Wisdom-Trek © - Archive 4

Day 1196 – What Does a Disciple Do? – Worldview Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 21 Aug 2019 07:03:04 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1196 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

What Does a Disciple Do? – Worldview Wednesday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1196 of our Trek, and it is Worldview Wednesday. Creating a Biblical Worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today’s current events.

To establish a Biblical worldview, you must also have a proper understanding of God and His word. On our Worldview Wednesday episodes we are in a series in which we are covering another detailed review of a book from one of today’s most prominent Hebrew Scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser. We are taking a deep dive and will share Dr. Heiser’s insights into the question, which is also the title of his book “What Does God Want?”

What Does a Disciple Do?

It might surprise you, but Jesus didn’t command his disciples to do that many things. His vision for loving God and others wasn’t complicated. But the things he did command them to do are profound and life-changing when put into practice. We’ll start with the most important point of being a disciple.

Disciples love God, their neighbors, and each other. We already know how Jesus summed up a life dedicated to God. The greatest commands are listed 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 did these things. He told his disciples in John 14:31, “But I will do what the Father requires of me, so that the world will know that I love the Father. Come, let’s be going.”

How did Jesus show he loved God, his Father? He obeyed God. He fulfilled God’s plan for him. He also told them in John 15:9, “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.” Jesus asked his disciples to do the same, as his comments on the two greatest commandments make clear.

Jesus went further by using himself as an example. He told his disciples to love each other as he had loved them. When they did that, they’d be obeying him and pleasing God. He said to them in John 15:13-17, “‘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. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.'”

Love for God and love for each other are, according to Jesus, the fundamental, indispensable marks of his disciples. Jesus did not see these two commands as in any way contradictory. They were not in tension. They were two sides of the same coin. They were inseparable.

But how do we love people? The highest expression is giving one’s life for another. This is what Jesus did for us, as described 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.”

Short of this ultimate expression, I can’t think of a better description than 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. It pretty much says all that needs to be said. Here are the characteristics of love from that passage:

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proudor 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.”

You’ll typically see attributes these on cards at Valentine’s Day or romantic swag. That’s fine—we ought to love our spouse or that person we hope might become our spouse. But 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 isn’t really about romance. This is the way we should treat people in general. Whether they recognize it as love is irrelevant. God will see and know.

Some of those statements need to be read in context of other statements in the list. For example, “love never loses faith” must be balanced with “love rejoices whenever truth wins out.” We cannot isolate “love never loses faith” to conclude love believes false or evil teaching. In like manner, “love is always hopeful” doesn’t refer to hoping for evil against someone. But in general, the list is easy to understand—and a daily challenge to live out.

One more point before moving on. It’s crucial to realize that basically everything that follows in what discipleship means extends from this first command of Jesus in John 13:34-35, “‘So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.'”

Loving each other—loving people—is the central point of orientation for the other things disciples do (pray, fast, give, fellowship, etc.). All these other things which we will explore next week are expressions of this fundamental command.

That will conclude our lesson for this week from Dr. Heiser’s book “What Does God Want?” Next Worldview Wednesday, we will discover how “Disciples Take Care of Each Other.” I believe you will find each Worldview Wednesday an 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 1195 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1195 – Obstacles to Overcome – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 07:03:14 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1195 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Obstacles to Overcome –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1195 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 Booker T. Washington, and it is, “I have learned that 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.”

Obstacles to Overcome

What constitutes a truly successful person? So often we only consider financial success, but that is only one portion of an overall successful life. If a person has gained their wealth through inheritance, but did not really work for it, can that person be considered successful?

A successful person is one who is successful in all areas of life. A person who has not only faced obstacles but has also successfully overcome the obstacles and trials of life with perseverance. The true test of an individual is how far they have trekked from their original starting point and what types of adversities that they have navigated through to reach their level of success.

Success is also subjective to each individual. For one person, success may be an intact family and no debt. For another person, they may choose to achieve a large financial portfolio so that they can assist others. Regardless of your definition of success, it is important to remember, ultimate success is achieved when we can have a positive impact on the lives of others through living a positive legacy each day. So ask yourself, “What type of daily inheritance am I providing to those in my world?”Proverbs [20:21]

An inheritance obtained too early in life is not a blessing in the end.

Proverbs [13:22]

Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly.

Lamentations [3:24]

I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1194 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 Worldview Wednesday!

Day 1194 – Birth Springs from Death – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 07:03:35 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1194 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Birth Springs from Death – Meditation Monday

Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

Does the thought of dying scare you and cause anxiety? In today’s meditation, let us consider…

Birth Springs from Death

We are all only one heartbeat away from our own funeral, which from God’s perspective, is nothing to grieve.

He responds to these grave facts with this great news King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 7:1, “A good reputation is more valuable than costly perfume. And the day you die is better than the day you are born.” Now there is a twist. Heaven enjoys a maternity-ward reaction to funerals. Angels watch expectantly for the last breath of believers the same way grandparents wait expectantly for the first breath of a grandchild. “He’ll be coming through any minute!” They can’t wait to see the new arrival. While we’re driving hearses and wearing black, the angels are in exuberant celebration. We don’t grieve when babies enter the world. The hosts of heaven don’t weep when we leave it.

Oh, but many of us weep at the thought of death. Do you? Do you dread your death? And is your dread of death robbing your joy of life?

Hebrews 2:15 tells us that Jesus’s death sets us free as “only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.”

Your death may surprise you and sadden others, but heaven knows no untimely death as Psalms 1[39:16] records:

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.

The dread of death ends when you know heaven is your true home. I have had the opportunity to travel many times by plane, and I’ve never seen one passenger weep when the plane landed. Never. No one clings to the armrests and begs, “Don’t make me leave. Don’t make me leave. Let me stay and eat more peanuts.”

We’re willing to exit because the plane has no permanent mailing address. Nor does this world. Philippians 3:20 reminds, “But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.”

That is a wrap for today’s meditation. 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 1193 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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!

Day 1193 – Five Steps to Start the Day Early with a Plan for Success – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 07:03:07 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1193 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Five Steps to Start the Day Early with a Plan for Success – Ask Gramps

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1193 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 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 may mix it up a bit on our Friday episodes, but we will strive to keep them down to earth and enjoyable. If you have any questions that you would like to ask Gramps, please email them to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com.

So the question for this week is…

“Hey, Gramps, I often have difficulties getting going and organized in the mornings. Can you provide me with a plan that will help me to establish habits which will allow me to start my day early and to be more productive?”

Five Steps to Start the Day Early with a Plan for Success

Mornings are a great time for getting things done. Of course, this is spoken from the perspective of a natural morning person. Seriously, though, you’re less likely to be interrupted than you are later in the day. Your supply of willpower is fresh after a good night’s sleep. That makes it possible to turn personal priorities, like exercise or strategic thinking, into reality.

But if you’ve got big goals and a chaotic a.m. schedule, how can you make over your mornings to make these goals happen?

Track Your Time
- Part of investing your time better is knowing how you’re investing it now.
- Write down what you’re doing as often as you can.
- Use a simple spreadsheet, a Word/Pages document, or a pad and pen.
- While measuring your mornings, track at least an entire week.
  - The solution to morning dilemmas often lies at other times of the day.
  - Observe how you are investing other times of the day that affect your mornings (i.e., interruptions, evening routines, bedtimes, etc.).
  - Question your assumptions: Is what you do in the morning of highest importance?
  - Discover what are your top priorities.

Picture the Perfect Morning
- After you know how you’re investing your time, ask yourself what a great morning would look like, especially very early mornings, before work starts.
  - Set aside time for personal growth
    - Bible study & prayer
    - Exercise
    - Personal training & projects
  - Set aside time for professional growth
    - Strategize with team members.
    - Use your mornings to keep the vision of what you want to achieve professionally in your career and your company/organization.
    - Take time for online training and webinars.

Think Through the Logistics
- How could the vision above mesh with your life currently?
- Fill the morning hours with the most important activities.
  - In doing so, it will crowd out the less important time wasters.
  - Make sure you are clear on what is most important.
- Map out a morning schedule (preferably the day before).
  - What time would you have to get up, and what time do you need to go to bed to get enough sleep?
  - As for the mornings themselves, what would make your habits easier?
  - It’s easy to believe our own excuses, particularly if they’re good ones.
  - Come up with a plan and assemble what you need ahead of time. Don’t leave it to chance.
  - Don’t label this vision of great productivity as impossible. Find a way to make it work.

Build the Habit – The most important step.
- Turning a desire into habits requires true desire, willpower, and discipline.
- Optimize your routine.
  - Start slowly: Go to bed and wake up fifteen minutes earlier for a few days until this new schedule seems doable.
  - Monitor your energy: Building a new habit takes effort, so take care of yourself while you’re trying. Eat right, eat enough, get proper rest, take time for relaxation, and surround yourself with supportive people who want to see you succeed.
  - Choose one new habit at a time to introduce: If you want to run, pray, and write in a journal, choose one of these and make it a habit before adding another.
  - Chart your progress: Habits take weeks to establish, so keep track of how you’re doing for at least thirty days. Once skipping a session or activity feels like you forgot something—like forgetting to brush your teeth—you can take your habit up a notch or add a new routine.
  - Feel free to use bribery:
    - Eventually, habits produce their own motivation, but until then, external motivations like promising yourself “playtime,” movie/concert tickets, or other fun activities can keep you moving forward.
    - Keep in mind that your morning habits shouldn’t be punishing.
    - Choose things you enjoy. Your early morning habits have the potential to become your favorite part of the day.

Tune-up as Necessary – Life changes, so we need to allow for flexibility.
- Sometimes we have to regroup, but the goal is to replace habits that no longer work with new ones that make you feel like every day is full of possibility.
- The amazing thing about mornings is that they always feel like a new chance to do things right. Each morning is a chance for a do-over or to continue successes.
- A victory in the morning creates a cascade of success. Seek to use mornings to their fullest potential.

Psalm 119:147 – I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.

I hope these tips will help you to start each day with a plan for success. That is a wrap for today’s question. Join us again next Friday for another question on our “Ask Gramps” episode. 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 Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1192 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 on Monday!

Day 1192 – What Time Is It? – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 07:03:18 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1192 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

What Time Is It? – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1192 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…

What Time Is It?

Sam, who was ninety years old, was sitting in his rocking chair beside his neighbor and best friend Joe as they were sipping on some cold sweet tea on a hot afternoon. They were listening to their favorite baseball team as they played a doubleheader game. When the game came to a commercial break, Sam leaned over in his chair and tells Joe, “I just bought a new hearing aid. It cost me four thousand dollars, but it’s the state of the art…it’s perfect, I can hear much better.”

“Really?” answered Joe, “What kind is it?”

Sam then looks at his watch and says to Joe, “Well, I’ll tell you. It’s two thirty-three.”

I hope that brought a smile to your face today. If it did, please pass that smile on to someone else who may need a smile. Our Thursday thought is “Don’t believe everything that you hear.”

Matthew [13:12]

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.

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 Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1191 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1191 – Why Should We Live Like Jesus? – Worldview Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 07:03:29 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1191 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Why Should We Live Like Jesus? – Worldview Wednesday

Wisdom – the final frontier to true knowledge. Welcome to Wisdom-Trek! Where our mission is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase Wisdom and Create a Living Legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1191 of our Trek, and it is Worldview 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 and His Word. On our Worldview Wednesday episodes we are in a series in which we are covering another detailed review of a book from one of today’s most prominent Hebrew Scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser. We are taking a deep dive and will share Dr. Heiser’s insights into the question, which is also the title of his book: ‘What Does God Want?’

Why Should We Live Like Jesus?

Last week we discovered there are a lot of reasons to live like Jesus, but earning God’s love isn’t one of them. What are those reasons?

First, sin is self-destructive and harms not only us, but those around us. In my own extended family, I’ve seen the effects of alcoholism, drug addiction, and infidelity. It’s obvious that these things destroy lives. It should be equally obvious that the things the world—the unbelieving culture—offers for pleasure and self-gratification are temporary and have no enduring value. The culture tells us to “live life” to gratify our own “happiness” regardless of the misery our decisions create. It offers no eternal perspective. It beckons us to live only for now. There is no higher calling. The Bible exposes this mindset for what it is in 1 John 2:15-17: Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.

Second, and in many respects the opposite of the first, living a godly life blesses others. The truth is that the way we live and think either blesses other people or curses them. Jesus served people and was a blessing to them. Pursuing a lifestyle driven by self-gratification and self-absorption isn’t fulfilling. Every supermarket tabloid offers examples of that reality. Blessing people not only reflects Jesus, but leads to personal fulfillment. Your life matters when it’s lived in service to others.Third, a godly life allows us to be a consistent witness for the gospel. If people look at our lives and don’t see any distinction from the unbelieving world, and don’t see a life lived in service of others, they won’t find the gospel believable (or at best they’ll be confused). They will see our lives as a contradiction of the message of Jesus. In other words, people will expect us to live like Jesus, the person we say loves them. That’s not unreasonable. The alternative is hypocrisy, and no one appreciates hypocrisy.

Living a godly life isn’t about earning a place in heaven. It’s not about putting God in our debt because of the “spirituality points ” we’ve racked up. Passages like these have an altogether different focus. First let’s look at Romans 12:1-2

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.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.

Also 2 Timothy [2:19]-21 tells us

But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.”In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.And finally in Philippians 2:1-8

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

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.

These passages give us some idea of how we should live, but we still haven’t gotten to the specifics of discipleship. How does a disciple live? What does a disciple do? Fortunately, Jesus and his original disciples, the first Christians, made that clear. Jesus never told his followers to do something he didn’t do himself—and showed them how to do it. They, in turn, followed his example and taught others to do the same in the early days of the fledgling church.

That will conclude our lesson for this week from Dr. Heiser’s book “What does God want?” Next Worldview Wednesday, we will discover “What Does A Disciple Do?” I believe you will find each Worldview Wednesday an 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 ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’If you would like to listen to any of our past 1190 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1190 – Learning to Overcome Failure – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 13 Aug 2019 07:03:30 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1190 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Learning to Overcome Failure –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1190 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 fromReggie Jackson,and it is, “I feel that the most important requirement in success is learning to overcome failure. You must learn to tolerate it, but never accept it.”

Learning To Overcome Failure

Failure is never final, unless you choose for it to be. Success will only come through failure, but only if you learn from your failure and are willing to try again. Trying again does not mean doing the same thing with extra effort to see if it will work another time. It means adjusting your trail, or maybe even taking a different trail completely on your trek of life. It means applying the lessons learned from your failures, in order to pivot your approach until you are able to achieve the success desired.

Yes, we do have to learn how to tolerate our failures, which may be difficult, but it also means that we do not accept the failure as inevitable. Our trek through life will be filled with obstacles, disappointments, and yes, even tragedies at times. We may need to occasionally pause, reflect, reenergize, and then get back on the trail and continue on towards our summit.

It is only when we go through these trials can we fully appreciate the success when we achieve it. It is the refining fires of life which allow us to come out pure as gold. In fact, we are not only to endure these trials, but we should also consider them an opportunity for great joy and then move on and grow through the experience.

James, the half brother of Jesus, describes our trials 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 1189 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 Worldview Wednesday!

Day 1189 – Waiting Prayerfully – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 07:03:38 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1189 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Waiting Prayerfully– Meditation Monday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1189 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 you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

Do you have a problem with waiting patiently? I know that I do at times. It may stem from the fact that we have never learned to wait prayerfully. In today’s meditation, let us consider…

Waiting Prayerfully

The Biblical writer Luke teaches us about the earliest believers waiting prayerfully in Acts 1:14, “They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary, the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.”

Mark uses the same Greek word here translated “constantly” to describe a boat floating in the water, constantly waiting on Jesus in Mark 3:9., “Jesus instructed his disciples to have a boat ready so the crowd would not crush him.” The boat was “constantly” in the presence of Christ for His use. So are the Upper Room disciples. One day passes. Then two. Then a week. For all, they know a hundred more will come and go. But they aren’t leaving. They constantly persist in the presence of Christ. The followers were willing to do one thing: wait in the right place for power.

We are many times so reluctant to do what the early disciples did. Who has time to wait? Waiting requires trusting in God. We don’t really like trusting in anyone other than ourselves. We groan at such a thought. But waiting doesn’t mean inactivity—rather it is being in a constant vigil waiting to do kingdom work. While waiting, we pray and trust. Waiting means watching for him. If you are waiting on a bus, you are watching for the bus. If you are waiting on God, you are watching for God, searching for God, hoping in God, trusting in God. Great promises come to those who do. We are reminded of this in one of my favorite verses Isaiah [40:31],

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.

To those who still struggle, God says, “Wait on me.” And wait in the right place. Jesus doesn’t tell us to stay in Jerusalem, but he does tell us to stay honest, stay faithful, stay true, and trust in Him.

Do you desire power for your life?

It will come as you pray. For ten days, the disciples prayed. Ten days of prayer plus a few minutes of preaching led to three thousand saved souls. Maybe it is that perhaps we invert the numbers. We are prone to pray for a few minutes and preach for ten days. Not the apostles. Like the boat waiting for Christ, they lingered in his presence. They never left the place of prayer.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1188 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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!

Day 1188 – Passing on a Positive Legacy – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 09 Aug 2019 07:03:01 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1188 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Passing on a Positive Legacy – Ask Gramps

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1188 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.

So the question for this week is…

“Hey, Gramps, you often speak about leaving a living legacy each day. What are some practical steps I can incorporate into my life that will help me to live and leave a legacy throughout my life?”

Passing on a Positive Legacy

Let me start out with a quote from John Wooden, “There is a choice you make in everything you do. So keep in mind that in the end, the choice you make, makes you.”

A legacy is something over which we have control, unlike the shadow that follows us down the sidewalk on a sunny day. Rather, we can choose the way in which our influence impacts others each day and long into the future once we’re gone. Here are a few suggestions for how you can purposefully pass-on a positive legacy daily.

Integrate a daily focus with a long-term perspective.

