spirit and is a sign of maturity and wisdom. If you desire to be wise and show the fruit of the Spirit in your life, then you must be kind to all people and in every situation. Kindness is not optional.

As we are told in Ephesians 4:31-32, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly I am your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 684 – How to Live to Your Full Potential – Mindshift Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 04 Sep 2017 07:03:07 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 684 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

How to Live to Your Full Potential – Mindshift Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 684 of our trek, and it is time for our Mindshift Monday series.

Wisdom-Trek’s primary focus is to assist you in creating your living legacy. Creating your living legacy can only be accomplished by gaining wisdom in many areas of life. You can only gain wisdom by changing what you allow to go into your mind, which is a result of changing the way you think.

In other words, to create your living legacy, you must choose to be in a continual mode of Mindshift. It is easy to get stuck in a mindset that your current circumstances cannot be changed. This is not true, but you must understand this fundamental principle, “In order to change your life, you must change how you think and what you think about.” Our Mindshift Monday podcast and journal will provide you practical ways to make a mindshift to a rich and satisfying life.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Paula and I had an enjoyable and productive previous two weeks. We invested 10 days in Arizona working with our partners on our construction projects and five days in Anaheim, California attending the annual Podcast Movement Conference. It was great to learn and visit with our friends within the podcast community. I had the opportunity to speak at the conference as one of 12 speakers in the PMx speaker competition.

All speakers were excellent, and while I did not win the competition, it was an honor to be able to participate. I spoke on The Art of Captivating Story Telling through Podcasting. While I have room for improvement in my public speaking, I do enjoy the opportunity. I choose to take advantage of those opportunities when they become available.

It is also our choosing to have the mindset to live up to our God-given potential. God desires us to soar to our greatest heights possible. When we choose otherwise, we minimize what God has planned for us. So on our trek today, we will explore…

How To Live To Your Full Potential

Very few, if any person lives up to his or her God-given potential. From the beginning of creation, this has been the fact. Adam failed to become all that his Creator, God, intended him to be. A perfect relationship between God and humanity became imperfect. A life of discovery and joy became a life of drudgery. Beauty was replaced by ashes. Serenity was washed away by sweat. Thorns and weeds displaced flowers and sin placed its ugly mark on humanity. Why? Because Adam and Eve failed to become all that God intended them to be.

The greatest waste of energy in our world is not that of electricity or fuel. The greatest energy waste shortage today is the unused potential within the lives of people. How about you? If each of us would raise our potential level by 25 percent, just think about how different our world would be for the better.

Let’s explore three waypoints on our trek today that will enable you to become more of the person God desires you to be.

1. Discover Your Potential

I read a story about a young farm boy whose father raised chickens in the mountains of Colorado. One day this adventuresome boy climbed to a high place in the mountains and found an eagle’s nest. Discovering an unhatched egg, he brought it back with him to the farm and slipped it under a setting hen.

The hen didn’t know the difference and instinctively sat on her eggs until they hatched. So out came the eaglet with the chicks and they all lived together as a family of chickens. The young eaglet did not know the difference and assumed he looked like all the other chicks. For a while, he was content scratching the ground for worms and other food as he saw his mother do.

Just like the eaglet, when you remain with a small crowd, you remain small yourself. If you live with critical people, you tend to become critical. If you associate with negative, defeated people, you are more likely to be negative and defeated also. Even if you are an eagle, if you live with chickens, you become like the chickens.

As the eaglet grew, he felt strange stirrings within himself. When he flapped his wings, it would cause much more disturbance than when his siblings did it. He began to think that maybe there was more for him than being a chicken, but he did not know anything else. That is until one day, an eagle flew over the chicken yard, and the little eaglet thought, “I’m like that eagle.”

As the weeks went on, the eaglet felt the strength in his wings and thought, “This chicken yard is not for me, I want to see the sky and the mountain peaks.” Although he had never flown, as he flapped his wings he began to lift from the ground, and his instincts took over. He soared to a high hill, and then into the blue sky where he landed on a mountain crag as he discovered that indeed he could fly.

One of the greatest days of your life will be as you begin to realize your true potential. You are special in God’s eyes. You have distinct gifts and talents. You have shoes to fill that no one else can wear.

2. Dedicate Your Potential

Allow God to fully develop you by dedicating yourself to Him. Since God created you for a purpose, it’s only with God that you can become all that He intends for you. The Apostle Paul recognized this fact when he wrote Philippians 4:13, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

3. Develop Your Potential

God’s gift to you is your potential. What you do with that potential is your gift to God. God is not only concerned with what you are today but what you can become. To develop your potential to its fullest capacity, it will be necessary to focus on the following four areas:

Develop a positive self-image. – When your self-image improves your performance improves. Your actions and results are a direct result of how you see yourself. When you feel good about yourself, you’ll begin to feel good towards others. The better your self-image becomes, the greater the development of your potential.
Realize that you are responsible for developing your potential. – It is important to understand and realize that God is more concerned about what you can become than what you are today. Jesus taught in Luke 12:48, “When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.”
Development of your potential is more important than the mistakes you may make. – God does not have a club in His hand waiting to beat down your desire to live an effective life. He has His hand outstretched to help you develop a life that is rich and satisfying, which can only happen when we fulfill our God-given potential.
Learn from others who are successful in developing their potential. – Throughout recorded history, we have seen where a once unimaginable goal or record is achieved, then many more people will achieve that same record. What is your capacity? That is hard for others to say, but it is probably greater than you can imagine.

With these thoughts in mind, let me challenge you to discover your full potential. Dedicate it to God, then have a mindshift to become all that you are capable of. Change your self-image, realize your responsibility, and acknowledge that God will help you to reach the potential that He has planned for you.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 683 – Courage Is Not the Absence of Fear – FearLess Friday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 07:03:24 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 683 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Courage Is Not the Absence of Fear

This is Day 683 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy. Currently, we are focusing on how to live with less fear.

Since Paula and I will be traveling for business the last half of August, I will be recording all these podcasts in advance, so we will be substituting our regular podcast with short Wisdom Nugget episodes for three weeks. Next week we will return to our regular format.

This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Ambrose Redmoon, and it is, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.”

Courage Is Not the Absence of Fear

Courage in the face of fear is a choice that we make. Yes, all of us have fears in our life, and even if there is not a solid basis for our fears, they are real to us. The people who display courage also have very real fears, but have chosen to push through those fears because their desired outcome is more important than their fears. We can let fear chain us so that we are ineffective in life, or we can choose to break free from those chains of fear that bind us and move on. Even when the chains are broken, that does not eliminate the fears, but the fears no longer control our destiny. Choose courage in the face of fear.

Even Moses’s understudy after 40 years of training had to continually be reminded by God to have courage. Joshua 1:9 says, “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

That’s a wrap for today. Next FearLess Friday we will return to our longer segments as we dig deep into the subject to “Fear Not.” I know you will find these insights interesting and profitable in living a rich and satisfying life.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 682 – We Must Live As We Think – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 07:03:24 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 682 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

We Must Live As We Think – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 682 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget…

Today’s quote is from Paul Bourget who said, “We must live as we think. Otherwise, we shall end up by thinking as we have lived.”

We Must Live As We Think

There are two choices when it comes to directing how we live. We can proactively think forward to what we desire, or we can reactively live based on our thinking in the past.

A wise person will direct positive change in their lives by absorbing information that will project them positively forward. Realizing that if they can change how they think and what they think about, then they can truly change the destiny of their lives.

An unwise person will be stuck in the mud and mire of the past because they believe the lie that there is no way to change past thinking and circumstances, so they are forever doomed to live in the future in the same manner as they lived in the past. If you are forever chained to the past, then you will be continually repeating your past behaviors and outcome for life.

You choose your thinking. Choose to think forward, or live based on your past thinking. Success is a few simple disciplines, practiced every day while failure is simply a few errors in judgment, repeated every day. Although your future choices are impacted by your past choices, you do not need to remain there.

Proverbs 15:28 – The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us, and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for FearLess Friday!

Day 681 – Good Words, Bad Work – Proverbs 24

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 30 Aug 2017 07:03:41 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 681 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Good Words, Bad Work – Proverbs 24

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 681 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Every Wednesday along life’s trails we dig for the nuggets of wisdom that are found within the book of Proverbs. Today we will explore Proverbs 24 from The Voice Translation which will give us a fresh perspective on this book of timeless wisdom.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Since Paula and I will be traveling for business the last half of August and I am recording all these podcasts in advance, we will be substituting our regular podcast with short Wisdom Nugget episodes for three weeks, except for our Wisdom Wednesday episodes. After that, we will return to our regular format.

Today in Proverbs 24 we will learn…

Good Words, Bad Work

The first half of this chapter (1-22) contains the final twelve of the “Thirty Sayings of the Wise.” The “do not” theme from Chapter 23 continues here: don’t envy (1), don’t lie (15), and so on (see verses 17, 19, 21). Wisdom is often measured by self-control; desire is managed by discipline.

Again, the voice of the father is imploring us to take this seriously. Notice the wisdom of Proverbs is laced with parental care, nurture, and love? The next time the Lord tells you “Do Not,” please remember that it stems from a heart of Fatherly love.

At verse 23 a new, small collection begins called “The Wise Also Say” (verses 23-34). Here are the main ideas of this small collection:

Verses 23b-25, Just judgment
Verse 26, Good words
Verse 27, Good work
Verses 28-29, Bad words
Verses 30-34, Bad work

Verses 23b-25 prepare us to recognize good from bad in both words and work. If you think about it, words and work are the sum total of a person’s life, and they determine the quality of that life. If you were to measure your life with these sayings, how would you fare?

Listen intently as I read Proverbs 24.

¹Do not envy evil people
or seek their friendship;
²For they are conniving and violent,
and all they talk about is causing trouble.

³Wisdom is required to build a house;
understanding is necessary to make it secure.
⁴Knowledge is needed to furnish all the rooms
and fill them with beautiful treasures.
⁵A wise man possesses great strength,
and an intelligent man knows how to increase it;
⁶For with wise guidance, you can wage a successful war,
and with a council of many advisors, you will be victorious!
⁷Fools can’t grab hold of wisdom; it’s out of their reach;
they dare not open their mouths in public for no one would listen anyway.

⁸Whoever schemes to carry out evil
will be labeled a troublemaker.
⁹Such foolish plans are sinful,
and the mocker is deplored by all.

¹⁰If you fall apart during a crisis,
then you weren’t very strong to begin with.
¹¹Rescue everyone you can of those being taken away and killed,
and hold on to those innocent souls staggering toward their own slaughter.
¹²If you excuse yourself, saying, “Look, we didn’t know anything about this,”
doesn’t God, who knows what you are really thinking, understand your motives?
Isn’t your Protector aware of why you aren’t protecting the innocent?
Will He not repay you in kind?

¹³My son, eat honey—it’s good for you;
the honey that drips from the comb is sweet in your mouth.
¹⁴Know, too, that wisdom is good for your soul:
if you find it, your reward will be a bright future
and an enduring hope!

¹⁵Do not lurk outside the home of the just like a common criminal;
do not tear up the place where he rests.
¹⁶For a good man may fall seven times and get back up again,
but the wicked will stumble around and fall into misfortune.

¹⁷Do not celebrate when your enemies fall,
and do not rejoice when they trip up;
¹⁸Or else the Eternal will know and be upset with you,
and He will release them from His anger.

¹⁹Do not worry when evildoers go unpunished
or be jealous when the wicked seem to prosper.
²⁰Evil people will have no future;
the life of the wicked will be snuffed out like a candle.

²¹My son, fear both the Eternal and His anointed ruler.
It is not wise to associate with those rebelling against them
²²Because disaster can arise from either of them without warning,
and who knows what destruction comes down from both of them?

²³The wise also say,
It is not good for a judge to be partial.
²⁴When a judge says to the guilty, “You are innocent,”
he will be cursed by all people; he will be hated by nations.
²⁵But those who reprimand evildoers will be celebrated,
and good fortune will come their way.
²⁶A straight answer is as precious
as a kiss on the lips.

²⁷Complete your work outside,
and get your fields ready for next season;
after that’s done, build your house.

²⁸Do not testify against your neighbor without a reason;
do not give misleading testimony.
²⁹Do not say, “I’ll do to him what he did to me!
I’ll repay him for what he did!”

³⁰Once I passed by the property of a slacker,
by the vineyard of a foolish man.
³¹You should have seen it! The entire field was overgrown with thorns.
Every inch was covered with weeds.
Even the stone wall was crumbling down.
³²I took a moment to take it all in.
The scene taught me:
³³“A little sleep, a little rest,
a few more minutes, a nice little nap.”
³⁴But soon poverty will be on top of you like a robber,
need will strike you down like a well-armed warrior.

That will conclude our exploration of Proverbs 24. The precepts found in God’s Word have the law of planting and harvesting built into them. If you plant good seeds in life, you will reap a bountiful harvest of good. The opposite is also true. Over the course of our lives, we will harvest what we plant. Each week we will explore a full chapter in Proverbs. I hope that you will join us next week for Chapter 25 so that you can gain wisdom, insight, and understanding for yourself.

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of the past daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe through iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 680 – Change or Harden – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 29 Aug 2017 07:03:23 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 680 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Change or Harden – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 680 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Wolfgang Von Goethe, and it is, “We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves; otherwise we harden.”

Change is hard, but change is also required. Each new day and every new experience change us in some manner. The question is, are you allowing these changes to expand your horizons, to help you grow and flourish? If not, then these changes are causing you to build an ever stronger wall around you which will eventually entrap you. Change will either grow us, or shrink us, but change will always impact us. Let us throw off the shackles that so easily bind us and hold us back so we can become all that we can be in our fulfillment of our God-given potential.

As we are told in Hebrews 12:1, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”

f you would like to listen to any of the past daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe through iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 679 – Change Your Circumstances – Mindshift Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 07:03:35 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 679 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Change Your Circumstance – Mindshift Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 679 of our trek, and it is time for our Mindshift Monday series. Since Paula and I will be traveling for business the last half of August and I will be recording all the podcasts in advance, we will be substituting our regular podcast with short Wisdom Nugget episodes for three weeks. After that, we will return to our regular format.

Change Your Circumstances

Today’s quote is from Adlin Sinclair, and it is, “You are the embodiment of the information you choose to accept and act upon. To change your circumstances you need to change your thinking and subsequent actions.”

Your life today is comprised primarily of what you have allowed to enter into your mind and the subsequent choices and actions that you have made based on the information. If you desire your world to change then you must change what you allow to enter into your mind and then make choices that will align with that information. Based on those choices then you must take the appropriate actions that will allow your world to change accordingly. For the most part, your life is made up of your choices, not random chance. As the Apostle, Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans in Romans 6:16, “Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.”

With these thoughts in mind, we will conclude our trek for today, and as we do remember that what you put into your mind is what will come out in your thoughts and speech.

Next week we will return to our regular episodes of MindShift Monday. On tomorrow’s trek, we will explore another wisdom quote. This 3-minute wisdom supplement will assist you in becoming healthy, wealthy, and wise each day. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 678 – Half of Our Fears Are Baseless – FearLess Friday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 07:03:30 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 678 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Half 0f Our Fears Are Baseless

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 678 of our trek time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy. We are focusing on how to live with less fear. Since Paula and I will be traveling for business the last half of August, I will be recording all these podcasts in advance, so we will be substituting our regular podcast with short Wisdom Nugget episodes for three weeks. After that, we will return to our regular format.

This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Christian Bovee, and it is, “There is great beauty in going through life without anxiety or fear. Half our fears are baseless; the other half discreditable.”

Half of Our Fears Are Baseless

What fears do you have in your life? What are those fears based on? Are your fears just in your mind or something that has actually happened? What is the worst case scenario if your fears came true? I realize there are some situations in life that truly cause us to fear, and there are certain situations where there is a high likelihood of death or bodily harm that we should avoid. The fact is, though, that most fears that we deal with on a daily basis do not have any basis to them or can be discredited with sound logic and faith that God will protect us.

Even if our worst fears were to happen, nothing good is produced worrying about them ahead of time. We can imagine all sorts of negative things when we contemplate something we’re afraid of, but this doesn’t make those things real. With God’s power through His Word, you need to face your fears. The fears you don’t face control you. The fears you face, you move beyond.

God tells us in Deuteronomy 31:8, “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Next FearLess Friday we will look at another Wisdom Nugget about being fearless. I know you will find these insights interesting and profitable in living a rich and satisfying life. Our next trek is Mindshift Monday where we will help you live differently by thinking differently. So encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along on Monday for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 677 – What Path Are You On? – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 07:03:11 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 677 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

What Path Are You On? – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 677 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Adlai Stevenson who said, “We can chart the path to the future clearly and wisely only when we know the path that has led to the present.”

What Path Are You On?

While we cannot and should not live in the past, nor long for “the good old days, “if we are to wisely plan for the future, we need to know what path brought us to where we are today. Our past is our teacher, and if we do not learn its lessons, especially the lessons of failure, then we are doomed to repeat them in the future. We should not only learn the lessons from our own path if we desire to be a truly wise person but also learn the lessons from those who journey with us on our trek of life. Yes, experience is the best teacher, but only if we remember the lessons and do not repeat them. The first time you fail or make a mistake it is learning. If you repeat the exact same mistake, it is a choice.

The Apostle Peter wrote to us in his 1^st letter 1 Peter 1:13-14, “So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then.”

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for FearLess Friday!

Day 676 – What Not To Do – Proverbs 23

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 07:03:32 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 676 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

What Not To Do – Proverbs 23

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 676 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Every Wednesday along life’s trails we dig for the nuggets of wisdom that are found within the book of Proverbs. Today we will explore Proverbs 23 from The Voice Translation which will give us a fresh perspective on this book of timeless wisdom.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Since Paula and I will be traveling for business the last half of August, and I am recording all these podcasts in advance, we will be substituting our regular podcast with short Wisdom Nugget episodes for three weeks, except for our Wisdom Wednesday episodes. After that, we will return to our regular format.

Today in Proverbs 23 we will learn…

What Not To Do

As we continue in the Thirty Sayings of the Wise, we find that many of them are short poems of varying length. Here in Chapter 23, we find the next 12 sayings.

The majority of these 12 sayings have to do with restraint. Notice the repetition of the words “do not,” “let not,” and “be not.” For any parent, these are very familiar words. Parents often tell their kids what not to do out of love for them, as they are actually trying to protect their child from the consequences of their actions. Any person who wants to live a healthy and productive life needs to know what not to do. After a while, these “do nots” become natural.

We also learn that the wise person avoids being easily flattered, trying to get rich, talking too much, meddling in the business of others, neglecting their children, envying selfish people, hanging out with lazy friends, disrespecting parents, and drinking too much.

Notice how many references there are in this chapter to the “heart” (verses 12, 15, 17, 19, 26, and 33) and the “eye” (verses 5, 26, 31, and 33). These are the gateways to a person’s inner life. These sayings are warnings to guard your thoughts and feelings. As you read through these sayings, ask the Lord how you can better discipline your desires.

Listen intently as I read Proverbs 23.

¹When sitting down to eat with a ruler,
take a moment to think about who you are with and what you are doing.
²If you are the type who eats too much too fast,
do whatever is necessary to curb your enthusiasm for food.
³Also, do not eye the ruler’s delicacies,
for the food may not be what it seems.
⁴Do not overwork yourself just to become wealthy;
have enough sense to know when to quit.
⁵As soon as you become fixed on riches, they vanish.
For suddenly they sprout wings
and become like a soaring eagle flying high in the sky.
⁶Do not sit down and eat the bread of a tight-fisted fellow
or desire any of his delicacies,
⁷For deep down he’s keeping track of the cost.
He may say, “Eat up! Drink your fill!”
but he does not mean a word of it.
⁸You’ll be sick and lose what little you did eat,
and you’ll waste your breath carrying on a pleasant conversation.
⁹Do not waste your wisdom on a fool,
for he doesn’t care for anything you have to say.
¹⁰Do not shift the property line by moving the boundary markers your ancestors established
or try to steal property from orphans
¹¹Because their Redeemer is strong,
and He will plead their case against you.
¹²Develop a disciplined life.
Be attentive so you can be well informed.
¹³Do not withhold discipline from children,
since corporal punishment will not kill them.
¹⁴In fact, it may be that kind of punishment
that will save them from an early grave.
¹⁵My son, if you live wisely,
then my life will be fulfilled.
¹⁶My very soul will jump for joy
when you speak what is true and right.
¹⁷Don’t be envious of those wrapped up in sin,
but always maintain a healthy respect for the Eternal.
¹⁸Your future with Him will be certain,
and you will not have hoped in vain.
¹⁹Listen, my son, be wise,
and steer your life on the right course.
²⁰Do not spend time with heavy wine drinkers
or those who gorge themselves on meat.
²¹For both the drunk and the glutton will end up broke,
sleeping life away, and clothed in rags.

²²Pay attention to your father—after all, he gave you life—
and don’t ignore your mother in her old age.
²³Invest in truth, sock it away!
Never cash in wisdom, guidance, or insight.
²⁴The parents of the right-living will celebrate;
yes, parents of children who make wise choices are happy.
²⁵So make your parents happy;
delight your mother—after all, she brought you into this world.

²⁶My son, devote yourself to me fully.
Observe my ways, and follow my directions:
²⁷Being drawn to a prostitute is like falling down into a deep well,
and being involved with a wicked woman is like descending into a narrow well.
You may never get out alive.
²⁸She waits for you, ready to ambush you like a thief
and ready to multiply unfaithfulness among men.

²⁹Who is wallowing in anguish? Who is full of sorrow?
Who has conflicts? Who has complaints?
Who has bruises and can’t remember where they came from?
Who has bloodshot eyes?
³⁰You know who: those who stay up late finishing off the wine,
those who can’t stop savoring spiced wines.
³¹Look away from the enticing beauty of wine, the deep red hue;
ignore how it shimmers in the cup
and glides down your throat.
³²Eventually, when you least expect it, it strikes like a snake;
it stings like viper venom.
³³Your vision will blur, and you’ll imagine strange things;
you will say crazy, hurtful things and regret it later.
³⁴You will reel and stagger as if caught on a wave of seasickness,
as a sailor who holds on to a mast for dear life.
³⁵You will say, “They slapped me, but it didn’t hurt.
They beat me, and I didn’t feel a thing!
Whenever I wake up from this stupor,
I’ll have another drink!”

That will conclude our exploration of Proverbs 23. The precepts found in God’s Word have the law of planting and harvesting built into them. If you plant good seeds in life, you will reap a bountiful harvest of good. The opposite is also true. Over the course of our lives, we will harvest what we plant. Each week we will explore a full chapter in Proverbs. I hope that you will join us next week for Chapter 24 so that you can gain wisdom, insight, and understanding for yourself.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 675 – Responsibility For Our Future – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 22 Aug 2017 07:03:54 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 675 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Responsibility For Our Future – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 675 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Responsibility For Our Future

Today’s quote is from George Bernard Shaw, and it is, “We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future.”

It is so easy for us to dwell on the past, both the good and the bad, and romanticize it in our minds. Although we should learn from the past, we should never allow it to be an excuse for abdicating our responsibilities of today and tomorrow. Taking personal responsibility for every action and decision that we make each day is a sign that we are wise and continue to grow in wisdom.

As the wisest man who ever lived told him, King Solomon tells us in Ecclesiastes 7:10, “Don’t long for ‘the good old days.’ This is not wise.”

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly, your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 674 – What You See Reflects Your Thinking – Mindshift Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 07:03:43 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 674 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

What You See Reflects Your Thinking– Mindshift Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 674 of our trek, and it is time for our Mindshift Monday series. Since Paula and I will be traveling for business the last half of August and I will need to record all these podcasts in advance, we will be substituting our regular podcast with short Wisdom Nugget episodes for three weeks. After that, we will return to our regular format.

What You See Reflects Your Thinking

Today’s quote is from Helen Schucman, and it is, “Seek not to change the world, but choose to change your mind about the world. What you see reflects your thinking. Your thinking but reflects your choice of what you want to see.”

We all desire to change other people and through this, change the world. While we can impact those around us, change is always an inside job. Before going on a bold quest to change others or the world, first reflect on why you think they need to be changed. It may just be possible that if you change your mind, how you view others and the world, then the world will change for you.

We must first seek to change our mindset and be in continual mindshift mode before we can ever hope to have a lasting positive impact on our world. It is possible once you have a proper mindshift that you will realize that your world does not require a change after all.

As Jesus taught us in Matthew 7:3-5, “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.”

With these thoughts in mind, we will conclude our trek for today, and as we do remember that what you put into your mind is what will come out in your thoughts and speech.

Next week we will continue with an abbreviated trek of Mindshift Monday. On tomorrow’s trek, we will explore another wisdom quote. This 3-minute wisdom supplement will assist you in becoming healthy, wealthy, and wise each day. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 673 – Be Fearless – Take Chances – FearLess Friday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 07:03:05 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 673 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Be Fearless – Take Chances

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 673 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

We are focusing on how to live with less fear, but since Paula and I will be traveling for business for a little over two weeks, I will need to record all these podcasts in advance, so we will be substituting our regular podcast with short Wisdom Nugget episodes for three weeks. After that, we will return to our regular format.

Today’s quote is from Wisdom-Trek, and it is, “Be fearless. Take chances. You can’t live life being afraid of what comes next. That’s not what living is about.”

Be Fearless – Take Chances

Whenever we allow our lives to be controlled or even impacted by fear it will restrict our God-given potential. We are to live life fully, but so many times we are hindered by worry, doubts, and fears.

Most of the times our fears have no basis and are seeds that we have allowed to be planted into our minds. We then water these seeds with incorrect or impure thoughts until they sprout. We then continue to fertilize them with more incorrect thinking until they grow into monster trees that we convince ourselves they are indeed real.

Just like when you were a child walking through the woods at night and the large trees look like very scary creatures, but in the light of day, we can see them for what they really are. In the same manner, you need to shine the light of God’s Word on your worries, doubts, and fears so that you can see them for what they really are. With God, no matter what we face we can move boldly forward with confidence that He will see us through because He is our loving father.

Romans 8:14-16 – For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.

Next FearLess Friday, we will look at another Wisdom Nugget about being fearless. I know you will find these insights interesting and profitable in living a rich and satisfying life.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 672 – A Fool for His Master – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 07:03:37 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 672 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

A Fool for His Master – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 672 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Ben Johnson who said, “Very few men are wise by their own counsel, or learned by their own teaching. For he that was only taught by himself had a fool for his master.”