People who have an enduring influence keep one eye on the compass and the other eye on the clock. That is, they look ahead without losing sight of what needs to happen each day. They give their best to activities and appointments, or the daily living of life, while not forgetting their orienting vision and values.

Establish a direction that is clearly observable.

When your time on this earth draws to a close, people will describe your life in a single sentence. What would that sentence be right now? Be intentional about the sort of influence and impact you have on the world around you each day. I strive to live each day with my legacy statement at the forefront of my mind: “I positively impact the lives of everyone I interact with so that their lives will impact others for the building of God’s kingdom.” Being aware of how I want to be thought of today and remembered gives me perspective on what’s truly important.

Develop a network of meaningful relationships.

Legacy is influence, and relationships are the foundation of creating a legacy. Throughout life, I try to be intentional with those I have the opportunity to impact most. Those closest to me determine the level of my success in creating a living legacy. Perhaps nothing is more predictive of your legacy than the quality of people surrounding you.

Commit to a positive learning attitude that guarantees growth.

Personal growth is linked to a teachable disposition. Again to quote John Wooden, “It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.” I credit my growth as a person to a set of learning attitudes that I developed early in life.

a) Every day, I will learn as much as I can.
b) Every person I interact with and situation that I am in will be my teacher.
c) Every experience will be a lab for learning.
d) Every time I have the opportunity, I will ask questions.
e) Every day I will apply what I’ve learned.

Continually experience inner renewal.

Since the cares of life easily crowd out space for reflection, it’s essential to schedule time to think. By itself, experience doesn’t teach us anything; it has to be evaluated and the lessons applied. Learning to pause allows growth to catch up with you. A quote that I like is, “You cannot travel without until you’ve traveled within.” In other words, you won’t have a transformative impact on your world until you’ve been transformed yourself.

For some final thoughts, each of us, on a daily basis, receives many blessings from God that we did nothing to earn. Being a legacy-minded person is an intentional way to pass on the legacy that we have been given.

1 Corinthians 15:3

I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said.

I hope these tips will help you to be more effective. That is a wrap for today’s question. Join us again next Friday for another question on our “Ask Gramps” episode. 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 1187 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 on Monday!

Day 1187 – The Pearly Gates – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 07:03:40 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1187 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Pearly Gates – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1187 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.

The Pearly Gates

Peter is very busy in Heaven, so he leaves a sign by the pearly gates for newcomers: “For Service Ring Bell.”

Away he goes about his heavenly task, but he barely gets started when BING! The bell rings. Peter rushes back to the gates, but no one’s there. Peter goes back to work when suddenly BING! The bell rings again. He rushes back to the gates, but no one’s there. A little annoyed, Peter goes back to work. Suddenly, BING! The bell rings again. Peter goes back to the gate; again, no one’s there.

“Okay, that’s it,” Peter says. “I’m going to hide and watch to see what’s going on.” So Peter hides, and a moment later, Sam, a little old man, walks up and rings the bell.

Peter jumps out and yells, “Aha! Are you the guy who keeps ringing the bell?”

“Yes, that’s me,” Sam says.

“Well, why do you keep ringing the bell and going away?” Peter asks. “This is really becoming annoying.”

“I can’t help it,” Sam replies. “They keep resuscitating me!”

Well, I hope that brought a smile to your face today. If it did, pass that smile on to someone who really needs it. Our Thursday Thought is “Death never takes a wise man by surprise; he is always ready to go.”

1 Kings [17:23]

Then Elijah brought him down from the upper room and gave him to his mother. “Look!” he said. “Your son is alive!”

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 1186 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1186 – What Is Discipleship? – Worldview Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 07:03:08 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1186 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

What Is Discipleship? – Worldview Wednesday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1186 of our trek, and it is Worldview Wednesday. Creating a Biblical Worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today’s current events.

What Is Discipleship?

The gospel is intended to be transformative. Anyone who has embraced the gospel has been transformed according to 2 Corinthians 5:17, “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” What does that actually look like? You may recall the answer to this question. Earlier I said that a disciple was a follower—specifically a follower of Jesus. I defined “following” as imitating or imaging Jesus. Being “he choose them to become like his Son” is our ultimate destiny (Roman [8:29]; 2 Corinthians [3:18]; Colossians [3:10]).

Our motive for imitating Jesus is not to make God love us so he’ll let us into heaven. God already loved each of us “while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8) and were God’s “while we were still his enemies” (Romans [5:10]).

We get to heaven—we become part of God s family—when we believe the gospel. On our own, we are lost, in need of a Savior (Luke [19:10]), alienated from God (Ephesians [4:18]). When that was our situation, God loved us. He didn’t wait until we cleaned up our act to love us.

Our motive for imitating Jesus is also not to keep God loving us so we’ll be saved in the end. That which cannot be achieved by performance cannot be lost by performance. Salvation has nothing to do with our own worth or merit. It has everything to do with what someone—Jesus—did for us as we are told 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.” We can take no credit for salvation. Jesus gets all the credit.

That is why it is important that we are thinking clearly about discipleship. We need to think carefully about how all that applies to discipleship. Because of the performance trap I talked about earlier, we need to have a clear grasp of the fact that salvation and discipleship are not the same thing. Many believers unconsciously begin to add their own works or performance to the gospel because of guilt for their sin. The result is spiritual bondage, not the rich and satisfying life Jesus wants us to have (John [10:10]; 2 Corinthians 1:5; Ephesians [3:20]).

Salvation is a gift given to us by God when we believe the gospel. It is undeserved. Nevertheless, God offers it to us despite our sin and hostility toward him. Discipleship is something we do as a result of believing the gospel. We imitate Jesus to show our love for him and for God. Jesus was the ultimate imager of God, so we want to live the same way as Jesus did.

There are a lot of reasons to live like Jesus—to live a holy life. Earning God’s love isn’t one of them. Salvation doesn’t cost us anything; it’s free for all who believe the gospel. Discipleship, however, does cost us something. Following Jesus is often not easy. Being a disciple requires making choices—to love and honor God, to treat people for what they are—fellow imagers of God that he loves and wants to bring into his family through the gospel.

Think about Jesus’s own life. It wasn’t easy. As the Bible says in 1 Peter 2:21,“For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.” Jesus lived a life of sacrifice. He put God first, followed by his “neighbor” (everyone else) as in Matthew 22:26-40, “‘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 lived this way not so God would love him or be happy with him. God loved Jesus already, long before he ever came and “did works” (performed) to fulfill the covenant. He loved Jesus based on His own words in John 17:24,“Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!”

Following Jesus can be hard. Since no believer is like Jesus when they first believe—and since it’s just hard to live like Jesus consistently—every disciple needs to have a change of heart (what the Bible calls “repentance”) about his behavior. I know I did. There were things I had to stop doing, and things I had to start doing. But none of that was to make God love me. He already loved me.

Jesus did what he did because he loved God. So must we. Jesus lived a certain way to help others believe in him and God’s plan. So must we. Jesus knew why he was on earth—how he would die a horrible death on our behalf. But he also trusted God’s plan and power. He would rise from the dead and be with his Father once more.

We must have the same eternal perspective. This world isn’t our real home. It’s temporary. The next one is permanent. Because of what Jesus did, we will inherit everlasting life in that world, leaving this one behind. The goal of our lives should be to show our loyalty and gratitude to the one who saved us and help others enter God’s family.

What if we fail? What if we sin? We will do both. God knows that. He knows humans pretty well! He knows who we are. But he already loved us before we had the slightest interest in doing anything to love him back. He loved us when we were his enemies—“while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8).

God loved us before we were in his family. Why would he love us less, or stop loving us, now that we are in his family? When we sin and fail, He forgives us. He wants us to believe that and get back to imitating Jesus.

That will conclude our lesson for this week from Dr. Heiser’s book “What Does God Want?” Next Worldview Wednesday, we will answering the question “Why Live Like Jesus?” I believe you will find each Worldview Wednesday an 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 1185 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1185 – The Art of Creation – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 06 Aug 2019 07:03:00 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1185 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***The Art of Creation –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living Legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1185 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 Nikola Tesla, and it is, “I do not think there is any thrill that can go through the human heart like that felt by the inventor as he sees some creation of the brain unfolding to success.”

The Art of Creation

I believe that everyone has an inherent ability to create. We are imagers of God, who created all things, and thus, those attributes are also embedded within us. We need to seek what pumps our creative juices and pursue a career or hobby that allows us to utilize our God-given abilities and talents to create.

Nikola Tesla was one of the greatest inventors of all time, and he understood the thrill that comes from inventing and seeing the works of your hands and mind result in a successful product or service. Pursue your passions and desires for the creativity that flows through you. No one is born without the ability to create something, it may take some digging, and you may not be able to make a living from it, but it is there. Seek for the wisdom, insight, and understanding that will help you to open the eyes of your heart and allow you to pursue your creative abilities.

God has given us the abilities that we have, use them for His glory as he did for the building of the tabernacle in Exodus 31:1-5, “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel, son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, an expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft!'”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1184 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 for Worldview Wednesday!

Day 1184 – In God’s Presence – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 05 Aug 2019 07:03:56 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1184 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

In God’s Presence – Meditation Monday

Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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 making 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.

How do you live in God’s presence? How do you detect his unseen hand on your shoulder and his inaudible voice in you ear? A sheep grows familiar with the voice of the shepherd. How can you and I grow familiar with the voice of God? In today’s meditation, let us consider…

In God’s Presence

Put first things first. Give God your waking thoughts. Before you face the day, face the Father. Before you step out of bed, step into his presence. I have heard of a person who makes it a habit to roll out of his bed onto his knees and begin his day in prayer. Personally, once I am out of bed, I read the verse of the day, and share it with others. I begin meditation and listening to God’s Word. I offer God the first moments of my day. The prayer is not lengthy and far from formal. Sometimes I pray for those for whom I am burdened, those who may be going through a trial. Sometimes, it is just thanking God for a new day, a day that He has given me to further His kingdom.

Give God your waiting thoughts. While exercising, I fill my thoughts from His Word, as I listen to Bible passages on my phone. In silence, I wait on God to renew my mind for the new day. The mature married couple has learned the treasure of shared silence; they don’t need to fill the air with constant chatter. Just being together is sufficient. Try being silent with God. Awareness of God is a fruit of stillness before God. Allow Him to be honored as we are told in Psalms 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”

Give God your whispering thoughts. Through the centuries, Christians have learned the value of brief sentence prayers, prayers that can be whispered anywhere, in any setting. Imagine considering every moment as a potential time of communion with God. By giving God your whispering thoughts throughout the day, the common becomes uncommon. Simple phrases such as “Thank you, Father;” “Be sovereign in this hour, O Lord;” “Please encourage and strengthen this person;” “Give me wisdom for the decisions that I must make;” or “You are my resting place, Jesus.” When you are in this mindset, you can turn the trek of each day into a pilgrimage. You needn’t leave your office or kneel in your kitchen. Just pray where you are. Let the kitchen become a cathedral or the classroom a chapel.

And last, give God your waning thoughts. At the end of the day, let your mind settle on him. Conclude the day as you began it: talking to God. Thank him for the good parts. Question him about the hard parts. Seek his mercy. Seek his strength. And as you close your eyes, take assurance in the promise found in Psalms 121:4, “Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.” If you fall asleep as you pray, don’t worry. What better place to doze off than in the arms of your Father.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1183 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1183 – The Five Vs of Success – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 02 Aug 2019 07:03:08 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1183 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Five Vs of Success – Ask Gramps

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1183 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, 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.

So the question for this week is…

“Hey, Gramps, I am thinking about starting my own business, do you have some wisdom nuggets that you can provide me that will help me to be successful?”

The Five Vs of Success

All success begins in your mind. What you think about determines your course of life. If you think right, you will take actions that are right, which will lead you to successful results.

Some years ago, I saw a picture in a magazine of a man staring out of a window; the caption read: “Why does this company pay this man $100,000 to look out a window?” The answer: Because the lifeblood of any organization lies in ideas and creative (right) thinking. Thinking is powerful. Flying a plane, air conditioning, cell phones, vaccines, the internet—without right thinking, these would have been impossible. Everything begins with a simple thought.

Ideas are a great moving force of history. We are never free to do what we cannot conceive. Having a Godly mind enlarges our thinking capacity. A leader’s thinking must be shaped by the following:

Vision:

What is our dream? Carl Sandburg was right: “Nothing happens unless it is first a dream.” Vision is a process of the mind—it’s mental, not visual. Vision is seeing what everybody has seen but thinking what nobody has thought. What is needed to build a pyramid? One person who can think and ten thousand people who can grunt.

Values:

What is important? Values have to do with how we treat people, how we do our work. What is vital and important to us? Values are the standards, principles, and the code of conduct that characterize the organization. It is our integrity. Values aren’t dreamt; they already exist. Leaders shape and form the organization’s values. Some universities decide to pour sidewalks after students have first worn a path. Where are the well-worn paths—the actions, the beliefs, the attitudes—that matter most to you? Those are your values.

Venture:

What are we willing to risk? People and organizations that make a difference are willing to think outside the box. For example, a company that was in the well-digging business began to think in terms of efficient and effective means of making holes, and they soon discovered that lasers dug holes better than augers. They achieved the same goal but accomplished it more efficiently.

Vehicle:

What will get us there? How can we accomplish our desired outcome? A dream without a strategy is merely wishful thinking, but with a strategy, it becomes powerful thinking.

Victory:

What will the celebration be like? A leader thinks like a champion. The end result is to move forward, to accomplish goals, to be God’s faithful servant, to celebrate being a part of God’s kingdom, and to bring glory to God’s name.

You can’t be successful until you wake up and take action. Wake up and start thinking. Think well. Take off your nightcap and put on your thinking cap. Ask God to continually renew your mind.

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 would like to listen to any of the past 1182 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1182 – The Correct Answer – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 07:03:52 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1182 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Correct Answer – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1182 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.

The Correct Answer

Miss Smith, the 5th-grade teacher, asked her students which state they thought has the most cows. Little Suzy raised her hand and proudly proclaimed, “Texas!”

Miss Smith said, “That is right, Suzy. Well done; you get an ‘A.'”

Next, Miss Smith asked, “Which state do you think has the most sheep?”

Little Sammy raised his hand and said, “That would be Montana, Miss Smith.” She replied, “Very good, Sammy; you get an ‘A.'”

“Now for the final question, who can tell me which state has the most turkeys?”

Little Johnny excitedly raised his hand and said,”That’s easy; my dad just told me that last night! According to my dad, Washington, D.C., is full of turkeys.”

Miss Smith chuckled a bit and said, “Johnny, that is truer than we would like to admit. You get an A+ for that answer.”

Well, I hope that brought a smile to your face today. If it did, pass that smile on to someone who really needs it. Our Thursday Thought is “Many a true word is spoken in jest.”

Psalm 126:2

We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”

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 1181 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1181 – What The Gospel Isn’t – Worldview Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 07:03:02 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1181 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

What The Gospel Isn’t – Worldview Wednesday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1181 of our trek, and it is Worldview Wednesday. Creating a Biblical worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today’s current events. To establish a Biblical worldview, you must also have a proper understanding of God and His Word.

On our Worldview Wednesday episodes we are in a series in which we are covering another detailed review of a book from one of today’s most prominent Hebrew scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser. We are taking a deep dive and will share Dr. Heiser’s insights into the question, which is also the title of his book “What Does God Want?”

What The Gospel Isn’t

In previous weeks, our discussion about the content of the gospel makes it clear that the gospel is about what Jesus accomplished on our behalf. Everlasting life, salvation, is a gift given to those who believe in what Jesus accomplished on our behalf.

Our culture tries to muddle this clarity. It offers self-improvement or vague “spirituality” as substitutes. But the biblical description of the gospel defies such things. The gospel (and salvation) has nothing to do with personal enlightenment, “looking within” on a journey of self-discovery. The gospel is not about exploring ideas from a spiritual smorgasbord. These are intellectual or psychological efforts and activities. They aren’t the gospel.

But these sorts of “alternative gospels” are the easy ones to detect and eliminate. There’s a much more difficult hurdle that impedes many people from resting in the simplicity of the salvation God offers.

Dr. Heiser suggested earlier that a lot of people you meet in church struggle with the gospel. The reason is that they are caught in a performance trap. You or someone you know may be able to define the term gospel and perhaps even the content of its meaning. But the idea that believing what Jesus did for you is the sum total of what’s necessary for everlasting life just doesn’t seem right. Surely we have to do something. Otherwise, how could we deserve it?

If you comprehend the Bible’s story and the content of the gospel, you should grasp immediately that we don’t deserve what God offers. And that’s a struggle for many people. We want to feel like we’ve earned the good things we have. We don’t want to be a charity case. It feels wrong to get something good without having worked for it, at least a little.

Guilt distorts thinking in even more subtle ways. It can paralyze our ability to see the gospel as the unconditional gift it is. Guilt is what drives some people to justify a gift by concluding it’s deserved because of something they did for the gift-giver at some point. And if they can’t convince themselves of that, they determine to do something after the fact to make themselves feel deserving of the gift. Guilt blinds us to the love of God shown in the gospel. Ultimately, we must come to grips with how self-centered this thinking is.

That may sound harsh, but hear me out…Working hard to make someone else think you have value requires you to focus on yourself. You can’t be focused on someone else when the goal is to make another person think you are worthy of their attention or love. We want to feel good about ourselves (i.e., we legitimately deserved something, so we aren’t taking what doesn’t belong to us). We also want others to feel that way about us (i.e., we want others to give us something because of the way we make them feel about us).

The gospel strips this away and casts it aside. It exposes us, demanding naked humility. It insists the focus be entirely on God and Jesus. That’s why it’s a hard pill to swallow for so many. It doesn’t let us take any credit.

What it comes down to is that the gospel cares nothing about what you do, but cares everything about who you already are. You’re human. You are the object of God’s love and plan from the very beginning. None of that requires performance. It just is.

Because we’re sinners living in a fallen world, we’re locked into thinking no one would love us if they really knew us completely, inside and out. Consequently, we can’t imagine God loving us since there’s nothing about us that escapes his attention. He knows every thought, word, impulse, and deed. The guilt that creates within us and the normalcy of our conditional relationships make the unfiltered love of God for us in the gospel hard to accept. From our perspective, it doesn’t make sense.

I should say at this point that I’m not suggesting that people who hear the true gospel and embrace it with all sincerity aren’t really saved. I honestly believe that they believe and are in the family of God.

What I’m describing is the soul-crushing internal life many of those believers are still living. Their guilt has transformed the love and grace of the gospel into a performance-centered, merit-based experience. They begin to wonder if God still loves them like he did the moment they understood the gospel and believed it. They look at the sins they commit as believers as reasons for God to be unenthused and ambivalent toward them. They are convinced they can’t measure up to God’s expectations and wonder if they “believed enough” or perhaps didn’t really believe at all when they thought they did.

The sad truth is that many genuine Christians live tormented, defeated lives, not because of the gospel, but because of the way their guilt has distorted the clarity of the gospel. When they read Scripture, they see only their sins and failures. Every sermon is an indictment (and shame on preachers who preach with that as their main intention). The spectacular wonder of the story gets lost and forgotten.

Salvation is not about performance. It never was, never will be, and never can be. We can do nothing to put ourselves at the level of God, that is to make ourselves fit for his presence. We lack God’s perfect nature. We are like God, created to image him. But by definition, we are less than God, and God knows it. That’s why his solution was Jesus, not you.

It’s absurd to think we can bridge that gap or fill that void by doing this or not doing that. God never learns anything new about you when you fail. He’s known you all along and still loved you right where you were and are. Romans 5:8 says it best, “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Did you catch that? “While we were still sinners.”

You do not need to perform at a sufficient level to prod God into loving you. If you give that some thought, it’s really good news. God is never disappointed with you because He never has false expectations of your behavior. God has loved you all along, as we know from the most familiar verse 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.”

We can boil this down to two thoughts. Salvation—membership in God’s family—cannot be earned. It can only be received, by faith (belief). God offers it because he is gracious and loving. There is no other reason, nor can there be.

That will conclude our lesson for this week from Dr. Heiser’s book “What Does God Want?” Next Worldview Wednesday, we will discover “What Is Discipleship?” I believe you will find each Worldview Wednesday an interesting topic to consider as we build our Biblical worldview.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1180 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1180 – Don’t Wait for Success – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 30 Jul 2019 07:03:22 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1180 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Don’t Wait for Success –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1180 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 Jonathan Winters, and it is, “I couldn’t wait for success, so I went ahead without it.”

Don’t Wait For Success

While this quote from Jonathan Winters, who was a comedian, is supposed to be funny, there is some real truth to it, as there is with most comedy. If we sit around waiting for success to happen, it never will. It is only when we first put in the blood, sweat, and tears over a long period of time will we realize any level of success.

There are times in life when you do need to pause, reflect, and reenergize, but you cannot remain in that state for an extended period of time and expect the results that you wish to achieve. You must keep moving forward, one step at a time. It is not necessarily the pace of progress that you are making, but the fact that you are making progress each day.

So pause and wait if required, just don’t get stuck in that mode. Success will never come to you; it must be pursued. So while waiting for success, move ahead without it, and in time, you will find the success that you desire.

This reminds me of a verse in Exodus, where the Israelites had a decision before them to either cross the Red Sea, which would bring success, or be recaptured by the Egyptians. This is what God told Moses. In Exodus 14:15,“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving!'”

Sometimes, no most of the time, we just need to get moving.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1179 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 for Worldview Wednesday!

Day 1179 – Anger, A Peculiar Yet Predictable Emotion – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 29 Jul 2019 07:03:48 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1179 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Anger, A Peculiar Yet Predictable Emotion – Meditation Monday

Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

Anger, we all struggle with controlling it in our lives. For some, it is easily kindled, and as a result, it is external and very evident. For others, it bubbles just under the surface and comes out in passive aggressive ways. In today’s meditation, let us consider:

Anger – A Peculiar Yet Predictable Emotion

Anger. It’s a peculiar yet predictable emotion. It begins as a drop of water. An irritant. A frustration. Nothing big, just an aggravation. Someone gets your parking place. Someone pulls in front of you on the freeway. A waitress is slow, and you are in a hurry. The toast burns. Drops of water. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.

Yet, get enough of these seemingly innocent drops of anger, and before long, you’ve got a bucket full of rage. Walking revenge. Blind bitterness. Unharnessed hatred. We trust no one and bare our teeth at anyone who gets near. We become walking time bombs that, given just the right tension and fear, could explode.

Yet, what do we do? We can’t deny that our anger exists. How do we harness it? A good option is found in Luke 23:34. Here, Jesus speaks about the mob that killed him. Jesus said, “’Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.’ And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.”

Look carefully. It’s as if Jesus considered this bloodthirsty, death-hungry crowd not as murderers, but as victims. It’s as if he saw in their faces, not hatred but confusion. It’s as if he regarded them not as a militant mob but, as he put it in Matthew 9:36, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

Yet, Jesus said, “They don’t know what they are doing.” When you think about it, they didn’t. They hadn’t the faintest idea of what they were doing. They were a stir-crazy mob, mad at something they couldn’t see, so they took it out on, of all people, God. But they didn’t know what they were doing.

And many times, neither do we. We are still, as much as we hate to admit it, as we are told in Isaiah 53:6, “All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.”

There are so many situations in life that will add to the drip, drip, drip that leads to anger. Nearly always inappropriate anger stems because something is stifling or blocking what we desire. All we know is that we were born out of one eternity and are frighteningly close to another. We play tag with the fuzzy realities of death and pain. We can’t answer our own questions about love and hurt. We can’t solve the riddle of aging. We don’t know how to heal our own bodies or get along with our own mates. We can’t keep ourselves out of the war. We can’t even keep ourselves fed.

Paul spoke for humanity when he confessed in Romans 7:15, “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.”

We need to be more like Jesus when we are angered by others or when we find ourselves in situations in which we cannot control. We should pray, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1178 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1178 – 12 Guidelines to Increase Productivity – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 07:03:50 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1178 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

12 Guidelines to Increase Productivity – Ask Gramps

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1178 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, 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 may mix it up a bit on our Friday episodes, but will strive to keep them down to earth and enjoyable. If you have any questions that you would like to ask Gramps, please email them to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com.

So the question for this week is…

“Hey, Gramps, you seem to remain very productive in all areas of life while I struggle with productivity and feel like I can‘t keep my head above water to complete even some of the basic tasks that I should. What are some wise tips that you can give me that will help to become much more productive?”

12 Guidelines to Increase Productivity

While it may appear that I am very productive, I have to admit, that I too struggle, at times, to remain productive. I am very agenda-driven and attempt to follow my daily tasks list, but when unexpected, or expected, interruptions enter my day, I too can find myself heading down a rabbit trail. Here are 12 guidelines, or rules, that I have found to be helpful, and if you apply them, they should help you also.

Choose the right time. Nearly everyone has times of the day when they are most effective and times when they tend to drag. It’s smart to schedule the most critical tasks for your most effective time of the day. For me, it is definitely between 7 AM and 12 PM.
Toss it. If a task doesn’t really need to be done, just get rid of it altogether. So often we get bogged down with non-essential tasks. They are just fillers.
Get the bad stuff out of the way. Do the unpleasant items quickly and as early in the day as possible. That way they are clear from your mind, and you can stop procrastinating because you know they still need to be done.
Create your task list the night before or at the very beginning of each day. This way, as you begin each morning, you will know what you need to accomplish that day. This can be even more effective when planned the night before. Once you have a sense of direction, you can spend all your time getting things done!
Eliminate all communication. While you’re working, turn off your phone/cell phone, and don’t check your email. Hang a sign that says, “Do not disturb,” if necessary. You don’t have to do this for all your tasks, but at least do it during the more difficult items. There are very few calls or emails that require immediate attention.
Batch similar tasks together. Do all your emailing at one time. Make all your phone calls at another. Open your snail mail during a set block of time. You’ll waste less time doing your work in this fashion.
Set a timer. Even if a task might take hours, starting will seem easier if you simply give yourself 30 minutes to get as much done as you can. A time limit seems to help many people concentrate and work better, too. It helps to eliminate wasting time when you have a pre-set break time.
Set targets. For example, if you have to make calls for your sales job, tell yourself that you’re not getting up for any reason until you’ve made at least 50 calls. Regardless of what happens, refuse to stop until you hit your target. This could be a number of words written in a blog or a number of accounting entries you have completed.
Use the Pareto Principle. This principle states that 20% of the actions you could take will provide you with 80% of the benefits. So focus on the tasks that will accomplish the most. Rank your task in order of importance and overall payoff. Unfortunately, these are frequently the tasks that are not enjoyable. You might be surprised how little you really have to do if you focus on the critical 20%.
Delegate some of your work. Is there anyone else who can help you? The people around you are resources. Use your leadership skills and designate. When appropriate, use other people’s time and talents wisely to get things done more quickly.
Set a deadline. Having a specific endpoint will really help to focus your time and energy. If a task doesn’t feel necessary, chances are that it won’t get done.
Increase your speed. It sounds silly, but this can really help. Try doing everything a little faster. Walk faster, talk faster, type faster, and read faster. For example, I listen to podcasts, audiobooks, and emails at 2 times the normal speed. In doing so, my brain has adjusted where it is hard to listen to them at normal speed. I can absorb this information twice as quickly.

While the following verses apply to moral attributes in the context of the passage, which we should incorporate into our lives, they also apply to these guidelines which we have reviewed today.

2 Peter 1:8-9

The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1177 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 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 on Monday!

Day 1177 – Three Envelopes – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 07:03:00 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1177 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Three Envelopes – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1177 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.

Three Envelopes

John, the CEO of a large multi-national corporation, had presented his resignation to the board of directors. In order to facilitate a smooth transition, he met with Phillip, the incoming CEO, and presented him with three numbered envelopes. John said, “Open one of these in numeric sequence if you run up against a problem you don’t think you can solve.”

At first, things went along very smoothly. About six months later, sales took a significant downturn, and the CEO, Phillip, was catching a lot of heat. Then he remembered the envelopes. He went to his drawer and took out the first envelope.
The message read: “Blame your predecessor.”

With this advice, Phillip called a press conference and tactfully laid the blame at the feet of the previous CEO, John. The press and Wall Street responded positively, sales began to pick up, and the problem was soon behind him.

About a year after the company experienced another dip in sales plus some product problems. Having learned from his previous experience, Phillip quickly opened the second envelope.

The message was: “Reorganize.”

Phillip put a superb reorganization plan in place, and the company quickly rebounded.

After several consecutive profitable years, the company once again fell on difficult times. Phillip, the CEO, went to his office, closed the door, and opened the third envelope.

The message said: “Prepare three envelopes.”

Well, I hope that brought a smile to your face today. If it did, pass that smile on to someone who really needs it. Our Thursday Thought is “Always be prepared, but be ready and willing to work.”

Proverbs [24:27]

Do your planning and prepare your fields before building your house.

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 1176 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1176 – Why Do We Need the Gospel? – Worldview Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 07:03:44 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1176 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Why Do We Need the Gospel? – Worldview Wednesday

Creating a Biblical worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today’s current events. To establish a Biblical worldview, you must also have a proper understanding of God and His Word. On our Worldview Wednesday episodes we are in a series in which we are covering another detailed review of a book from one of today’s most prominent Hebrew Scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser. We are taking a deep dive and will share Dr. Heiser’s insights into the question, which is also the title of his book “What Does God Want?”

Why Do We Need The Gospel?

You might think Dr. Heiser answered this already. He sort of did, at least in a roundabout way. But in light of his experience in Christian circles, he felt he needs to be blunt.

Why do we need the gospel? Because without it, we have no hope of everlasting life with God. Zero. We are estranged from God because of sin. Believing the gospel is the remedy.

The Bible describes our predicament in several ways. Jesus said in Luke 19:10, “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” In Ephesians 2:4-5 we are told, “But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)” We were “alienated from God” (Ephesians 4:18) and “hostile” toward him (Colossians 1:21) because we were his “enemies” (Romans [5:10]). It’s not a pretty picture.

The biblical story we walked through explains why we are what we are. We aren’t born into the family of God. We’re outsiders. Yet God wants us in the family. Lacking God’s nature, we abuse our intelligence and freedom to get what we want, often harming others in the process. We live in self-destructive ways. When we don’t image God and break his laws and when we violate, manipulate, and otherwise abuse others, we sin. We are, by nature, sinners—self-absorbed and rebellious. Romans 3:23 makes it clear, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.”

It is easy to read these verses and be depressed or angry. But the good news of the gospel story is that God knew all that and loved us anyway. It’s also useful for the reason that may never have occurred to you. It’s what makes the gospel entirely different than any other religion’s teaching about salvation. Every other religion either denies sin is a problem or says the solution is human performance—repeating rituals, saying prayers, observing religious days, or otherwise being good.

To be blunt, only the gospel is honest about the human situation and human inability to do a thing about it. Other religions in effect “lie to you”— they tell you that you can fix the problem of your own distance from God or that you don’t have a problem. The gospel is the only truth that tells you God had to provide the solution and did. The gospel is transparently honest. It tells you the truth even though it hurts. That shows love. Lying to you isn’t love.

Then the question that comes to our minds is, “Are there other ways to be saved?”

Dr. Heiser, more or less, just answered this, but he also approaches the question from a different angle.

God offers forgiveness, salvation, and everlasting life with him for free. It’s not something earned or deserved. In fact, it cannot be earned or deserved. What’s required is the belief or faith—that is putting one’s trust in God’s promise and the completeness of what Jesus did.

But believing the gospel means not believing other teachings or ideas about salvation. The Bible says that there is no other way of salvation. Think about it. Why would God the Father send his son Jesus to die such a horrible death on the cross if there were any other way for you to enter Heaven? The Son had to become a man, and death had to be overcome. This was the only way, and believing in God’s plan is the only way of salvation. There is no person besides Jesus who can save as we learn in Acts 4:12, “There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”

Jesus himself put it very bluntly as recorded in 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.'”

There’s no ambiguity there. No one becomes a member of God’s forever-family except through what Jesus has done. You don’t add the gospel to other beliefs. It is exclusive. Believing the gospel means turning away from other beliefs. That’s one aspect of what the Bible calls repentance. There are others, but they’re best addressed in the next part of our conversation, which we will reserve for next week.

That will conclude our lesson for this week from Dr. Heiser’s book “What Does God Want?” Next Worldview Wednesday, we will discover what the gospel isn’t. I believe you will find each Worldview Wednesday an interesting topic to consider as we build our Biblical worldview.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1175 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

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 tomorrow!

Day 1175 – Think and Follow Through – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 23 Jul 2019 07:03:11 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1175 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Think and Follow Through –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1175 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 E.V. Rickenbacker,and it is, “I can give you a six-word formula for success: Think things through — then follow through.”

Think and Follow Through

Many times while we were growing up our dad would tell us boys as we approached a problem to think through it slow and methodically. So often my brothers and I just wanted to rush through a task or project to get it completed. Dad knew that if we would take time to think through the issue and come up with a method or plan for completing the task before we took action, that our chance of being successful in that task or project would be greatly improved.

While our impatience during those growing up years caused us to ignore Dad’s advice many times, the older we grew, the more we realized that his advice was very wise and that he was training us to be prepared for the many obstacles that we would face in life. His instructions have come back to me many times, and still, to this day, I recognize it is an excellent piece of advice that I continue to apply.

Just as our quote today instructs us, the formula for success is to first think things through, that is to create a plan of action, and then follow through the plan that we thought through. This is truly what we need to do in order to be successful. Think, then follow through. Let us make a habit of this with each task we have to complete, project we are working on, or obstacle that we encounter on our path to success.

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 our past 1174 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 Worldview Wednesday!

Day 1174 – Are You a Victim of Your Thoughts? – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 22 Jul 2019 07:03:11 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1174 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Are You a Victim of Your Thoughts? – Meditation Monday

Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

Life does not always go smoothly. At times it seems that we are bombarded by negative influences on all sides. That is why it is so important to be continually renewing your mind. In today’s meditation, let us consider…

Are You a Victim of Your Thoughts?

Life has a way of unloading her rubbish on our doorstep! It is as if the garbage truck backs up to our houses and empties the contents right into the clean living room.

It may be that your spouse works too much and is always tired when he or she is home. It may be that your spouse gripes too much about every little issue. Maybe it’s your boss expects too much and keeps piling more onto your overly busy workload. When you are home, is it that your kids who whine too much?

If you are facing any of these situations, what is the result? Your mind is filled with trash…Loads of pessimism, guilt, anxiety—it all piles up. Your thoughts can become polluted with all the foul trash that is accumulating…unless you continually make a habit of washing it clean through renewal.

Remember this very important concept, “Today’s thoughts are tomorrow’s actions.” Think about what the Jewish leader did at the time of Christ. They killed Christ in their hearts before they killed him on the cross. Could that be why Paul writes 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”? Paul also told us in I Corinthians 13:4-5, “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.”

We do have a choice of what we allow to remain in our minds each day. The thoughts may pop into our minds, be we do not have to allow them to take up residence there. Paul says we can get rid of them when he writes 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.” You can proclaim: Negative thoughts, be gone. Selfishness, step back! Envy…get lost! You are not a victim of your thoughts.

If today’s thoughts are tomorrow’s actions, then what happens when we fill our minds with thoughts of God’s love and continue daily in His Word? Will standing beneath the downpour of His grace change the way we think and feel about others? Absolutely! It is the continual renewing of your mind, each moment of each day, which will turn your thoughts to thoughts that are in line with God’s precepts. Your actions will absolutely reflect that renewing of your mind.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1173 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 tomorrow!

Day 1173 – 5 Barriers to Success With Solutions – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 07:03:45 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1173 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

5 Barriers to Success With Solutions – Ask Gramps

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1173 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, this is not possible. 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.

So the question for this week is…

“Hey, Gramps, even though you have had times of hardship and adversity, you always seem to recover and succeed. What are some wise tips that you can give me that will help to emulate the pattern of success, in spite of failures?”