A Fool For His Master

No one is a self-made man or woman. Every person who has excelled and succeeded in their life has done so because they are teachable and are willing to have others come alongside them to be their mentor and guide. The wisest persons in the world are wise because they are also the most willing to learn. Those individuals who feel they cannot learn from others are most foolish because they are not only unwilling to learn, they do not realize that they actually need help from others. Allow others to mentor you, and then be willing to mentor others.

Proverbs 9:9 – Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more.

Just as you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for FearLess Friday!

Day 671 – The Words to the Wise – Proverbs 22

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 07:03:13 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 671 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Words to the Wise – Proverbs 22

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 671 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Every Wednesday along life’s trails, we dig for the nuggets of wisdom that are found within the book of Proverbs. Today we will explore Proverbs 22 from The Voice Translation which will give us a fresh perspective on this book of timeless wisdom.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Since Paula and I will be traveling for business for a little over two weeks, and I will need to record all those podcasts in advance, we will be substituting our regular podcast with short Wisdom Nugget episodes for three weeks, except for our Wisdom Wednesday episodes. After that, we will return to our regular format.

Today in Proverbs 22 we will learn…

The Words to the Wise

This chapter can be broken into two parts. The beginning half of this chapter (verses 1-16) is the last of Solomon’s 375 proverbs. These final 16 in the collection talk about prosperity and challenge those with many resources to live by God’s view of wealth. God’s favorite currency is justice! This truth is evidenced by the centerpiece of this 16-verse set in verses 8-9, a literary pair focused on generosity to the poor.

Verses 17-21 are an introduction to a new section in the book of Proverbs called “The Words to the Wise” (from [22:17]-[24:22]). This collection will consist of thirty sayings. The first six are found right here in this chapter. These sayings are different from the two-line proverbs we are used to reading. The sayings are usually longer (4-6 lines) although some are one-liners (see [22:28]).

Before the sayings begin, I will first read an introduction (verses 17-21), which reminds us of the voice of the father. If you don’t remember, he is the one with all the speeches to his son in chapters 1-9. He implores the son to listen to wisdom and apply himself to knowledge, or as he says in verse 19, “That your trust may be in Yahweh.”

Trusting in the LORD is the purpose of this ancient book of wisdom. Listen to this episode multiple times, or reread verses 17-21, investing some time meditating on the purpose of the father’s heart for you.

Listen intently as I read Proverbs 22.

¹A good reputation is preferable to riches,
and the approval of others is better than precious silver or gold.
²Rich and poor have something in common:
both are created by the Eternal.
³Prudent people see trouble coming and hide,
but the naive walk right into it and take a beating.
⁴A humble person who fears the Eternal
can expect to receive wealth, honor, and life.
⁵Thorny branches and traps lie ahead for those who follow perverse paths;
those who want to preserve themselves will steer clear of them.
⁶Teach a child how to follow the right way;
even when he is old, he will stay on course.
⁷The rich lord it over the poor,
and the borrower is the slave to the lender.
⁸Those who sow injustice reap disaster,
and their methods of oppression will fail.
⁹Generous people are genuinely blessed
because they share their food with the poor.
¹⁰Expel a mocker, and watch the wrangling go with him;
rivalry and rude remarks will also stop.
¹¹Those who love a pure heart and speak with grace
will find that the king is their friend.
¹²The Eternal keeps a watchful eye on those with knowledge,
but He subverts the words of the faithless.
¹³A lazy person says, “A lion! Right outside!
I will surely die in the streets!
Yet another good reason to stay in today.”
¹⁴The alluring words of a seductive woman are a deep hole;
the Eternal is incensed toward those who fall in.
¹⁵Foolishness consumes the heart of a child,
but corporal punishment, properly administered, drives it far away.
¹⁶If you take advantage of the poor or coddle the rich to get ahead,
you will end up destitute.

¹⁷Lend an ear, listen to these words of the wise,
and align your thoughts with my instructions
¹⁸Because true pleasure will be yours by learning them, living them,
and being ready to repeat them to others.
¹⁹In order that you will trust only in the Eternal,
I teach them to you this day—yes, even you!
²⁰In fact, didn’t I already write down for you
Thirty axioms of good advice and sound knowledge
²¹To reveal to you what is reliably true
so you can answer those who sent you with these truths you’ve learned?

²²Do not cheat poor people just because they are vulnerable
or use shady tactics in court to crush those already suffering;
²³For the Eternal is ready to take their case,
and He ruins anyone who is out to ruin them.
²⁴Do not befriend someone given to anger
or hang around with a hothead.
²⁵Odds are, you’ll learn his ways, become angry as well,
and get caught in a trap.
²⁶Do not be a person to guarantee someone else’s loan
or put up collateral for the debts of an acquaintance;
²⁷For if you do and you can’t repay,
won’t you risk having your bed ripped out from under you?
²⁸Do not steal property from your neighbors by moving the boundary markers
your ancestors established.
²⁹And as for those who are skilled in their work,
they will be recognized and invited to serve kings
rather than regular folk.

That will conclude our exploration of Proverbs 22. The precepts found in God’s Word have the law of planting and harvesting built into them. You plant good seeds in life, and you will reap a bountiful harvest of good. The opposite is also true. Over the course of our lives, we will harvest what we plant. Each week we will explore a full chapter in Proverbs. I hope that you will join us next week for Chapter 23 so that you can gain wisdom, insight, and understanding for yourself.

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of our past treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe at iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 670 – I Choose Otherwise – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 07:03:49 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 670 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

I Choose Otherwise – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 670 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget…

I Choose Otherwise

Today’s quote is from Steven Covey, and it is, “Until a person can say deeply and honestly, ‘I am what I am today because of the choices I made yesterday,’ that person cannot say, ‘I choose otherwise.'”

Taking personal responsibility for every choice and decision that we make seems to allude many people. It is so easy to blame others or point to circumstances in life instead of accepting the results of the choices that we make. For the most part, our lives turn out exactly as we choose them to be. There may be a few exceptions to that on the short term, but over the course of your life, you are who you are and where you are in life because of the choices that you have made. Making bad choices may limit our good choices in the future, but until we accept full responsibility for all choices, then we will not be able to choose otherwise. Once again our lives are based on the laws of planting and harvesting.

Galatians 6:7 – Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 669 – Change Your Thinking – Mindshift Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 07:03:37 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 669 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Change Your Thinking – Mindshift Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 669 of our trek, and it is time for our Mindshift Monday series. Since Paula and I will be traveling for business for a little over two weeks, and I will need to record all those podcasts in advance, we will be substituting our regular podcast with short Wisdom Nugget episodes for three weeks. After that, we will return to our regular format.

Change Your Thinking

Today’s quote is from Zig Ziglar, and it is, “Before you change your thinking, you have to change what goes into your mind.”

It is impossible to think differently if you continue to allow the same information to feed your mind. To be different, you must think different. To think different, you must change your input. Our minds are like super computers which have a tremendous capability to process all sorts of valuable information. In some ways, though, they are no different than any other computers. If you put garbage into your mind, then you will produce garbage as output.

As is written in Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

With these thoughts in mind, we will conclude our trek for today, 6 and as we do remember that what you put into your mind is what will come out in your thoughts and speech.

Next week we will continue with an abbreviated trek of MindShift Monday. On tomorrow’s trek, we will explore another wisdom quote. This 3-minute wisdom supplement will assist you in becoming healthy, wealthy, and wise each day. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us, and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 668 – Fear Not: God’s Promises – FearLess Friday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 07:03:13 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 668 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Fear Not: God’s Promises

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 668 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

We are focusing on how to live with less fear. We are exploring the trails on our trek of life that will help us to be fearless. But this does not imply that we will reach the point where we are completely without any fear, for that is not only impossible but also not wise. There is a time and a place for an appropriate level of fear, but most fear that we experience on a daily basis has no grounding and can be eliminated as we grow in wisdom, insight, and understanding. So our objective for these next several Fridays is to experience a FearLess Friday on our trek of life. Today is our fifth trail on our trek covering, “Imagine a Life without Fear.”

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. I had a follow-up appointment with the surgeon who repaired my fractured left femur. My leg is healing well, and we can expand our physical therapy to include additional exercises. He encouraged both pool therapy and additional walking. He also suggested walking some without the cane to continue strengthening the leg. Right now without the cane, I have a significant limp, but that should get less with more time. Paula and I are scheduled to go on a two-week business trip starting next Wednesday, so that will be a test of my ability to endure in a different situation from home. New situations such as this traveling and being away from home can be a time of fear, but we know that within God’s Word, we are commanded to…

Fear Not: God’s Promises

Today’s trek will contain limited dialog as we focus on God’s promises that He has provided us in His Word. So let’s begin our trek on the path of no fear. How can we go forward when the path is treacherous and dark, and we can see our way clearly? Matthew 28:20 – Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

When we fear we are telling God that we don’t matter to Him. – Matthew 10:31 So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

1 John 1:9 – But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

If we are not careful, soon fear becomes a constant worry. Jesus tells us not to worry. Matthew 6:25-27 – “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”

Jesus continues. Matthew 6:32-33 – These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

When we fear we dwell on the worst case scenarios instead of trusting in God. Matthew 14:27 – But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”

The Apostle Paul instructed us in his letter to the Romans. Romans 8:38 – And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.

When we fear life’s final moments, Jesus told us that there is something much better in the next realm for us. John 14:1-3 – “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”

God’s promises can sustain us when we fear what’s next for our lives. John 14:26-27 – But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

When our faith grows so weak that we fear that God is not real, Jesus tells us in Luke 24:39-40, “‘Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.’ As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet.”

There are many more promises in God’s word that encourage us to “Fear Not.” It has been noted that there are at least 365 such promises. That is one for every day of the year. We would do well to learn and apply those promises to our lives daily.

That wraps up this five-week trek encouraging us to “Imagine a Life without Fear.” Next FearLess Friday we will learn more on conquering our fears. I know you will find these insights interesting and profitable in living a rich and satisfying life. Our next trek is Mindshift Monday where we will help you live differently by thinking differently. So encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along on Monday for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 667 – Virtue is Actually Doing It – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 07:03:16 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 667 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Virtue is Actually Doing It – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 667 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget:

Today’s quote is from Tristan Gulberd who said, “Understanding is knowing what to do; wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is actually doing it.”

Virtue is Actually Doing It

There is a difference between having a head knowledge of what needs completed, knowing the steps to complete it, and then actually doing it. A person who knows what to do, and even knows how to do it, but never does it lacks virtue, wisdom, and understanding.

It is easy to become so complacent and lazy about life that we just don’t put in the effort that we should to do what is right. We need to have virtue and do what needs to be done even if we do not always feel like it. It is then that others will see that we are wise and have a good understanding of our responsibilities to ourselves and others.

The Apostle Paul addressed this in his letter to the Galatians in Galatians 6:8-10,

“Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.”

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for FearLess Friday!

Day 666 – Get What’s Coming to You – Proverbs 21

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 07:03:09 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 666 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Get What’s Coming to You – Proverbs 21

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 666 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Every Wednesday along life’s trails we dig for the nuggets of wisdom that are found within the book of Proverbs. Today we will explore Proverbs 20 from The Voice Translation which will give us a fresh perspective on this book of timeless wisdom.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Hazel received her chemo treatment last Thursday and additional medicine via a lumbar puncture on Friday. She seems to be responding well to the treatments considering the strong dosage. Nat, Elizabeth, and all four kids were able to go to the Columbus Zoo on Saturday, which was a great time together with the family. The oncology staff at Nationwide Children’s Hospital indicated that they will be switching the treatment regimen in September, which will adversely affect how Hazel feels, so they recommended investing time together doing family activities during August before that. They have an additional trip planned for later this month.

Unlike Hazel’s situation where she has done nothing herself to deserve the adverse effects of leukemia and the treatments, Chapter 21 of Proverbs shows a direct correlation between our choices in life and the results of those choices. Proverbs 21 tells us that you…

Get What’s Coming to You

In this chapter, we find an interesting design. “The Eternal” appears in the opening 3 verses and the closing 2 verses, like literary bookends. Set in between these two sections is the topic of justice. This specific arrangement reminds us that God is the beginning and the end— evil can do its worst, but righteousness will prevail.

Verses 9 and 19 are both about a wife that is difficult to get along with. At first, they seem kind of random and out of place, but when we view them in light of the rest of the chapter’s main themes, they serve a functional role in the design of the chapter. These verses serve as organizational markers that break up the 3 sections (verses 4-8, 10-18, 20-29).

Bruce Waltke, in his commentary on Proverbs, outlines the chapter this way:

Verses 1-3 The LORD’s Sovereign Wisdom
Verses 4-8 The defeat of the wicked
Verse 9 The difficult wife
Verses 10-18 The triumph of the righteous over the wicked
Verse 19 The difficult wife
Verses 20-29 The lasting gratification of the righteous
Verses 30-31 The LORD’s Sovereign Wisdom

The main idea is that the wicked will get what’s coming to them, but as verse 15 reminds us, “when justice is done, those who are in the right celebrate.” God’s justice is a good thing, but it’s also sobering and should motivate us to pursue faith and wisdom.

Listen intently as I read Proverbs 21.

¹The king’s heart is like a channel of water directed by the Eternal:
He chooses which way He bends it.
²Everyone may think his own way of living is right,
but the Eternal examines our hearts.
³To do what is right and to seek justice—
these please Him more than sacrifice.
⁴The lamp of the wicked lights his way;
a proud look, an arrogant heart—all sin.
⁵A well-thought-out plan will work to your advantage,
but hasty actions will cost you dearly.
⁶The fortune made by a swindler
is a fast-burning fog and a recipe for death.
⁷Wicked people will be swept up in their own violence
because they refuse to seek justice.
⁸Dishonest people walk along the crooked path they have made,
but the innocent travel the straight course they have laid.
⁹It is better to dwell outside on the corner of your roof
than to live inside your house with a badgering wife.
¹⁰Wicked people delight in doing bad things;
their neighbors never see even a hint of compassion.
¹¹A naive person wises up when he sees a mocker punished.
A wise person becomes even wiser just by being instructed.
¹²The right-living understands how evildoers operate;
he subverts them and ruins their plans.
¹³If you ignore the groans of the poor,
one day your own cries for help will go unanswered.
¹⁴A gift given in secret soothes anger,
and a present offered privately calms fierce rage.
¹⁵When justice is done, those who are in the right celebrate,
but those who make trouble are terrified.
¹⁶People who wander from the way of wise living
will lie down in the company of corpses.
¹⁷Those who live to party, who pursue pleasure, will end up penniless;
those who enjoy lots of wine and rich food will never have money.
¹⁸The wicked become a ransom for those who live right,
and the faithless pay the penalty for their treachery against the upright.
¹⁹You would be better off living in the middle of the desert
than with an angry and argumentative wife.
²⁰The wise have a generous supply of fine food and oil in their homes,
but fools are wasteful, consuming every last drop.
²¹Whoever pursues justice and treats others with kindness
discovers true life marked by integrity and respect.
²²One wise person can rise against a city of mighty men
and cause the citadel they trust to collapse.
²³Guard your words, mind what you say,
and you will keep yourself out of trouble.
²⁴The name “mocker” applies to one who is proud and pompous
because he is defiantly arrogant.
²⁵What slackers crave will surely kill them
because they refuse to work.
²⁶All day, every day the greedy want more,
while those who live right give generously.
²⁷The offerings of wrongdoers are despicable to God;
it’s even worse when they bring them with evil motives.
²⁸The testimony of a false witness is eventually impeached,
but the person who truly listens will have the last word.
²⁹The wicked wears a defiant face,
but the right-living plans his path.
³⁰No one is wise enough or smart enough,
and no plan is good enough to stand up to the Eternal.
³¹No matter how well you arm for battle,
victory is determined by Him.

That will conclude our exploration of Proverbs 21. Do you find yourself in the camp of those who are living right or the evil doer? What is your responsibility before the Eternal One?

The precepts found in God’s Word have the law of planting and harvesting built into them. You plant good seeds in life, and you will reap a bountiful harvest of good. The opposite is also true. Over the course of our lives, we will harvest what we plant. Each week we will explore a full chapter in Proverbs. I hope that you will join us next week for Chapter 22 so that you can gain wisdom, insight, and understanding for yourself.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 665 – Turn Your Wounds Into Wisdom – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 07:03:41 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 665 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Turn Your Wounds Into Wisdom – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 665 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today quote is from Oprah Winfrey, and it is, “Turn your wounds into wisdom.”

Turn Your Wounds Into Wisdom

So often we bemoan our wounds, hurts, trials, and tragedies as something that is harmful to us, and incidents that should be avoided at all cost. We will all experience obstacles, hardships, and difficult times…It is part of living. Instead of being downhearted and allowing them to defeat us and make us ineffective, let us learn from them, gain wisdom from these experiences, and grow into stronger and more mature persons.

Every experience and situation can positively impact our lives so that we can then more effectively positively impact the lives of others. Turn every situation into an opportunity to grow in wisdom, insight, and understanding.

As James, the half-brother of Jesus wrote in his letter James 1:2-8,

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 664 – You and I Can Change Our World – Mindshift Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 07:03:26 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 664 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

You and I Can Change Our World – Mindshift Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 664 of our trek, and it is time for our Mindshift Monday series. Wisdom-Trek’s primary focus is to assist you in creating your living legacy.

Our world is changing rapidly, and we must keep up with those changes if we are to remain relevant. In other words, to create your living legacy, you must choose to be in a continual mode of mindshift. It is easy to get stuck in a mindset that your current circumstances cannot be changed. This is not true, but you must understand this fundamental principle…In order to change your life, you must change how you think and what you think about. Our Mindshift Monday podcast and journal will be to provide you practical ways to make a mindshift to a rich and satisfying life.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Our granddaughter Hazel is continuing her chemo treatments through August before they switch to a different regimen in September. The oncology staff has prepared Elizabeth and Nat by telling them to enjoy the remainder of August by including some fun activities for the family because the next phase is going to be more difficult for Hazel. Just like the recent major events in our lives are changing how we view our world and consider life, you never know what may be part of your next season of life. When you are in continual mindshift mode, you are preparing yourself to adapt to and accept these changes, whether they are pleasant or not.

It is also our choosing to have the mindset that life is about encouraging one another to live to our God-given potential. God desires you to make a difference in your world, but it may require that we help each other. So on our trek today have a mindshift that will help you realize that…

You and I Can Change Our World

I remember a story from days gone by about a 10-year-old boy who was selling pencils door to door in his neighborhood. When an interested adult at one of the houses asked him the reason for selling pencils, he replied, “I want to raise six million dollars to build a new hospital for the city.”

Amazed at his answer, the inquiring adult exclaimed, “That’s a mighty big job for just one little boy, isn’t it?”

“No,” responded the 10-year-old with big dreams. “I have a friend who is helping me.”

The world God created is a big and beautiful place in which to live. Unfortunately, humanity has somewhat ruined the world, and that needs to be changed. The task is large and would be difficult for any one of us to make a huge impact. I don’t think I can change it myself. I need your help! You might ask, just me? That’s right, just you.

We must change with the times through a continual mindshift, but the real question is…Are we big enough to actually change the times? George Bernard Shaw said, “The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable man attempts to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.” The Apostle Paul put it this way in Romans 12:2, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

If you and I are willing to be unreasonable by transforming our thinking, perhaps we can change our world. You see, history has been altered in time past by various groups of people. Here are some examples of how history was changed:

By 50,000 – 1 Chronicles [12:33]

From the tribe of Zebulun, there were 50,000 skilled warriors. They were fully armed and prepared for battle and completely loyal to David.

If 50,000 cannot be found to change the world how about:

By 7,000 – 1 Kings [19:18]

Yet I will preserve 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him!”

If 7,000 cannot be found to change the world how about:

By 300 – Judges 7:7

The Lord told Gideon, “With these 300 men I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites. Send all the others home.”

If 300 cannot be found to change the world how about:

By 120 – Acts [1:15]

During this time, when about 120 believers were together in one place, Peter stood up and addressed them.

If 120 cannot be found to change the world how about:

By 50 – Robert E. Speer said in 117. “If fifty men in our congregation can be found who will enter the holy place of prayer and become henceforth men whose hearts God has touched with prayer passion, the history of the church will be changed.”

If 50 cannot be found to change the world how about:

By 10 – Dwight L. Moody said, “If ten men will give themselves completely to the will of God, they will be able to change the world. In a discussion between God and Abraham God clarifies his willingness to use just 10 persons. – Genesis [18:32]

Finally, Abraham said, “Lord, please don’t be angry with me if I speak one more time. Suppose only ten are found there?” And the Lord replied, “Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten.”

If 10 cannot be found to change the world how about:

By 2 – Jesus told us this in Matthew [18:19]

“I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.You see, two people can change the world. Will you join me? God needs both of us and wants to use us because you and I can change the world. This will require that we are both be in continual Mindshift Mode.With these thoughts in mind, we will conclude our trek for today and as we do, let’s make a mindshift change that we can change the world.

Next week we will continue our trek of Mindshift Monday. On tomorrow’s trek, we will explore another wisdom quote. This 3-minute wisdom supplement will assist you in becoming healthy, wealthy and wise each day. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe at iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 663 – The Ultimate Fear – FearLess Friday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 07:03:20 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 663 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Ultimate Fear

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 663 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series.

Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy. We are focusing on how to live with less fear. We are exploring the trails on our trek of life that will help us to be fearless. This does not imply that we will reach the point where we are completely without any fear, for that is not only impossible, but also not wise. There is a time and a place for an appropriate level of fear, but most fear that we experience on a daily basis has no grounding and can be eliminated as we grow in wisdom, insight, and understanding.

So our objective for these next several Fridays is to experience a FearLess Friday on our trek of life. Today is our forth trail on our trek covering, “Imagine a Life without Fear.”

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. We received some unexpected, but positive news this week. My primary client that I provide technical support for their SaaS based software product was acquired by a very large, publically traded company. This should provide stability for the company, but as with all changes such as this, we are never guaranteed of the outcome.

During changes like this, we could become fearful of the many unknown scenarios, or we can choose to look positively at the situation as a potential for growth and advancement. Most of the time, fear comes down to a mindset. Too many times we allow the seed of fear to germinate in our lives until it grows into a massive well rooted tree that is hard to cut down.

Last Friday we asked the haunting question, “Does God really care?” We determined that regardless of our situation, that indeed He does. Today we want to go one step further and explore…

The Ultimate Fear

What is the ultimate fear for nearly everyone? Is it the loss of a job, loss of a loved one, or loss of perceived control of others? Nearly always, the ultimate fear that we have is death. Aristotle called death the thing to be feared most because “It appears to be the end of everything.” Jean-Paul Sartre asserted that death “removes all meaning from life.” Robert Green Ingersoll, one of America’s most outspoken agnostics, could offer no words of hope even at his brother’s funeral. He said, “Life is a narrow vale between the cold and barren peaks of two entities. We strive in vain to look beyond the heights.”
Such sad and depressing language. If death is nothing more than “the end of everything, between two peaks, which brings no meaning to life,” what is the purpose of even trying to die bravely? What if these purported wise philosophers missed the mark? Suppose death is different than they thought, less of a curse or end of all that we know, and more of a passageway between two realms? Not a crises to be avoided, but simply a corner to be turned?

This is what Jesus Christ taught us in John 14:1-3, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”

Do you believe the promise? If not, maybe it sounds a little too good to be true. The disciples certainly had difficulty grasping the concept. It almost sounds like the emails we receive from a Nigerian prince offering a portion of his fortune if we will only be a mediator.
Many do the same for another one of Christ promises in the familiar verse of John 3:16, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

Millions have read this verse, but most don’t believe it, or they are not needy enough yet. What happens when your marriage falls apart, and your spouse says, “It’s over.” What happens when the coroner expectantly calls, or the kids rebel, or you suffer a financial collapse?

As we looked at during the last couple of Friday treks, what happens when the typhoons of life hit and you are sure you are going to perish. In times like these when our fear grows like a raging sea monster seeking to devour us. Just like the disciples feared for their lives, there are many times where the pressures of life make us feel the same.

God’s promises in His Word will quell the raging storms. They become our life vest. Allow this life vest to comfort you like your favorite blanket:

God loved the world…

Everyone who believes in Him…

Will not perish…

But have eternal life.

These words can keep you company through your multiple windswept winters of life. They can warm you like a crackling fire on the coldest of days. I urge you to take God’s promises to heart. Don’t allow the monsters of fear and doubt destroy you. Who else but Jesus turned His grave into a changing closet and offers the same for you. Don’t allow Christ offer to pass you by.

With God’s promises, we have nothing to fear, not even death. As the Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 3:17, “Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.”

Allow your roots to grow down deep into God’s love so that you will stand strong on his firm foundation. It is then that you will know and have life, eternal life, forever.

Next Friday we will finish this short series on “Imagine a Life without Fear” as we explore God’s solemn promise to “Fear Not.” I know you will find these insights interesting and profitable in living a rich and satisfying life.

Our next trek is Mindshift Monday where we will help you live differently by thinking differently. So encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along on Monday for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.If you would like to listen to any of our past treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe at iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 662 – The Precious Things of Life – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 07:03:52 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 662 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Precious Things of Life – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 662 of our trek and time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget…

The Precious Things of Life

Today’s quote is from E.S. Bouton who said, “True wisdom lies in gathering the precious things out of each day as it goes by.”As I emphasize and mention quite often, life is like a trek up a mountain. We take one step at a time as we go through days that are difficult and days that are easy. The key is to make sure we keep moving forward.

As we go through each day, we must learn to enjoy the journey and not be fixated on the destination. What makes the journey enjoyable is the gathering of those precious little moments that we encounter each day and treasure them in our hearts and minds.

For many of us, we are in such a rush to reach our next milestone or destination that we miss the wild flowers, the babbling brooks, the pretty song birds…that will enrich our lives. It is wise to take the time to smell the roses, to savor a rich cup of coffee, to slow down enough to notice the treasures and miracles that are before us each moment.

As King Solomon shared with us as he was reaching the end of his life in Ecclesiastes 5:18-20, “Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past.”

These are wise words from the wisest man who ever lived. We all would do well to follow them.That’s a wrap for today’s Wisdom Unplugged. If you enjoy these quotes, I have created and published a searchable database of over 10,000 quotes that I have collected for many years. If you would like free access to my database of inspirational quotes, the link is available on the main page of Wisdom-Trek.com.

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.If you would like to listen to any of our past treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for FearLess Friday!