5 Barriers to Success With Solutions

These five barriers to success are actually easy to overcome, but only when you know they are there. Why do some people achieve their goals while others fail? I believe it’s because successful people manage to overcome five barriers that, in many cases, guarantee failure. Here are those barriers and how to overcome them…

Uninspiring Goals

When most people set goals, they envision a “thing,” such as a particular amount of money, an object (like a new car), or a specific achievement (like writing a book). Unfortunately, these “things I’m going to get or do” goals don’t appeal to the core of what motivates you because they miss the point that what you’re actually seeking in life. It is POSITIVE EMOTIONS, or how you will feel when you are able to obtain those “things” or “achievements.” This is why “vision boards” rarely work.

The Solution: You must know the “WHY” of what you want to obtain or achieve. Ask yourself, “How will I feel when I achieve the goal?” Maybe more importantly, “What will I become, through the process of achieving this goal?” That way, you’ll be inspired to do whatever it takes (within legal and ethical bounds) to achieve that goal.

Fear of Failure

If you’re afraid of failing, you won’t take the necessary risks required to achieve your goal. For example, you won’t make that important phone call, because you’re afraid that you’ll be rebuffed. Or you won’t quit your dead-end job and start your own business because you’re afraid that you might end up without any money.

The Solution: Decide–right now–that failure, for you, is a strictly temporary condition, not who you are. If things don’t go the way you’d like, it’s only a setback that, at most, delays your eventual success. In other words, accept the fact that you will sometimes fail, plan for it, but treat that failure as an unavoidable (yet vital) component in your quest.

Fear of Success

In many ways, this fear is even more debilitating than the fear of failure. Suppose you achieved something spectacular, like enormous wealth. What if it didn’t make you happy? What then? What if you ended up losing all of it? What then? Would your friends start acting weird? Would your family be envious? Such thoughts (and they’re common) can cause even a highly motivated person to self-sabotage. I have seen this so many times over the years, which I like to refer to as “self-fulfilling prophecy.”

The Solution: Decide that you’re going to be happy and grateful today with what you currently have. Decide that you will also be happy and grateful in the future, no matter what happens. Rather than focus on possible problems, envision how wonderful it would be to be able to help your friends and family achieve THEIR goals. The greatest fulfillment in life is not what you achieve, but what you help others achieve.

An Unrealistic Timetable

Most people vastly overestimate what they can do in a week and vastly underestimate what they can do in a year. Because of this, most people try to cram too many action items into the short term rather than spacing out activities over the long term. The inability to get all the short-term steps accomplished creates discouragement and the impression that the final goal is slipping away.

The Solution: Begin with the end in mind. Determine the final result of a goal, and then work backward, breaking it down into monthly, weekly, and daily goals. This way, you will know at the beginning what you need to accomplish each day in order to achieve your final outcome. Set ambitious long-term timetables, but always leave some “wiggle room” when you plan short term.

Worrying About “The Plateaus of Life”

It’s easy to get discouraged when you reach a point at which nothing you do seems to advance you toward your goal. For example, suppose you’re trying to master a certain skill. You make swift progress at first, but then, after a while, it seems as if you’re not doing any better, or maybe a little worse. Some people use these “plateaus” or “dry spots” as an excuse to give up and therefore fail.

The Solution: Whenever you reach a plateau or dry spot, it’s time to take a rest and celebrate rather than give up. A plateau is almost always a sign that you’re on the brink of a major breakthrough, if you just have the patience to stick with it and trust that you’ll eventually achieve your goal.

Here is a couple of wise verse that supports the above points:

Proverbs 21:5

Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.

Psalm [90:17]

And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful!

That is a wrap for today’s question. Join us again next Friday for another question on our “Ask Gramps” episode. 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 1172 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 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 on Monday!

Day 1172 – Double or Nothing – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 07:03:41 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1172 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Double or Nothing – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1172 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.

Double or Nothing

The IRS decides to audit Grandpa Jones and summons him to the IRS office. The IRS auditor Sam Smith was not surprised when Grandpa Jones showed up with his attorney.

The auditor said, “Well, sir, you have an extravagant lifestyle and no full-time employment, which you explain by saying that you win money gambling. I’m not sure the IRS finds that believable.”

I’m a great gambler, and I can prove it,” says Grandpa Jones. “How about a demonstration?”

The auditor, Sam, thinks for a moment and says, “Okay. Go ahead.”

Grandpa Jones says, “I’ll bet you a thousand dollars that I can bite my own eye.”

Sam, the auditor thinks a moment and says, “It’s a bet.”

Grandpa Jones removes his glass eye and bites it. Sam, the auditor’s jaw drops.

Grandpa Jones then says, “Now, I’ll bet you two thousand dollars that I can bite my other eye.”

Sam, the auditor, can tell Grandpa Jones isn’t blind, so he takes the bet.

Grandpa Jones removes his dentures and bites his good eye.

Sam, very stunned, now realizes he has wagered and lost three grand, with Grandpa Jones’s attorney as a witness. He starts to get nervous.

“Want to go double or nothing?” Grandpa Jones asks. “I’ll bet you six thousand dollars that I can stand on one side of your desk, throw that full glass of water into the wastebasket on the other side, and never get a drop anywhere in between.”

Sam, the auditor, twice burned, is cautious now, but he looks carefully and decides there’s no way this old guy could possibly manage that stunt, so he agrees again.

Grandpa Jones stands on the desk and takes careful aim, but when he throws the glass, water covers the man’s desk, jacket, briefcase, and everything around it. In addition to that, the glass shatters on the floor.

Sam, the auditor, leaps with joy, realizing that he has just turned a major loss into a huge win.

But Grandpa Jones’s own attorney, John starts sobbing profusely and puts his head in his hands.

“Are you okay?” the auditor asks.

“Not really,” says John, the attorney. “This morning, when Grandpa Jones told me he’d been summoned for an audit, he bet me twenty-five thousand dollars that he could come in here and throw water all over your office and that you’d be happy about it!”

Well, I hope that brought a smile to your face today. If it did, pass that smile on to someone who really needs it. Our Thursday Thought is “Be careful about gambling, because someone always loses, and it will most likely be you.”

Proverbs [16:33]

We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall.

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 1171 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 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 for Philosophy Friday!

Day 1171 – What Is The Good News? – Worldview Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 07:03:48 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1171 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

What Is the Good News? – Worldview Wednesday

Creating a Biblical worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today’s current events. To establish a Biblical Worldview, you must also have a proper understanding of God and His Word. On our Worldview Wednesday episodes we are in a series in which we are covering another detailed review of a book from one of today’s most prominent Hebrew scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser. We are taking a deep dive and will share Dr. Heiser’s insights into the question, which is also the title of his book “What Does God Want?”

What Is The Good News?

As we continue on with Dr. Heiser’s book, it may sound odd to ask that question at this juncture. We have invested several weeks walking through the story of the Bible, the story of how God wants us in his family. We join that family by believing the good news, referred to as the gospel.

I’ve discovered that a lot of people who attend church don’t really understand the gospel. Some can’t articulate it. Others who can express it coherently often struggle with truly surrendering to its simplicity. They suffer inside over truly believing that the gospel is all that’s necessary for everlasting life.

Some of you may wonder what I’m talking about. I’m willing to bet, though, that as I explain what I mean, you’ll either see yourself or someone you know in what follows.

We’ll start by defining the gospel. I’ll ask some questions along the way that are important to consider for clarity. We also need to talk about what the gospel isn’t, but we will save that for next week. When we get to that part of the conversation, you’ll see what I mean by the struggle I mentioned.

If people struggle to define it, what is The Gospel?

It’s fairly easy to define what the term “gospel” means. The biblical word “gospel” refers to the message of salvation. The English word “gospel” is a translation of a Greek word (the original language of the New Testament) that referred to a reward given to someone who brought good news. Hence you’ll often hear the term “gospel” equated with “good news” — the good news about the message of salvation.

Let’s think about that. It might feel like we learned something. I suppose we did, but we didn’t actually learn the thing we needed to know. It’s nice that we can now define a term. But we actually haven’t said anything about the content of the message of salvation. We’ve defined what the word “gospel” refers to, but not what the gospel actually is.

So let’s talk about what the gospel means. What is the content of God’s offer of salvation? What are the details of the good news? And why is it good news? The word appears almost 100 times in the New Testament so we ought to be able to figure this out.

The apostle Paul probably talks about the gospel message more than any other New Testament writer. He uses the word “gospel” for the message he preached about Jesus in I Corinthians 15:1-4.

Let me now remind you, dear brothers and sisters, of the Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then, and you still stand firm in it. It is this Good News that saves you if you continue to believe the message I told you—unless, of course, you believed something that was never true in the first place.

I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.

Paul defines his message, the gospel, elsewhere such as Romans 1:1-5.

This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God, to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News. God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures. The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life, he was born into King David’s family line, and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ, our Lord. Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.

The content of the gospel — the good news — emerges clearly in these passages. Here are the elements:

God sent his Son…
Who was born in the line of David…
As the man Jesus Christ…
Who died for our sins…
Who was buried…
And who rose from the dead…

These items are the content of the good news. Let me describe them again here in light of the bigger picture of the story we talked about earlier:

The Son of God became a man. He suffered and died on the cross so that our sins would no longer keep us out of God’s family. He rose from the dead so that we could also overcome death and be with his Father, our Father, the only true God, forever.

Let’s probe that a bit. If this is the good news, why is it good? Lots of reasons. It’s good because our salvation doesn’t depend on our own performance. You don’t see anything about your amazing track record or having a clean rap sheet in those passages. The content of the gospel is not about what you’ve done, or might do, or need to do. It’s about what someone else did for you. That’s good news for all of us, because none of us is perfect. None of us pleases God all the time. None of us is fit to live in his family and be called by his name on our own. We have to be made acceptable to God. The content of the gospel tells us how that happens.

Notice that Paul described his ministry of telling people the good news as“bringing about the obedience of faith.” He wanted those who heard his message to “hold fast” to what he said. How do you “obey” the gospel? Get Baptized? Give money? Behave well? Don’t be a jerk? Help the poor?

Those are all worthwhile things, but no. God wants “the obedience of faith.” You obey the gospel by believing it.

Did you also notice that Paul didn’t say “the obedience of comprehension?” We may not completely understand things like God becoming a man in Jesus, or how the resurrection could happen. That’s okay. God doesn’t demand we figure it all out and then get back to him to take a final exam. He wants belief. Understanding why these things are rational can wait.

The content of the good news is God’s offer to forgive you and give you a permanent place in his family. His offer shows his love and kindness. The Bible sometimes uses the word “grace” in the place of those terms. Since there is no greater power, God wasn’t coerced into the offer. No one is twisting His arm. He offers you salvation because he wants you. All he asks is that you believe.

That is the good news of the gospel.

That will conclude our lesson for this week from Dr. Heiser’s book “What Does God Want?” Next Worldview Wednesday, we will discover why we need the gospel, and what the gospel isn’t. I believe you will find each Worldview Wednesday an 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 1170 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1170 – True Success Is Balanced Success – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 07:03:02 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1170 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***True Success Is Balanced Success –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1170 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 Zig Ziglar, and it is, “I believe that being successful means having a balance of success stories across the many areas of your life. You can’t truly be considered successful in your business life if your home life is in shambles.”

True Success Is Balanced Success

Since my college years in the late 70s, I have considered Zig Ziglar one of my virtual mentors, as have thousands of people who have been impacted by his life. Not only did he inspire many in all walks of life, but it was evident that his success in life was rooted in his deep commitment and faith which was grounded in his spiritual walk with God.

His quote that I read today is certainly grounded in the same worldview that I possess. We as image bearers of God cannot be considered successful in life unless our entire being is dedicated to Him. To be truly successful, we need to be successful in all areas of life.

That means that we are whole in the very essence of our lives. We need to focus and obtain success in each of the following seven areas. Spiritual, Family, Physical-Health, Mind-Intellect, Personal-Social, Financial, Work-Career.

As Christ followers, we are to be the very best that we can be by fully utilizing our God-given abilities and talents. You have to BE the right person, so that you can DO the right actions, in order to HAVE the success that you should. In each of the seven areas of life above, ask yourself how you can BE, DO, and HAVE so that you can bring honor and glory to God as you should.

This can be summed up 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 our past 1169 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 for Worldview Wednesday!

Day 1169 – Are You Listening? – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 07:03:15 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1169 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Are You Listening? – Meditation Monday

Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

In order to restore us to His Kingdom, God had to become one of us and speak to us in our language. God is not only the creator of everything; He also speaks personally to us. In today’s meditation, let us consider…

Are You Listening?

God communicates to us in our language, just as He did when Jesus was crucified and caused Pilot to list the three main languages of that day as we are told in John 19:19, “And Pilate posted a sign on the cross that read, ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.'”

The framer of our destiny is familiar with how dull we can be at times. God knows we sometimes miss the signs. Maybe that’s why he has given us so many. The rainbow after the flood signifies God’s covenant. Circumcision identifies God’s chosen, and the stars portray the size of his family. Even today, we see signs in the New Testament church. Communion is a sign of his death, and baptism is a sign of our spiritual birth. Each of these signs symbolizes a greater spiritual truth.

The most moving sign, however, was found on the cross. A trilingual, hand-painted, Roman-commissioned sign.

Every passerby could read the sign, for every passerby could read Hebrew, Latin, or Greek—the three great languages of the ancient world. “Hebrew was the language of Israel, the language of religion; Latin the language of the Romans, the language of law and government; and Greek the language of Greece, the language of culture. Christ was declared the king of the known world of that day.” God had a message for each, “Christ is king.” The message was the same, but the languages were different. Since Jesus was a king for all people, the message would be in the tongues of all people.

There is no language God will not speak, which leads us to a delightful question. What language is He speaking to you? I’m not referring to an idiom or dialect but to the day-to-day drama of your life. God does speak, you know. He speaks to us in whatever language we will understand.

There are times He speaks the “language of abundance.” Did you eat today? Are your bills paid? Got a little bit of change in your pocket? Don’t be so proud of what you have that you miss what you need to hear.

Do you hear the “language of need”? Or how about the “language of affliction”? Talk about phrases we avoid. But you and I both know how clearly God speaks in hospital hallways, sickbeds, and yes, even funeral homes.

God speaks all languages—including yours. Listen to what He said in Psalms 32:8, “The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.'”

His servant Job tells us in Job 22:22, “Listen to his instructions, and store them in your heart.”

What language is God speaking to you? Aren’t you glad that He is speaking? Aren’t you grateful that He cares enough to talk? Isn’t it good to know that in Psalms 25:14 we are told, “The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant.”

I think a word of thanks to Him would be appropriate, don’t you? And while you’re at it, ask Him if you might be missing any signs He is sending your way. We need to be looking for His signs in every day events of life. It is not that God is not speaking our language; it is that sometimes we are not listening.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1168 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 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 1168 – Self-Motivation – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 07:03:15 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1168 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Self-Motivation – Ask Gramps

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1168 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.

So the question for this week is…

“Hey, Gramps, it seems like you don’t have a real problem staying motivated, but staying motivated for me is a real struggle. I am constantly assaulted by negative thoughts and anxiety about the future. Do you have any wisdom to help me stay motivated more?”

Self-Motivation

Staying motivated is a struggle for nearly everyone. Even though I tend to be highly disciplined, I also have to be constantly vigilant so that I can remain on task. I have to admit that our drive is constantly assaulted by negative thoughts and anxiety about the future. Nearly everyone faces doubt and depression, but that doesn’t mean we should give up. What separates the highly successful from the unsuccessful is the ability to keep moving forward.

There is no simple solution for lack of motivation. Even after beating it, the problem reappears at the first sign of failure or discouragement. The key is understanding your thoughts and how they drive your emotions. By learning how to nurture motivating thoughts, neutralize negative ones, and focus on the task at hand, you can pull yourself out of a slump before it gains momentum.

I have boiled it down to three primary reasons we lose motivation.

Lack of confidence – If you don’t believe you can succeed, what’s the point in trying?
Lack of focus – If you don’t know what you want, do you really want anything?
Lack of direction – If you don’t know what to do, how can you be motivated to do it?

First, let’s explore how to boost confidence because the first motivation killer is a lack of confidence. When this happens to me, it’s usually because I’m focusing entirely on what I think I want and neglecting being grateful for what I already have. When you only think about what you want, your mind creates explanations for why you aren’t getting it. This creates negative thoughts. Past failures, bad breaks, and personal weaknesses dominate your mind. You become jealous of others and start making excuses for why you can’t succeed. In this state, you tend to make a bad impression, assume the worst about others, and lose self-confidence.

The way to get out of this thought pattern is to focus on gratitude. Set aside time to focus on everything positive in your life. Make a mental list of your strengths, past successes, and current advantages. We tend to take our strengths for granted and dwell on our failures. By making an effort to feel grateful, you’ll realize how competent and successful you already are. This will rejuvenate your confidence and get you motivated to build on your current success.

It might sound strange that repeating things you already know can improve your mindset, but it’s amazingly effective. The mind distorts reality to confirm what it wants to believe. The more negatively you think, the more examples your mind will discover to confirm that belief. When you truly believe that you are capable and deserve success, your mind will generate ways to achieve it. The best way to bring success to yourself is to genuinely desire to create value for the rest of the world, to help others also succeed.

Next, you need to develop a tangible focus because the second motivation killer is a lack of focus. How often do you focus on what you don’t want, rather than on a concrete goal? We normally think in terms of fear. I’m afraid of being poor. I’m afraid no one will respect me. I’m afraid of being alone. The problem with this type of thinking is that fear alone isn’t actionable. Instead of doing something about our fear, it feeds on itself and drains our motivation.

If you’re caught up in fear-based thinking, the first step is focusing that energy on a well-defined goal. By defining a goal, you automatically define a set of actions.

If you have a fear of poverty, create a plan to increase your income. It could be going back to school, obtaining a higher paying job, or developing a profitable website. The key is moving from an intangible desire to concrete, measurable steps.

By focusing your mind on a positive goal instead of an ambiguous fear, you put your brain to work. It instantly begins devising a plan for success. Instead of worrying about the future, you start to do something about it. This is the first step in motivating yourself to take action. When you know what you want, you become motivated to take action.

The final piece in the motivational puzzle is direction. If focus means having an ultimate goal, direction is having a day-to-day strategy to achieve it. A lack of direction kills motivation because, without an obvious next action, we succumb to procrastination. An example of this is a person who wants to have a popular blog but spends more time reading posts about blogging than actually writing articles.

The key to finding direction is identifying the activities that lead to success. For every goal, there are activities that pay off and those that don’t. Make a list of all your activities and arrange them based on results. Then make an action plan that focuses on the activities that lead to big returns. To continue the example from above, a blogger’s list would look something like this:

Write content.
Research relevant topics.
Network with other bloggers.
Optimize design and ad placements.
Answer comments and email.
Read other blogs.

Keeping track of your most important tasks will direct your energy towards success. Without a constant reminder, it’s easy to waste entire days on filler activities like reading social media posts, email, and random web surfing.

When my motivation starts to wane, I regain direction by creating a plan that contains two positive actions. The first one should be a small task you’ve been meaning to do, while the second should be a long-term goal. I immediately do a smaller task. This creates positive momentum. After that, I take the first step towards achieving a long-term goal. Doing this periodically is great for getting out of a slump, creating positive reinforcement, and getting long-term plans moving.

It’s inevitable that you’ll encounter periods of low energy, bad luck, and even the occasional failure. If you don’t discipline your mind, these minor speed bumps can turn into mental monsters. By being on guard against the top three motivation killers, you can preserve your motivation and propel yourself to success.

Remember, it all begins in the mind. To correct your motivation problem, you must first correct your thinking. Put into practice the advice found 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.”

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1167 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player so each day will be downloaded to you 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 on Monday!

Day 1167 – A Suspicious Excuse – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 07:03:22 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1167 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

A Suspicious Excuse – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1167 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.

A Suspicious Excuse

Joe, a college student, texted Professor Wellborn early one morning and stated that he could not take his seminar final exam that day because of a funeral.

Professor Wellborn texted him back and told Joe that it would not be a problem and that he could make it up the following week.

That week came, and again, Joe texted Professor Wellborn and explained that he couldn’t take the test that day either, due to another funeral.

Professor Wellborn, being a little irritated, but feeling sorry for Joe texted him back once again and said, “You’ll have to take the test early next week, I can’t keep postponing it.”

Joe replies back thanking Professor Wellborn and also said, “I’ll take the test next week if no one dies.”

By now Professor Wellborn was really suspicious. And texted back, “How can you have so many people you know pass away in three weeks?”

Joe texted, “I don’t know any of these people, but I’m the only gravedigger in town, and I have no choice but to be there.”

Well, I hope that brought a smile to your face today. If it did, pass that smile on to someone who really needs it. Our Thursday Thought is “Make sure you understand the situation before passing judgment.”

Proverbs [18:17]

The first to speak in court sounds right— until the cross-examination begins.

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 1166 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1166 – God’s Forever Family Part 2 – Worldview Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 07:03:08 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1166 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

God’s Forever Family Part 2 – Worldview 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 and His Word. On our Worldview Wednesday episodes, we are in a series in which we are covering another detailed review of a book from one of today’s most prominent Hebrew scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser. We are taking a deep dive and will share Dr. Heiser’s insights into the question, which is also the title of his book “What Does God Want?”

God’s Forever Family Part 2

As we continue our book review, as part of God’s forever family, we will first focus on our everlasting identity with God. Today as part of His Kingdom, we are to be imagers of God. That is, others should see God through us. We cannot fully portray God today, but we will someday be transformed and made like Jesus.

1 John 3:2 declares, “Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is.”

The same thought is expressed in different ways in Romans 8:29, “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.”

Philippians 3:20-21 explains, “But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.”

2 Corinthians 3:18 also says, “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.”

Our destiny, which is already in process, is to become completed imagers of God in the manner of the ultimate image of God—Jesus.

The Bible finishes our story with resurrection and transformation. We are raised to everlasting life and given a glorified body, akin to the one Jesus had after his resurrection. Paul refers to it as a ‘‘immortal body” (l Corinthians [15:35]-58).

My favorite passage about our final destiny and glorification is a little more obscure. It’s a scene in the book of Hebrews, where Jesus introduces us to God and God to us. Jesus stands before God and “the congregation,” the heavenly sons of God. He confesses boldly that he feels no shame in having us as siblings in the family and then speaks to God and the supernatural members of the family. This passage is in Hebrews 2:11-12, “So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters. For he said to God, ‘I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters.
I will praise you among your assembled people.'”

This is your ultimate destiny—becoming a permanent, legitimate member of God’s family. In the end, you belong in God’s family. It’s what he’s wanted from the very beginning. That is what the whole creation is yearning for.

In addition to your everlasting identity with God, He also desires an everlasting partnership with you.

Have you ever had a conversation about what life in the new creation (heaven) will be like? I’ve heard lots of people describe it as an endless worship service, or endless Q & A session with Jesus, or a glorified church meet-and-greet. (That last one frightens introverts like me.)

While we could infer some things by imagining what life in a perfected Eden might entail, the Bible doesn’t say a whole lot about the experience. What it does say defies the sorts of guesses listed above.

Revelations 2:26 says, “To all who are victorious, who obey me to the very end, To them I will give authority over all the nations.”

Revelations 3:21 reiterates, “Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.”

And I Corinthians 6:3 says, “Don’t you realize that we will judge angels? So you should surely be able to resolve ordinary disputes in this life.”

What do these phrases mean? We can start by asking who rules the nations now? The answer is the fallen sons of God allotted to the nations at Babel. In other words, the nations at this moment have not yet been fully (or even mostly) reclaimed by God. The expansion of the kingdom of God is a gradual process as we’ve noted—a process “already begun but not yet complete.” When the process is complete at the end of days, believers will “judge angels”—we will pass judgment on the fallen sons of God by replacing them. We will rule the nations with Jesus, our King—and brother.

According to Dr. Heiser, when he speaks about this idea, he will get certain inevitable questions: What tasks will we have? Will some believers have more authority than other believers? Will I be another believer’s boss? How can we all be rulers? Do our works dictate who is over whom?

These are all understandable questions from people who live in an imperfect, fallen world. Our perspective is tainted by the flawed, damaged world we experience. But the Bible doesn’t portray our final destiny as a boss-employee relationship. It’s a father-child relationship. We, God’s children, work with him alongside our siblings, whether human or divine. We image God together now the way we were intended to do. The brother we all look up to most is Jesus. All of God’s children have been made like him, the ultimate imager of our Father.

The point is that our rule in the new Eden isn’t about hierarchy; it’s about family partnership. When all the family members are glorified, the need for supervisory hierarchy disappears.

To be honest, we just can’t conceive anything like this. We live in a corrupted world. God wants us—he wants you—to experience life with him the way he intended it to be. And someday we will. As the Bible says in I Corinthians 2:9, “That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.'”

Over the past several weeks, we have explored “What Does God Want?” Now you know what the Bible is really about, and the answer to Dr. Heiser’s book title, He wants YOU! It’s an amazing story.

You’re probably wondering where we go from here. There are some important concepts to think about in light of the story.

Early in the story, Dr. Heiser wrote about Abraham:

The apostle Paul used Abraham as an example of believing loyalty in Romans 4:1-12. Abraham believed and was accepted by God before he obeyed any rules. The rules were about showing he believed. They did not replace belief. Belief (faith) was the one essential thing. Loyalty to that belief—to that God—is something we’ll explore later. Today we call this concept discipleship. Belief and loyalty are two distinct things. They are related but not interchangeable. The same is true of salvation and discipleship.

That paragraph is our road map the rest of the way through Dr. Heiser’s book. The phrase “believing loyalty” will be our guide. Let’s first consider “BELIEVING.”

In the next section, which we will explore in subsequent weeks, we’re going to discuss the gospel. We’ll explore what it is and isn’t. We’ll learn what it means—what the content of the gospel is according to the Bible. That’s important because believing the gospel is how we become members of God’s family. It’s how we are saved. Salvation is by faith. It is the way God has provided salvation, the path he has created for joining his family. That all centers in what Jesus did.

Coupled with believing is “LOYALTY.”

In the last section of the book, we’re going to explore discipleship. “Disciple” is a term that means “follower.” Being a disciple of Jesus means following him—imitating him. Jesus said in John 14:9, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father!” Jesus lived in a way that showed he loved God —that he was loyal to his Father and his plan. Discipleship is how we show we love Jesus and love God. It’s not about earning God’s love. It’s how we thank Jesus for accomplishing God’s plan to save us. It’s not about replacing or supplementing what Jesus did for our salvation. It’s how we show we believe in what he did for our salvation (James [2:14]-26).

As I said earlier, belief and loyalty are two related, but distinct things. They are not interchangeable. The same is true of salvation and discipleship. We believe the gospel for our salvation. We show loyalty to our Savior by being his disciple!

That will conclude our lesson for this week from Dr. Heiser’s book “What Does God Want?” Next Worldview Wednesday, our focus will turn to practical steps that we can implement as we explore “What Is the Gospel?” (good news). I believe you will find each Worldview Wednesday an interesting topic to consider as we build our Biblical worldview.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1165 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1165 – Never An Excuse – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 07:03:03 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1165 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Never An Excuse –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1165 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 Florence Nightingale, and it is, “I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took an excuse.”

Never an Excuse

When we fail at anything in life, the first thing that most of us want to do is to either place blame or create an excuse for why we failed. We have to realize that ultimately, we have to take responsibility for every time we fall short of the mark.

Yes, there may be mitigating circumstances that make failure inevitable in certain situations, but there is no reason to give or take an excuse. Analyze the situation, determine why the failure occurred, and then set out to try again. There are very few situations in life that require an excuse. Just begin again with the wisdom of what caused the failure.

It may be necessary to retry multiple times if success is not achieved. But as long as you learn from each setback and apply your knowledge to the next attempt, then you will continue to move forward with the additional wisdom that was gained on each previous attempt.

Be patient and forgiving with yourself and others. We don’t have control of every circumstance, but we certainly have control over how we respond to each situation. Love what you pursue, be diligent, persevere, and endeavor to continue on.

1 Corinthians 13:7

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1164 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 Worldview Wednesday!

Day 1164 – Persistent Prayer – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 07:03:22 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1164 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Persistent Prayer – Meditation Monday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1164 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 you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

Prayer…how do you know when you have prayed enough for a particular situation? How many times do we need to ask God for something we desire or for the care and concern of a loved one? What does the Bible teach about continuing to pray? Does God get tired of our prayers? These are questions that we all have about prayer. So in today’s meditation, let us consider…

Persistent Prayer

Let’s start our meditation today with the reading of Isaiah 62:6-7,

O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen on your walls;
they will pray day and night, continually.
Take no rest, all you who pray to the Lord.
Give the Lord no rest until he completes his work,
until he makes Jerusalem the pride of the earth.

How much you pray and what you ask for reveals a lot about your view of God and your relationship with Him. Generally speaking, the more kind and capable you think He is, the more you desire to pray, and the more you will pray honestly, boldly, and expectantly. As I learn more about God and grow closer to Him, the more my prayers become less about what I desire, and the more they become what God desires for me and to work through me. God encourages us to keep praying until His answer is clear to us. He desires us to keep engaging with Him in prayer. As the verses we just read suggest, we should “take no rest, and give the Lord no rest until He completes His work through us.”

Of course, we should not ask selfishly, but for what God desires for us. James 4:3 tells us, “And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.” God, in His wisdom, does not grant us our selfish desires, which would do harm to us or others. This is especially true if what we asked would draw us away from fellowship with Him. He loves us too much to cause us harm. We should ask for what we desire, if we do so with all sincerity. God is able to sort out the good requests, from our misguided requests, and also teach us the difference as we continue to grow in Him.

Think about how children ask for what they want. They may not know the difference between what is good or bad for them in their requests, but as their parents, we should discern the difference and only grant those which are good for them. God is the same with our prayer requests.

God is much more generous than even the best parents. He is not reluctant to bless His children. Our prayer lives should reflect that. As we learn to pray more and do so with sincere hearts, we will discover that investing time with God is the greatest blessing of all, even if we do not receive what we request. Jesus himself encourages us to keep on praying and keep communicating with God, reminding us that He will take care of the answers.

Matthew 7:7-11 reads, “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.”

The bottom line is that prayer is essential to our relationship with God. He wants His children to come to Him for what they need. What we need most of all is Him.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1163 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1163 – Go Bird Watching – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 05 Jul 2019 07:03:48 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1163 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Go Bird Watching – Ask Gramps

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 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.

So the question for this week is…

“Hey, Gramps, there are so many circumstances and situations that I face in life, which cause me to worry often. Whether it is my family, my job and finances, my health, or a number of other issues, at times I feel impending doom, although nothing, in particular, is wrong at the moment. Do you have some wisdom to help me change my mindset so that I do not worry and fear as much?”

Go Bird Watching

Although I personally don’t have a significant issue with worry or fear, I realize that most people do. If it continues over a long period of time, and it is to the point of paralyzing you from living a normal life, then you may need to seek professional counseling or medical assistance. That being said, there are certain truths that you need to grasp hold of and apply to your life that will help alleviate most of this unwarranted worry or fear.

Most worry and fear is not real and resides solely in your mind. To change that, you need to change your mindset. We are instructed 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.”

This takes time and focus, but it can be done. Once you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own thinking, then the process can begin. Jesus was (and is) The Master Teacher, but we need to be willing to learn. He often spoke in parables or stories, and although they are not always easy to understand, they are told in such a way as to be memorable. They are told to force us to think. They challenge us to believe more, to exercise our faith more, and to trust Him more, regardless of what we may see or feel. You see, worry and fear is not only a mental issue, but wrong thinking also affects our heart, the center of our emotions.

Jesus’ teachings in Matthew [6:19]-34 is a powerful lesson on worry and how to overcome it. Let me read that for you to help us frame a response to worry.

“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’ teaching here gives us a prescription to help cure worry and fear. As with any prescription, you may not be instantly healed, but if you continue to apply the medicine, over time, your worry and fear will abate. This whole passage is an antidote to worry and fear, which is one of the most persistent temptations and struggle for so many. Within this passage, Jesus presents that argument as a beautiful analogy between God’s care for the birds and His care for you. Ask yourself, are you not far more valuable to Him than the birds? Yes, you are. If He provides for the birds and takes care of them, how much more will He do for you? Besides that, Jesus points out that worrying will not do us a bit of good anyway.

Instead of worrying or fear, Jesus instructs you to seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will take care of the rest. Are you willing to live worry-free and without fear, trusting God to take care of you? The next time you find yourself sliding down that slippery slope of worry or fear, go to the window, or outside and do a little bird watching to get your perspective back in line with God. It will do wonders for your faith.

That is a wrap for today’s question. Join us again next Friday for another question on our “Ask Gramps” episode. 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 1162 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1162 – The Value of a Plumber – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 04 Jul 2019 07:03:05 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1162 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Value of a Plumber – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1162 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…

The Value of a Plumber

Dr. Milton was anticipating a relaxing Saturday morning at home after a very long and hectic week. As he headed to the basement, he thought he heard water running. Upon further investigation, he saw that one of the main pipes was leaking and water was spewing into the laundry room. With all due haste, he called Sam the plumber, who was the best plumber in town and also one of his patients.

Sam arrived promptly, unpacked his tools, worked his mysterious plumber-type things and within 30 minutes had the leak fixed, and the excess water all vacuumed up. He then presented Dr. Milton with a bill for $600.

Dr. Milton, upon looking at the bill, excitedly exclaimed, “This is ridiculous! I don’t even make that much as a doctor!”

Sam, the plumber, just smiled at Dr. Milton and said, “Neither did I when I was a doctor.”

Well, I hope that brought a smile to your face today. If it did, pass that smile on to someone who really needs it. Our Thursday Thought is “There is a huge difference between the cost of a service and its actual value.”

Proverbs [8:11]

For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it.

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 1161 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1161 – God’s Forever Family Part 1 – Worldview Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 07:03:27 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1161 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

God’s Forever Family Part 1 – Worldview Wednesday

God’s Forever Family Part 1

In last week’s lesson, we ended with a firm grasp on some obvious points. Christ is risen. All those who have put their trust in what he did on the cross and his resurrection as the only means of salvation will have everlasting life. But while we are already members of Christ’s kingdom (Colossians [1:13]), that kingdom has not yet come in its fullness and finality.

The same is true of the defeat and destruction of Satan and various fallen sons of God. It is already in progress, but not yet fully realized. Satan has no claim—no ownership, no power of death—over any member of the kingdom of God. We belong to God through Jesus, and Jesus conquered death so that we might be resurrected to everlasting life with him and God the Father (Romans 6:8-9; Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 6:14; 15:42-49). Nevertheless, as we are told in Ephesians 2:2, “You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.”

Likewise, the powers of darkness have been dethroned. But they have not surrendered. They resist, fighting a losing battle. Every person who embraces the salvation offered by God through Jesus has been rescued, and their freedom purchased already. Colossians 1:13-14 says, “For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.” As the kingdom of God grows, the kingdom of darkness diminishes.

It’s easy to get lost in the still-present evil and suffering of the world instead of looking to the future. Sometimes it’s hard to remember that “Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live,” Galatians 1:4.

The Bible doesn’t condemn this dilemma. It’s honest about it in Romans 8:19, “For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.”

In what remains of the story, Dr. Heiser focuses on the amazing ending. Every great epic has a memorable ending. The biblical story is no exception. Although, if you’re expecting harps and clouds get used to disappointment.

We tend to process the final act of the Bible’s story in terms of what we get. For example, we’ll have everlasting life, not death. That’s exciting, but “everlasting life” doesn’t really say much. It’s just a description about duration, not quality.