Day 661 – The Wise Watch Their Words – Proverbs 20

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 07:03:53 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 661 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Wise Watch Their Words – Proverbs 20

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 661 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Every Wednesday along life’s trails we dig for the nuggets of wisdom that are found within the book of Proverbs. Today we will explore Proverbs 20 from The Voice Translation, which will give us a fresh perspective on this book of timeless wisdom.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. We are making some progress on our backlog of workload, which is refreshing although as my femur fracture continues to heal, I find that I do become fatigued quicker than I would otherwise. I am just using a cane now, as my leg has strengthened enough to where I no longer need the walker or crutches.

On the home front, we received our lawn mower back from the service shop where it has been for a little over three weeks. The grass definitely needs cut with all the rain that we had during July. Since I won’t be able to operate the mower for a few more weeks, Paula plans on getting out this week to take care of it. We both enjoy mowing, so this will give her an opportunity to get outside a bit.

Turning to our passage today, we are once again reminded that we need to show restraint when speaking. Words can build others up or destroy them. Our passage today reminds us of this. Proverbs 20 could be referred to as…

The Wise Watch Their Words

In this chapter, we again find a large number of proverbs using God’s personal covenant name, Yahweh. There are also many proverbs that refer to Israel’s king (verses 2, 8, 26, 28). Therefore, we find strong themes of divine authority and justice along with the wisdom found in this chapter. Wisdom becomes even more desirable when you realize you are under the watchful eye of God and the king.

This chapter emphasizes showing wisdom with our words. We see that hasty words, empty words, and harmful speech have serious repercussions. Therefore, choose your words carefully. As you listen through this chapter, pay close attention to verses 6, 9, 11, 14, 19, 20, 22, and 25. Ask yourself how your words might be viewed in the eyes of God and those in authority over you.

Lastly, have you noticed that the further we get into the sayings of Solomon, the more sophisticated the wisdom? Many of these sayings read like riddles — their meaning doesn’t lie on the surface. You have to pause and ponder the words and the mysteries of life to which they point. You may want to take more time to and go through today’s Wisdom-Journal with Chapter 20 as you discover its wisdom.

Listen intently as I read Proverbs 20:

¹Too much wine begins to mock you,
too much strong drink leads to noisy fights,
and whoever is misled by either is not wise.
²A king’s wrath strikes fear like a lion’s roar;
those who provoke him to anger sentence themselves to death.
³Honor is due those who refuse to fight at the drop of a hat,
but every fool jumps at an opportunity to quarrel.
⁴A slacker procrastinates when it is time to plow;
so when it’s time for harvest, there are no crops in the field.
⁵The real motives come from deep within a person—as from deep waters—
but a discerning person is able to draw them up and expose them.
⁶Most people claim to be loyal,
but can anyone find a trustworthy person?
⁷The right-living act with integrity;
the children who follow their example are happy.
⁸When a king sits on his throne as judge,
he ferrets out all evil and scatters it with his royal stare.
⁹Who can say, “I have cleaned my heart”?
or who can proclaim, “I am purified from sin”?
¹⁰False weights and differing measures are alike:
both are disgusting to the Eternal.
¹¹Youth reveal their true natures by their actions
whether they do what is pure and right or not.
¹²Ears to listen, eyes to see—
the Eternal designed them both.
¹³Do not fall in love with sleep, or you will awake a poor person.
Stay awake, get to work, and you will have more than enough food.
¹⁴“Bad quality for a bad price,” bargains the buyer;
but then he runs off with his prize in tow, bragging, “What a steal!”
¹⁵Gold and rubies abound,
but lips that utter knowledge are a rare jewel.
¹⁶If someone guarantees a stranger’s debt, hold his garment as collateral;
if that stranger is a foreigner, hold the creditor responsible.
¹⁷At first the bread of lies tastes sweet
until guilt reduces it to gravel in the mouth.
¹⁸Plans are finalized on the basis of good counsel,
so only go to war when you have wise instructions.
¹⁹A gossip will reveal your secrets!
So avoid the company of people who talk openly and foolishly.
²⁰If someone pronounces a curse on his parents,^[a]
the lamp of his life will be snuffed out as complete darkness creeps in.
²¹An inheritance acquired hastily at first
will end up not being blessed after all.
²²Do not say, “I will get even for this evil.”
Wait for the Eternal; He will defend you.
²³He despises dishonesty in business;
false weights and deceptive scales are wrong.
²⁴Every one of our steps is directed by Him;
so how can we attempt to figure out our own way?
²⁵Those who rashly dedicate something to God are trapped;
only afterward do they realize what they’ve promised.
²⁶A wise king weeds out the wrongdoers,
then drives over them with his threshing wheel of justice.
²⁷The lamp of the Eternal illuminates the human spirit,
searching our most intimate thoughts.
²⁸Loyal love and faithfulness safeguard the king;
his throne is perpetuated through loyal love.
²⁹The best asset of youth is the strength of the body,
but the beauty of age is gray hair.
³⁰Severe punishment scrubs away evil,
and tough blows scour the innermost parts.

That will conclude our exploration of Proverbs 20. Which of these Proverbs do you need to work on? How do your actions and integrity line up with this chapter?

It is only when you allow God’s Word to change your heart and mind will you see a change in your life. Each week we will explore a full chapter in Proverbs. I hope that you will join us next week for Chapter 22 so that you can gain wisdom, insight, and understanding for yourself.

That will finish our trek for today. If you would like to listen to any of our past treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe at iTunes or Google Play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 660 – The Wise and The Foolish – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 07:03:13 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 660 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Wise and the Foolish – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 660 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget…

The Wise and the Foolish

Today’s quote is from Akhenaton and it is, “True wisdom is less presuming than folly. The wise man doubteth often, and changeth his mind; the fool is obstinate, and doubteth not; he knoweth all things but his own ignorance.”The biggest difference between a foolish person and a wise person is that the wise person realizes that he still has much to learn and is lacking wisdom in many areas of life. The foolish person is so full of themselves that he doesn’t realize how ignorant and foolish he truly is.

The wise person is humble and gentle. The foolish person is arrogant and obstinate. The wise person thinks of others and is kind to those less fortunate. The foolish person thinks of himself and is cruel to those who don’t serve his purpose. The wise person tries to help others reach his maximum potential. The foolish person tries to lift himself up by pushing others down.

Proverbs affirm these thoughts in these verses:

Proverbs 9:9 – Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more.

Proverbs 19:25 – If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded will learn a lesson; if you correct the wise, they will be all the wiser.

Proverbs 12:23 – The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness.

Proverbs 13:16 – Wise people think before they act; fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness.

That’s a wrap for today’s Wisdom Unplugged quote. If you would like free access to my database of over 10,000 inspirational quotes, the link is available on the main page of Wisdom-Trek.com. As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.If you would like to listen to any of our past treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. You can also subscribe on iTunes or Google play so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 659 – An Eagle and a Sparrow – Mindshift Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 07:03:33 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 659 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

An Eagle and a Sparrow – Mindshift Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 659 of our trek, and it is time for our Mindshift Monday series. Wisdom-Trek’s primary focus is to assist you in creating your living legacy. Creating your living legacy can only be accomplished by gaining wisdom in many areas of life.

It is easy to get stuck in a mindset that your current circumstances cannot be changed. This is not true, but you must understand this fundamental principle…In order to change your life, you must change how you think and what you think about. Our Mindshift Monday podcast and journal will provide you practical ways to make a mind-shift to a rich and satisfying life.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. The healing of my fractured femur continues to progress rapidly. I have a new cane on order which should arrive this week. I am to the point where I can walk unassisted for short distances, so the cane should provide me with the needed steadiness where I will not have to use the crutches or a walker anymore.

While I am still experiencing a good amount of pain, it is certainly tolerable. I realize that my good physical condition and strong leg muscles before the accident have helped a lot, but the rapid healing is nothing short of a miracle from God provided by the prayers of many believers around the world. I thank you for and covet your continued prayers for complete healing and restoration.

Sunday we celebrated our granddaughter Aurora’s sixth birthday. It is so great to have a close knit family and share these blessed times together. We are of a kindred spirit as we celebrate life.

It is also our choosing to have the mindset that life is about encouraging one another to live to our God-given potential. God desires us to soar to our greatest heights possible. So on our trek today, I desire to compare and contrast two different mindsets so that you can have a mindshift by comparing…

An Eagle and a Sparrow

A famous English preacher Joseph Parker is quoted as saying, “An eagle does not roost in a sparrow’s nest.” The Bible also has something to say about the sparrow and the eagle. Jesus illustrated the care of our Heavenly Father in Matthew 10:28-31, “What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”

The sparrow represents something rather insignificant and of lesser value. The eagle, in contrast to the sparrow, is pictured as strong and great as it soars into the high heavens.

My life verses are found in Isaiah [40:28]-31.

What a thrill to know that there’s power from God that will help us attain spiritual heights as the eagle attains physical heights. As Christ followers, we ought to be like the eagle, never to roost in a sparrow’s nest. God has designed and empowered us to be like the eagle. Each day it’s possible to reach another unknown height. Each step that we take on our trek of life can bring us experiences, growth, and adventure as we walk by faith. Yet, unless you have a mindshift, you will settle into the sparrow’s nest.

The reason for this level of living, though sad, is obvious. Some people are more satisfied with their current station in life than the effort it would take to advance up the mountain. There are certain levels of nesting upon the mountain of life that appealingly say, “Stop here, settle down, and be satisfied.”

It is easier to talk about climbing the mountains of life than to actually make an effort to climb them. It is easier to “chew the fat” than to walk it off. The mountain is an excellent analogy for real life. There are many more satisfied to remain on the plains or in the foothills than to venture up the steep and winding path. The “sparrows nest” is a popular place of refuge.

If you allow yourself to focus on mindshift, then you take on a new mindset. You are like the eagles. In doing so, you choose to keep your eyes on the heights. Slowly, steadily, with determination, you can pass the “sparrow’s nest.” You need not be distracted by the living monuments of quitters who mark the pathway to the top of the mountain.

When you determine to continue up the trail to the summit, you are reminded that life is about the journey, not just reaching the destination. That joy comes through the striving and not through the settling down. That victory and quitting are not compatible.

With the proper mindshift, we can climb onward and upward like the eagle soaring ever higher. Those that are resting in the “sparrows nest” look on with great interest. They are ever ready to discourage those that are trudging to reach new heights. If we continue our climb, we may be criticized. If we reach the summit, the sparrows will rationalize.

As we continue life’s trek towards the summit, it will be less crowded, but those that are trekking with you will be encouragers. We will find great fellowship and conversation about discipline, sacrifice, joy, happiness, achievement, and success.

The closer we get to the summit the more clearly and farther we can see. It is beautiful, and life is much richer and more satisfying. That feeling comes as a result of a mindshift to dedicate yourself to hard work and determination. That feeling of exhilaration surges through you when you know you have done everything possible to fulfill the potential that God has given you. That feeling of achievement assures you that your talents and energies have been wisely expended. You have soared like an eagle. You have seen further and will not settle for less. Yes, you have climbed like the eagle, and there is nothing that can make you roost in the sparrow’s nest again, ever.

With these thoughts in mind, we will conclude our trek for today and as we do, I encourage you to make a mindshift change in your life that you will choose to soar like an eagle and not be satisfied nesting with the sparrows.

Next week we will continue our trek of Mindshift Monday. On tomorrow’s trek, we will explore another wisdom quote. This 3-minute wisdom supplement will assist you in becoming healthy, wealthy, and wise each day. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 658 – Does God Really Care? – FearLess Friday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 07:03:30 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 658 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Does God Really Care?

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 658 of our trek time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life, and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

For the next several weeks we will focus how to live with less fear. We will explore the trails on our trek of life that will help us to be fearless. This does not imply that we will reach the point where were are completely without any fear, for that is not only impossible, but also not wise. There is a time and a place for an appropriate level of fear, but most fear that we experience on a daily basis has no grounding and can be eliminated as we grow in wisdom, insight, and understanding. So our objective for these next several Fridays is to experience a FearLess Friday on our trek of life. Today is our third trail on our trek covering, “Imagine a Life without Fear.”

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. My leg continues to heal well, and the swelling is much less. With the pain from the swelling reduced, the pain from the actual incision sites and implants is a little more acute, although certainly not unbearable.

With a modified schedule the past three weeks, I do hope to get caught up on some of my client work this weekend. On Sunday we will be celebrating our granddaughter Aurora’s sixth birthday. The years sure do fly past quickly.

It is an important part of our legacy to be involved with our children and grandchildren’s lives. It shows that we love and care for them. In the same way, God desires to be involved in our lives, but fear can restrict that involvement.

Last Friday we looked at why we are afraid and that sometimes we do feel abandoned when the storms of life hit us. The focus of our trek today is…

Does God Really Care?

Last week we saw where the Disciples of Christ were in a boat in the middle of a horrible storm. Once the storm hit, his disciples were very troubled by Jesus’s choice to sleep. Not only that, but He did not wake up when the storm hit. The disciples had to wake him with shouts of fear. Their urgent plea is recorded in Matthew 8:25, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Mark even questions whether He cares in 4:38, “‘Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?'”

Many times we react in the same manner when the storms of life hit us. Fear corrodes our confidence in God’s goodness. We begin to wonder if love lives in heaven. If God can sleep in our storms, if his eyes stay shut when our eyes grow wide, if he permits storms after we get on His boat, does he really care? Fear unleashes a swarm of doubts, anger-stirring doubts.

These type of thoughts that we allow to creep into and infect our minds turn us into control freaks. Subconsciously we lash out to God and demand, “Do something about the storm!” We may not verbalize it, but in the dark recesses of our mind we demand, “Fix it or…or…or else!” Fear, at its very center, is a perceived loss of control. When life spins wildly, we grab for a component of life we can manage: our diet, the tidiness of our house, the armrest of a plane, or, in many cases, other people.

The more insecure we feel, the meaner we become. We growl and bare our fangs. Why? Is it because we are bad? Well, maybe in part, but mostly because we feel cornered and don’t know how to get free.

Martin Niemoller documents an extreme example of this. He was a German pastor who took a heroic stand against Adolf Hitler. When he first met the dictator in 1933, Niemoller stood at the back of the room and listened. Later, when his wife asked him what he had learned, he said, “I discovered that Herr Hitler is a terribly frightened man.” Fear releases the tyrant within each of us.

Fear also deadens our recall. The disciples had every reason to trust Jesus. By this time in His ministry, they had seen him, “teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness.” Matthew 4:23. They had witnessed him heal a leper with a touch and a servant with a command. Peter saw his sick mother-in-law recover from a serious illness. They all saw demons scatter like bats out of a cave. As recorded in Matthew 8:16, “That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and he healed all the sick.“

Is it any wonder that Jesus boldly rebuked his disciples in the middle of the storm, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith,” Matthew [8:26].

Just like we so quickly forget God’s blessings and miracles in our everyday life, the disciples did the same. Shouldn’t someone mention to the disciples Jesus’ track record or review his resume? Did they so quickly forget the accomplishments of Christ? They may certainly have. Fear creates a form of spiritual amnesia. It dulls our miracle memory. It makes us forget what Jesus has already done and how good God truly is.

Fear grows into a monster and feels so dreadful as if we will be consumed by it. It sucks the life out of our soul, causing us to curl up into an embryonic state, it drains us dry of our contentment. We become like old abandoned barns, falling apart at the seams and blown to and fro in the prevailing winds – a place where humanity used to eat, thrive, and find warmth in days gone by.

When we allow fear to shape our lives, safety becomes our god. When safety becomes our god, we seek and worship the risk-free life. We crawl into our bubble where we can protect ourselves from storms of life.

Can we do anything great from within our bubble? Can the risk-adverse accomplish noble deeds? For God? For others? No. The fear-filled cannot love deeply because love is risky. They cannot give to the poor because benevolence has no guarantee of return. The fear-filled cannot dream boldly, because their dreams may sputter and fall from the sky. The worship of safety emasculates greatness. No wonder Jesus boldly wages such a war against fear. Fear diminishes. Fear destroys.

Christ’s most common command emerges from a form of “fear not.” The Gospels list some 125 Christ-issued imperatives. Of these, 21 urge us to “not be afraid” or “fear not” or “have courage” or “take heart” or “be of good cheer.” The second most common command from Christ was to love God and neighbor which only occurs on eight occasions. If quantity is any indicator, Jesus understands and takes our fears seriously. The one statement he made more than any other was this, “Don’t be afraid.”

Jesus doesn’t want you to live in a state of fear. Fear diminishes and destroys not only yourself, but it also impacts everyone around you. Children primarily learn fear from their parents and grandparents, especially ungrounded fear. Fear extracts a very high cost in our lives spiritually, physically, and emotionally.

Jesus’ rebuking question is a good one. He lifts his head from his pillow, steps out from the stern into the storm, and asks, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith,” Matthew [8:26].

To make sure that I am not misunderstood, as I said in the introduction, fear also serves a healthy function. It is the canary in the coal mine, warning us of potential danger. A dose of fright can keep a child from running across a busy road or an adult from smoking. Fear is the appropriate reaction to a burning building or growling dog. Fear itself is not a sin, but fear will often lead to sin.

If we medicate fear through angry outbursts, drinking binges, sullen withdrawals, self-starvation, overeating, or vise-like control of others, we exclude God from the solution and exacerbate the problem. We subject ourselves to a position of fear, allowing anxiety to dominate and define our lives: joy-sapping worries, day-numbing dread, repeated bouts of insecurity that petrify and paralyze us. Hysteria is not from God. As the Apostle Paul told his timid protégé in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

To be sure, for all of us, fear will come knocking at our door. Just don’t invite it in for dinner, and above all, don’t offer it a bed for the night. Once fear gets its tentacles embedded into your mind, then it is hard to pry it loose. The more you know the promises found in God’s Word exhorting us, “DO NOT FEAR,” the more strength you have to lock it out of your mind.

Fear may fill our world, but it does not have to fill our hearts and minds. The promises of God and the purpose of this podcast and journal are simple…we can fear less tomorrow than we do today.

God knows all about the perceived typhoons that rage within our lives. He will either calm the storms or give us peace within the storm. In our passage today, Jesus slept during the storm, but he knew all about the storm and issued his rebuke to the disciples while still in his makeshift bed, but then he did something about the storm in Matthew 8:26, “Jesus responded, ‘Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!’ Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.”

Jesus handled the disciples quaking with a great calming. The sea becomes as still as a frozen lake, and the disciples are left wondering, “The disciples were amazed. ‘Who is this man,’ they asked. ‘Even the winds and waves obey him,'” Matthew [8:27].

Who is this man, indeed? So secure was Jesus that Typhoon time was his nap time. He then silenced the waves with one word. He answered the prayers of His disciples, and He will either calm our storms, or take us safely through them.

God really does care about you and loves you more than you can imagine…be not afraid.

Next Friday we will explore deeper into the subject of fear as we look at “The Ultimate Fear.” I know you will find these insights interesting and profitable in living a rich and satisfying life.

Our next trek is Mindshift Monday where we will help you live differently by thinking differently. So encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along on Monday for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 657 – The Doctor’s Prognosis, Life Lessons Learned The Hard Way – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 07:03:03 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 657 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Doctor’s Prognosis, Life Lessons Learned The Hard Way – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 657 of our trek, and it is time for the 6^th and final installment of a special series of stories that have chronicled my recent accident and recovery as we trek “Life Lessons Learned the Hard Way.”

This accident is a major life event that will change life for me for several months to come. In fact, I would say that it will certainly impact me for the remainder of my life. It is my hope and prayer that as I share that it will also positively impact your life.

I have often said, we must accept and live life as it truly is, not as we wish it to be. We don’t always know or understand what will become of the uphill climbs and treacherous downhill slopes that we encounter on life’s trek. The key is to learn from these events and allow them to effectively become a part of our living legacy, which will positively impact our lives and the lives of all those whom we impact. For our final special series of Wisdom Nuggets episodes, we will look at…

The Doctor’s Prognosis – Life Lessons Learned the Hard Way

If you would like to catch the first four episodes of this series go to Day 645, Day 647, Day 650, Day 652, or Day 655.

I ended Day-655 with my story of recovery at home with my hemoglobin still low, but on the rise and feeling a little better each day. After the positive results from my blood test, our next major event was the follow-up appointment with our surgeon on Wednesday. The incisions appeared to be healing well but were covered up since the surgery, so we really did not know what they looked like. Also, my leg between my hip and my knee was still swollen, and the bruises were working their way to the surface. The bruises were large, dark, and covered fairly big splotches of my leg.

Since I had primarily been using the walker at home, we decided to take it to the appointment although I was not heavily relying on it for walking. Since the surgery, we were instructed to put no more than 50% of my body weight on the leg that had been broken. We did not have a lot of details on exactly what the surgery entailed, so we were very interested in getting more information.

We first had to get four X-Rays of my leg, and then we met with the surgeon. He said I looked remarkably well and indicated that the leg appeared to be healing rapidly. He showed us the x-rays, and we discovered that he had inserted a rod the entire length of my femur from the hip ball joint down to my knee. On the upper end was a large screw going through my femur and the rod and attaching it to the hip ball joint. The primary fracture of the femur bone was right below the ball.

On the bottom end of the femur right above my knee was another, slightly smaller screw securing the rod in place. There were a couple of smaller fragments on the upper end, but the surgeon indicated that God would fuse those back where they belonged. I have inserted a couple of x-rays picture in today’s wisdom journal below.

Dr. Krivchenia told us that we could have the rod and screws removed after two years, if we chose to, but they could stay in place the remainder of my life without complications. Next came the removal of the bandages from the three incisions on my legs. Since they had become quite uncomfortable, this was a relief.

The roughness I had previously felt under the bandages turned out to be metal staples holding the incisions closed. The top incision above my hip socket where he inserted the rod was about two inches in length and contained 14 staples. The middle incision where he inserted the upper screw was about 1 ½ inches in length and contained 8 staples. The lower incision right above my knee where he inserted the lower screw was about an inch long and contained 5 staples.

I will not be placing those pictures in today’s journal as they are not pretty at all. They placed small sani-strips over the incisions, and we were told when they fell off we did not need to apply any type of dressings. One big positive was that now I could take full showers, so that was great.

We were instructed that there were no limits on the weight that I could put on the leg now, as long as I was comfortable with it. We discussed exercise routines and the ability to travel with no real restrictions. The surgeon was very pleased with the healing and the progress I had made. He felt that since I was in such great shape physically, that my recovery would be much quicker than with most patients. We scheduled one additional follow up appointment for three weeks out.

After seeing the x-rays, understanding the surgery better, having the dressing and staples removed, and seeing the good progress of the healing was a great psychological boost for both of us. I felt much more confident and mobile.

The next week was very positive, and we made great strides on the use of my injured leg. Nights were and still are a bit rough, but even they are improving.

Our next appointment was this past Tuesday with our family physician. I was very comfortable with crutches by that point since I was going up and down the stairs at least once each day and using the crutches downstairs. When the doctor saw me walking into the exam room putting most of my weight on my legs and only using the crutches for additional stability, she told us that she had to recheck her chart to make sure that indeed I had a serious fracture and surgery barely two weeks ago.

We invested a good amount of time with the doctor, and she was amazed at the healing that had taken place so quickly as well as my ability to be so mobile. Once again, my physical condition before the accident played a big role in this. But we especially thank God and the many people who are praying for us, and know that He is in control of everything and is knitting my body back together physically, emotionally, and spiritually so that I am stronger in all areas than I was before.

She encouraged me to build my activity level up as quickly as I feel comfortable, which will not be an issue for me. She also gave us some good tips on our upcoming travel to ensure it does not impact the healing process. We will have some follow up blood work in a couple of weeks, just to ensure that the hemoglobin levels have returned to normal and that all other markers are in line.

Well, I think that is enough of a recap of my accident, surgery, and recovery. Thank you for coming along with me on this unexpected trail of life. As part of my living legacy, I think it is crucial that I document these major events of life that they may help me to grow and to make a positive impact on the lives that I influence.

My life lesson learned the hard way in this final segment is that we should give glory to God for all circumstances in life. He can and will use them for His purpose if we allow Him to work through us. Jude 1:25 – All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.

Also, the verse that is often used, and sometimes abused, but still holds true is Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

That’s a wrap for today’s Wisdom Unplugged. Next week we will return to our regular inspirational quotes on Tuesday and Thursday.

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Fearless Friday!

Day 656 – The Gallery of Fools – Proverbs 19

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 07:03:36 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 656 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Gallery of Fools – Proverbs 19

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 656 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Every Wednesday along life’s trails, we dig for the nuggets of wisdom that are found within the book of Proverbs. Today we will explore Proverbs 19 from The Voice Translation, which will give us a fresh perspective on this book of timeless wisdom.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. I am wrapping up my special series covering my July 8^th accident and recovery on tomorrow’s Wisdom-Nugget episode. This 6 part series started with Day 645 and was released on Tuesday & Thursday for the past three weeks. If you missed any parts of the story, you will want to go back and listen to them.

We have had quite a bit of deer activity in the past three weeks as they seem to like to bed down in the small wooded area along the edge of our property line. From what we can tell, there is a one-year-old doe, a two-point and a six-point buck, and two additional older does with 3 baby fawns. It is a pleasure to watch them each day as the graze on our lawn and especially like my roses.

Turning to our passage today, as we have the opportunity to consider the current state of affairs in our world recently, especially among political leaders of all persuasions, it is as if we are watching a sideshow at the circus. Most political leaders are oblivious to how foolish they really are to those outside their bubble of influence. Our passage today reminds me of this. Proverbs 19 could be referred to as…

The Gallery of Fools

Reading through this chapter is like visiting a gallery of fools. Step right up! In the showcase, you’ll see “a false witness,” “a foolish son,” “an idle person,” “a man of great wrath,” “the sluggard,” “the violent,” and “a worthless witness.” Hanging about each fool’s neck is a placard summarizing his fate, and, you guessed it, the ending isn’t happy. Don’t speed through this exhibit. Take your time and look closely. Listener and Reader beware: don’t be like these people!

Most of these sayings are warning you about vice. However, scattered throughout this chapter are sayings about people who have shown integrity, good sense, generosity, instruction, faithfulness, and the fear of the Lord. Compare their fates with the bad guys. Which future do you want?

Also pay attention to God’s posture towards the poor and needy in verses 1, 4, 7, 17, and 22. The poor are often abandoned and abused by the world, but they are not overlooked by God. In fact, God stands in solidarity with the righteous poor and exalts them above the gallery of fools.

Listen intently as I read Proverbs 19.

¹Better to be poor and live with integrity
than a fool with a foul mouth.
²Surely there’s no advantage for a person without knowledge,
and whoever moves too quickly misses the turn.
³Foolishness diverts the course of life,
yet the heart rebels against the Eternal.
⁴Wealth attracts many friends,
but the poor are soon separated from theirs.
⁵A false witness will not escape punishment,
and one who breathes lies will not go free.
⁶Many try to win the favor of a generous person,
and everyone is a friend to someone who gives gifts.
⁷If a poor man is hated by his relatives,
it is even more likely his friends will avoid him too!
Anyone who is calling after them
[is not to be found].^[a]
⁸Whoever gains a wise heart loves his own soul,
and whoever preserves understanding experiences true goodness.
⁹A false witness will not escape punishment,
and whoever breathes lies will not survive.
¹⁰Something is wrong when a fool lives a pampered life,
but it is much worse when a slave takes charge of princes.
¹¹A person with discretion is not easily angered;
he gains respect by overlooking an offense.
¹²A king’s rage is like the thunderous roar of a lion,
but his favor is like a cooling mist upon the grass.
¹³Foolish children bring misery to their fathers,
and a wife’s bickering is a constant dripping as from a leaky roof.
¹⁴Houses and riches may be inherited from parents,
but a sensible wife is a gift from the Eternal.
¹⁵Laziness lulls people into a deep sleep;
a slacker will have nothing to eat.
¹⁶Whoever keeps God’s commands lengthens his life,
but a careless lifestyle ends in death.
¹⁷Whoever cares for the poor makes a loan to the Eternal;
such kindness will be repaid in full and with interest.
¹⁸Discipline your children while there is still hope of influencing their future,
so as not to play a part in their destruction.
¹⁹A hot-tempered man will pay a penalty;
if you bail him out, it will not be the last time; the cycle will repeat.
²⁰Heed counsel, act on instruction,
and you will become wise later in life.
²¹The impulses of the human heart may run wild,
but the Eternal’s plan will prevail.
²²Loyalty is a trait admired in others,
and being destitute is better than being a liar.
²³Reverence for the Eternal leads to a fulfilled life;
those who have it will sleep well,
for disaster will not touch them.
²⁴Some people are so lazy—they reach for food on the plate
but lack the will to bring it up to their mouths.
²⁵If you beat one who mocks, the naive will see and learn a lesson;
if you correct someone with understanding, that’s all he needs to grow a little wiser.
²⁶Children who mistreat their father and run down their mother
are a root of shame and disgrace.
²⁷My child, should you stop listening to instruction,
you will wander from the voice of knowledge.
²⁸A worthless witness ridicules justice,
and the mouth of the wrongdoer savors every morsel of trouble.
²⁹Severe penalties are prepared for those who mock,
and fools expect their backs to be flogged.

That will conclude our exploration of Proverbs 19. The questions for today are, “What member of this cast of fools serves as your greatest warning? What must you learn to avoid their fate?”

It is only when we recognize what makes up the gallery of fools can we avoid such foolish traits in our own lives. Commit yourself to being wise and not foolish. Each week we will explore a full chapter in Proverbs. I hope that you will join us next week for Chapter 20 so that you can gain wisdom, insight, and understanding for yourself.

Tomorrow we will continue with our final segment of Life Lessons Learned The Hard Way on our Wisdom Unplugged series about my recent accident and ongoing recovery. So encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along with us tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 655 – Home Recovery, Life Lessons Learned The Hard Way – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 07:03:27 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 655 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Home Recovery, Life Lessons Learned The Hard Way – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 655 of our trek, and it is time for the 5^th installment of a special series of stories that will chronicle my recent accident and recovery as we trek “Life Lessons Learned the Hard Way.” This accident is a major life event that will change life for me for several months to come.

In fact, I would say that it will certainly impact me for the remainder of my life. It is my hope and prayer that as I share that it will also positively impact your life as well. I have often said, we must accept and live life as it truly is, not as we wished it to be.

We don’t always know or understand what will become of the uphill climbs and treacherous downhill slopes that we encounter on life’s trek. The key is to learn from these events and allow them to effectively become part of our living legacy, which will positively impact our lives and the lives of all of those whom we impact. So for the next couple of Wisdom Nuggets episodes, we will look at…

Home Recovery – Life Lessons Learned the Hard Way

If you would like to catch the first four episode of this series go to Day 645, Day 647, Day 650, or Day 652.

I ended Day-652, which was my story of recovery in the hospital, at the time of my discharge Tuesday afternoon. The life lesson learned through my recovery at the hospital was that if I desire a speedy and complete recovery, I need to follow the instructions and guidelines – something that I have not always done well in the past. I realized that this time it had to be different and committed myself to this lesson learned.

I have to admit, although I am not a fearful person, this was new territory for me. With my hemoglobin levels lower than expected, and the two episodes where my pulse dropped basically to zero, there was a little bit of trepidation. Overriding that concern was knowing that God is in control of every breath that we take, and I knew that if he brought me through the fall, surgery, and recovery that He would see me through the recovery process at home.

On the trip home, the pain of the injury was evident with every bump in the road and slow down in traffic. Paula went through Wendy’s drive through, and we each got a ½ pound hamburger for our dinner. The additional iron in the red meat is just what I needed, in addition to the grease that tasted so good.

Since we were released earlier than expected, my brother Jack was not home from work yet to assist me getting inside. Paula and I were able to navigate the steps into the house and had decided not to attempt going upstairs until Jack did arrive.

I settled in my Lazy Boy chair, and Paula and I consumed our dinner while we rested and waited. Once Jack and Ann arrived about an hour later, we decided that it would be best for Paula to pick up the prescriptions and a few other items. As we talked I realized that Jack was the only person who truly witnessed the fall from a third-person perspective, and he admitted the night of the accident was a fitful one for him as he kept revisiting the images of the fall. I assured him, that it was completely my responsibility and was glad that he was there to assist.

Once Paula returned, we decided it was time to head to my 2^nd story sanctuary where I would invest the majority of my time during recovery. The first time up I used both crutches and Jack stood immediately behind me to assure that I did not fall backward. We scaled the 18 steps without too much difficulty, and then I used the walker to proceed to the front Birdseye maple bedroom that we designated for my recovery.

Paula and I have slept in a full wave waterbed for over 30 years, which would have been more comfortable to lay in, but it is too low to the ground and would be nearly impossible to get back out of. A higher bed with a firm mattress was much more suitable for my recovery.

I settled in for the night and quickly fell asleep. Paula insisted that she be with me anytime I had to get up during the night. Little did either of us realize that it would be every hour that I would need to use the bathroom and make the 50-foot trek down the hallway.

After that first night, I assured Paula that I would be fine making the hourly trek myself so she could get some semblance of a good night sleep. Even after being home for two weeks now, nights are still rough, but the days are getting much better. The lack of moving at night, swelling in the leg, wearing very tight compression hose, and the majority of cell regeneration occurring at night may all be contributing factors to more discomfort at night.

Friday morning we were scheduled for a return trip to the lab for a blood draw to check and see if my hemoglobin was recovering. Jack came over once again to stand in front of me since this is the first time I was attempting to go down the stairs since returning home. We determined that going both up and down on the stairs is much easier using one crutch and the hand rail than two crutches. We were able to navigate the stairs and headed off to the hospital to give up a little more blood.

It was still fairly painful to travel, so we headed back home immediately afterward. We thought it would be best if I remained downstairs until we heard back from the doctor, just in case we needed to go in for a blood transfusion.

I was resting in my Lazy Boy and fell into a deep sleep when the phone woke me up with a bit of a start. It was our family physician with the blood results. The threshold for a blood transfusion is Hemoglobin less than 7.0. My results came in at 6.9.

She had consulted with the hospital doctor that I had previously discussed my levels with, and they both agreed that although it was lower than before, and below the threshold that they did not want to treat a number. They asked if I was okay waiting until the following Monday for one more test. Since I was not dizzy, lightheaded, and felt fairly good, we all agreed that would be best.

After a weekend of eating iron rich foods, taking iron supplements, and regaining some strength, Monday’s blood test showed that my hemoglobin had increased to 8.2 and my palette count was higher than it has ever been. This was a big relief as we did desire to allow my own body to regenerate itself if at all possible.

Our next big events on our road to recovery were the follow-up visit with the surgeon on Wednesday and then to our family doctor the following Tuesday. Since we had not had a chance to talk with the surgeon at length, had not seen the X-rays, and did not know what the incisions looked like under the bandages, we had several questions that needed to be answered. We will save the remainder of the home recovery story for Thursday’s trek, which will be our final chapter in this special saga covering my fall.

My life lesson learned the hard way for today is to be patient and allow God and time to heal. This brings to mind Psalm 139:14, “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.”

That’s a wrap for today’s Wisdom Unplugged, join us on Thursday for one more life lesson learned the hard way as I share some recovery stories.

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 654 – When You Fall, Get Back Up – Mindshift Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 07:03:25 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 654 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

When You Fall, Get Back Up – Mindshift Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 654 of our trek, and it is time for our Mindshift Monday series.

In other words, to create your living legacy you must choose to be in a continual mode of “mindshift,” or “changing the way you think.” It is easy to get stuck in a mindset that your current circumstances cannot be changed. This is not true, but you must understand this fundamental principle…In order to change your life, you must change how you think and what you think about. Our Mindshift Monday podcast and journal serves to provide you practical ways to make a mindshift to a rich and satisfying life.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. I am finally caught up and back on schedule with the Wisdom-Trek podcasts that were delayed due to my accident. I will be releasing a couple of more episodes this week covering my accident and recovery on Tuesday and Thursday.

Since I have always been a person who enjoys working long hours and am very active, this time of recovery has been a mindshift challenge for me. I know if I am to recover properly, then it cannot be business as usual for me. Paula has been assisting a lot, and we are adapting to this change in our normal schedule.

Even with an unexpected major life event, we continue to positively look toward the future and what we can learn. Our mindset is very important with every aspect of life. If your first inclination is to think negatively, then a mindshift is required. You cannot get trapped by your current situation and feel there is no way to change it.

Just as my literal fall and accident two weeks ago, we will have many times in our lives where we will fall. The key is that each time we need to get back up, recover as needed, and then keep moving forward. So on our trek today I desire you to have a mindshift that will allow you to realize…

When You Fall, Get Back Up

When you are teaching a child to walk, they will fall down, usually many times. They may also get bumped and cry. When they do, we don’t tell them to give up. No, we instead encourage them to get up and try again, as many times as necessary until they are able to walk, and then run.

Life is very much like a baby who is just learning to walk. There are days in which the going is smooth. Success is ours to enjoy. There are also many days of distress, hours of hindrances, minutes of misunderstandings, and seconds of stumbling falling flat on your face. Since the path of life’s trek is rocky, and the trail to the top has many unexpected turns, it is important for you to realize three things concerning the obstacles, and wash outs, on the trail to the top.

1. There will be times when you will fall.

Anyone who hikes down the trails of life not only has the privilege of enjoying all that is around them but also must take the risk of falling. When you rise to the occasion, you may fall prey to the enemy. Any person that is willing to stand for something may at times be knocked down. Just like a baby learning to walk, we become careless and get in a hurry. Many time this happens just before we reach our goal. It looks as though we’ve been successful. The obstacles have been overcome. The sweet smell of victory permeates the air. But then…we lose our footing, and down we go. Just as with my fall from the ladder, it was right after I made the final cut in the tree limb that the limb pushed back against the chainsaw, pushing it and me away from the ladder onto the cement below. The satisfaction of cutting the limb through was quickly replaced by the agony of a broken femur bone right below my hip.

Sometimes our inexperience causes us to fall. Sometimes lack of preparation is the problem. Maybe the problem is overconfidence. For me, it probably was all three. One thing is certain…Regardless of the reason for falling, we all at times trip on the trails of life and down we fall.

2. The more we attempt to do, the more likely that we will fall.

Those people who never attempt anything in life, may not fall as often, but their lives are so poor in experiences. It is much better to have tried and failed, than not to have tried at all. Every experience we have in life enriches us and helps us to create a living legacy that is rich and satisfying. You are the sum of all the experiences of your life. Good or bad, they make you who you are today. Never hesitate to live life fully.

3. The difference between success and failure is how we react after we fall.

If we become involved with life and become players instead of spectators, the obstacles of life will sometimes trip us and cause us to fall. The lives of many people have gone awry because of mistakes they made or bad experiences that came their way. They have allowed the bitter taste of defeat to remain in their mouths until only thoughts of negativism spew out. Their lives have been centered on the fall instead of the excitement of their journey.

The Bible gives a classic example of how reacting to a fall determines our outcome. King Saul and King David both sat on the throne of Israel. Both were chosen of God and had many talents. Both had massive falls. King Saul allowed his mistake to harden his heart, and he died a violent death. King David repented and asked God’s forgiveness and had many fruitful years of leadership after his fall.

Remember, failure is not the fall. The failure is in allowing our fall to keep us down and control our lives. Even after my recent accident, it will not stop me from climbing ladders or using the chainsaw. I have learned that I will never use them together again.

As the Apostle Paul wrote in his letter Philippians 3:12-14, “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”

With these thoughts in mind, we will conclude our trek for today and as we do, make a mindshift in your life for every time you fall, which you will, that you are committed to getting back up and keep moving forward.

Next week we will continue our trek of Mindshift Monday. On tomorrow’s trek, we will continue with my journal of my recent accident and recovery. I appreciate you allowing me to share my story so that we can all grow from Life Lessons Learned the Hard Way. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 653 – Why Are We Afraid? – FearLess Friday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 07:03:48 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 653 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Why Are We Afraid?

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 653 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

For the next several weeks, we will focus on how to live with less fear. We will explore the trails on our trek of life that will help us to be fearless. This does not imply that we will reach the point where were are completely without any fear, for that is not only impossible, but also not wise. There is a time and a place for an appropriate level of fear, but most fear that we experience on a daily basis has no grounding and can be eliminated as we grow in wisdom, insight, and understanding. So our objective for these next several Fridays is to experience a FearLess Friday on our trek of life. Today is our second trail on our trek covering Imagine a Life Without Fear.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. As mentioned on previous treks, on July 8^th I suffered a fall from a ladder that fractured my upper femur bone. I am focusing the next few Tuesday and Thursday “Wisdom-Nugget” episodes sharing my story of the accident and recovery. The story begins with Wisdom-Trek.com/day-645. A major life event such as this strikes fear into our hearts of how our lives will change or how it could have been even worse. Last Friday we started a series focusing on imagining a life without fear. The focus of our trek today is…

Why Are We Afraid?

In Matthew 8:26, Jesus asked his disciples who were in a boat with Him in a middle of a violent storm, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!”

At first glance of this verse, if you were one of the disciples in the boat with him, you would be thinking, “Jesus, are you serious?” Is he kidding, teasing, or being sarcastic? This is kind of like one swimmer asking another, “Why are you wet?” I don’t think Jesus was smiling. He was very earnest. So are the men to whom he asks the question. A storm has turned their Galilean dinner cruise into a white-knuckled plunge that was so severe that seasoned fishermen are scared to death.

Here is how the Apostle Matthew remembers the trip in Matthew 8:23-24, “Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, ‘Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!'”

Matthew remembered well the pouncing tempest and bouncing boat and was careful in his wording. The English word “fierce storm” minimizes the actual word that Matthew chose in the Greek language. Matthew chose the word Seismos – a quake, a trembling eruption of the sea and sky. We could translate this verse as “a great seismos arose on the lake.” A seismograph is an instrument we currently use to measure earth quakes.

The disciples had “sudden fear” – the kind that makes you go pale or faint, a fear that leaves you unable to speak or scream.

Not all storms come suddenly. Prairie farmers in the US or hunters in the Serengeti can see a formation of thunderclouds hours before the rain. This storm, however, springs like a lion out of the grass. One minute the disciples are playing dice on the deck, and next thing they are drenched with waves as the boat rides over the mountains and valleys of water.

Peter and John were seasoned sailors and may have struggled to get the sails down in time. Matthew, a tax collector, was not used to this type of storm and probably struggled just to keep his dinner down. Although there was some passage of time from leaving the shore, at least enough for Jesus to fall into a deep sleep, the storm rose up almost instantaneously.

How could this be happening to them? In obedience, they followed Jesus into the boat. This is a not so subtle and not too popular reminder that as Christ followers, we follow Him through the calmest of days and fiercest of storms. As another character in this story, the disciple John relays Jesus’s words to us in John 16:33, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Christ followers have granddaughters who contract leukemia or family members who fall and break their femur bone in a freak accident or relatives who suffer financial losses, or even those who bury loved ones. As a result, we as Christ followers face real fears, just like the disciples did in the boat. It is not the absence of storms that sets us apart. It’s whom we discover in the storm – the unstirred Christ.

Was Jesus even concerned about the storm? After all, it said in this passage that Jesus was sleeping. How dare He? Doesn’t He even care? It was more than just sleeping. In the Good News according to Mark, this same story tells us in Chapter 4 verse 38, “Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, ‘Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?'”

To understand more fully where Jesus was on the boat, we need to understand a little bit about the boat. First-century fishermen used large, heavy nets that would hang vertically from the ship while they were fishing. When not in use, they were stored in a nook below the deck in the back of the boat. It was the most enclosed and only protected part of the boat. So Christ, weary after a day of ministry, crawled beneath the deck to get some sleep.

His pillow was not likely anything soft, but the heavy sand-filled ballast bag, which is used to stabilize the boat while fishing. Jesus was probably very worn out, but he may have also had full knowledge of the coming storm and the lessons that were to be taught through it. Regardless, Jesus decided to crawl into the nook and take a much-needed nap.

Once the storm hits, his disciples were very troubled by Jesus’s choice to sleep. Not only that, but He did not wake up when the storm hit. The disciples had to wake him with shouts of fear, their urgent plea is recorded in Matthew 8:25, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Mark even questions whether He cares in 4:38, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”

It is interesting what we pray for in times of storms in our lives. The disciples did the same thing. They do not ask about Jesus’ strength, “Can you still the storm?” or His knowledge, “Are you aware of the storm?” or His know-how, “Do you have any experience with storms?” The same thoughts rise up in our minds as did in the minds of the disciples on that stormy day, “Don’t you care…?”

Fear does this. It is a destroyer of our faith. We are all too familiar with why we are afraid. The question is, “What are we going to do about it?”

Next Friday we will delve deeper into the subject of fear and ask the question, “Does God Care?” I know you will find these insights interesting and profitable in living a rich and satisfying life. Our next trek is Mindshift Monday where we will help you live differently by thinking differently. So encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along on Monday for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 652 – Hospital Recovery, Life Lessons Learned The Hard Way – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 07:03:31 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 652 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Hospital Recovery, Life Lessons Learned The Hard Way – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 652 of our trek and time for the 5^th installment of a special series of stories that will chronicle my recent accident and recovery as we trek “Life Lessons Learned the Hard Way.”

This accident is a major life event that will change life for me for several months to come. In fact, I would say that it will certainly impact me for the remainder of my life.

It is my hope and prayer that as I share that it will also positively impact your life as well. I have often said, we must accept and live life as it truly is, not as we wished it to be. We don’t always know or understand what will become of the uphill climbs and treacherous downhill slopes that we encounter on life’s trek.

The key is to learn from these events and allow them to effectively become part of our living legacy which will positively impact our lives and the lives of all those who we impact. So for the next couple of Wisdom Nuggets episodes, we will look at…

Hospital Recovery – Life Lessons Learned the Hard Way

It is my hope to get caught up to current on all my podcast episodes and journal this coming weekend so that the release dates correspond to the actual date they are released. If you would like to catch the first three episodes of this series, go to Day 645, Day 647, and Day 650.

I ended Day 650, which was my story of the surgery, with the somber thought that not only could the accident have been fatal if I had landed on my head, but both during surgery, and an episode afterward, my pulse had dropped to zero for a few moments. We really do need to treasure each day of life and make the most impact possible as we live out our living legacy each day.

Sunday night after surgery was not a very good night of sleep as I was still in pain, and my mind wandered to the two episodes where my pulse had dropped. I dozed off and on, but between the monitoring, lab work, and my roommate’s loud snoring, I did not achieve significant rest. Paula once again slept in the reclining chair, and although she did sleep more than I did was not very comfortable either.

After a good breakfast on Monday, the hospital staff seemed very positive about how quickly I was rebounding after surgery and that I was able to be up and working remotely on Monday. We saw several additional staff members throughout the day, each with his or her own area of expertise, as we planned my physical therapy and when I would be able to be discharged.

One concern they had was that my hemoglobin and red blood counts had dropped after surgery, which usually indicates a loss of blood. My left leg was swollen significantly, and we started to ice it in hopes of reducing the swelling. I believe the tightness in my leg was actually causing more pain than the surgery itself. With these factors and since we had not met with physical therapy yet, we all thought it would be best to stay at least one more night.

In the afternoon, occupational therapy came and guided me on walking with a walker up and down the hall. They were very pleased with how quickly I adapted to the walker and that I was able to go quite a distance without getting too worn out. I let them know that we did have stairs at home both going into the house and also 18 steps to the 2^nd floor. They assured me that they would provide stair training for me the following day. I was so glad to be able to now get up and walk with the walker now although with limited distance. At least that freed me to use the bathroom.

A couple of hours after that, another person from physical therapy came in and tested my strength in both legs and reviewed a few exercise routines with me. They were somewhat painful, but she assured me that I had a really strong right leg and even my injured leg already showed encouraging progress. Since we felt that we could handle most exercises, she said she would provide us with an in-home instruction sheet that we could continue with.

The rest of the day was filled with meals, visiting, working remotely, and a nap. I encouraged Paula to go home Monday night so she could get a better night of sleep. Although we were both somewhat emotionally drained, she agreed that it would be best.

Monday night’s sleep was a little better for me although still not great. I was able to get up and go to the bathroom myself, and my roommate’s snoring was not quite as bad.

The night nurse came in the very early morning and said she was instructed to put my back on an IV. She indicated that my hemoglobin and red blood counts had gone down again and there was some concern about possible internal bleeding in my left leg. It was still swollen significantly, and the skin was very tight on it.

Paula arrived early, and although we were not overly concerned, we were hoping that it was improving and that we would be able to go home that day. I felt fine and was not lightheaded or dizzy.

After a good breakfast, the nurse practitioner came in, and we discussed physical therapy, our comfort level of going home, and the possibility of a blood transfusion to raise my hemoglobin. About an hour after that, she returned with the hospital doctor who indicated that in fact my hemoglobin level had dropped with each blood test since surgery. As of that morning, it was down to 7.5 where 13.7 is the low range for normal and where my count had been when admitted to the hospital.

The doctor said that they could give me a blood transfusion if I desired, and it used to be automatic if the hemoglobin fell below 10. He said in more recent studies, they found that if the count did not drop below 7 and the patient was able to produce it on their own, then long-term results were much better. We told him that we were comfortable waiting a couple of more days to see if it would rebound. They scheduled outpatient blood work for Friday to check on my blood counts.With that, the doctor mentioned that as long as I got the occupational therapy training done, then they would release us from the hospital that evening.

Shortly after that an occupational therapist came with a set of crutches and worked with me on walking up and down the hall with crutches. We then went to a set of stairs and worked on walking up and down the stairs. He was very positive on how quickly I was able to adapt and felt that I would be able to handle the stairs at home without any issues.

Next, we met with the family services director who made sure we had the appropriate equipment at home, that we felt comfortable with doing our own physical therapy exercises at home, and that we had all of our questions answered.

After lunch, I worked a little more, and Paula watched TV. We thought that we had several hours to wait. At about 1 pm our nurse came in and said that he was working on our discharge information and it would take a couple of hours to complete it all. He actually finished a little bit earlier than that, but by the time we left the hospital for home, it was about 4 pm.

I believe that covers most of the details of my hospital recovery program. On our next Wisdom-Nugget episode, I will share how our home-based recovery has gone so far and what the long-term prognosis is.

So my life lesson learned the hard way for today is, “That with the proper training and guidance you can overcome just about any obstacles, as long as you follow the guidelines.” Proverbs 1:5 – Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance.

That’s a wrap for today’s Wisdom Unplugged. Join us on the next couple of Tuesdays and Thursdays for more life lessons learned the hard way as I share some recovery stories.

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for FearLess Friday!

Day 651 – Speak Less, Listen More – Proverbs 18

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 07:03:54 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 651 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Speak Less, Listen More – Proverbs 18

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 651 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Every Wednesday along life’s trails we dig for the nuggets of wisdom that are found within the book of Proverbs. Today we will explore Proverbs 18 from The Voice Translation which will give us a fresh perspective on this book of timeless wisdom.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. If you are a regular listener or reader of the Wisdom-Trek Podcast and Journal, you may realize that we are publishing these episodes a couple of days late this week. This is due to an unfortunate and serious accident I had on July 8th. I am chronicling the accident and my subsequent recovery on our Tuesday and Thursday “Wisdom-Nugget” episodes for a couple of weeks. The segments published so far are Day 645, Day-647, and Day-650 if you would like to follow along with my saga of “Life Lessons Learned the Hard Way.”

I think that you will enjoy the story as we all realize that at age 60, there are still some hard lessons about life to be learned. One of the lessons learned is to make sure I follow the surgeon’s advice if I desire complete recovery.

Following advice is the focus of Proverbs 18 as we learn to:

Speak Less, Listen More

This chapter tackles a variety of diverse subjects, but the two repeated themes are listening and speaking. Turns out (surprise, surprise) these two things are related.

As I read through the text look for listening verbs such as “seek,” “hear,” “understand,” “acquire,” and “examine.” Notice anything? (Hint: The more you listen, the wiser you are.) Now, look through the text for speaking nouns such as “lips,” “mouth,” and “tongue.” We discover a compelling portrait of the fool — a person who hates to listen but loves to talk.

However, talking is not all bad! Look at verses 20 through 21. The wise man does not speak in haste; his words are nourishing. There is a beautiful metaphor in there: The fruit of a man’s mouth satisfies. Fruit cannot be produced quickly but is cultivated through time and care. Our words can be of great benefit, but only through the careful cultivation of listening (see verse 13).

As you move through these sayings of wisdom, meditate on how you can nourish relationships in your life by listening and speaking with care.

Listen intently as I read Proverbs 18.