Quality of everlasting life emerges more in our minds when we process the end of the story as life in a new, global Eden. The book of Revelation, the last book of the Bible, completes the story with imagery from Eden (Revelation 21-22). God is there. Heaven has returned to earth. Jesus is there. The tree of life is there. This Eden is actually better than the original Eden. Evil has run its course. There is no rebellion waiting to explode into the world. Creation is, therefore, perfectly optimized. There is no disease or death anywhere in the plant, animal, or human experience. There is no predation or violence. It’s like nothing we’ve ever experienced.

The “Eden angle” gets us closer to what the Bible itself emphasizes at the climax of its story. The passage from Romans 8 adjusts our thinking just a bit to bring the real pinnacle of God’s plan. All creation is groaning now to be made new, just as we do as believers, but just as with creation, we must wait patiently for that day.

In other words, we are the end game to what God has been doing. Our status as his children permanently fit for his presence, and we will be present with him permanently, which is the forefront of the Bible’s story. Where we live will be more than just spectacular scenery. The book of Revelation’s final vision of the new Eden makes this point for me when it begins the final scene this way in Revelation 21:1-4, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

That will conclude our lesson for this week from Dr. Heiser’s book “What Does God Want?” Next Worldview Wednesday, we will continue to learn about God’s Forever Family as we explore our everlasting identity and partnership with God. I believe you will find each Worldview Wednesday an interesting topic to consider as we build our Biblical worldview.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1160 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1160 – The Secret of a Diplomat – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 07:03:17 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1160 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***The Secret of a Diplomat –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1160 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 Robert Estabrook, and it is, “He who has learned to disagree without being disagreeable has discovered the most valuable secret of a diplomat.”

The Secret of a Diplomat

Being civil with one another seems to be a lost art in today’s divisive world. This is especially true on social media where it is so easy to hide behind the mask of technology. It may be that we just hear from the vocal few who are intolerant on the extreme right and extreme left. With the 24/7 propaganda (i.e., news) outlets, we are bombarded with the same sound bites continually.

Pile on top of that when we include all of the amateur experts on social media, spewing their opinions and hate-filled speech, it fuels intolerance on a much grander scale. We, as a human race, are better than that. Especially if we claim to be Christ followers, we should never become embroiled or participate in such situations.

We will never agree on all issues with others, not even our close loved ones. We need to learn and understand that it is okay if we do not agree on most issues. We need to learn how to disagree, without being disagreeable. We need to restrain our arguments for the sake of love for others. Even if the issue you disagree on is of significant moral consequence, you can still disagree without being ugly about it.

You don’t have to be intolerant to the point that your love for others turns to hate. Our love should transcend our disagreement. We can never reach others for God’s Kingdom if they see us as hateful, spiteful, and unwilling to accept them as a person, even if we cannot accept their viewpoint or opinion. In order to promote and grow God’s Kingdom as His image bearers, we need to show His love to everyone that we meet and impact. We need to be diplomats for God’s good news to bring His enemies to the table of salvation.

Colossians 4:5-6

Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

1 Peter [3:15]-17

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1159 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 for Worldview Wednesday!

Day 1159 – Beauty from Ashes – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 07:03:08 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1159 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Beauty from Ashes – Meditation Monday

Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

There are times in our lives when it seems that our lives are destroyed as with a raging wildfire through the agony of a death of a spouse or close loved one. Or it may be that your life has crumbled like a building destroyed in an earthquake because of the betrayal of a spouse, and now you have to make it on your own as a single parent. When you are in the dark, it is hard to imagine the light that will ever shine again.

In today’s meditation, let us consider…

Beauty from Ashes

Let me share a story of a time when Dan literally experienced beauty from ashes. On June 26, 2012, a wildfire rolled over the mountains and into the city of Colorado Springs. Spurred on by 65 mph wind gusts and fueled by one of the driest seasons on record, the Waldo Canyon fire crested a ridge and drove into the Mountain Shadows neighborhood. In just a few hours, nearly 350 homes burned to the ground.

Dan, one of 32,000 people evacuated from their homes, watched events unfold on TV in a living room across town. Surrounded by his family and closest friends, he waited to see whether his home survived. It did, but his neighbors were not as fortunate.

When Dan’s family was finally able to return home, only a handful of houses still stood on his street. The devastation was shocking. Dan walked his neighborhood, helping those whose homes had been damaged or destroyed. Charred wood and ash coated the area, giving it an ominous black feeling.

But just a few weeks after the tragedy, Dan saw the greenest grass imaginable growing up through the ashes. Vibrant, hopeful new life peeked through the black destruction. Though it may have been just a few blades of grass, it reminded Dan that God brings beauty from ashes.

God brings good news to the oppressed as spoke through his prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 61:1-3,

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me,
for the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted
and to proclaim that captives will be released
and prisoners will be freed.
He has sent me to tell those who mourn
that the time of the Lord’s favor has come,
and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.
To all who mourn in Israel,
he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
that the Lord has planted for his own glory.

I look out my office windows and see the great oaks towering above everything, realizing they have withstood many storms over the years and yet they continue to lift their branches to God. As with each of us, even in the most difficult times, God can create something beautiful and give us hope. So lift your tired hands towards heaven, focus on your heavenly Father, and don’t ever give up. There is always hope with God. We need to hold on to that hope with patient endurance.

Hebrews 10:35-36 encourages,“So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.”

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1158 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1158 – Move Away From Anger – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 07:03:17 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1158 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Move Away From Anger – Ask Gramps

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, 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.

So the question for this week is…

“Hey, Gramps, I desire to be a patient and kind person, but there are times when it seems my anger gets the better of me, and I lash out, only to feel defeated afterward. Do you have any wisdom to help me control my anger?”

Move Away From Anger

I believe that all of us have an issue with anger. There may be times and seasons when it is harder to control, but it still is possible to live a life in which we control our anger or direct our anger in a constructive and beneficial direction. Some people don’t seem to get angry on the surface, but underneath their calm demeanor is a boiling cauldron of rage that is likely to explode. Others become very passive/aggressive with their anger, which can be just as destructive to those who are on the receiving end of it.

There was a man who tried to defend his bad temper by saying, “I explode, and then it’s over with.” It may be to that person, but just like a volcano, that man does not understand or realize that his anger leaves behind a path of carnage.

As Aristotle once wrote, “Anyone can get angry…but to do this to the right person, to the right extent, at the right time, with the right motive, and in the right way, that is not for everyone, nor is it easy.” I would say that is very true. Few are the persons that can fill all of those categories.

The Apostle Paul teaches us in Ephesians 4:26-27, “And don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.”

God does permit us to be angry on certain occasions. In other words, it is not always sinful to experience or even display anger, but in the same verse, Paul warns us not to let our anger lead us to sin. Anger can be so destructive because actions taken and words spoken in anger cannot be taken back, nor is the damage easy to repair. Anger gives the devil a foothold in our lives that if allowed to continue will destroy us and those with whom we become angry.

We need to allow God’s Holy Spirit, who resides within us to warn us when our anger becomes sinful, so we can avoid those situations. This is usually more obvious to others, than it may even be to ourselves. We may need to allow those close to us to help us with this. Bursts of temper resulting in rage, lack of control, the desire to hurt another person, and profanity are not righteous anger. Far from it.

So how can we be angry without sinning? In addition to praying for God’s help, there are some things we can keep in mind. First, when we feel anger welling up within us, we need to focus on the problem, not the person. Second, we should reprove the situation without rejecting the person. Third, we should avoid using exaggerated statements like always and never.

Anger is a normal emotion, but we are fully responsible for how we handle it. We need the Spirit’s gift of self-control to help us deal with our anger.

Proverbs [29:11]

Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.

Join us again next Friday for another question on our “Ask Gramps” episode. 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 1157 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1157 – A Great Night Sleep – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 27 Jun 2019 07:03:59 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1157 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

A Great Night Sleep – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1157 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.

A Great Night Sleep

Bill always seemed to have the problem of oversleeping. He set multiple alarms, but he was just not a morning person. He continually showed up for work late, and Frank, his boss, was really starting to get irritated with his continual excuses. It got so bad that Frank finally told Bill that he had to either do something to change his ways or his job may be in jeopardy.

Bill pondered this for quite some time because he was concerned about losing his job. Frank suggested that maybe he should go see a doctor to see if he had a chronic sleep problem or possibly sleep apnea. Bill took his advice and scheduled a doctor’s appointment for that same evening. He mentioned this to Frank, who was pleased that Bill was finally taking some proactive steps to correct his sleep issues.

Doctor Phil gave him a complete checkup and determined that it was not sleep apnea, but that maybe Bill was just not sleeping soundly. He prescribed some new sleep aid medicine that had just been released that should allow Bill to sleep soundly and wake the next day well rested.

Bill took the pills as prescribed right before bedtime. That night he slept better than he ever had and woke up even before the alarm! He had a leisurely breakfast and drove happily to work very pleased with the results.

Bill came in all smiles to the office that day and proclaimed to Frank his boss, “The pill the doctor gave me actually worked!”

“That’s fine,” said Frank, “but where were you yesterday?”

Well, I hope that brought a smile to your face today. If it did, pass that smile onto someone who really needs it. Our Thursday Thought is “Hard work and a clear conscience is the best sleep aid.”

Ecclesiastes [5:12]

People who work hard sleep well, whether they eat little or much. But the rich seldom get a good night’s sleep.

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 1156 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1156 – Supernatural Infiltration – Worldview Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 07:03:55 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1156 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Supernatural Infiltration – Worldview Wednesday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase Wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1156 of our trek, and it is Worldview Wednesday. Creating a Biblical Worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today’s current events. To establish a Biblical Worldview, you must also have a proper understanding of God and His Word.

Supernatural Infiltration

Remember in last week’s lesson what happened in Acts 2 about the coming of the Spirit. The arrival of God’s Spirit was the crucial element of a new covenant—a new set of promises God was giving to humanity. Many Christians don’t realize that this also meant God was launching a spiritual war to reclaim not only Jews who had rejected Jesus but also Gentiles, people from the nations he had rejected back at the Tower of Babel. God was in pursuit of his family, and it didn’t matter where his children lived. He wanted them and would find them.

The passage I read last week in Acts 2 tells us the Spirit came with wind and fire. Let me again read Acts 2:2-3, “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.”

Fire and “burning smoke” were common elements in visions of God’s presence in the Old Testament (Exodus [13:21]-22; Ezekiel 1:4, 13, 27). God at times, came in a “whirlwind” (Isaiah 6:4, 6; Ezekiel 1:4; Job 38:1; 40:6). Jews who heard Peter’s message and saw the coming of the Spirit with their own eyes knew the day of salvation had come.

Think about what happened in this scene. Three thousand Jews, living abroad in the nations where their ancestors had been scattered, had come to Jerusalem for a religious feast day. They witnessed the coming of the Spirit and heard about Jesus, the Messiah, and what he had done. They believed in Jesus. They became Christ followers. What do you suppose they did next? They went home.

Why does that matter? Because now the lost, divorced nations had three thousand evangelists planted in them. They were like secret agents, embedded in hostile territory held by other gods. They would be God’s initial means to multiply the size of his human family. They were the first wave. Their mission? The same one Jesus had given to his disciples: the Great Commission. Christians know the verses well as we find in Matthew 28:19-20, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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.”

But again, something is missed. That’s the Great Commission all right. But I skipped verse 18, the one that’s usually skipped when people talk about our mission to evangelize. Here’s the full statement of Jesus with verse 18 included.

Matthew [28:18]-20

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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.”

Did you catch that? Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth. The authority in heaven part is pretty easy to understand. Jesus ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 12:2). But what does the “on earth” part mean? This is easily missed. His ascension, which naturally had to follow his resurrection, marked the end of the authority of those who held power on the earth up to that point. Who was that? The fallen sons of God, appointed over the nations when God divorced them as we are told in Deuteronomy 32:8. Essentially Jesus was saying that these fallen sons of God had no business being here now.

The implication is that the resurrection and Jesus’ return to heaven meant that the authority of the rebel sons of God was now null and void. They no longer had legitimate dominion over the people in those nations. Salvation was not just for Israelites (Jews), even though the Messiah was a descendant of Abraham and David. Jesus was the Messiah for everyone, and rightful lord of every nation. The resurrection, ascension, and coming of the Spirit marked the beginning of the end for the fallen sons of God. They had lost their legitimacy.

This is why the New Testament associates the resurrection and ascension with the defeat of the supernatural powers of darkness. This is explained in Colossians 2:12-15, “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. You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.”

Recall from last week the “spiritual rulers and authorities” are terms Paul uses of the supernatural fallen sons of God who became the evil gods of the nations in Old Testament times (Romans [8:38]; 1 Corinthians [15:24]; Ephesians [1:21]; 2:2; [3:10]; [6:12]; Colossians [1:13]).

The “spiritual rulers and authorities” is a favorite expression of the apostle Paul to describe the defeated powers of darkness. After he rose from the dead, 1 Peter 3:22 tells us, “Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honor next to God, and all the angels and authorities and powers accept his authority.”

Paul wants us to understand what that meant when he wrote Ephesians 1:19-21, “I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come.”

The world to come is described to us in 1 Corinthians 15:24, “After that the end will come, when he will turn the Kingdom over to God the Father, having destroyed every ruler and authority and power.”

Paul saw the resurrection and ascension as marking the beginning of the end for the fallen sons of God that had been allotted to the nations. It’s no surprise, then, that he also linked that thought with the salvation of Gentiles, the people of the forsaken nations. The resurrected Jesus and the Spirit would release the Gentiles from dark powers who enslaved and abused them (Psalm 82:2-5).

Recall that God had appeared to Abraham right after dividing the nations at Babel. He told Abraham that through him and his descendants, all those nations would one day be blessed. Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, knew that promise well. He wrote that Jesus “had confirmed the promises” given to Abraham and his descendants “in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy” (Romans 15:8-9).

Paul wasn’t done there. He was fond of quoting the Old Testament to show that God never gave up on the Gentile nations. He had wanted them in his family all along. Paul knew that the Messiah, called the “root of Jesse” in the Old Testament (Jesse was King David’s father) as found in Romans 15:12, “The heir to David’s throne will come, and he will rule over the Gentiles. They will place their hope on him.” Paul knew that the forsaken nations would one day worship the true God (Psalm 117:1).

This program—a campaign of spiritual warfare—was launched when the Spirit came and 3,000 people believed in Jesus (Acts 2). Those new believers went back to their home countries. The gospel of Jesus infiltrated the nations under dominion of hostile supernatural powers. The Bible refers to this as the growth of the “kingdom of God.” As people turned from the corrupt, evil gods that could not offer them everlasting life and become members of God’s family, God’s kingdom grows. One kingdom diminishes; the other expands.

The kingdom of God is therefore already here in some sense…but not completely here in another. Not a moment goes by that God stops pursuing the children he loves and wants. His unseen hand is everywhere, in every circumstance, influencing and empowering his children to grow his human family. One day God’s plan will reach its peak. Everything will come full circle. The end of the story will be the one its Author had in mind all along.

That will conclude our lesson for this week from Dr. Heiser’s book “What Does God Want?” in our next Worldview Wednesday, we will learn that God’s plan is to be with His family forever. I believe you will find each Worldview Wednesday an interesting topic to consider as we build our Biblical worldview.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1155 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1155 – Rich In Compassion – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 07:03:05 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1155 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Rich In Compassion –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1155 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 Rabbi Mervin Romsky, and it is, “He is a failure as a human being, no matter what his other achievements, whose heart does not hurt for his fellow man. And he is a successful human being, no matter where else he may be lacking, who is rich in compassion.”

Rich In Compassion

Success in today’s age, and probably throughout most of history, has been centered around monetary success and the accumulation of resources. Countries have gone to war over it. Humans are willing to lie, cheat, steal, and murder in order to obtain money and resources.

True success is not based on money or resources, although both can be used as a tool to help others. If a person, including you, focuses on becoming successful, at the expense of the goodwill of others, then that success is worthless and futile. True success is only achieved through money and resources when we use them to help others that are in need of our help.

Riches do not come in the accumulation of wealth, but in the distribution of love. If you are willing to sacrifice compassion for another in order to be successful, then any success achieved is a failure. If you are willing to forego your own success and wealth in order to show love and compassion to another person, then even if you do not achieve the success desired, you are truly successful.

1 Corinthians 13:1-7

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.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1154 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 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 Worldview Wednesday!

Day 1154 – All Work Is Kingdom Work – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 07:03:32 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1154 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

All Work Is Kingdom Work – Meditation Monday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1154 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 you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

It is easy to get the impression that work done at church or being in a “full time” ministry is somehow more holy or honored than work done in other professions, but that is just not true.

In today’s meditation, let us consider…

All Work Is Kingdom Work

The Apostle Peter was tired from a long night of fishing with no catch, but at Jesus’ request, he put his boat out in the water again a bit from the shore. As the crowds came near, the staple of Peter’s livelihood, his boat, became a floating pulpit from which Jesus preached the Word of God.

It’s not just those in what we usually consider “full-time” ministry who are called to serve Jesus at work. As long as your work is not illegal or immoral, then as a Christ follower, your work and career is work for God’s Kingdom. You may need to be more willing to push out a little bit from the shore, but you do have an impact on the world for the Kingdom. All it takes is a surrendered heart, the faith to believe that God is working in and through you, and the knowledge that what you are doing really matters to God. As we are told in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”

This refers to what is traditionally considered ministry, but all work is Kingdom work, so thereby all work is ministry work. Colossians 3:23 says, “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.”

After speaking to the crowds, Jesus told Peter to go out into deep water one last time for a catch. Peter must have thought, “It is in the middle of the day, and good fishing happens at night when the fish are feeding.” He may have also thought, “I am a professional fisherman, and you are a carpenter…Don’t you think I know what I am doing? On top of that, he had just finished cleaning his nets, which was no small chore.

Instead, Peter was obedient, and his reply is found in Luke 5:5, “’Master,’ Simon replied, ‘we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.’”

To Peter’s credit, he trusted Jesus with his work life, every last bit of it. The result was a catch so big that the nets began to tear and the boats began to sink. In the same way, let us trust Jesus with our Kingdom work, regardless of if you are a stay at home mom, a plumber, a doctor, a small business owner, or a pastor.