¹Whoever pulls away from others to focus solely on his own desires
disregards any sense of sound judgment.
²A fool never delights in true knowledge
but only wants to express what’s on his mind.
³When wrongdoers arrive, disgrace is right there with them,
for shame is the companion of dishonor.
⁴Words bubble up from waters deep within a person;
a stream gushes from the fountain of wisdom.
⁵It is wrong for a judge to show partiality to the guilty
or to rob the innocent of justice.
⁶When a fool’s lips move, a fight breaks out;
it’s as if his mouth is begging for a beating.
⁷The mouths of fools are their destruction,
and their lips entrap their very souls.
⁸Whispered gossip is like a delicious first course:
it is devoured with pleasure and penetrates deeply.
⁹Those who slack off at work
are no different from vandals.
¹⁰The Eternal is known to be like a sturdy watchtower;
those who do right flee to Him for protection.
¹¹The rich think their wealth is their sturdy fortress;
they imagine it to be an invincible wall of security.
¹²A proud heart precedes destruction,
and before honor is humility.
¹³To respond to a matter before you hear about it
shows foolishness and brings shame.
¹⁴The human spirit can endure a long illness,
but who can survive a crushed spirit?
¹⁵Clever people go after knowledge to obtain it,
and wise people attune their ears to hear it.
¹⁶The right gift at the right time can open up new opportunities
and gains access to influential people.
¹⁷The first ones to tell their side of a story seem right
until cross-examined by their peers.
¹⁸Casting lots can settle conflicts
and decide between powerful opponents.
¹⁹Winning over an offended brother is harder than breaching a strong city’s defenses;
such fights are as tough as the iron gates of a castle.
²⁰Good words satisfy like a fine meal;
yes, good conversations are sure to satisfy.
²¹Words have power in matters of life and death,
and those who love them will savor their fruit.
²²The man who finds a wife finds something good,
and the favor of the Eternal is indeed his.
²³The poor plead for help,
but the rich respond harshly.
²⁴Someone with many so-called friends may end up friendless,
but a true friend is closer than a brother.

That will conclude our exploration of Proverbs 18. The question for today is, “Are you a better listener or talker? Do you listen when sound advice is given to you?” You can only learn when you’re listening, unless it is to ask an additional question. Each week we will explore a full chapter in Proverbs. I hope that you will join us next week for Chapter 19 so that you can gain wisdom, insight, and understanding for yourself.

Tomorrow we will continue “Life Lessons Learned The Hard Way” on our Wisdom Unplugged series about my recent accident and ongoing recovery. So encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along with us tomorrow for another day of Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 650 – The Surgery, Life Lessons Learned The Hard Way – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 07:03:42 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 650 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Surgery, Life Lessons Learned The Hard Way – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 650 of our trek, and it is time for the 3^rd installment of a special series of stories that will chronicle my recent accident and recovery as we trek “Life Lessons Learned the Hard Way.”

I have often said, we must accept and live life as it truly is, not as we wished it to be. We don’t always know or understand what will become of the uphill climbs and treacherous downhill slopes that we encounter on life’s trek.

The Surgery – Life Lessons Learned the Hard Way

First, for my faithful readers and regular listeners to my Wisdom-Trek Podcast and Journal, I want to apologize for the delay in episodes this past week. I will get caught up on all the days and get back on schedule as soon as feasible. If you would like to catch the first episode of this series, go to Day 645.

I ended Day-647, which was my story of the Emergency Room, with surgery being scheduled for the next day after a fitful night of sleep for both Paula and me. With my broken femur bone in my left leg, I could not really move in my bed easily. The nursing staff was in every hour to check vitals, monitor my pain, and then draw blood early in the morning for labs. We also had a roommate move in around 2 am, so between all of that, sleep was minimal. Poor Paula tried to get comfortable in the reclining chair in the room, but that was difficult at best.

The hospital did provide a very good omelet breakfast, and we finished up a pre-surgery sponge bath before the family arrived that morning. Everyone was in good spirits and confident that there should not be any issues arise during the surgery.

At about 11:15 am they came and got me to prep for surgery. There were two nurse technicians that took me to the OR wing and connected me to all of the equipment needed for surgery. The admitting doctor stopped by to make sure there were no questions. The surgeon popped in to check on me, and then they let the family into the room for a few minutes.

We chatted and I said it would be great to get a nice long nap. Everything seemed to be running efficiently, and before too long the anesthesiologist walked in and said it was time to begin.

I kissed Paula and said my goodbyes to the remainder of the family members as they headed to the waiting room. The sleepy medicine was put into my IV, and they wheeled me off to the Operating Room at about 11:45 am. Within about 20 feet of the hallway, I was out like a burnt out light bulb. The next recollection I had was waking up in the same room, and as I looked at the clock, it was only [12:20] and thought to myself, “Wow! That was quick.” My next thought was, “So much for a long nap.”

Within a few minutes of waking up, they wheeled me back to my hospital room where the family was waiting. The first thing I asked them was if the surgery was really that quick. They assured me that at most it was about 20 minutes.

During the surgery Marietta Memorial has a display board displaying the four steps of the surgery process and as each step is reached that symbol lit up on the board. It reminded them of the online order process for Domino’s Pizza where you can track the process and know where your pizza order is throughout the process. (The surgery was just about as fast as ordering a pizza also.)

The first thought that came to my mind was, “Did they take the time to repair my fractured femur properly? I hope they did not rush through it.” I think the family was feeling the same way but did not want to mention it. As we talked about the surgery, they said the surgeon came out to the waiting room afterward and talked with them.

At first, he joked a little about not being able to run for a while. He then became serious and shared that it was indeed a serious fracture and that if I had fallen in any other manner that I could have easily died.

Paula said he repeated that three times, and that is all she remembers from the short talk as her mind started to dwell on that phrase and she realized that she could have been a widow that day. Little did any of the family know at the time that there was an incident during the surgery that also attributed to the surgeon’s statements. As the surgeon was sharing, he did express that although I was 60, I was as physically fit as a 30-year-old and that will go a long way to a quick and complete recovery.

During pre-op everyone seemed concerned about how low my resting heart rate is, which is a condition called Bradycardia where the heart beats so slowly that not enough blood is pumped out of the heart. It is somewhat common in individuals that run and exercise a lot as the heart muscles are strengthened.

After the surgery, many hospital staff members kept emphasizing that I was in extremely good physical condition for anyone of any age and that will certainly help to speed the recovery process. It is during times like these that I am so thankful that I have invested many hundreds of hours over the past decade focusing on becoming and staying physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually healthy.

The remainder of the day was filled with planning, visiting, sharing, and resting. All five of our grown children throughout this process were extremely concerned about how we would handle the recovery period and were making plans on how to assist.

This was of particular concern to them since we live in “The Big House,” which is large and old. Our bedroom, bath, and offices are all upstairs. We had several discussions with them and came to the conclusion that it would be best for me to be upstairs and only navigate the stairs if really needed. This was the least disruption to our daily lives, especially since Paula’s mom lives in half of the downstairs with her private bathroom being the only one downstairs. We are so thankful for our children, their concern, and their willingness to assist in any manner possible.

I was able to get up with help and sit in the chair for a while that afternoon. While in the bed, I was also sitting up for a good amount of time.

After everyone left for the day and I was trying to get comfortable, I had a spell where I started sweating. I then felt as if I would get sick to my stomach or faint as my vision started to close in from the sides. When it did not pass within a few seconds, I immediately lowered the head of my bed and elevated my feet. I told Paula to summons the nurse on duty.

During this process, I felt for my pulse on my wrist and realized that it was extremely weak and difficult to detect. In a matter of about 30 seconds after lowering my head, I started to regain a normal feeling, and my pulse started beating stronger and more regular. The nurses made it to the room shortly after that, and I explained my symptoms. They connected me to the monitor, and by that time my vital signs had indeed returned to normal.

Somewhat as a passing comment, the nurse shared that they had also lost my heartbeat during the surgery and had to give me a shot of Epinephrine to make sure that it stabilized. That was exactly what should have been done in my case. The surgeon when he stopped by the following day also shared that my heart rate had dropped during surgery and that it rebounded quickly.

I believe that covers most of the details from my day in surgery. I will share in the next couple of Wisdom-Nugget episodes my recovery, which continues to be a truly remarkable saga.

So my life lesson learned the hard way for today is, “Life is but a vapor. We need to cherish every moment with those that we love.” As Jesus’s half-brother James wrote in his letter James 4:14, “How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.”

That’s a wrap for today’s Wisdom Unplugged, join us on the next couple Tuesdays and Thursdays for more life lessons learned the hard way as I share some recovery stories.

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 649 – Don’t Avoid Mistakes – Mindshift Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 07:03:46 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 649 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Don’t Avoid Mistakes – Mindshift Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 649 of our trek, and it is time for our Mindshift Monday series. Wisdom-Trek’s primary focus is to assist you in creating your living legacy.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. As mentioned in a couple of previous podcasts, I am podcasting and journaling the details of my July 8^th accident and recovery on the Tuesday and Thursday Wisdom Nuggets. If you would like to follow along with me, the first episode is on Day 645.

Even with an unexpected major life event, we continue to positively look toward the future and what we can learn from them. Our mindset is very important with every aspect of life. If your first inclination is to think negatively, then a Mindshift is required. You cannot get trapped by your current situation and feel there is no way to change it.

Last week I encouraged you to Imagine Life as It Could Be. Imagination is great and needed, but imagination without action is pointless. You need to take action. You might be thinking, if I take action, I will make mistakes. That is very true, you will. So on our trek today I desire you to have a Mindshift that will allow you to realize…

Don’t Avoid Mistakes

In most western cultures we try to avoid mistakes and failures as if they were some sort of deadly plague. This may be based on the Judeo-Christian foundations of our cultures and for many of us reinforced by our Christian upbringing. Somehow we have twisted mistakes and failures to be equated to sin, which is falling short of God’s standards.

While it is true that we all fall short of God’s standards and need salvation, we cannot allow our failures and mistakes to be equated to sin. If we do, we will avoid seeking a Mindshift, which is changing how we think and what we think about. We will be stuck in the same ruts day after day and wondering why our lives do not improve. While we should learn from our mistakes and failure, they are by their very essence the stepping stones needed to create a Mindshift in our lives.

Here are three common misconceptions that leave most people stuck in the ruts of life.

1. Believing that mistakes are always to be avoided.

The reason people try to avoid mistakes is that they feel they are a sign of failure or weakness. Mistakes can be and should be learning experiences. If you haven’t made any mistakes lately, I question whether you are really pursuing the change that you desire in your life. You have not explored all the trails that lie before you on your trek of life. Not all streams have been forged, and summits have been conquered.

We learn from our mistakes. A person cannot grow and learn without making mistakes. Sometimes they will be big, sometimes they will be small, but all the lessons learned will be in proportion to the size of the mistake. Perhaps we would learn more from our mistakes if we were not so busy denying that we make them. Fear of making mistakes has kept many people from having a true life change.

When you make a mistake, you can resolve never to make another one. That is an impossible resolution if you truly desire a Mindshift. You can decide that mistakes are too costly and become fearful of them, but that fear will keep you from fulfilling your true potential. You can constantly think about your mistakes and live a stifled life of regret, but that is the same as self-torture. The choice you need to make is to learn all that you can from your mistakes and continue the Mindshift that will allow you to make the changes that you desire in your life.

The second misconception is…

2. Thinking that success comes naturally to those who are the brilliant and talented.

History has proven that people are successful not because of brilliance but because of persistence and desire. The story goes that there was a young man who was learning how to become a trapeze artist received some excellent advice from his teacher who said. “Throw your heart over the bars, and your body will follow.” No matter what you are pursuing if you throw your heart into it, you are more likely to achieve it.

The degree of success you achieve depends upon the amount of sincere desire you possess. Persistence is needed for you to become an achiever. Success is never instantaneous. It is never by accident, although it may be achieved through the lessons learned from mistakes and failures.

Success is a slow trek on the mountains and valleys of life. It takes growth and development. It’s achieving one level and using that as a stepping-stone to rise higher up the mountain of accomplishment. The true measure is not what status that you have reached in life, but what obstacles you have overcome to reach the desired goal. Obstacles are overcome by persistence.

The third misconception is…

3. Refusing to change when there is a need to change.

A humorous story I heard was about an old gentleman who was approaching his 100^th birthday. A newspaper reporter went to interview him. Approaching the elderly man politely, he said, “Sir you must have seen a great many changes during the past 100 years.” The old man gazed steadily at him for a moment, then replied, “Yes, and I’ve been against all of them.”

While this story is humorous, this man’s attitude is the attitude of far too many other people as well. It is so easy to get stuck in a rut and let the world pass us by while we remain in the miserable comfort of our rut.

I grew up on a farm, and the tractor would make ruts in the lanes. Once deep enough, it was almost easier to allow the tractor wheels to remain in the ruts and just follow them without steering. The problem is that the ruts were much rougher and the more the ruts were used, the deeper they got.

Is it time to force yourself from your ruts of life onto a higher road that will actually take you where you want to go more smoothly and more quickly? People resist change because it takes energy, desire, and persistence to do something different. It is always easier to stay in the same ruts of life, but you cannot reach the higher ground that way. Just like it was difficult at times to force the tractor out of the rut onto the smoother ground, so we need to do the same for our lives. It takes a Mindshift to pull out of the ruts. Be willing to make mistakes and learn from them. We can grow only when we change. As the Apostle, Paul wrote in Romans 5:4, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.”

With these thoughts in mind, we will conclude our trek for today and as we do, don’t be afraid of mistakes because they are the teaching tools that will allow us to have a Mindshift. It all begins in your mind.

Next week we will continue our trek of Mindshift Monday. On tomorrow’s trek, we will continue with my journal of my recent accident and journal. I appreciate you allowing me to share my story so that we can all grow from Life Lessons Learned the Hard Way. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 648 – Imagine Your Life Without Fear – FearLess Friday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 14 Jul 2017 07:03:30 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 648 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Imagine Your Life Without Fear

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 648 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

For the next several weeks, we will focus how to live with less fear. We will explore the trails on our trek of life, which will help us to be fearless. This does not imply that we will reach the point where were are completely without any fear, though, for that is not only impossible, but also not wise. There is a time and a place for an appropriate level of fear, but most fear that we experience on a daily basis has no grounding and can be eliminated as we grow in wisdom, insight, and understanding. So our objective for these next several Fridays is to experience a FearLess Friday on our trek of life. Today is our first trail on our trek covering Imagine Your Life without Fear.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Hazel went back to Columbus Children’s Hospital on Friday, and her blood counts were back up into the range where they can continue her chemo regimen. During this phase, she will receive treatments in Columbus every 10 days. Nat and Elizabeth do not have to administer any medicines at home, and Hazel seems to be feeling pretty good. So we are thankful for that.

As mentioned on Wednesday’s trek, on July 8^th, I suffered a fall from a ladder that fractured my upper femur bone. I am focusing the next few Tuesday and Thursday “Wisdom-Nugget” episodes sharing my story of the accident and recovery. The story begins with Day 645.

A major life event such as this strikes fear into our hearts of how our lives will change or how it could have been even worse. Starting with this Friday’s episode on our Fearless Friday treks, we will explore why we are fearful and how we can live a fearless life or at least a life with less fear. The focus of our trek today is…

Imagine Your Life Without Fear

By nature, I am not a fearful person. I am usually confident and will boldly go where others may not. As I age, I realize that it is not so much the lack of fear, but the willingness to overcome that fear to achieve my goals and better utilize my God-given abilities that drives me. I try to focus on what can be accomplished by moving forward, rather than the scary “what-ifs.”

My recent accident is helping me to realize that while I desire to live a life without fear, I also need to weigh all of the potential outcomes, not only for myself, but also for those that love me. I am certainly not ready to end my living legacy. I am very aware of how much worse my accident could have been. Instead of fracturing my femur, I could have landed on my head or back, or the chain saw could have hit me or those that were helping me, all of which could have ended my life or the lives of others.

There is a twinge of fear when I think of those potential outcomes, mostly because I would no longer be here on earth to positively impact those that I love most. I cannot and will not allow this accident to prevent me from moving forward. As part of living a life without fear, I will be more prudent with the confident choices that I make and consider the outcomes from a much broader perspective.

It is my hope and prayer during these next several Fearless Friday Treks that together we can learn to move boldly forward, regardless of the obstacles that we may face. Together we can certainly learn from those fearful situations and then wisely make the choices needed to live a life with less fear.

My ride in the ambulance and a dangerously low heart rate during surgery are not the only situations that require courage to continue on. You may be down to your last paycheck without seeing a solution, and you feel that your faith could fit into a thimble. For some, each sunrise seems to bring fresh reasons to be fearful.

There are always talks of layoffs. The economy is in constant flux. There are always stories of terrorism around the world or even a local crazy person who is bent on death and destruction over some seemingly minor situation. Maybe they are just fearful also and have chosen to take it out on others.

I rarely watch or listen to the news outlets because they spew out enough hand-wringing information to make us want to find an underground doomsday bunker to live in. I just don’t need or want my mind to be polluted with such fear-mongering.

We fear being sued, finishing last, or going broke. We fear the mole on our back, the new neighbors, and the sound of the clock as it ticks us closer to the grave. We create sophisticated investment plans to secure our financial foundation. We install elaborate security systems to protect us and all the stuff we accumulate. We legislate a stronger military to protect our country while leaving those most vulnerable to defend themselves. Despite all of this security, we depend on more mood-altering drugs than any generation in history.

Fear, it seems, has taken a hundred-year lease on the home next to us, and moved in permanently. This neighbor is oversized and rude and causing us much concern. They refuse to share and start to control our mind and rob us of our happiness.

Do you ever see the two together? Can you be happy and fearful at the same time? Clear thinking and fearful? Confident and fearful? Merciful and fearful? No! Fear is the big bully from your high school hallway – brash, loud, and unproductive. For all the noise fear makes and the room that it takes up, fear does little good.

Fear never wrote a beautiful poem or song. Fear never negotiated a peace treaty. Fear never cured a disease. Fear never pulled a family out of poverty, or a country out of bigotry. Fear never saved a marriage or business. Courage mixed with faith can conquer fear and can resolve all of these problems. It is those individuals that refused to take advice from the bully fear that can accomplish all good things. Fear herds us into the prisons of our lives, slams the door shut and throws away the key.

Wouldn’t it be great to be freed from the prison walls of fear?

Imagine your life wholly untouched by anxiety and fear. What if faith, not fear was your default reaction to threats? If you could hover a fear magnet over your heart and extract every last shaving of dread, insecurity, and doubt, what would remain? As we take this trek together over the next several fearless Fridays, envision a day, just one day, absent of the dread of failure, rejection, and calamity. That is where we are heading over the next few weeks.

For today, grab hold of this promise from Jesus who told us in John 16:33, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Next Friday we will explore fear and ask the question, “Why are we afraid?” I know you will find these insights interesting and profitable in living a rich and satisfying life. Our next trek is Mindshift Monday where we will help you live differently by thinking differently. So encourage your friends and family to join us, and then come along on Monday for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 647 – The Emergency Room, Life Lessons Learned The Hard Way – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 07:03:15 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 647 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Emergency Room, Life Lessons Learned The Hard Way – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 647 of our trek, and it is time for a special series of stories that will chronicle my recent accident and recovery as we trek Life Lessons Learned the Hard Way.

I have often said, we must accept and live life as it truly is, not as we wish it to be. We don’t always know or understand what will become of the uphill climbs and treacherous downhill slopes that we encounter on life’s trek. The key is to learn from these events and allow them to effectively become part of our living legacy, which will positively impact our lives and the lives of all those who we impact. So for the next several Tuesday and Thursday Wisdom Nuggets episodes, we will look at…

The Emergency Room – Life Lessons Learned the Hard Way

First, for my faithful readers and regular listeners to my Wisdom-Trek Podcast and Journal, I want to apologize for the delay in episodes this week. I will get caught up on all the days and get back on schedule as soon as is feasible. If you would like to catch the first episode of this series, go to Day 645.

I ended Day 645 when the Devola Volunteer Rescue Squad was transporting me to Marietta Memorial Hospital with a neck brace and backboard in place. This was after I had gotten kicked off an extension ladder with a chainsaw in hand and landed on the cement walkway below. The EMTs gave me a low dose of morphine to offset the increasing pain in my leg. It seemed like quite a few minutes of prepping me in the ambulance before actually starting to move, but they were very professional, and I felt well taken care of. They also let me know when they were coming up on any rough segments during the drive, realizing that it would accentuate the pain.

We soon arrived at the emergency department of the hospital, where they wheeled me into one of the exam rooms. During major events like this, it is certainly interesting seeing the situation unfold from a first person perspective…From seeing myself being forced backwards from the ladder, falling through the air, hitting the cement walkway below, rolling to a seated position, seeing my leg at an odd angle, laying in the back of the ambulance to seeing the hallway ceilings and bright lights pass by overhead as I was wheeled into the exam room.

The ER doctor and nurses needed to quickly assess my injuries, especially since I had the neck collar and backboard in place. As they connected me to the monitoring devices, they quickly became concerned with my low heart rate. I informed them that I exercised extensively and also ran 5-7 miles most days, and my resting heart rate was usually 48-50 bpm. You would think trauma like this would have increased my heart rate some, but other than the searing pain in my leg whenever it was moved, I felt a sense of calm.

Regardless of this, the doctor nor the monitor were pleased if my heart rate dropped below 45bpm. This especially became a concern at one point when it dropped to the mid-30s. For the most part, though, my heart rate remained around 50.

Since there could possibly have been neck and back injuries, they informed me that they would have to cut off the t-shirt I was wearing. I was wearing an old t-shirt from the days when we had our computer business and told them that it was my favorite t-shirt. After a minor pause, I followed up with, “Although I do have about 30 more at home.”

Sounding somewhat relieved, they said that was good because it was coming off. They mentioned that they would probably have to cut my blue jeans off. I assured them that was the only option, as I knew it would be impossible to remove them from my leg. Fortunately, I had on an old pair that was paint stained and had holes in them. Confident that it was not a back injury, they were able to remove the backboard but left the neck brace in place.

Once they got me stabilized, they let family into the room. I had been resting my eyes during this process since the lights above were quite bright, and what happened next was quite funny, at least to us. As I heard the family shuffle in, I opened my eyes expecting to see Paula’s face, but it was not.

Our daughter Elizabeth and my mom, who was also named Elizabeth but passed away in 1999, look almost identical at the same age, even down to the haircut and glasses. As I opened my eyes, for a brief moment I thought the face that was staring at me with a firm look was my mom’s. It flashed through my mind that my accident was a lot more serious than I thought, or she came back from heaven to let me know that what I did was not the wisest decision ever made.

It then dawned on me that it was our daughter, Elizabeth, who was going to let her dad know the same thing as my mom would have. Since Elizabeth lives in Marietta, Paula had called her on the way to the hospital, and she rushed in to see me. Afterward, we all got a good laugh out of it, and it did help to break some of the tension. Paula set up a text chat with all the kids and updated them throughout the process.

Next came a CT scan of my head, neck, and chest, during which they had to move me from my bed to the machine then back again. Then we went on to the x-ray room for leg and chest x-rays. Again I had to be lifted from my bed to the x-ray table and back. Each move brought an excruciating pain through my leg. Once back in the ER room, they had to get one more x-ray of my left knee to make sure there was no damage there. That was a portable machine so I stayed in bed for that one.

Once the results from the CT scans confirmed that there were no head or neck injuries, they were finally able to remove the neck brace. We are eternally grateful to God that there were no head, neck, or back injuries, all of which would have been much worse. The x-ray did confirm, however, a fracture in my upper femur immediately below the hip ball and socket. The fracture consisted of three pieces.

I was informed that most of the orthopedic surgeries now take place at a smaller branch hospital, and I would need to wait until the orthopedic surgeon staff determined what hospital I would have surgery in. By God’s grace, the surgeon that received my case was Dr. Greg Krevchenia, who is the best orthopedic surgeon in the area, and who we knew previously. In fact, when we had our computer business, we sold his father’s practice some of their first computers back in the late 1980s. Also by God’s grace, the surgery was scheduled for 11:30 am the next day in Marietta Memorial, so I did not have to be transported elsewhere.

Once a room became available I was set for the night. I am so thankful for my brother Jack, his wife Ann, our daughter Elizabeth, and of course, Paula who were with me every moment. Our pastor Peter Bridgewood also visited twice that day, once shortly after my arrival at the emergency room and again later that day. By the time that I was transported to the room it was late evening, so Elizabeth ran out and provided us with dinner.

Paula and I settled in for a fitful night of sleep which as expected included monitoring vitals and another patient being moved into the room around 2 am. We are so thankful for a well-qualified and well-equipped medical facility that was able to take care of our physical crises.

So my life lesson learned the hard way for today is, “Although we do not initially understand why freak or unexpected accidents happen, we can rest in the fact that God is in control of all the little details and is working His purpose in our lives.” The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:19, “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

That’s a wrap for today’s Wisdom Unplugged. Join us each Tuesday and Thursday for more life lessons learned the hard way in subsequent episodes.

Just as you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for FearLess Friday!

Day 646 – Harmony And Restraint – Proverbs 17

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 07:03:10 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 646 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Harmony And Restraint – Proverbs 17

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 646 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Every Wednesday along life’s trails we dig for the nuggets of wisdom that are found within the book of Proverbs. Today we will explore Proverbs 17 from The Voice Translation, which will give us a fresh perspective on this book of timeless wisdom.

I will be chronicling the accident and my subsequent recovery on our Tuesday and Thursday “Wisdom-Nugget” episodes for a few weeks. I published the first segment on Day 645 if you would like to follow along with my saga of “Life Lessons Learned the Hard Way.” I think that you will enjoy the story as we all realize that at age 60 there are still some hard lessons about life to be learned.

Our granddaughter Hazel will return to Columbus Children’s Hospital for more bloodwork. If the counts are high enough, she will begin her next regimen of chemo treatments. If not, they will test her bone marrow again to make sure that it is continuing to produce the good cells needed for full recovery. Life is one of balance. Proverbs 17 describes it as…

Harmony and Restraint

The proverbs are so good! Check out the first verse in this chapter about household harmony, “Better to gnaw on a bit of dry crust in peace than to feast in a house full of stress.” Solomon gets it – whether you’re a father, son, brother, friend, old or young, harmony is always more favorable than strife.

How do we foster harmony? Because harmony comes from exercising restraint these proverbs really emphasize self-control. Look at the chapter’s design…The first 14 proverbs end with a compelling image about self-control – “Picking a fight is like leaking water from a crack in a dam, so walk away from an argument before the outburst.” – while another 14 proverbs end with even more wisdom on self-control over our words. The self-control at the end is about how we use our words. Words can get us into a lot of trouble, and Solomon reminds us that less is often more.

Much of the wisdom in this chapter is directed at the fool, particularly the foolish son. It would seem from Chapter 17 that the household is the natural place where fools learn and grow. Let’s instead make our homes laboratories of wisdom! As I read Chapter 17, think about your home and how you can make it a place that embodies self-control.

Listen intently as I read Proverbs 17.

¹Better to gnaw on a bit of dry crust in peace
than to feast in a house full of stress.
²A wise servant will be put in charge of a child who behaves badly
and will take a share of the inheritance like one of the family.
³Silver is purified in the crucible, gold in the furnace,
but motives of the heart are judged by the Eternal.
⁴Wrongdoers perk up when listening to gossip,
and liars lean in close to hear talk of mischief.
⁵Anyone who makes fun of the poor disparages his Maker,
and those who celebrate another’s misfortune will not escape certain punishment.
⁶Grandchildren are the crowning glory and ultimate delight of old age,
and parents are the pride of their children.
⁷Elegant speech sounds odd when it comes from a fool,
and a lie on the lips of a leader is even more out of place!
⁸A bribe is like an enchanting charm to one who counts on it—
everywhere he looks he sees the illusion of success.
⁹Those who forgive faults foster love,
but those who repeatedly recall them ruin relationships.
¹⁰A single correction makes a more lasting impression on one who is wise
than a hundred lashes do on a fool.
¹¹Evil people are determined to rebel,
and so a merciless messenger will chase them down.
¹²Better to face a mother bear stripped of her cubs
than to encounter a fool caught up in his foolishness.
¹³Those who repay good with evil
bring unrelenting trouble upon their families.
¹⁴Picking a fight is like leaking water from a crack in a dam,
so walk away from an argument before the outburst.
¹⁵Both of these deeply offend the Eternal:
one who acquits the guilty and one who condemns the innocent.
¹⁶Even if fools had the means to obtain wisdom,
they would not be able to benefit from it.
¹⁷A true friend loves regardless of the situation,
and a real brother exists to share the tough times.
¹⁸Only a fool shakes hands on a deal
and guarantees repayment of someone else’s loan.
¹⁹A person who loves sin loves a fight,
and one who builds a grand entrance dares others to tear it down.
²⁰Crooked-hearted people never recognize anything good,
and those who distort the truth court disaster.
²¹Having a fool for a child is misery;
there is no joy in parenting a fool.
²²A joy-filled heart is curative balm,
but a broken spirit hurts all the way to the bone.
²³A wicked person accepts a bribe under the table
to derail the course of justice.
²⁴Those who understand look to wisdom for guidance,
but fools fasten their eyes on some distant horizon.
²⁵Foolish children irritate their fathers
and embitter their mothers.
²⁶Also know this: It is wrong to penalize those who do what is right
or to lash the noble because of their integrity.
²⁷Those with knowledge know when to be quiet,
and those with understanding know how to remain calm.
²⁸Even a fool who keeps quiet is considered wise,
for when he keeps his mouth shut, he appears clever.

That will conclude our exploration of Proverbs 17. The question for today is, “Do maintain harmony and restraint by not using unwise and inappropriate words in your relationships?” If so, you will discover more peace and joy each day of life. Each week we will explore a full chapter in Proverbs. I hope that you will join us next week for Chapter 18 so that you can gain wisdom, insight, and understanding for yourself.

Tomorrow we will continue Life Lessons Leaned The Hard Way on our Wisdom Unplugged series about my recent accident and on-going recovery. So encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along with us tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 645 – The Fall, Life Lessons Learned The Hard Way – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 07:03:36 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 645 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Fall, Life Lessons Learned The Hard Way – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 645 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. Today we are taking a break from our normal wisdom nugget to update you and chronicle a major life event that will change life for me for several months to come. In fact, I would say that it will certainly impact me for the remainder of my life. It is my hope and prayer that as I share that it will also positively impact your life as well. I have often said, we must accept and live life as it truly is, not as we wished it to be. I guess I also must practice what I preach. So for the next several Tuesday and Thursday Wisdom Nuggets episodes, we will look at…

The Fall, Life Lessons Learned the Hard Way

First, for my faithful readers and regular listeners to my Wisdom-Trek Podcast and Journal, I want to apologize for the delay in episodes over the past couple of days. I will get caught up on all the days and get back on schedule as soon as feasible.

2017 is turning out to be a year of life-changing and very challenging moments for the Chamberlain family, as I have mentioned in several podcasts and weekly newsletters previously. On April 15^th our granddaughter Hazel was diagnosed with leukemia. This has been a life-altering event for the entire family, and her path to recovery is a long two-year process, with the potential for many twists and turns along the way. We are already realizing this as her immune system has been too low this past month for the normal treatment regime. I will keep you posted of her progress in the intro comments to our podcast as they become available.

This past weekend yet another life-altering event took place. Here is the beginning of my story that started this past Saturday. I enjoy working outside on the weekends, and this past Saturday was no different. The storms of last week brought down a sizeable limb near our house, and Saturday I was in the process of clearing it and cutting it up for firewood. I had previously asked my brother to also help me cut a limb from a tree in front of our house that was growing over our front porch.

When Jack and his grown son Rob returned from work, they came over to assist. While I strive to be safe when using power tools, I did not fully grasp the dangers that are inherent when you mix a combination of a large chainsaw, an extension ladder, a fairly sizeable tree limb, and a cement sidewalk. As my mind has flashed back dozens of times to the events of Saturday, the foolishness of my task is now so evident.

I felt that two grown men steadily holding the ladder would provide the platform needed to remove the limb safely. It was not large in diameter, only about 4 inches, but it turned out to be longer than I realized.

I climbed the ladder with the chainsaw to a secure footing height of about 10 feet and began to cut it off. We were nearly through the limb when it seized the chainsaw blade, which became wedged in place. Jack pulled the limb to the side while I freed the chainsaw and made the final small cut. None of us realized that when I finished the cut that the tension on the tree limb would kick the chainsaw backward propelling me, and the chainsaw, away from the ladder.

Although it is difficult to remember all the details as it happened pretty fast, I do remember that I kept the chainsaw away from my body as I rotated to my left. As I dropped the chainsaw safely away from myself, Jack, and Rob I had rotated to where the left side of my body was parallel to the ground, but there was also a cement walkway, which extends from the front of our house, right underneath my hip when I made contact with the ground. As I rolled onto the grass on my bottom and propped myself up into a partially seated position with my hands behind me, I realized that my left leg was at an unusual angle twisted inwardly.

While the initial pain was not severe, as I tried to move my leg, I realized that something was not right. I calmly mentioned to Jack and Rob that I thought that something was probably broken and asked Jack to call 911 while Rob helped by steadying my back in the semi-seated position.

Paula’s mom was outside walking at the time, and while fortunately she did not witness the accident, we were able to ask her to go inside and let Paula know. Of course, as Paula came running outside she was filled with emotions of concern, fear, and possibly a bit of anger. As I always try to be positive about all situations of life, I expressed that it could possibly be that I dislocated my hip and not be anything too serious, although also being a realist, I knew in my heart that something was fractured.

The local volunteer fire department EMT’s arrived within a few minutes and assessed the situation. Since I had fallen from such a height, even though I did not have any head, neck, or back symptoms, after checking me over they wisely placed a neck collar on me and placed me on a backboard before transporting me to our local hospital. With every move of my body, it was sinking in that there was the potential for a serious injury.

Since I desire to keep these episodes short, I will continue my story on our next Wisdom Nugget episode which I hope to have published every Tuesday and Thursday once I get caught up with the episodes that were delayed.

I am looking at this challenging time as “Life Lessons Learned the Hard Way” let me know if you have any feedback of how my story has helped you and feel free to share lessons learned the hard way for you.

The lesson from today’s episode is…”Only use a chainsaw when both feet are planted firmly on the ground and only with the proper safety equipment. Your life is valuable; invest in it.”

There are so many lessons we can learn from every event in life. As you will learn in subsequent episodes as this story is now being created, we are so thankful for God’s abundant protection during this time. My injuries could have been much worse. I suffered no back, neck, or head injuries at all. Jack and Rob were both protected during this time. We are also thankful for trained volunteers that took me to a very good medical facility, which is located less than 10 minutes from our home.

As Psalm 18:30 says, “God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.”

That’s a wrap for today’s Wisdom Unplugged. Join us for more lessons learned the hard way in subsequent episodes.

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy. If you would like to listen to any of our past treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 644 – Imagine Life As It Could Be – Mindshift Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 07:03:46 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 644 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Imagine Life As It Could Be – Mindshift Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 644 of our trek, and it is time for our Mindshift Monday series. Wisdom-Trek’s primary focus is to assist you in creating your living legacy. Creating your living legacy can only be accomplished by gaining wisdom in many areas of life. You can only gain wisdom by changing what you allow to go into your mind which is a result of changing the way you think. In other words, to create your living legacy you must choose to be in a continual mode of Mindshift or “changing the way you think.”

It is easy to get stuck in a mindset that your current circumstances cannot be changed. This is not true, but you must understand this fundamental principle…In order to change your life, you must change how you think and what you think about. Our Mindshift Monday podcast and journal will be to provide you practical ways to make a mind-shift to a rich and satisfying life.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. After a warm and rainy week, the weather finally moderated a bit over the weekend, and we were able to get out and do more chainsaw work and mowing. One of the storms on Friday brought down a sizable limb in one of the old majestic oak trees beside our house. Fortunately, it did not hit any of the house. It added to my list of wood that needs cut for firewood, so we will work at this as we have the opportunity.

We are still waiting for Hazel’s blood county and immune system to rebound from the past three weeks of being low. She did have an appointment on Friday, and the oncology team will reassess her situation after her next blood test on Tuesday. If her count is back up, they will continue with the chemo treatments, if not they will investigate as to the cause. The waiting is difficult, but we realize that God is in control of her situation, and physically she seems to be feeling pretty good.

We continue to positively look towards the future. Our mindset is very important with every aspect of life. If your first inclination is to think negatively, then a Mindshift is required. You cannot get trapped by your current situation and feel there is no way to change it. So on our trek today I desire you to have a Mindshift that will allow you to…

Imagine Life As It Could Be

George Bernard Shaw once said, “Some men see things as they are and say ‘Why?’ I dream of things that never were and say ‘Why Not?’” In order to have this type of thinking, most of us will need a Mindshift. In other words, we need to change how we think and what we think about.

In some area of life, all of us are leaders. That may be in your home with children, a business leader, or a leader of a ministry. John Quincy Adams said it this way, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” Nearly everyone inspires others in some manner.

As a leader, one of your distinguishing characteristics is that you have a vision for the future. Vision is the ability to imagine life as it could be, not to be stuck with life as it is today. Part of vision is realizing that you must accept life today as it is, not what you wish it to be. This does not mean that you need to remain where you are today, just acknowledge it so that you can move forward with a vision to change what otherwise would be your destiny.

True leaders see life as it could be. They always see a little farther with a little more complete than those around them. To change your mindshift, you need to change the way you speak. Most people will say, “I have to see it to believe it.” When you have a mindshift, you will say, “I have to believe it before I can see it.”

How you view life largely dictates how your life will turn out. It is the difference between losers and leaders. The loser sees the work that needs to be accomplished and make excuses like saying, “My little effort will make no difference, the task is too great.” The leader looks at the same work that needs to be accomplished and says, “Here is a great opportunity. I’ll do my part to make it succeed.”

Losers see the hard work they must endure to climb the mountain of success. Leaders see the success of climbing the mountain of hard work. Losers see the problem in every situation. Therefore, they focus their thinking on the problems and the possibility of failure. Leaders see the potential in every situation. Therefore, they concentrate their thinking on the potential and the possibility of success.

To change your perspective, you must have a mindshift from the thinking of loser to that of a leader. It is very possible for two people to look at the same situation and view it very differently. While our physical eyesight is important, our mental eyesight may be even more important.

Most of us will go to the eye doctor on a regular basis to have our physical eyes examined and purchase corrective lenses if required. How is your mental eyesight? When was the last time you had your mental eyesight checked?

Here is a quick mental eyesight checkup which may determine if you need corrective lenses for your mind, or in other words, a Mindshift.

When you hear a new idea for the first time, do you look for the potential or the problems with that idea?
Are you afraid to share new thoughts with others for fear that they may react negatively?
How do you think when in a group and a problem arises that requires a decision? Do you participate in finding a solution, or hope that someone else will have an answer?
Do you generally view life as difficult and full of problems, or do you see potential, even when you have difficult days?
How do you react when you are faced with responsibility? Do you accept it and work with others to accomplish the task, or do you try to avoid responsibility at all costs?

How is your mental eyesight? Do you need the corrective lenses of a Mindshift so you can fulfill your God-given responsibilities? How we think controls how our life will turn out. The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:8, “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

With these thoughts in mind, we will conclude our trek for today and as we do, imagine life as it could be, not what it is currently. It all begins in your mind.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 643 – Freedom from Worry – FearLess Friday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 07:03:21 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 643 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Freedom from Worry

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 643 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we will ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

For the next several weeks we will focus how to live with less fear. We will explore the trails on our trek of life that will help us to be fearless. This does not imply that we will reach the point where were are completely without any fear, for that is not only impossible, but also not wise. There is a time and a place for an appropriate level of fear, but most fear that we experience on a daily basis has no grounding and can be eliminated as we grow in wisdom, insight, and understanding. So our objective for these next several Fridays is to experience a FearLess Friday on our trek of life. Today is our third installment about worry.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. The wildlife around our home appears to be flourishing. In addition to the two young hawks, which are very active and vocal, our deer population appears to be growing. I had previously mentioned the two bucks and two doe, and this week we saw another mama doe with two brand new fawns. They are very small, and their coats are spotted with bright white spots. None of the wildlife seems very concerned that we are around and will usually remain within site even when we are outside. It is enjoyable to watch as we go about our normal work duties. Just as the wildlife does not seem to worry about us, we need to take steps in our lives towards…

Freedom from Worry

Not only is worry counterproductive, but it is also a form of disobedience. God has told us not to worry, so to worry is to disregard His guidance. Isn’t it strange that we don’t usually think of worry as sin? But it is! Confess it as sin. Choose with your will to obey God and by faith depend on Him for the ability. Here are some practical tips that may help you in your pursuit of freedom from worry.

· Meditate on God’s Word Daily

Plan a time daily when you can invest some time—even if it’s only fifteen minutes—reading the Bible. Think about what you read and go over the phrases. Put your name in place of the pronouns, applying each verse to specific situations in your life. Memorize passages that will help you. God’s Word is powerful—it will renew and protect your mind. As King David tells us in Psalm 119:11, “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”

· Condition Yourself to Relax

Choose a phrase from Scripture or a hymn that you can repeat to yourself at the first hint of anxiety. Psalms 23:1 – The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. The entire 23^rd Chapter is good. As you repeat the phrase, you will encourage yourself with its message and remind yourself to relax.

· Listen to Soothing Music

Just as David’s music on the harp soothed King Saul’s anxiety and depression, hymns, and spiritual songs are wonderful tranquilizers for us today. Haven’t you had the experience of hearing or singing a hymn that lifted your spirits and eased your mind? You might want to listen to a recording, play an instrument, or sing yourself. Reflect on the words and relax in the melody.

· Talk through Your Problems

When you are worried about an issue or a relationship, don’t fail to communicate. If you need to talk with a friend or your spouse, schedule a time when you can honestly tell them your concerns and listen to what they say. If it’s necessary, talk with your supervisor or employer about some troublesome aspect of your job. Talk with your children and listen to them as well. Worries expand into giant problems in your mind when they are left to your imagination. They need to be exposed, then whittled down to size.

· Limit Your Worry Time

Counselors suggest this technique for people who are prone to anxiety…Set aside fifteen minutes a day for active worry—and no more. This will keep worry from distracting you for the rest of the day. If worrisome things come to mind, jot them down on a card and plan to think about them later. There are three positive results from this.

First, you can accomplish a great deal more during the day when you are free from anxiety.
Second, when your “worry time” comes, you’re better able to deal with the problems because you feel good about your productive day. You can devote your total attention to your concerns and list them in order of seriousness.
Third, by the time you get to the worries, the problems may well have shrunk in importance. They may not seem worth worrying about after all.

· Design a Plan of Action

When something comes to mind that causes you anxiety, ask yourself what type of solution you can implement to minimize your concerns or correct the issue. Implement what you can and realize that there are many things in life that you cannot control. Do what you can, but leave the remainder and the results to God.

· Cultivate the Awareness of God’s Presence in You

So many times our worry stems from that which we do not have, such as money, health, or control of others. Hebrews 13:5 – Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” Jesus gives us the strength for our tasks, the wisdom for decisions, the courage to face difficulties, and the victory over temptation. Keep up a running conversation with Him in your mind. This is what the Apostle Paul meant when he said in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

· Replace Worry with Prayer

Again Paul gave the Philippians this advice in 4:6-7, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Instead of worrying, pray. You have a Father in heaven who is real, who loves you, who will provide for your every need. He wants you to pray, demonstrating your dependence on Him. And He will give you an unexplainable peace that will serve as a guardian over your mind.

· Get Help from Others

Many times when you share with a friend something that is troubling you, you feel better immediately. Often a wise friend will be able to encourage and enlightens you through the Scriptures. Pray together, and by the time you part, God has used another believer to relieve your anxiety and strengthen your faith. Remember, we are members of one body and one family, and we are commanded to bear one another’s burdens.

If you are a worrier, a fretter, or someone who is anxious much of the time, God wants to heal you. He has given you His promises, His protection, and His provision. We all have a choice, and we are responsible for the choices that we make. We can keep worrying, ruin our mental and physical health, and retard our spiritual development. There is an alternative though, and it is summed up in Romans 12:2, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

Next Friday we will take a little bit of a different direction from our discussion about worry as we explore how we can fear less and have more victory on a daily basis. I know you will find these insights interesting and profitable in living a rich and satisfying life.

Our next trek is Mindshift Monday where we will help you live differently by thinking differently. So encourage your friends and family to join us, and then come along on Monday for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 642 – Life and Death – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 07:03:05 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 642 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Life and Death – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 642 of our trek, and it is time for our 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from St. Ambrose, and it is, “To the good man to die is gain. The foolish fear death as the greatest of evils, the wise desire it as a rest after labors and the end of ills.”

Most people do not like to think about or discuss the issue of our mortality, which is death. This is certainly interesting because all of us will at some point die. While none of us desire to go through a painful death, we must be prepared for the eventuality that it will happen, and there is nothing that will prevent it. While I am a very strong advocate for taking care of our physical bodies so that we do not die prematurely from a cause we may have prevented, the fact is that God knows when our work on earth is complete.

We should be prepared financially, mentally, emotionally, and most importantly, spiritually. If we have accepted Jesus Christ as our substitute and advocate before God, then the spiritual aspect is guaranteed. The Apostle Paul put it this way in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” Once our standing before God is secured, then it is our responsibility to prepare the other areas of our lives.

We should not do foolish things that will hasten our death, but we should also not fear it. As we are faithful in fulfilling God’s purpose in our lives, then when death does come, we are prepared and can look forward to the eternal rest that we will have in God’s presence. No one knows if our deaths will be soon or if we have decades of life ahead of us.

We will all die, so our life objective is to create a legacy that will live on through the lives of others for many generations to come. Your daily impact does matter. When we do come to the end of our lives here on earth, let us be able to say as the Apostle Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.”

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Fearless Friday!

Day 641– Being Wise Before God – Proverbs 16

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 07:03:34 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 641 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Being Wise Before God – Proverbs 16

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 641 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Every Wednesday along life’s trails we dig for the nuggets of wisdom that are found within the book of Proverbs. Today we will explore Proverbs 16 from The Voice Translation, which will give us a fresh perspective on this book of timeless wisdom.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. As we celebrate Independence Day in the United States this week, it does give us an opportunity to pause, reflect, and be grateful for the freedoms that we enjoy. If you live elsewhere in the world, I pray that you also have the opportunity to enjoy the freedom to live, work, play, and worship without fear of reprisal. Regardless of our societal freedoms that we have, as Christ followers we do have freedom from the bondage and penalty of our unwise choices and actions. This freedom comes through the perfect advocate, Jesus Christ. As the Apostle Paul wrote in his letter in Galatians 5:1, “So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.” Understanding and accepting this freedom is found in our topic for today in Proverbs 16 which is…

Being Wise Before God

Chapters 10-15 contained proverbs that use contrast as a teaching tool. Here Chapter 16 shifts to a comparison style model. Basically, the “but, but, but” of Chapter 12 is replaced with “and, and, and.” These comparison sayings often state one basic idea and go on to explore it in two ways. It’s like studying an object first with one eye shut and then again with both eyes open. You gain a new appreciation for its depth and substance.

This chapter continues to frequently use God’s personal covenant name, Yahweh. Of the 375 Proverbs of Solomon (10:1-[22:16]) only 55 use the name Yahweh, and nearly half of those are in these two chapters (9 times in Chapter 15, 11 times in Chapter 16). What do you think accounts for this high concentration of God’s name?

This collection of proverbs has three main sections: wisdom for living before Yahweh (verses 1-9), wisdom for how to behave in the presence of a king (verses 10-15), and wisdom for getting along in God’s world (16-33). These proverbs are trying to point us down the path of wisdom in three significant realms of life: God, authority, and our community.

Finally, notice the recurring theme of God’s sovereignty that’s peppered throughout, interspersed in verses 1 and 9 as well as verses 25 and 33. The underlying point is clear, “Hey, don’t forget!” the author reminds us, “People make many plans, but the final say is up to God.”

Listen intently as I read Proverbs 16:

¹People go about making their plans,
but the Eternal has the final word.
²Even when you think you have good intentions,
He knows your real motives.
³Whatever you do, do it as service to Him,
and He will guarantee your success.
⁴The Eternal made everything for a reason.
Even wrongdoers fit in His plans; troubled times await them.
⁵He abhors arrogant people.
Make no mistake about it! They will be punished!
⁶The penalty of sin is removed by love and loyalty;
and by devotion to the Eternal, evil is avoided.
⁷When people make good choices, He is pleased;
He even causes their enemies to live peacefully near them.
⁸Better to have little and stand for what is right
than to become rich by doing what is wrong.
⁹People do their best making plans for their lives,
but the Eternal guides each step.
¹⁰The king makes a decision under divine inspiration,
but he must never render an unfair judgment.
¹¹The Eternal requires that business be conducted honestly;
He wants fairness in all your dealings.
¹²When kings commit evil, it is despicable,
because their thrones should be built on justice.
¹³Kings admire those who tell the truth;
they adore those who set the record straight.
¹⁴A king’s rage signals that people will die,
but whoever is wise will pacify him.
¹⁵If a king is smiling brightly, life will be granted;
his favor is like a cloud swelled with the first spring rain.
¹⁶How much better it is to receive wisdom than the riches of gold
and to gain understanding over some silver prize!
¹⁷The highway of the just bypasses evil;
those who watch where they’re going protect their lives from sin.
¹⁸Pride precedes destruction;
an arrogant spirit gives way to a nasty fall.
¹⁹It is better to be humble and live among the poor,
than to divide up stolen property with the proud.
²⁰Those devoted to instruction will prosper in goodness;
those who trust in the Eternal will experience His favor.
²¹The wise at heart have a reputation for understanding;
pleasant words make the lips more persuasive.
²²Understanding for those who have it is a spring of life,
but it is pointless to try and instruct a fool.
²³From a wise heart flow careful words;
wise words make the lips more persuasive.
²⁴Pleasant words are like a honeycomb:
they drip sweet food for life and bring health to the body.
²⁵Before every person lies a road that seems to be right,
but at the end of that road death and destruction wait.
²⁶People work to stay alive,
pressed daily by their need to eat.
²⁷Good-for-nothings conjure up evil ideas;
their conversations fuel destructive fires.
²⁸Perverse people stir up contention;
gossip makes best friends into enemies.
²⁹Violent people try to recruit their neighbors,
wanting to lead them down the vile path of evil they have chosen.
³⁰Body language can expose a person’s intentions:
whoever winks the eye is planning perversity;
whoever purses his lips is intent on evil.
³¹Gray hair is a crown of honor,
earned by living the right kind of life.
³²It is better to be a patient man than a mighty warrior,
better to be someone who controls his temper than someone who conquers a city.
³³We may try to control the roll of the dice,
but actually, the Eternal decides what they will determine.

That will conclude our exploration of Proverbs 16. The questions for today are: “Are you wise before God? Do you fully understand that The Eternal has the final word and what He decides will be determined?” This does not mean that we sit around on our hands, for we are supposed to be good managers of all that The Eternal has given to us. Once we have done what we can, then the outcome is in God’s hands. Each week we will explore a full chapter in Proverbs. I hope that you will join us next week for Chapter 17 so that you can gain wisdom, insight, and understanding for yourself.

Tomorrow we will hike another short trail of Wisdom Unplugged where we will discover an inspirational wisdom quote. So encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along with us tomorrow for another day of Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 640 – A Fool May Talk, But a Wise Man Speaks – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 04 Jul 2017 07:03:22 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 640 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

A Fool May Talk, But a Wise Man Speaks – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 640 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Ben Jonson who said, “To speak and to speak well are two different things. A fool may talk, but a wise man speaks.”

Based on my observations, it is evident that most of us speak much more than is necessary or advisable. We all want to pontificate and air our opinions on a myriad of life issues, even if we do not have the wisdom or knowledge in that particular area. We are so ready to speak and add our 2 cents worth that we really don’t even listen to what another person is really saying.

I refer to this as verbal diarrhea as it adds little value and becomes unpleasant to others that are part of the conversation. This happens when we engage our tongue before we engage our brains…we are all prone to fall into this trap.

It would do all of us well to truly listen to what is being said and only add to the conversation if it will be beneficial and encouraging to those with whom we are speaking. There is nothing wrong or awkward to allow silence to permeate a conversation so that we can really understand.

A person who has learned to bridle his tongue is a mature, wise, and discerning person. The next time that you are having a conversation with someone or are part of a group conversation, try only adding to the conversation when it will truly benefit those who are there. I believe that you will find that you are speaking much less and learning much more. This is how wisdom is increased in our lives.

The Book of Wisdom, Proverbs, is full of warnings to those who speak too much or inappropriately. Here are a three that apply to today’s thoughts:

Proverbs 10:19 – Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

Proverbs 17:27 – A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.

Proverbs 29:20 – There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 639 – You Can Be Better Than Average – Mindshift Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 07:03:14 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 639 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

You Can Be Better Than Average – Mindshift Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 639 of our trek, and it is time for our Mindshift Monday series. Wisdom-Trek’s primary focus is to assist you in creating your living legacy.

Creating your living legacy can only be accomplished by gaining wisdom in many areas of life. You can only gain wisdom by changing what you allow to go into your mind. In other words, to create your living legacy, you must choose to be in a continual mode of Mindshift, or “changing the way you think.”