Your work can further God’s Kingdom and lead you into a deeper relationship with Him, and everyone you impact. Make sure you bring the right attitude of faith to all that you do. Remember, all work is Kingdom work.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1153 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1153 – Be Faithful with Little – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 07:03:38 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1153 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Be Faithful with Little – Ask Gramps

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1153 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, this is not possible. 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 may mix it up a bit on our Friday episodes but will strive to keep them down to earth and enjoyable. If you have any questions that you would like to ask Gramps, please email them to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com.

So the question for this week is…

“Hey, Gramps, I don’t have much in the way of money or resources in my life. What is the best way to make sure I am a good manager of what I have so that it will increase?”

Be Faithful with Little

It is pretty evident in today’s culture that most people are not really good managers with their money. Even among Christ Followers, the lack of good money management is evident, and this has been backed up by many Christian financial counselors. There is basic shortsightedness when it comes to properly managing the money and resources that most people have. Money is important for us to build God’s kingdom, but it is more than just money. It includes our time, our talents, and our treasures.

There are many aspects of our lives that demand good management, which includes our family, work, time, abilities, and resources. Our resources not only include the money that we earn, but also our property and other possessions.

Each of us is responsible for doing our best with what we have materially, while also contributing to the work of God on earth, which includes being generous to those in need. How can we do that if we do not have anything extra to give? Good management of resources is our duty to God, and we must pursue it with diligence.

Here are a few items that should be on your financial management checklist. First, know your financial picture, which includes your checking account balances, all debt including your credit card balances, investments, and all monthly commitments. Second, prayerfully build an accurate financial budget and stick to it. Include all members of your family in the planning process. You must have an agreement with everyone for a budget to be effective. Teach your children and grandchildren that money must be earned; it is not an entitlement. Third, focus on paying off your debt as quickly as possible. Pay off the smaller, high-interest debt first, then work on the larger school loans and mortgages. Fourth, start saving and investing any additional monies that you may have. Fifth, give generously to those who are legitimately in need. Being financially stable is never about how much you make, it is only about how much you spend or invest.

We are told in Proverbs [27:23]-24,

Know the state of your flocks,
and put your heart into caring for your herds,
for riches don’t last forever,
and the crown might not be passed to the next generation.

God only holds us accountable for what we do with what we have, not the amount that we have. This is best explained in the parable of the three servants found in Matthew [25:14]-30,

“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.’”

Join us again next Friday for another question on our “Ask Gramps” episode. 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 1152 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player so each day will be downloaded to you 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 1152 – Silence Screams Loudly – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 07:03:56 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1152 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Silence Screams Loudly – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1152 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.

Silence Screams Loudly

Jim, a member of the local church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, Pastor Peter decided to visit him.

It was a chilly evening. Pastor Peter found Jim at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for his pastor’s visit, Jim welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited.

Pastor Peter made himself at home but said nothing. In the grave silence, Jim contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, Pastor Peter took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone then he sat back in his chair, still silent.

Jim was a bit puzzled at such a peculiar move, but he watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the one lone ember’s flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow, and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead.

Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. Then Pastor Peter glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember, and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow, once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.

As Pastor Peter reached the door to leave, Jim said with a tear running down his cheek, “Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I will be back in church next Sunday.”

We live in a world today that tries to say too much with too little. Consequently, few listen. Sometimes the best sermons are the ones left unspoken.

I hope that brought a smile to your face today. If it did, pass that smile on to someone who really needs it. Our Thursday Thought is “Listen to silence; it has much to say.”

Hebrews [10:25]

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.

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 1151 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1151 – God Pursues His Family – Worldview Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 07:03:18 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1151 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

God Pursues His Family – Worldview Wednesday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1151 of our trek, and it is Worldview Wednesday. Creating a Biblical worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today’s current events. To establish a Biblical worldview, you must also have a proper understanding of God and His Word.

On our Worldview Wednesday episodes, we are in a series in which we are covering another detailed review of a book from one of today’s most prominent Hebrew scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser. We are taking a deep dive and will share Dr. Heiser’s insights into the question, which is also the title of his book “What Does God Want?”

God Pursues His Family

As was mentioned from Dr. Heiser in last week’s episode (Day 1146), the coming of the Holy Spirit was the fulfillment of the new covenant described by Jeremiah and Ezekiel (Jeremiah [31:31]-34; Ezekiel [36:22]-28). The Spirit’s ministry in each believer makes victory over depravity possible. Think of it as a slap in the face to the supernatural fallen sons of God. But it’s an even more direct assault on another set of supernatural villains.

The Spirit’s arrival to dwell within each Christ follower launched an infiltration campaign against the sons of God to whom God assigned the nations he divorced (Deuteronomy 32:8)—the supernatural beings who defected from serving God and became corrupt, abusing the people under their dominion (Psalm 82).

Jesus knew all that. We habitually miss it in our reading of the New Testament books that come after the resurrection starting in the book of Acts to the end, the book of Revelation.

· The Beginning of the End

Jesus’s departure put the coming of the Spirit into motion (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:7; Luke 24:49). While the resurrected Jesus was still on earth, he told his followers what was coming right around the corner in Acts 1:4-8,

Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”

He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

If you keep reading the book of Acts, it doesn’t take long to figure out what Jesus was forecasting. Once he leaves (Acts 1:9-11) the Spirit arrives in (literally) a blaze of glory in the next chapter.

Acts 2:1-4 reads,

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.

The rest of the account tells us that the Holy Spirit enabled the followers of Jesus to speak in all sorts of languages. They were telling the story of Jesus—his death and resurrection—to Jews from all over the world. “Jews” was the name given to the Israelites in foreign lands, who had been scattered all over the world in exile back in Old Testament times. The Jews who heard the followers of Jesus preaching to them in their own language were descendants of Old Testament Israelites. They had come to Jerusalem to celebrate one of the holy feasts on the old Israelite religious calendar.

The people in Jerusalem who knew who the followers of Jesus were thought the whole public display was drunken madness. It just wasn’t possible that all of a sudden these men could speak in other languages. But then the apostle Peter laid it all out for them. Honestly, did more than that —he let them have it. Let me read some excerpts in Acts [2:14]-19, 21-24, 33,

Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, “Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o’clock in the morning is much too early for that. No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel:

‘In the last days,’ God says,
‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy.
Your young men will see visions,
and your old men will dream dreams.
In those days I will pour out my Spirit
even on my servants—men and women alike—
and they will prophesy.
And I will cause wonders in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below—
blood and fire and clouds of smoke.

But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
will be saved.’

“People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. 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. But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip.

Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today.Peter was telling them what they were seeing with their own eyes, and hearing with their own ears, was a miracle caused by the arrival of the Holy Spirit of God. He told them God had sent his Spirit to tell them what had happened. The Messiah had come, been killed, had risen from the dead—and they needed to believe. The result of Peter’s explanation was stunning. Acts [2:41] says,

Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.

This is usually the point in the story where the preacher moves on (or backward) to talk about the cross. That’s all well and good since the cross and the resurrection had led to this moment. But again, we’re missing something very significant about the story. We will continue on with that significant portion of the story in next week’s episode.

That will conclude our lesson for this week from Dr. Heiser’s book “What Does God Want?” Next Worldview Wednesday, we will learn that God Holy Spirit, who indwells every Christ follower, was the secret weapon or the supernatural infiltrator, to bring all nations back to God. I believe you will find each Worldview Wednesday an interesting topic to consider as we build our Biblical worldview.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1150 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1150 – Wisdom Through Failure – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 07:03:26 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1150 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Wisdom Through Failure –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1150 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 Gramps, and it is, “Successful people who are also good are good because they’ve come to wisdom through failure. Not much wisdom is gained when success comes easy.”

Wisdom Through Failure

Some people who appear to achieve easy success do so by taking advantage of and exploiting others. Some people may achieve what appears to be a success through the hard work and inheritance of others. A truly successful person, who is also a good and wise person, or you might say a person of integrity, achieved that success through wisdom and integrity by working hard and persevering through trials and failures.

Wisdom is more often gained through the lessons of failure, than through the rewards of success. Success that is gained too easily does not provide the valuable lessons needed to appreciate success. Hardships and trials are the foundry of life that allows us to be molded and shaped into people of integrity. A person who is wise is also successful, for gaining wisdom is the ultimate level of success.

Proverbs [20:21]

An inheritance obtained too early in life is not a blessing in the end.

Proverbs [3:13]-15

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.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1149 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 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 Worldview Wednesday!

Day 1149 – Forgiving Others – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 07:03:36 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1149 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Forgiving Others – Meditation Monday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1149 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 you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

How easy is it for you to forgive others, especially when the offense was unwarranted? There is a clear example that we can follow, but it is still not easy.

In today’s meditation, let us consider…

Forgiving Others

For many people, forgiving others is very difficult, and they struggle with it daily. We would much rather see justice and lean towards revenge instead. Jesus clearly taught in what we refer to as the “Lord’s Prayer” that our own forgiveness is tied to how we forgive those who have committed sin against us.

Matthew [6:12] says,

“And forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.”

The actions of others do not determine our role in the forgiveness process. Let me share with you the story of Jesus’s crucifixion and His response to an abundance of unwarranted abuse.

The dialogue that day was bitter. It was what we now refer to as “Good Friday,” although it seemed anything but good.

From the onlookers Matthew [27:40],

“Look at you now!” they yelled at him. “You said you were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days. Well then, if you are the Son of God, save yourself and come down from the cross!”

And in Mark [15:32],

“Let this Messiah, this King of Israel, come down from the cross so we can see it and believe him!” Even the men who were crucified with Jesus ridiculed him.”

Bitter words. Sharp with sarcasm. Hateful. Irreverent. Wasn’t it enough that he was being crucified? Wasn’t it enough that he was being shamed as a criminal? Were the nails insufficient? Was the crown of thorns too soft? Had the flogging been too short?

For some, apparently so…

Of all the scenes around the cross, this scene as it plays out in my mind always brings tears to my eyes. What kind of people, I ask myself, would mock a dying man? Who would be so base as to pour the salt of scorn upon open wounds? How low and perverted to sneer at one who is laced with pain…

The words thrown that day were meant to wound. And there is nothing more painful than words meant to hurt…

Jesus was God wrapped in flesh and had all the frailty of a human as he willingly submitted himself to such ridicule and abuse.

What would your response have been in the same situation? One of Jesus’s closest friends, who had denied Him tells us in 1 Peter [2:23],

He did not retaliate when he was insulted,
nor threaten revenge when he suffered.
He left his case in the hands of God,
who always judges fairly.

Did you see what Jesus did not do? He did not retaliate. He did not bite back. He did not say, “I’ll get you! Come on up here and say that to my face! Just wait until after the resurrection, buddy!” No, these statements were not found on Christ’s lips.

Did you see what Jesus did do? “He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.” Or said more simply, he left the judging to God. He did not take on the task of seeking revenge. He demanded no apology. He hired no bounty hunters and sent out no posse. He, to the astounding contrary, spoke on their defense. His words were in Luke 23:34, “Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.’ And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.”

And when you think about it, they hadn’t the faintest idea of what they were doing. They were a stir-crazy mob, mad at something they couldn’t see, so they took it out on, of all people, God. But they didn’t know what they were doing.

Yes, the dialogue that Friday morning was bitter. The verbal stones were meant to sting. How Jesus, with a body wracked with pain, eyes blinded by his own blood, and lungs yearning for air, could speak on behalf of some heartless thugs is beyond my comprehension. Never, never have I seen such love. If ever a person deserved a shot at revenge, Jesus did. But he didn’t take it. Instead, he died for them. How could he do it? I don’t know. But I do know that all of a sudden my wounds seem very painless. My grudges and hard feelings are suddenly childish.

Sometimes I wonder if we don’t see Christ’s love as much in the people he tolerated as in the pain he endured.

Ephesians [4:32] reads,

“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1148 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1148 – Muzzle Yourself – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 07:03:48 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1148 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Muzzle Yourself – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1148 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.

So the question for this week is…

“Hey, Gramps, How can I be more careful with the words that I speak, and what I say to others? Sometimes I hurt those I love most because of my careless speech.”

Muzzle Yourself

This is an issue that certainly all of us continually struggle with. James, the half-brother of Jesus, had this to say about our speech in James 3:1-12…

Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.

We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.

But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.

People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish,but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.

The book of wisdom, which is Proverbs, also has much to say about our speech. For example, Proverbs 17:28 says, “Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.”

When we say the wrong thing at the wrong time, there can be many consequences. It seems, though, that sometimes we just can’t help ourselves. We need to realize and remember that we are responsible for everything we say. Sometimes we use our mouth to put others down, to reveal confidences disguised as prayer requests, or to build ourselves up in the eyes of others, even if it is a subtle way of tearing others down.

Sometimes we provide a running commentary on life, the good, the bad, and the ugly. James tells us that “It is a whole world of wickedness…It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.”

Ephesians 4:29 teaches us something different when it says, “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”

Think about that. Is there any better advice when it comes to our speech? It can take years to build trust with someone and only a few ill-chosen words to tear it all back down. Remember that your mouth is one of the most obvious windows to your relationship with Christ. What we say can encourage people that are hurting and give grace to those who need it.

Though the tongue can be used recklessly, causing great damage, it can also be used wisely, bringing great good to many. My advice is to permeate your life with God’s word and allow Him to guide your words. Make your speech a matter of prayer. Be intentional every time you open your mouth. The bottom line is your mouth can be a useful ministry tool, or a weapon. By God’s grace, seek to use your words for His glory.

As the old saying goes, “A closed mouth gathers no foot.” Be wise as we are told in Proverbs 16:23, “From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive.”

Join us again next Friday for another question on our “Ask Gramps” episode. 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 Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1147 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 on Monday!

Day 1147 – Give Half to the Poor – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 07:03:50 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1147 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Give Half to the Poor – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1147 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.

Give Half to the Poor

Pastor Peter, the pastor of the local community church in the village, was preaching a rousing sermon about being willing to give to those in need. As he ramps up on his final point, he emphasized it with this statement, “The trouble with the world today is that some people have too much and others have too little. We must give of ourselves and our worldly goods to help the less fortunate.”

To drive his point home he caught the attention of one of the church deacons Brother John, and Pastor Peter asked him, “Brother John, If you had a million dollars would you be willing to give half of it to the poor?”

Brother John speaks up and proudly said, “Amen, Pastor, I would indeed.”

Excitedly, Pastor Peter then says, and Brother John, “If you had two cars, wouldn’t you give one of them to your neighbor next door if they needed it?”

Looking a bit embarrassed at this, Brother John sheepishly says…“Well, I don’t think I would be able to Pastor.”

Pastor Peter then asked, “And why not?”

Brother John replied, “That’s different, Pastor, I already have two cars.”

Well, I hope that brought a smile to your face today. If it did, pass that smile on to someone who really needs it. Our Thursday Thought is…“Give of yourself. Be of service to others. Only what you give can be multiplied back into your own life.”

Luke [6:38]

“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”

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 1146 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1146 – God Became Human – Fixing More than the Fall – Worldview Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 07:03:12 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1146 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

God Became Human – Fixing More than the Fall – Worldview Wednesday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1146 of our trek, and it is Worldview 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 and His Word.

God Became Human – Fixing More Than The Fall

On previous weeks, we learned that the only way which God could rescue us from our fallen state and keep the covenants that He made with Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David was to become a human and join His human family on earth. Because God became a man in Jesus, he could die. That was important because death could only be defeated by resurrection. You can’t have resurrection without a prior death.

Since Jesus was also God, he had the power to bring himself back to life in John 10:17-18, “The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.” Since the death of Jesus was God’s plan, God knew from before the foundation of the world that he would raise Jesus from the dead (Acts [2:23]-24, 32; [3:15]; [10:40]; Galatians 1:1).

Because of the resurrection, our distance from God was bridged. Death was overcome. Those were the effects of the rebellion in Eden. The Adam and Eve problems, caused by the temptation of the serpent (Satan), were solved. Everyone who believes that Jesus’ death and resurrection provided forgiveness of sin and everlasting life will be in God’s family forever (Romans [4:16]-25; [8:10]-11; 10:9-10; 1 Corinthians [6:14]).

Once Jesus rose from the dead, he had to return (“ascend”) to heaven. Jesus ascended to heaven and took his throne next to God the Father (Mark [16:19]; John [20:17]; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 12:2). This was a precursor to sending the Holy Spirit, who would indwell believers (Acts [2:33]; Romans 8:9- 11). Jesus had to leave so the Spirit could come (John [14:25]-26; [15:26]; 16:7; Luke [24:49]).

The coming of the Spirit was the fulfillment of the new covenant described by Jeremiah and Ezekiel (Jeremiah [31:31]-34; Ezekiel [36:22]-28). It would be the Spirit who would provide victory over depravity (Galatians [5:16]-17), and whose works would be “greater” than Jesus’s own (John [14:12]).

Jesus knew his death and resurrection were key to the new covenant coming to pass. This is why at the Last Supper Jesus told the disciples that his blood was “the blood of the covenant” poured out for them (Matthew [26:28]; Mark [14:24]; Luke [22:20]). Once Jesus ascended back to heaven, and the Spirit descended to earth, humanity was not helpless against depravity.

The bottom line is that for God to clean up the problems with having a human family—the perpetual failures and rebellions—he had to become a man and fulfill all the terms of the covenants himself.

Think about the original question that Dr. Heiser proposed in this book: What does God want? He wants you. God sent his unique Son to earth as Jesus to fix the problem of death and sin, to fulfill his covenants with humanity, so He could bring you home forever. God joined the human family. There was no other way. There are a lot of reasons why the gospel has nothing to do with our behavior—earning God’s love and salvation. This is the biggest of them. It’s insane to think our imperfect behavior could ever be adequate. The coming, death, and resurrection of Christ would never have been necessary if we could earn salvation.

So the question that we need to ask, if our salvation and restoration depended on God coming to earth, dying, resurrecting, and ascending to heaven so the Spirit of God could be sent to us, why did Satan and His Minions push to kill Jesus. Well, it is a classic case of dumb and dumber. They did not understand God’s plan.