It is easy to get stuck in a mindset that your current circumstances cannot be changed. This is not true, but you must understand this fundamental principle, “In order to change your life, you must change how you think and what you think about.” Our Mindshift Monday podcast and journal will provide you practical ways to make a mind-shift to a rich and satisfying life.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. We were able to get some work around the house accomplished this past weekend including transplanting three small vegetable kits that our grandkids Paul, Gideon, and Aurora planted a couple of weeks ago. We dug up a small patch of ground near the back of the house, so we hope that the 18 different vegetable and herb plants survive the transplanting process. This is the same little area where my granny had a mint bed. Paula and I hope to start a mint bed there also in the next couple of years, so it was nice to be able to use that area again.

Our other grandson Kip heads back home today after a two-week stay with us. It was such a blessing to have him here, and we enjoyed many precious moments together. My desire is to be a living legacy to all my children and grandchildren. What I desire is to be much better than the average person to everyone I impact. So on our trek today I desire you to have a Mindshift that will allow you to realize that…

You Can Be Better Than Average

One definition of the word average is, “Average is the best of the worst and the worst of the best.” Is that what you really desire for your life?

I have heard people say, “What’s wrong with being average?” My reply to that is, “If you are not a Christ follower, then there is nothing wrong with being average. If you are a Christ-follower, then you must not be content until you develop to the fullest your God-given potential.” In doing this, you will bring glory to God and be lifted above the average.

I am not saying that you’ll be more intelligent or better looking because you are a Christ follower. What should be reflected in your life is your outlook and attitude towards life, your consecration in service, and your abundant love – that is what will lift you above the average person. Let’s look at three areas where you can rise above average.

1. To rise above being average, you will need more determination.

Great people are just ordinary people with an extraordinary amount of determination. When others would quit and “throw in the towel,” grit your teeth and dig a little deeper. Success is achieved and maintained by those who keep trying, even when they don’t feel like it. There is nothing wrong with admitting that as of today you may not be what you want to be, hope to be, or dream of becoming, but the one key to achieving your dream is determining not to quit.

Ralph Waldo Emmerson said it this way, “A man is a hero not because he is braver than anyone else, but because he is brave for ten minutes longer.” A track star who runs long distances learns to depend on his “second wind.” He runs until he is weary and exhausted but continues on. He does not stop when others would because he knows that if he can endure a little more pain, he will get this “second wind.” Remember that ability is 95% “stick-ability.”

2. To rise above being average, you will need more faith.

The world can seem like a place of sorrow, confusion, and hurt. The person with that extra faith in God, others, and themselves will certainly rise above average. It was this type of faith that caught the attention of Jesus when He healed the lady with an incurable disease. This story is found in Luke 8:40-48. I will read verses 46-48, “But Jesus said, ‘Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.’ When the woman realized that she could not stay hidden, she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched him and that she had been immediately healed. ‘Daughter,’ he said to her, ‘your faith has made you well. Go in peace.'”

When you possess that faith, you will be used of God to light the path of those who stumble, encourage the hearts of those who faint, relieve the load of those whose burdens are heavy, and plant a song in the heart of those who are sad. When you have this mindshift and do these things, you are far above average.

3. To rise above being average, you will need more love.

The world is full of lonely individuals. People are surrounded by people and may have hundreds of online friends, yet still be miserably lonely. They need to be loved. In our society, love can mean many things. We sing about it, read about it, try to find it in many different relationships, but so many do not really know what unconditional love really is.

Love has hands that help others. Love has feet to help the poor and needy. Love has eyes to see the hurts of others in this world. Love has lips to encourage those who are in despair.

Think about love in this story…In a foreign country, a tourist happened to see an American nurse dressing the open wounds of a leprous person. The sight was a shocking one. It was revolting to the eye and stomach. “I wouldn’t do that for a million dollars,” said the tourist to this nurse who was a Christ follower. The nurse smiled and said, “Neither would I.” What a million dollars would not do, the love of God did.

When you are above average with determination, faith, and love, you will have a mindshift that will impact your world.

With these thoughts in mind, we will conclude our trek for today and as we do, remember, you will never be “just average” when you are a Christ follower because you will possess more determination, faith, and love than others.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 638 – Don’t Worry About Tomorrow – FearLess Friday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 07:03:06 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 638 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Don’t Worry About Tomorrow

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 638 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we pondered some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Surprisingly to us, the two hawks which were born this year returned to our property to search for additional food. They have been quite vocal and visible. Although I don’t believe they are staying in the nest they were hatched in, they must be staying fairly close. We have also had a two-year-old buck and a year old buck and doe that are frequent visitors near our home. It is enjoyable to watch the various wildlife that frequent our property. It is a peaceful setting for all of us.

Peace is the opposite of worry. As we break camp and head out on our trail today, we will be focusing on this topic of worry, and our lesson title for today is…

Don’t Worry About Tomorrow

One of the most powerful forces that cause us to worry needlessly is that of money…or should I say, the perceived lack of money. As it has been since the beginning of time, we will never feel that we have enough money. Many of the money problems we see, especially in the western world, are self-inflicted. Most people spend more than they earn because of the easy availability of credit and their unwillingness to be patient and delay obtaining stuff that they can live without. How about you? Are your spending habits the cause of much of your money worries?

If your focus is on making money and providing for your own future, then your eyes are focused on the wrong goal, and you are in spiritual darkness. Your love of money and your devotion to it will steal your heart; it will replace your love for God and devotion to Him. Jesus said the love of money and love of God cannot coexist in the human heart. Having said this, Jesus explained it so well in Matthew [6:19]-34,

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

“Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!”

“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. ‘That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?'”

“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?”

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”

Jesus says about the worrier, “Why do you have such little faith?” We don’t usually think of worry as a lack of faith, but that’s how God sees it.

· Your Heavenly Father Knows What You Need

When you have a child born to you, you didn’t wait for it to tell you it needed milk or clothes or that it needed a diaper change. Of course not! You knew what your baby needed, and it was your joy to provide it. With far greater understanding, our heavenly Father knows what we need, and He is certainly a better parent to His children than we could ever be to ours.

Our Father’s desire is that we simply seek to please Him. That we put Him first. That we obey and serve Him. That we allow Him to develop our character. Material provision will be given to us. That’s the easiest thing in the world for the Owner of the universe to do. God does expect us to be good stewards of what He has given us. Our harvest will always be plenteous if we are diligent with planting that which He has provided.

· Don’t Worry About Tomorrow’s Troubles Today

As Jesus said in Matthew 6:34, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”

When Jesus spoke these profound words, He didn’t mean we would not experience heartache, pain, uncertainty, and suffering of all kinds. He simply meant we should not worry about it and fret with anticipation ahead of time.

In other words, “Never borrow from the future. If you live in dread of what may happen and it doesn’t happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice. Worry is the interest paid to those who borrow trouble.”

You wouldn’t try to reach the top of a flight of stairs by taking one giant leap from the bottom to the top, would you? No, you would climb one step at a time until you reached the top. In the same sense, God wants you to do what you can do today and leave the troubles of tomorrow for tomorrow’s strength.

For one thing, 95 percent of the things we worry about never happen. Furthermore, as Corrie ten Boom wisely said, “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.”

Lamentations [3:22]-24 tells us that God’s faithful love never ends and mercies are new every day,

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.
Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.
I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my inheritance;
therefore, I will hope in him!'”

Do you worry about your inheritance? God wants us to put our hope in Him.

Next Friday we will continue this topic of overcoming worry as we look at how we can fear less and have more victory on a daily basis. I know you will find these insights interesting and profitable in living a rich and satisfying life. Our next trek is Mindshift Monday where we will help you live differently by thinking differently. So encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along on Monday for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 637 – Conquer Fear – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 07:03:45 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 637 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Conquer Fear – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 637 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Bertrand Russell, and it is, “To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom.”

Fear is so prevalent in today’s world, even among those who consider themselves Christ followers. This should not be. Most of what we fear is based on an incident or circumstance that has not even happened yet. Many of these situations will never happen.

When we were young, we feared monsters in our closets or under our beds. As adults, these monsters are now residing in our heads. The problem is most of the time we are the creators of these monsters, and we have convinced ourselves that they are real. One acronym for fear is “False Evidence Appearing Real.” We as humans have the capability of telling ourselves lies and then believing them to be the truth. This is a result of allowing falsehoods to seep into our minds without allowing God’s Word to filter them out through a proper understanding of faith in God.

None of us is immune to this type of thinking. Even Joshua who invested every day for over 40 years with Moses still allowed the monster of fear to seep into his mind after he was commissioned by God to take over the leadership of the nation of Israel.

Joshua who had been in the presence of God Almighty was reminded by God himself not to fear as we read in Joshua 1:6-9,“Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

So my encouragement to you today is to obey all God’s instructions found in His Word. It is then that you will be wise and able to conquer fear for the Lord your God is with you always.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Fearless Friday!

Day 636 – God’s Wisdom, Your Wisdom – Proverbs 15

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 07:03:44 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 636 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

God’s Wisdom, Your Wisdom – Proverbs 15

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 636 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Every Wednesday along life’s trails we dig for the nuggets of wisdom that are found within the book of Proverbs. Today we will explore Proverbs 15 from The Voice Translation, which will give us a fresh perspective on this book of timeless wisdom.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. It is another busy week of work and investing additional time with our grandson Kiprono. He continually absorbs everything that he hears, sees, and experiences. It would do us all well, as adults, to foster this passion for learning in each of us.

Our granddaughter Hazel has been feeling fairly well the past couple of weeks, but her blood counts remain a bit on the low side, so it is a holding period for us and a planning time for the oncology team before they determine her next extensive regimen of treatments. For those of us that like to take action and solve problems, these periods of waiting are extra difficult. We know that God is in control of Hazel’s situation, so we must be patient and wait.

During these days when our wisdom falters, all we can do is call on the Eternal and allow Him to work His will and way, knowing His wisdom prevails. This is the topic for today as we explore Chapter 15 of Proverbs and our focus will be…

God’s Wisdom, Your Wisdom

This chapter is marked by the frequent use of God’s personal covenant name “Yahweh” (translated as “Lord” in most English translations and the Eternal in the Voice translation). It is repeated 9 times in this chapter, which is almost as many as the preceding 5 Chapters altogether!

There’s something significant about that. In Chapters 10-14 we heard a lot about morality and good behavior, but now it’s all being connected to our personal relationship with the God of the Bible. The book of Proverbs isn’t simply about being a decent person, but a person who is being changed by a relationship with Yahweh.

The major themes in this chapter include:

The power of a well-chosen response (verses 1-4)
The critical need for instruction (verses 5-12)
The blessing of a cheerful disposition (verses 13-18)
The secret of a successful path (verses 19-24)
The favor that comes to the humble heart (verses 25-33)

While these are great principles, they are meaningless and empty if a relationship with God is not the motivation behind them.

As I read through these various themes, pay attention to how the author weaves devotion to Yahweh, the Eternal, into these principles of life. What do these proverbs reveal about the Eternal’s character? What strikes you most personally?

Listen intently as I read Proverbs 15:

¹A tender answer turns away rage,
but a prickly reply spikes anger.
²The words of the wise extend knowledge,
but foolish people utter nonsense.
³The Eternal can see all things;
His gaze is fixed on both the evil and the good.
⁴A word of encouragement heals the one who receives it,
but a deceitful word breaks the spirit.
⁵Fools refuse their parents’ guidance,
but sensible children accept correction.
⁶Great treasure may be found where the right-living make their home,
but trouble awaits the wicked at every turn.
⁷When the wise speak, knowledge spreads far and wide,
but fools care nothing about such matters.
⁸When the wicked offer sacrifices, they disgust the Eternal,
but the prayers of those who do right are a pleasure to Him.
⁹The lifestyle of the wicked is repulsive to Him,
while those who do right delight Him.
¹⁰Harsh punishment is waiting for those who reject the path of life,
and those who hate correction will die.
¹¹The grave and destruction are fully exposed before the Eternal;
how much more does He know the thoughts of Adam’s children!
¹²Those who mock others don’t like being corrected,
so they keep their distance from the wise.
¹³A warm, smiling face reveals a joy-filled heart,
but heartache crushes the spirit and darkens the appearance.
¹⁴Those who have understanding hearts hunger after knowledge,
but those with no understanding feast on foolishness.
¹⁵The poor and oppressed suffer hardship day after day,
but those with kind hearts continually feast.
¹⁶It is better to live with less and honor the Eternal
than to have riches and carry the burdens that come with them.
¹⁷Better to eat only vegetables served lovingly
than a fattened ox served hatefully.
¹⁸A hot-headed person stirs up trouble,
but one with patience settles a fight.
¹⁹Lazy people walk a path overgrown with thornbushes,
but those with integrity travel a wide, level road.
²⁰A wise child makes his father happy,
but a foolish man despises his mother.
²¹Foolishness brings sheer joy to those who have no sense,
but people with insight steer a straight course through life.
²²Plans fall apart without proper advice;
but with the right guidance, they come together nicely.
²³There is great joy in having the right answer,
and how sweet is the right word at the right time!
²⁴For the wise the road of life climbs up steep grades
in order to avoid the slide down to the grave.
²⁵The Eternal splinters the house of the haughty,
but He secures the property of widows.

²⁶The thoughts of the wrongdoers repulse the Eternal,
but kind words are pure pleasure for Him.
²⁷Those who take illegal gains injure their families,
but those who refuse a bribe will live in peace.
²⁸The right-living think before they speak,
but wrongdoers simply spew evil.
²⁹The Eternal stays far from the wrongdoers,
but He listens to the prayer of the right-living.
³⁰Bright eyes and a cheerful expression bring joy to the heart,
and good news revives the spirit and renews health.
³¹Those who learn from the lessons of life
will join the others who are wise.
³²Those who disregard discipline sabotage themselves,
but those who are open to correction gain understanding.
³³Reverence for the Eternal is the first lesson of wisdom,
and humility always precedes honor.

That will conclude our exploration of Proverbs 15. The questions for today are, “Will you choose to live by the Eternal’s Wisdom or your wisdom?” The Eternal’s wisdom can become your wisdom if you allow His precepts to become the very fabric of your life. Each week we will explore a full chapter in Proverbs. I hope that you will join us next week for Chapter 16 so that you can gain wisdom, insight, and understanding for yourself.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 635 – Wisdom Before Knowledge – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 07:03:32 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 635 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Wisdom Before Knowledge – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 635 of our trek, and it is time for our 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget…

Today’s quote is from Thomas Fuller who said, “Tis not knowing much, but what is useful, that makes a wise man.”

With a world of information literally at our fingertips, we can gain a wealth of knowledge about any subject matter. The question that comes to my mind is, “What is the value in the accumulation of knowledge, facts, information, and many times misinformation? Does this accumulation allow us to become wise?”

While it is admirable and generally considered positive to gain knowledge, we should not pursue the gaining of knowledge without a purpose and practical application of that knowledge. The practical application of knowledge will result in wisdom. Our pursuit of knowledge should be for the purpose of impacting the lives of others positively.

I think we get the order mixed up. It is easy to think that if you gain knowledge, then you will also gain wisdom. While the two are inherently linked, we first need to seek and obtain wisdom, which will then lead us to gain knowledge which is useful to you and those you impact. The proper order for gaining wisdom and knowledge is found in Proverbs 2:2-8,

²Tune your ears to wisdom,
and concentrate on understanding.
³Cry out for insight,
and ask for understanding.
⁴Search for them as you would for silver;
seek them like hidden treasures.
⁵Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord,
and you will gain knowledge of God.
⁶For the Lord grants wisdom!
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
⁷He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.
He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.
⁸He guards the paths of the just
and protects those who are faithful to him.

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 634 – What Kind of Fruit Is on Your Tree? – Mindshift Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 07:03:15 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 634 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

What Kind of Fruit Is on Your Tree? – Mindshift Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 634 of our trek, and it is time for our Mindshift Monday series.

Wisdom-Trek’s primary focus is to assist you in creating your living legacy. Creating your living legacy can only be accomplished by gaining wisdom in many areas of life. You can only gain wisdom by changing your negative habits into positive habits. Changing habits is a result of changing the way you think.

In other words, to create your living legacy, you must choose to be in a continual mode of Mindshift, or “changing the way you think.” It is easy to get stuck in a mindset that your current circumstances cannot be changed. This is not true, but you must understand this fundamental principle, “In order to change your life, you must change how you think and what you think about.” Our Mindshift Monday podcast and journal will be to provide you practical ways to make a mind-shift to a rich and satisfying life.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. On Saturday, we were blessed to host the birthday party for our great niece Maya who turns 4 this week. Her mom, Rebekah, lives in Columbus and wanted to have her party here so that the local cousins could also attend. With Kip staying with us for these two weeks, we were able to have all six grandchildren with us also. Since Hazel’s immune system is still very fragile due to her leukemia, she was just here for a few minutes, but it was great to have all the kids here to celebrate Maya’s birthday.

Paula and I enjoy having The Big House available for all types of family gatherings, as it has been the family hub now for over 115 years. We are blessed to carry on this legacy, which we desire to pass on to many more generations. Creating a legacy is based on the type of fruit or results that your life produces. The fruit your life produces is based on your mindset. So our trek today will cover…

What Kind of Fruit Is on Your Tree?

As a Christ follower, our lives should produce positive character traits or fruit. In Psalms 1:3 we read, “They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.”

Jesus also spoke figuratively concerning a tree as representing a person’s life when He said in Matthew 12:33, “A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad.” Jesus then said in John 15:8, “When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.”

Since your life can be figuratively illustrated as a tree, I must ask you this question, What kind of fruit is on your tree?

I had the privilege of growing up on an apple orchard where we raised a dozen different kinds of apples along with a few peaches and pears. Each year as the fruit matured in the fall, it was very easy to determine what type of tree it was by the type of fruit that was manifested on its branches. This is also true of your life. The people who you associate with know what type of person you are because of the fruit you bear in your daily living. Those in your immediate family will have a full realization of this.

Here is a truth that is important to consider…Just as a tree can’t produce fruit that is not of its kind, neither can you. In other words, you can produce in your life only fruit that is consistent with your character. No person is capable of living a deceptive life at all times around all persons. You cannot produce consistent fruit that you do not believe or embrace.

Just like it takes proper water, nutrients, nurturing and pruning for an apple tree to produce a good and bountiful crop of apples, your life requires the same to produce good character traits, or fruit. If you desire to produce better fruit in your life, you must have a Mindshift by changing the way you think. You can change the way you think with the proper nutrients going into your mind, nurturing those thoughts, and then pruning out the bad or unproductive thoughts.

In the 15^th Chapter of John, Jesus gives the formula for successful fruit bearing:

1. You must be connected to the correct nutrient source.

In John 15:4-5 Jesus said, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. ‘Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.'”

Many people who are frustrated by the lack of fruit in their lives have never had a right relationship with God. Their fruit is artificial like wax apples and not satisfying. Their independent spirit has shriveled their resources until their production is limited to their small, cramped capacity to produce – much like a crab apple is a poor representation of fruit. What a difference it makes to realize that to be connected to God means His power is Your power! What is His becomes yours. No longer is it a question of “How can you expand your potential?” but rather “How can you allow God’s power to flow through you?”

2. You must be pruned and disciplined to be fruitful.

Jesus said in John 15:2, “He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” Fruit bearing is God’s highest desire for your life. He wants you to bear more fruit. He is the source of unlimited blessings that should flow from your life into the lives of others. He wants you to be disciplined in order to be the channel for greater fruitfulness. He wants you to create and live your legacy each day. For this to become a reality, you must allow Him to change the way you think and remove every hindrance to fruit bearing in your life. You will be fruitful only as you have a Mindshift and become disciplined. Pruning your thinking is the price for abundant fruit.

3. You must realize that God’s purpose for His children is fruitfulness.

Once again Jesus tells us in John 15:8, “When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.” Once you allow God to start changing the way you think and discover His purpose, it is much easier to do His will. The fruit of the Spirit should be your key or template to effective fruit bearing. Keep your relationship right with God, allow Him to change the way you think, and keep your life disciplined, then you can fulfill God’s purpose for your life. Your constant contact with the Vine will provide the nutrients and source for your continual Mindshift.

With these thoughts in mind, we will conclude our trek for today as you tap into the source to produce a bountiful, continual supply of good fruit in your life through staying connected to God and allowing Him to change the way you think.

Next week we will continue our trek of Mindshift Monday. On tomorrow’s trek, we will explore another wisdom quote. This 3-minute wisdom supplement will assist you in becoming healthy, wealthy and wise each day. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 633 – Strangled By Worry – FearLess Friday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 07:03:03 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 633 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Strangled By Worry

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 633 of our trek time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we pondered some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they impact us in creating our living legacy.

For the next several weeks we will focus how to live with less fear. We will explore the trails on our trek of life that will help us to be fearless. This does not imply that we will reach the point where we are completely without any fear, for that is not only impossible but also unwise. There is a time and a place for an appropriate level of fear, but most fear that we experience on a daily basis has no grounding and can be eliminated as we grow in wisdom, insight, and understanding. So our objective for these next several Fridays is to experience a FearLess Friday on our trek of life.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. We have the blessing of having Kip, who is Harold Guthrie Chamberlain, V, one of our grandsons stay with us this week and next. Chelimo, his mom, is in the Army Reserves and has two weeks of summer camp that she must attend, and it helps our oldest son Harry have a couple of weeks to focus on his work and some other household chores. We are so glad for this opportunity to reinforce into Kip Godly values from Granny and Gramps. It also gives him an occasion to invest time with his local cousins.

We are still awaiting word from the oncology team on when Hazel’s next treatment regimen will begin. It is possible that she will be going to Columbus the day this episode is released. We do our best not to worry about her situation, but that is difficult at times. We need to leave the details in God’s hands and the capable oncology team.

As we break camp and head out on our trail today, we will be focusing on this topic of worry and our lesson title for today is…

Strangled By Worry

Are you a worrier? What do you worry about? Do you worry that you won’t be able to pay your bills? Do you worry about your children when they’re out of your sight? Do you feel anxiety about your marriage? Do you worry about your health? Are you anxious about the future because you’re facing a new job, a move to another city, having a new addition to your family? Maybe you just worry because it is a habit.

· What Is Worry?

Worry is to be uneasy in the mind, to feel anxious about something, to fret. Interestingly, it comes from an Old English word that means “to strangle.”

What an appropriate derivation! Worry strangles our peace of mind and our enjoyment of life. There’s a direct connection between fear and worry. Sometimes they may be interchangeable. Worry affects us mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Dr. Charles Mayo said, “Worry affects the circulation, the heart, the glands, the whole nervous system, and profoundly affects the health.”

God instructs us not to worry, and Scripture overwhelms us with reasons for not being anxious. Let’s look at an interesting incident in the Old Testament that gives us a powerful defense against worry.

In 2 Kings 6, the king of Aram (now the nation of Syria) was at war with the northern kingdom, Israel. Every time the king would prepare to attack Israel, they would be prepared to fight him. Here is the story in 2 Kings 6:8-15, “When the king of Aram was at war with Israel, he would confer with his officers and say, ‘We will mobilize our forces at such and such a place.’ But immediately Elisha, the man of God, would warn the king of Israel, ‘Do not go near that place, for the Arameans are planning to mobilize their troops there.’ So the king of Israel would send word to the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he would be on the alert there. The king of Aram became very upset over this. He called his officers together and demanded, ‘Which of you is the traitor? Who has been informing the king of Israel of my plans?’ ‘It’s not us, my lord the king,’ one of the officers replied.’Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel even the words you speak in the privacy of your bedroom!’ ‘Go and find out where he is,’ the king commanded, ‘so I can send troops to seize him.’ And the report came back: ‘Elisha is at Dothan.’ So one night the king of Aram sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city. When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. ‘Oh, sir, what will we do now?’ the young man cried to Elisha.”

The King of Aram thought he finally had Elisha and could easily defeat Israel now.

· An Army of Angels

Imagine waking up and finding your city surrounded by an enemy army! Elisha’s servant was worried sick, terrified. But through this frightening experience, he learned a wonderful truth. As we read on in 2 Kings 6:16-17 here is the narrative, “‘Don’t be afraid!’ Elisha told him.’For there are more on our side than on theirs!’ Then Elisha prayed, ‘O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!’ The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.”

Elisha didn’t have a worry in the world! God had sent an angelic army to protect his servant. After surveying that breathtaking display of power, he knew what the outcome would be. He was able to show mercy to the enemy soldiers because God had rendered them harmless. From this, we learn a key principle:

Introducing God into the equation changes the odds, no matter how frightening the situation looks.

Maybe you’re thinking, “Well, that’s the Old Testament. There were all kinds of miracles then. That doesn’t apply to this day and age.” That’s not true. This incident is an illustration of a New Testament principle described in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, “We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.”

Contrary to the saying, “What you see is what you get,” what we see is not all there is. Intense warfare is constantly being waged in the spirit world. Like Elisha, we have angels protecting us too. This is one reason we should not worry. Hebrews 1:14 tells us, “Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.”

God has also given us the armor and the weapons necessary to defeat our powerful enemies. Ephesians [6:10]-18 is a wonderful passage depicting our spiritual armor as the armor of a Roman soldier. Every piece of that armor is defensive except one. The only offensive weapon we have is “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” God’s Word combined with prayer defeats our unseen enemies.

Do you see why fear and worry are so unnecessary for the believer? God is on our side. He has given us what we need for peace of mind, protecting us from the cancer of worry. He knows everything that’s going on, just as He knew what the Syrian king was plotting in his war room. He can prevent or permit whatever He wants, and sometimes He allows things that will hurt us. Why? Because if we trust Him, He will work them for our good. God is our Father, and we are His responsibility, just as we earthly parents are responsible for our children. Here’s another important principle, “Worry happens when we assume responsibility God never intended us to have.”

You may be thinking, “If I don’t worry, how will I feed and clothe my family? Isn’t worry a good motivator? Doesn’t it help to keep us on track?” The answer to these questions is a resounding NO!

Next Friday we will continue this topic of overcoming worry our series of trails as we look at how we can fear less and have more victory on a daily basis. I know you will find these insights interesting and profitable in living a rich and satisfying life.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 632 – Invest Time Wisely – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 07:03:27 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 632 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Invest Time Wisely – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 632 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from Michael Levy, and it is, “Time is our most precious asset; we should invest it wisely.”

You may have heard the saying “Time is Money,” but do you really believe it? Frequently I have observed that how a person views money, is how they also view time. Do you spend money without thinking about how that will impact your long-term financial well-being? What about time? How do you spend your time?

The principles of planting and harvesting apply to both. If you consider time as a precious resource, you will look for ways to invest your time so that it produces a good return on that investment.

Time truly is our most precious asset because it is the only resource that we have which is finite. You cannot accumulate time for later. You cannot buy time with any amount of money. The only way to expand your time is to invest it wisely by pouring yourself into those that you mentor and impact.

You came into this world with nothing, and you will leave this world with nothing. The only wealth that you will accumulate is the time you invested in the lives of others. Your impact will live on well beyond your natural life. If you invest wisely in others, they will also take that investment and pour into the lives of others, and the cycle will continue on for generations to come.

The next time you think about how to spend your time, change your wording to investing your time. If you make a habit of this, then it will change your thinking about time and how you invest it. It is then that you will realize how valuable your time really is.

The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter in Ephesians 5:15-17, “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.”

Make the most of every opportunity by investing your time into the lives of others in service to God.

That’s a wrap for today’s Wisdom Unplugged. If you would like free access to my database of over 10,000 inspirational quotes, the link is available on the main page of Wisdom-Trek.com. As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Fearless Friday!

Day 631 – Vice or Virtue – Proverbs 14

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 07:03:33 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 631 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Vice or Virtue – Proverbs 14

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 631 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Every Wednesday along life’s trails we dig for the nuggets of wisdom that are found within the book of Proverbs. Today we will explore Proverbs 14 from The Voice Translation, which will give us a fresh perspective on this book of timeless wisdom.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. The investment of our time in Arizona working on our construction projects last week was very productive. It appears that our smaller projects will certainly occupy all of our time between now and when Phase II begins on September 1^st.

On the home front, the hawks which were born this year have left the nest to set off on a life of their own. We probably won’t see the parents around until they begin the nest repair next winter. It is always enjoyable to watch them each year.

Our granddaughter Hazel has been feeling fairly well the past couple of weeks as she continues with her chemo treatments. Her blood counts were down this week, which is disappointing, but the oncology team told Nat and Elizabeth to expect that due to the regimen that she is currently on. Just like when we are on a physical trek we have to take one step at a time, and as with all of life, but particularly in this situation, we have to take it one day at a time.

Life is filled with good and bad situations, and regardless of the external circumstances, each of us must choose to live with integrity or dishonesty. This is the topic for today as we explore Chapter 14 of Proverbs and our focus today will be…

Vice or Virtue

Remember the two women from Chapter 9 – Lady Wisdom and Folly? Well, they’re back again in Chapter 14. In fact, 14:1 is nearly identical to 9:1 – Wisdom builds her house and lives upright, while Folly only destroys and wallows in the mess of her own making. How different can these women get? Who will you choose to follow?

Chapter 14 describes and shows us the great differences between these two ways of life using contrasting character traits:

Carefulness or Carelessness (verse 3, 16)
Discernment or Deception (verse 8)
Integrity or Mockery (verse 9)
Thoughtfulness or Haste (verse 15)
Patience or Quick-tempered (verse 29)

Consider the list of virtues and vices. Notice how one builds up while the other tears down.

Which course will you take in life? Verses 26 and 27 emphasize the “Reverence for the Eternal,” which puts a person on the right trajectory. This is a deep reverence that motivates right behavior even when it’s difficult. To live in Reverence of the Eternal is to have confidence, protection, life, and salvation.

What would it look like today for you to Reverence the Eternal and choose Lady Wisdom?

Listen intently as I read Proverbs 14:

¹A wise woman builds her house,
but a foolish one picks it to splinters with her own hands.
²Whoever travels through life with integrity respects the Eternal,
but whoever turns from it hates Him.
³A fool’s words betray his pride and invite punishment,
but the humble speech of the wise will spare them.
⁴A farm without oxen has a manger without grain;
there’s a good return in the strength of an ox.
⁵An honest witness can always be trusted,
but a false witness breathes out nothing but lies.
⁶Wisdom eludes mockers, though they seek it,
but insight comes quickly to those with understanding.
⁷Walk away from the company of fools,
for you cannot find insight in their words.
⁸It takes wisdom for the clever to understand the path they are on,
but the fool is deceived by his own foolishness.
⁹Fools make a mockery of guilt and repentance,
but those who do what is right receive special standing.^[a]
¹⁰Only the heart can know its own resentment;
likewise, no stranger can experience its joy.
¹¹The house of the wicked will be destroyed,
while the tent of the upright will prosper.
¹²Before every person lies a road that seems to be right,
but the end of that road is death and destruction.
¹³Laughter can mask heartache,
and joy often gives way to grief.
¹⁴A disloyal heart has its fill of disloyal ways,
but a good person will be satisfied from above.
¹⁵The gullible believe anything they are told,
but clever people know to question every step.
¹⁶The wise are cautious and stay far from evil,
but fools are hotheaded and careless.
¹⁷Quick-tempered people make fools of themselves,
and evil schemers make many enemies.
¹⁸The naive are heirs to foolishness,
but the clever are honored with insight.
¹⁹Evil people will be humbled before the good;
the wicked will stoop at the doorstep of the righteous.
²⁰The poor are hated even by their own neighbors,
but the rich are loved by many friends.
²¹Those who have contempt for their neighbors are sinners,
but those who are kind to the poor are happy.
²²Don’t those who work evil stray from the truth?
Those who plan goodness experience unfailing love and faithfulness.
²³Prosperity comes from hard work,
but talking too much leads to great scarcity.
²⁴The wise are honored for their wealth;
the reward of fools is more foolishness.
²⁵A truthful witness protects lives by not allowing evil to triumph,
but a deceitful witness speaks lies and puts the innocent in jeopardy.
²⁶Reverence for the Eternal brings bold confidence,
and one’s offspring will have hope of protection.
²⁷Respect and honor for Him is the basis of a satisfied life,
which guards a person from being trapped in the snares of death.
²⁸A king’s splendor is in his many people,
but a declining population will lead to his ruin.
²⁹Whoever is patient and slow to anger shows great understanding,
but whoever has a quick temper magnifies his foolishness.
³⁰A serene heart can add years to one’s life;
but jealous passion rots the bones.

³¹Whoever oppresses the poor insults his Maker,
but anyone who is gracious to the needy honors Him.
³²The wicked are waylaid by their evil actions,
but the right-living find hope’s sanctuary even in their death.^[b]
³³Wisdom rests in the heart of one with insight
and can even be experienced by fools.
³⁴Living according to God’s instructions makes a nation great,
but sin colors those who commit it with disgrace.
³⁵The king shows kindness to a servant who acts wisely,
but his anger burns toward one who brings shame.

That will conclude our exploration of Proverbs 14. The questions for today are: “Will you choose to live a life of Vice or Virtue? Will you choose Lady Wisdom or Lady Folly?” If you are wise, you will make the correct choice. Each week we will explore a full chapter in Proverbs. I hope that you will join us next week for Chapter 15 so that you can gain wisdom, insight, and understanding for yourself.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 630 – Don’t Be Afraid – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 07:03:04 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 630 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Don’t Be Afraid – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 630 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from George MacDonald who said, “This is a wise, sane Christian faith: that a man commit himself, his life, and his hopes to God; that God undertakes the special protection of that man; that therefore that man ought not to be afraid of anything.”

As a Christ follower, our faith should be built on the foundation that our creator and God is also the creator of the entire universe – all things seen and unseen. This same God knows and understands all that you face each day and all that you go through.

When you are able to grasp this reality and it becomes your faith foundation, then it should minimize everything that you fear. Everything that causes you worry and anxiety. No one is capable of living completely without any fears, for that is impossible and not even advisable.

There is a form of healthy fear that allows you to remain safe in truly unsafe conditions. I have observed, though, there seems to be an unhealthy level of fear, worry, and anxiety in the world, even among those who are Christ followers. As your faith grows stronger and your foundation for life is built on God’s Word, then your fear should dissipate in like proportions. Like the Apostle, Paul wrote in his letter to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

Also, the prophet Isaiah wrote in Isaiah 41:10, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

So my encouragement to you today is, “Fear not, for our hope in is our mighty God.”

As you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, please encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 629 – Don’t Just Do Something – Sit There! – Mindshift Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 07:03:49 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 629 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Don’t Just Do Something – Sit There! – Mindshift Monday

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 629 of our trek, and it is time for our Mindshift Monday series. Wisdom-Trek’s primary focus is to assist you in creating your living legacy.

Creating your living legacy can only be accomplished by gaining wisdom in many areas of life. You can only gain wisdom by changing your negative habits into positive habits. Changing habits is a result of changing the way you think. In other words, to create your living legacy, you must choose to be in a continual mode of Mindshift, or “changing the way you think.”

It is easy to get stuck in a mindset that your current circumstances cannot be changed. This is not true, but you must understand this fundamental principle, “In order to change your life, you must change how you think and what you think about.” Our Mindshift Monday podcast and journal will provide you with practical ways to make a mind-shift to a rich and satisfying life.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. I am recording this podcast and journal in advance as I will have just arrived back from my week in Arizona. I will provide updates on my trip and Hazel’s progress on Wednesday.

Everyone is busy. Schedules to follow, goals to achieve, problems to solve, appointments to keep, projects to finish, places to go, kids to love, and deadlines to meet. I get tired just thinking about it. I would say that it is a time for all of us to have a Mindshift – plan some time for reflection and relaxation and recharge your body, mind, and soul. So our trek today will cover…

Don’t Just Do Something – Sit There!

The problem for me, and probably for many of you, is that I enjoy keeping busy. I love my work, or at least most aspects of it. Even understanding this, at the end of many days I feel like I have been riding a merry-go-round. Plenty of action and movement, yet I didn’t seem to accomplish much. I end up with as much or more to do than when I started. I read a quote that said it well, “Don’t just do something, sit there.”

From the beginning of creation, God instituted a practice that we all would do well to follow, yet many of us (including myself) fail miserably. That is working six days and taking a day off each week for complete rest. This is a Mindshift that is hard to put into practice.

Allow me to share with you some of the reasons it’s necessary at times to stand still instead of rushing around.

1. There’s a constant need to reevaluate your priorities.

I used Romans 12:2 the past couple of weeks, but it is so applicable here also, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

It is very easy to fall into step with the world’s thinking and take on their behaviors and attitudes about life. The pressure of those you associate with sometimes starts you in the wrong direction. It is easy to fall into peer pressure and the paths of least resistance. When your life fails to embrace discipline, and your desires become selfish, it’s time to reevaluate your life.

2. Only by waiting on God can you be spiritually energized.

My life verses are found in Isaiah [40:29]-31:

He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

3. It’s necessary to review the past.

History is a great teacher if you learn from the lessons that others have experienced. Your own experiences are a hard teacher. Only by taking the time to reflect on yesterday and honestly evaluate its successes and failures can you learn and prepare for tomorrow. Your willingness to learn and adjust positively from mistakes and shortcomings will largely determine how far you will travel the road to success.

4. Problems will begin to resolve more easily when exposed to the light of time.

If possible, it’s always best to give tough situations extra time for creative thinking and effective action.

5. Taking time out increases your capacity for gratitude.

A thankful heart is one that has had time to count blessings. The leper who was cleansed by Jesus was too busy rejoicing to remember to thank Him. Only as you stop in meditation will your hearts be filled with praise for your friends, your past blessings, and your God.

6. A day’s worth of hesitation sometimes is sufficient time to allow the situations around us to change.

Many times problems will take care of themselves if given the opportunity. In an option play in football, the quarterback hesitates just long enough to force the opposing tackler to commit himself. Then he’ll know what he should do to make the desired yardage. If you allow some time to reflect, you may be able to determine the best course of action.

7. Standing still is a great tool used to prepare for handling the pressures and battles on your trek of life.

The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Ephesians 6:13-14, “Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.”

The words “standing firm” and “stand your ground” mean to hold still. Part of the preparation for the battles of life is not only to acquire the right tools and skills but also to make proper preparations of the mind. We need to have a Mindshift and reflect before charging recklessly forward.

8. Relaxation and rest are necessary so that you can feel, think, and act properly.

Your spiritual, physical, and emotional condition will greatly determine how you act and react to life’s situations and circumstances. The better condition you are in for these three areas of life, the more capable you will be to evaluate difficult situations and make important decisions. When pressures are pressing, schedules are scheming, and your world is whirling by remember…Don’t just do something, sit there.

With these thoughts in mind, we will conclude our trek for today and consider how you need to make a mindshift and purposefully take the time to relax and recharge so that you can be reenergized to live the rich and satisfying life you were designed for. In order to do so, you must have a mindshift by allowing God to continue to change the way you think.

Next week we will continue our trek of Mind-Shift Monday. On tomorrow’s trek, we will explore another wisdom quote. This 3-minute wisdom supplement will assist you in becoming healthy, wealthy, and wise each day. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. Encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Day 628 – Conquering Your Giants – FearLess Friday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 16 Jun 2017 07:03:08 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 628 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Conquering Your Giants

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 628 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday we pondered some of the basic truths and mysteries of life, and how they impact us in creating our living legacy.

Starting today and for the next several weeks, we will focus on how to live with less fear. We will explore the trails on our trek of life that will help us to be fearless. This does not imply that we will reach the point where were are completely without any fear, for that is not only impossible, but also not wise. There is a time and a place for an appropriate level of fear, but most fear that we experience on a daily basis has no grounding and can be eliminated as we grow in wisdom, insight, and understanding. So our objective for these next several Fridays is to experience a FearLess Friday on our trek of life.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. When this trek is originally released, I will be finishing a week investing time on-site with our construction projects in Arizona. There is much to do, and not all aspects are going smoothly, which has caused our funding to be delayed, so I know that it will be a very busy week.

As with any business venture or job of any kind, there is always concern about how well the organization is functioning, and if it is profitable. Money issues plague most of us and bring an inordinate amount of stress, worry, and fear to our lives. Those fears are usually exaggerated until they become giants that we feel will destroy us.

As we break camp and head out on our trail today, we will be looking for giants to conquer and our lesson title for today is…

Conquering Your Giants

As I have shared over the past two months, one giant that has invaded our family is the microscopic leukemia cells that are attacking our granddaughter Hazel. This is a giant that was totally unexpected and was not caused by anything that we did. In addition to that, for the most part, there is little we can personally do to help Hazel directly. We could become angry, defeated, and be destroyed by fear, but instead, we as a family are fighting this giant with all the resources that are available, and we will conquer it. Our faith in a good and gracious God, along with our faith in the oncology team and their resources and research are already starting to defeat this microscopic giant.

Today, maybe your giant concerns your marriage, a strained relationship with your children, or a broken friendship. Maybe you confront giants at work. Possibly, your giants are financial problems or health struggles. Whatever the giant, you probably feel like you are at the crossroads and enough is enough.

There are two passages in the Bible that we will explore today that refer to giants. The first is when the nation of Israel was about to enter the Promised Land after the exodus from Egypt and sent 12 spies to scout out the land. Joshua and Caleb wanted to enter and conquer. The other 10 disagreed. Numbers 33:30-33 is a snippet of their story, “But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. ‘Let’s go at once to take the land,’ he said. ‘We can certainly conquer it!’ But the other men who had explored the land with him disagreed. ‘We can’t go up against them! They are stronger than we are!’ So they spread this bad report about the land among the Israelites: ‘The land we traveled through and explored will devour anyone who goes to live there. All the people we saw were huge. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. Next to them we felt like grasshoppers, and that’s what they thought, too!'”

The next story snippet is probably even more familiar – about David and Goliath. We will start with 1 Samuel 17:8-11, “Goliath stood and shouted a taunt across to the Israelites. ‘Why are you all coming out to fight?’ he called. ‘I am the Philistine champion, but you are only the servants of Saul. Choose one man to come down here and fight me! If he kills me, then we will be your slaves. But if I kill him, you will be our slaves! I defy the armies of Israel today! Send me a man who will fight me!’ When Saul and the Israelites heard this, they were terrified and deeply shaken.” If you are familiar with these stories, you know that there was a victory in both situations. The first one was delayed by 40 years due to the Israelites lack of faith in God. In the 2^nd story, the victory was immediate because of David’s faith that God would conquer the giant through him.

What were the real giants in both cases? Was it the physically large foes? No, in both situations the Israelites allowed the giant of fear to paralyze them to the point they were rendered completely helpless. It was all in their mind due to a lack of faith that God would give them the victory.

For the remainder of our trek today, let us focus our concentration on the David and Goliath story since that is more familiar to most of us. What are the Goliaths in your life? No matter what form your giants take (and no matter what you do for a living), they look and act much the same. Regardless of your circumstance, you can face life’s adversaries.

If left unchecked, your giants will grow through fear and the ongoing challenges and obstacles will stop you personally, your family, or your business/organization from reaching your full potential. Difficulties can arrive in various forms and attack you in any areas of life. As different as the circumstances can be in how these attacks take shape, as the story of David and Goliath, you too have the tools, just like David’s Five Stones, for confronting the giants and challenges of life.

Let me reach into my backpack and give you five tools that God gives each of us to confront and defeat the giants in our lives:

Draw a Clear Picture of Your Situation: A clear picture is critical in battling your giants. The picture must include detail, and it must be as complete as possible. Art scholars teach students that a great picture shows perspective. And Billy Graham declared, “We can see the picture more clearly if we look at it from the cross.” In other words, from God’s perspective. That’s where you should start.
Sharpen Your Tools: God has given you many gifts — tools that can be used in any battle that you might face. They are uniquely yours and customized to fit your life and your battles. Your tools will work effectively only if they are honed and ready.
Develop a Plan for Defeating Your Giants: David’s objective was to defeat Goliath and rescue Israel from impending destruction. He had formulated a clear picture of victory in his mind.
Train for Victory: Most great athletes have one thing in common — they train nonstop. Your devotional life, prayer time, and moments invested with God are training regimens that not only take you deeper into God’s Word but grow to stand up against your struggles.
Run Boldly to Meet the Giant: David was ready for the battle. He did not hesitate. With abundant courage and amazing nerve, he ran boldly to meet the giant.

No giant, no matter where it resides or how large it seems, deserves control over your life. You were created for more…for a purpose. Through your reliance on and faith in God, you can learn to shout back at your giants and say enough is enough.

I believe we have the tools we need to face our greatest challenges. It is time to stand and fight for your health, your children, your families, your neighborhoods, your business or workplace. The giants of anxiety, addiction, brokenness, burnout, and division have had their day. Remember, we are giant killers.

Next Friday we will continue our series of trails as we look at how we can fear less and have more victory on a daily basis. I know you will find these insights interesting and profitable in living a rich and satisfying life. Our next trek is Mindshift Monday where we will help you live differently by thinking differently. So encourage your friends and family to join us, and then come along on Monday for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you on Monday!

Day 627 – Think Like a Wise Man – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 07:03:43 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 627 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Think Like a Wise Man – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 627 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. This short nugget of wisdom includes an inspirational quote with a little additional content for today’s trek. Consider this your vitamin supplement of wisdom for today. So let’s jump right in with today’s nugget.

Today’s quote is from William Butler Yeats, and it is, “Think like a wise man but communicate in the language of the people.”

It is great to be continually gaining wisdom, which we should pursue as if it were gold and silver. As you gain wisdom, though, make sure that you remain humble and can share that wisdom with others in a manner that they can understand. It does no one any good if you gain wisdom and knowledge but become so wise and intellectual that you cannot relate to those who you minister to.

A truly wise person will be able to synthesize the wisdom they gain so it will flow through them in a manner that is completely understandable to others. Jesus was a master at breaking down spiritual concepts into parables and stories that the common person could easily grasp.

One example of how Jesus taught this is in Luke 18:15-17, “One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, ‘Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.'”

What a master Jesus was at sharing His wisdom in stories that even children can comprehend. May we strive to be like Jesus as we relate to others.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow for Fearless Friday!

Day 626 – Two Paths, One Way – Proverbs 13

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 07:03:48 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 626 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Two Paths, One Way – Proverbs 13

Thank you for joining us for our 5 days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. Today is Day 626 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday. Every Wednesday along life’s trails, we dig for the nuggets of wisdom that are found within the book of Proverbs. Today we will explore Proverbs 13 from The Voice Translation which will give us a fresh perspective on this book of timeless wisdom.

We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. When this episode is originally released, I will be in Arizona working on the construction projects that we are involved in.

We are involved in several activities as they relate to family, work, and ministry. This includes creating the Wisdom-Trek Podcast & Journal five days a week. At times it is difficult to know what to focus on because all seem important. That being said, we strive to have all of our activities aligned with our life purpose and goal of daily creating a living legacy. This is the singularity of our mindset as we explore Chapter 13 of Proverbs and our focus today will be…

Two Paths, One Way

Verse 1 picks back up on the theme introduced in the first 9 chapters — a wise child is attentive to his parents’ instruction. The virtue of being teachable is repeated many times through this chapter (as is mentioned in verses 1, 10, and 18). A wise child has a good attitude towards advice, but a mocker “is deaf to correction” and scoffs at his own destruction.

Notice, according to the Proverbs, that there are only two kinds of people: the righteous, wise person and the wicked fool. According to this chapter, you will know the difference by the words people use, the things they love, the way they act, and even, poetically, by their smell! (“The wicked make themselves a stench…”). It’s a pretty black-and-white view of life, and its purpose is to convince you that there is only one true, right way to live.

To top it off, take special note of verses 12 and 19, which are both about having your “dreams come true.” This fulfillment is described as a tree of life, sweetness to the soul, and an “inheritance for your grandchildren.” This kind of life is only available to the right living.

As I read through this chapter, use verses 1, 10, and 18 as pit stops along the way. Ask yourself how teachable you have been lately. How might you better fall in line with the way of right living?

Listen intently as I read Proverbs 13.

¹A wise child is attentive to his parents’ instruction,
but the mocker is deaf to correction.
²A person eats well when he speaks wisely,
but the treacherous crave violence.
³Those who guard their speech insure they will take another breath,
but those who talk without thinking guarantee their demise.
⁴Slackers crave but have their fill of nothing,
but the hardworking desire and are completely satisfied.
⁵The right-living will not tolerate any lie,
but wrongdoers come to shame and embarrassment.
⁶Doing right keeps the innocent on the path of life,
but doing wrong is the downfall of the wicked.
⁷One pretends he is wealthy but has nothing,
while another seems to be poor but has great wealth.
⁸The rich are targeted and must ransom their lives,
but no one bothers to threaten the poor.
⁹The light of the right-living brings joy as it burns brightly;
the lamp of a wrongdoer will be snuffed out.
¹⁰Arrogance only produces arguments,
but wisdom accompanies those well advised.
¹¹Money earned hastily is easily lost,
but hard-earned money continues to grow.
¹²Hope postponed grieves the heart;
but when a dream comes true, life is full and sweet.
¹³The one who hates good counsel will reap failure and ruin,
but the one who reveres God’s instruction will be rewarded.
¹⁴Wise instruction is a spring yielding a satisfied life;
those who follow it avoid the traps that lead to death.
¹⁵Good sense brings blessing,
but the road of the treacherous is long and rough.
¹⁶A clever person acquires knowledge and then acts on it;
but a fool advertises his folly for all to see.
¹⁷An untrustworthy messenger stirs up trouble,
but a faithful emissary is a curative balm.
¹⁸A person who turns from correction faces poverty and shame,
but one who regards constructive criticism is well respected.
¹⁹A dream fulfilled is the sweetness of life,
but abandoning evil is repulsive to fools.
²⁰One who walks with the wise becomes wise,
but whoever keeps company with fools only hurts himself.
²¹Trouble eagerly pursues the sinner,
but success rewards the right-living.
²²A good person leaves an inheritance for his grandchildren,
but the wealth of the sinner is eventually passed on to the right-living.
²³Though the fields of the poor yield a bumper crop
in a land without justice, it is stolen out from under them.
²⁴Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children,
but those who are quick to correct them show true love.
²⁵Those who do right have plenty to eat,
while those who do wrong go hungry.

That will conclude our exploration of Proverbs 13. There are two paths that you can follow in life, but there is only one way to a life that is rich and satisfying. If you are wise, you will travel the correct path. Each week we will explore a full chapter in Proverbs. I hope that you will join us next week for Chapter 14 so that you can gain wisdom, insight, and understanding for yourself.

The entire book of Proverbs provides us with rich wisdom, insight, and understanding on a myriad of life issues. Regardless of where you are in your faith walk, if the precepts in Proverbs are followed, your life will be rich and satisfying. I encourage you to take them and plant the seeds of wisdom in your heart so that you will reap a harvest of wisdom throughout your life.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek of life together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!

Wisdom-Trek © - Archive 3

Day 896 – The Divine Arrow – Wisdom Wednesday

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 896 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Divine Arrow – Wisdom Wednesday

The Divine Arrow

· Micaiah Prophesies against Ahab

· Yes-Men and Yahweh’s Man

· The Prophecy

Day 895 – Preparation for Success, Wisdom Unplugged

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 895 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Preparation for Success – Wisdom Unplugged

Preparation for Success

Day 894 – Don’t Quit – Meditation Monday

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 894 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Don’t Quit – Meditation Monday

Don’t Quit

Day 893 – Don’t Worry, Be Joyful – Ask Gramps

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 893 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Dont’ Worry, Be Joyful – Ask Gramps

Don’t Worry, Be Joyful

Day 892 – Allergic to Gravity – Humor Unplugged

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 892 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Allergic to Gravity – Wisdom Unplugged

Allergic to Gravity

Day 891 – When Giants Walked the Earth – Wisdom Wednesday

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 891 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

When Giants Walked the Earth – Wisdom Wednesday

When Giants Walked the Earth

· Wait a minute—giant clans?

Day 890 – Persistence + Effort = Success, Wisdom Unplugged

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 890 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Persistence + Effort = Success – Wisdom Unplugged

Persistence + Effort = Success

Day 889 – Foolishness – Meditation Monday

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 889 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Foolishness – Meditation Monday

Foolishness

Day 888 – The State of the World, Communications – Ask Gramps

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 888 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The State of the World, Communications – Ask Gramps

The State of the World, Communications

Day 887 – The Old Has Become Cool – Humor Unplugged

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 887 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Old Has Become Cool – Wisdom Unplugged

The Old Has Become Cool

Day 886 – Righting the Wrong – Wisdom Wednesday

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 886 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Righting the Wrong – Wisdom Wednesday

Righting the Wrong

· The Story

· The Story Behind the Story

· The Story Repurposed

Day 885 – Living Successfully – Wisdom Unplugged

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 885 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Living Successfully – Wisdom Unplugged

Living Successfully

***Preparation for Success –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

***Persistence + Effort = Success –* *Wisdom Unplugged***