There’s one more twist in this story that we don’t want you to miss. You may have wondered something. I know I did (more than once). If the death and resurrection of Jesus overturned the effects of what the serpent (Satan) had done and impeded the wickedness that permeated the world and amounted to taking away the authority of the defiant gods of the nations, why in the world would Satan and the other evil spirits ever kill Jesus? It seems blazingly stupid.

Think about it. The key to everything in God’s plan was Jesus’ death, because you have to have a death in order to have a resurrection that overcomes death. And Jesus could not have gone back to be with God the Father if his mission was not accomplished—which means the Spirit could not have come to deal with depravity. If Satan and all the other powers of darkness had just let Jesus alone, God’s plan would have failed. Are they supernatural idiots?

Dr. Heiser has written a lot about this topic, which can be found in his books The Unseen Realm and Supernatural. It’s fascinating. The New Testament actually answers this question. In talking about the good news (“gospel”) of Jesus that he preached, the apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 2:7-8, “No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God—his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord.”

“Rulers” is a word Paul used elsewhere for evil members of the spirit world (Ephesians [3:10]; [6:12]; Colossians [1:16]). The point is simple: Satan, demons, and the rival sons of God didn’t know what God’s plan was. For sure, they knew who Jesus was when he started his ministry. They called Jesus the “son of God” and “son of the Most High” (Matthew 4:1-11; [8:29]; Mark [1:12]-13, 21-24; 3^:11; Luke 4:1-13, 31-37; [8:28]).

The Old Testament made it pretty clear that God still wanted a human family to rule with him, just like the original idea of Eden. Satan and his buddies could have guessed Jesus was here to get that ball rolling. But they had no idea how. The logical thing in their view was to kill him. But that was the key to everything. God played them like fools.

It’s easy to chuckle about how much smarter God was than any of his supernatural enemies. But let’s not miss the point. God joined humanity not to make Satan or demons look silly. He did it because he wanted you in his family. He needed no other motive. You were enough.

But there’s still more to the story. Jesus did his part. We need to take a closer look at the Spirit’s role for a simple but significant reason—it’s directly tied to our roles in helping God recruit as many people as possible back into his family.

That will conclude our lesson for this week from Dr. Heiser’s book “What Does God Want?” Next Worldview Wednesday, we will learn that God not only joined His human family, He also continues to pursue His family. I believe you will find each Worldview Wednesday an interesting topic to consider as we build our Biblical worldview.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1145 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1145 – Success Is Not Luck – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 07:03:39 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1145 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Success Is Not Luck –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase Wisdom and Create a Living Legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1145 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 Gramps, and it is, “Good luck is a lazy person’s assessment of a successful person.”

Success Is Not Luck

There is a natural tendency to attribute success in other people to a stroke of fortune, or good luck. Nothing could be farther from the truth. There is no such thing as good or bad luck. What we consider good luck is when opportunity, preparation, perseverance, and hard work meet at an intersection.

Yes, it does appear that some people are just at the right place at the right time, but that is nearly always an illusion. If that person was not prepared to the opportunity that came to him or her, it would be no more noteworthy than any normal occasion that crosses our paths each day. Opportunities are plentiful, but it is only the prepared, the observant, the hard worker, the one who perseveres that is able to take advantage and exploit those opportunities in order to have a chance of success.

Not every opportunity will be successful, but the more opportunities that we prepare for ahead of time and in which we invest the necessary time and resources to take advantage of, the more success we will achieve. This applies to every area of life.

Thomas Edison, who failed thousands of times is attributed to the quote, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” He is a person who is considered one of the greatest inventors of all time, but he also faced thousands of failures along his journey of life, and yet no one considers Thomas Edison a failure. He was prepared, he persevered, he continually worked hard…so when the opportunities crossed his path of life, he was able to take advantage of them over and over again. All of us have the same opportunities if we are prepared.

Proverbs [24:27]

“Do your planning and prepare your fields before building your house.”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1144 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 Worldview Wednesday!

Day 1144 – The Desires of Your Heart – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 07:03:08 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1144 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Desires of Your Heart – Meditation Monday

Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

All too often we think, or are taught, that God’s will for our lives is something mystical, or difficult to discern, but it is not. God’s will for us is to utilize our God-given abilities for His glory. It most often corresponds to what we already enjoy doing and are qualified to do.

In today’s meditation, let us consider…

The Desires of Your Heart

God gives each of us certain talents and abilities in our lives. Through normal or extreme circumstances, God molds those talents and abilities to refine us for His Kingdom. It is no more special to be a pastor or a plumber. What is important is to be using your God-given talents and abilities for His honor and glory to further His kingdom. It reminds me of the parable of the three servants found in Matthew [25:14]-30. The amount of money given to each servant was not important; it was what each servant did with the money that they were judged on.

There is a story about a twenty-year-old marine, just discharged from the military and pondering his future. He bore a square jaw, a forearm tattoo, and a common question. He didn’t know what to do with the rest of his life. He shared his story with a wise man, who relayed it to me. Here is the story…

He told me about his uncle, a New England priest…“What a great man,” the ex-soldier sighed. “He helps kids and feeds the hungry. I’d love to make a difference like that.”

I then asked him, “What were some occasions when you did something you love to do and did it quite well?”

He dismissed the question at first and said. “Aw, what I love to do is stupid.”

“Try me,” I invited.

“Well, I love to rebuild stuff.”

“What do you mean?”

He spoke of an old coffee table he had found in a garage. Seeing its potential, he shaved off the paint, fixed the broken legs, and restored it. With great pride, he presented it to his mom.

“Tell me another time,” I prompted.

“This one is really dumb,” he discounted. “But when I worked at a butcher shop, I used to find meat on the bones others threw out. My boss loved me! I could find several pounds of meat just by giving the bone a second try.”

I tested a possibility with him. “You love to salvage stuff. You salvage furniture, salvage meat. God gave you the ability to find a treasure in someone else’s trash.”

My idea surprised him. “God?God did that?”

“Yes, I said, God. Your ability to restore a table is every bit as holy as your uncle’s ability to restore a life.” You would have thought he’d just been handed a newborn baby. As my words sank in, the tough soldier teared up. His natural inclinations and desires are how God was using him to further His Kingdom.

So I will say to you, see your desires as gifts to heed rather than longings to suppress, and you’ll feel the same joy. Reflect on your life. What have you always done well and loved to do? You may just find that God is using the desires of your heart to fulfill the desires of God’s heart.

Psalm 37:4

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.

That is a wrap for today’s meditation. 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 1143 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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!

Day 1143 – I Want It…Later – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 07 Jun 2019 07:03:53 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1143 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

I Want It…Later – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1143 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.

The question for this week is…

“Hey, Gramps, in today’s instant gratification culture how can I gain wisdom to delay what I want most for what I want right now?”

I Want It…Later

This question has plagued humankind ever since Adam and Eve decided to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. They desired some immediately instead of being content with what they desired most, which was to live with God on earth in the Garden of Eden. There is also another story in the Old Testament that greatly illustrates this point. Remember the story of Jacob and his twin brother Esau? Esau wanted some of Jacob’s stew so badly, to satisfy his immediate desire, he didn’t even hesitate when Jacob asked him to trade his birthright for it. Esau’s reply to his brother is found in Genesis 25:32, “’Look, I’m dying of starvation!’ said Esau. ‘What good is my birthright to me now?'”

In essence, he said, “I am more interested in satisfying my immediate hunger than I am in whatever promise might be in store down the road.” So without a second thought, even though he knew what the birthright actually entailed, he made the deal. A spiritual blessing, a double portion of the inheritance, leadership in the family…traded for a bowl of stew. Sounds ludicrous, doesn’t it?

Unfortunately, the story of Esau is re-lived by many people, including us sometimes. When we focus our time, energy, and resources on achieving and acquiring what feels good now, we miss opportunities to participate in the promises and purpose of God. Think about that…We can miss opportunities to further God’s kingdom, to join God’s work, in the world.

As we are told in Hebrews 12:16, “Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal.”

We see in this verse that Esau was not only unwise in his decision, but it was also an immoral decision because it was outside of God’s will for Him. He gave priority to his selfish desires, and by doing so, treated God in a way that was disrespectful. So now I want to ask you a question: Is there an area in your life that you are trading away God’s blessings for something else that you desire right now, instead of delaying it for something that you want most?

A life lived for Christ is a life focused on Kingdom significance, and a life of Kingdom significance will always far outweigh a life of indulgence.

“The chief cause of failure and unhappiness is trading what you want most for what you want right now.”

Let me end with Colossians 1:9-12, “So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power, so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.”

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1142 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 on Monday!

Day 1142 – You Get What You Pay For – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 07:03:17 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1142 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

You Get What You Pay For – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1142 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…

You Get What You Pay For

On their way home from church one Sunday morning, Susan commented to John, her husband, “Wow, the choir sounded really bad today, didn’t it?” John thought about that and replied, “Yes you are right, they did sound bad. In addition to that, the pastor’s sermon was way too long and boring. I could barely stay awake.” Susan chuckled and said, “I am not sure you did stay awake.” After a few minutes of silence, little Mary spoke up from the back seat, “Well…you both may be right, but you have to admit, it was a pretty good show for only a dollar.”

Well, I hope that brought a smile to your face today. If it did, pass that smile on to someone who really needs it. Our Thursday Thought is “Don’t worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition.”

1 Timothy [5:18]

For the Scripture says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!”

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 1141 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1141 – God Joined His Human Family – Worldview Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 07:03:20 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1141 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

God Joined His Human Family – Worldview Wednesday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1141 of our trek, and it is Worldview Wednesday. Creating a Biblical worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today’s current events.

To establish a Biblical worldview, you must also have a proper understanding of God and His Word. On our Worldview Wednesday episodes we are in a series in which we are covering another detailed review of a book from one of today’s most prominent Hebrew scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser. We are taking a deep dive and will share Dr. Heiser’s insights into the question, which is also the title of his book “What Does God Want?”

God Joined His Human Family

Last week we explored how the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people, had continually turned from Him in a constant downward spiral. This concluded in their final betrayal when the nation was taken into exile. God still desired an intimate relationship with His human family, so there was only one choice left for Him…to become human and dwell as one of them.

Most Christians know all about the coming of Jesus. They know he was miraculously birthed by Mary, a young girl who was a virgin (Matthew [1:18]-25). The wider culture is familiar with the image of baby Jesus in the manger, especially in Christmas decorations. Several old, but still popular, Christmas songs celebrate how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about a messiah.

· There’s More to Jesus Than The Cross

The entire focus is typically on Jesus being born into the world to eventually die on the cross. He would be the means of forgiveness for our sins, and thus, our entrance back into God’s family (John [3:16]). In other words, when most Christians think about Jesus, they have the cross in mind. That misses something.

The fact that God became a man in Jesus gets a little lost in focus on the cross. Most Christians don’t realize that it was necessary for God to become human for many reasons: to fulfill all the Old Testament covenants and to overturn the results of the supernatural rebellions we discussed in previous weeks.

The hope that human beings could still one day be with God forever was kept alive by God’s refusal to eliminate humanity or scrap the plan. He kept returning to humanity, offering them forgiveness and a relationship with him. God wanted them to believe and show they believed by living in harmony with him and each other. But God’s children rejected him at every turn. It’s as though every time God said, “You can still be with me— believe that and then show me where your heart’s at,” the problem got worse. The Bible uses the analogy of wandering sheep with no shepherd to describe this propensity (Isaiah 53:6; Matthew [9:36]). That’s pretty much on target.

As was noted last week, God’s children needed new hearts and God’s presence to help them believe. They needed a means to be saved from themselves and from a destiny that didn’t include everlasting life with the God who loved them. There had to be a way for God to honor his covenant promises, to reverse the curse of death, and to help his people continue in their faith.

God’s solution to these problems was radical. He had to become a man. He had to join the human race. This is where Jesus enters the story. Jesus was God become man (John 1:1, 14-15; Colossians [1:15]-20; 2:6-9). He was the solution to every one of these obstacles.

Only by dying on behalf of all humanity could the curse of death upon humanity be reversed. That meant such a death had to be followed by a resurrection, something only God could accomplish. Jesus was the solution for what happened in Eden.

Remember God’s covenant with Abraham? God had supernaturally intervened to enable Abraham and Sarah to have a son. That was the beginning of the nation of Israel. God told Abraham that one of his descendants would bless the nations God had forsaken at Babel. But how could a mere man do that?

Only God himself could be the loyal descendant of Abraham who would fulfill the promise of that covenant to bless the nations outside Israel. Jesus was that descendant of Abraham (Matthew 1:1; Luke [3:34]). He was the promised offspring who would release people in the divorced nations (“Gentiles”) from other gods so they could rejoin God’s family (Galatians [3:16]-18; 26-29). Jesus was the solution for fulfilling the covenant with Abraham.

Jesus was also a descendant of David, so he was the rightful king (Matthew 1:1; Luke 1:32; Romans 1:3). Jesus was the solution for fulfilling the covenant with David. He had the right ancestry and was perfectly loyal to God. He never disobeyed God. He never committed any sin (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:22). The fact that he never sinned also meant he was the perfect example of the purpose of God’s law and the covenant made at Sinai. Jesus was the ultimate imager of God (2 Corinthians 4:4; Colossians 1:15). He is the illustration of how to image God; God wants us to conform to Jesus’s example (2 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 3:10). As we’ll see later, that’s also what being a disciple means (1 Peter [2:21]).

God becoming a man is a difficult idea to grasp. God could become a man because he is more than one person. God is three persons who are completely the same in their nature. The Bible uses the terms “Father,” “Son,” and “Holy Spirit” to distinguish these three persons. Christians call the result of that labeling the Trinity. “God the Son” became a man as Jesus (John 1:1, 14-15). Theologians call that the incarnation, a term that means God coming “in the flesh.” Jesus would be the only human God the Father could rely on to fulfill the covenants.

You might recall that it was mentioned earlier that God knew “from before the foundation of the world” that he would send the Son, Jesus, to bring people back into his family (Ephesians 1:1-14; 1 Peter [1:20]). The amazing thing is that the Son was willing to become a man, be tortured, and die so that God could have a human family. Here’s how one section of the New Testament describes the conversation:

That is why, when Christ came into the world, he said to God,

“You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings.
But you have given me a body to offer.
You were not pleased with burnt offerings
or other offerings for sin.
Then I said, ‘Look, I have come to do your will, O God—
as is written about me in the Scriptures.’”

Hebrews 10:5-7

It’s a good thing that God the Son was willing to be born as Jesus. Not only were the covenants at risk, but overcoming all the misery caused by supernatural rebellions was at stake as well. We need to understand that those rebellions required God becoming a man—because God joining his human family set the stage for the coming of the Spirit.

That will conclude our lesson for this week from Dr. Heiser’s book “What Does God Want?” Next Worldview Wednesday, we will learn that because of God coming to earth, He was able to fix more than the fall of the humans, He also duped Satan and his minions into killing Him. I believe you will find each Worldview Wednesday an interesting topic to consider as we build our Biblical worldview.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1140 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1140 – Success in Four Short Words – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 07:03:58 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1140 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Success in Four Short Words –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1140 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 A. Lou Vickery, and it is, “Four short words sum up what has lifted most successful individuals above the crowd; a little bit more. They did all that was expected of them and a little bit more.”

Success in Four Short Words

Little success is based on being talented or gifted in a certain area of life. The most successful people in any area of life are rarely the smartest, strongest, or most talented. In fact, most who are successful come from very modest backgrounds with limited resources or natural giftedness.

There is a secret ingredient found in the most successful people that has nothing to do with their pedigree, their connections, or their intellect. The secret ingredient can be summed up in four short words…‘a little bit more.’

Successful people do all that is expected of them. They complete all that is required, just like everyone else, but then they do ‘a little bit more,’ and it makes all the difference. It is that extra perseverance, that extra push, that extra effort and energy that separates those who are just successful from those who are most successful.

The next time you think you have completed the task enough to be successful, then push forward and lift yourself above the crowd and do ‘a little bit more’ than what is expected. This is not so you will be successful in the eyes of others, but so that you will know that you have done your very best for yourself and for God.

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 our past 1139 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 for Worldview Wednesday!

Day 1139 – It’s a Jungle Out There – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 07:03:09 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1139 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

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1139 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.

Life is full of twist and turns. At times we can hardly see our way clear, or know what direction to take on our path of life. Life can seem to be an overgrown jungle, and you find yourself lost in all of the entanglements and pressures of life. It reminds me of the theme song for the detective program “Monk” that aired from 2002-2009.

In today’s meditation, let us consider…

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 for several long seconds and then 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 always tell us. Oh, He may give us a hint or two, but that’s all. If He shows us the entire path, 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. He tells us in 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.'”

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. We can be confident of this because Jesus told us in Matthew 28:20, “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, praise God for his clear path. But remember—we do not know what tomorrow holds. We do not know where this path 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 guide who is clearing the path as you need it cleared. He knows your voice. And he’s just waiting for your request. He has also given us His Word as a lamp for those dark days when the paths need light. Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1138 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1138 – The Wisdom of Fools – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 31 May 2019 07:03:03 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1138 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Wisdom of Fools – Ask Gramps

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1138 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. 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.

The question for this week is…

“Hey, Gramps, how is it that we can have access to so much information today, but it appears that we are unable to hold onto true wisdom?”

The Wisdom of Fools

In the divisive and irrational world in which we now live, it appears that rational thinking, common sense, and certainly sage wisdom alludes our everyday lives. So many are caught up in circular thinking where few are able to hold to sound logic and doctrine. Theories and hypothesis are taught as scientific facts, and very few people study to determine, or even question, whether the conclusions are logical or sound.

This is permeating most in society, regardless of political or religious leanings. Reading social media posts and watching most newscasts today reminds me of what is taught in Isaiah 53:6, “All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.” It appears to have impacted most Christ followers, as well as deniers. We need to frame all that we take in through the filter of the Bible, so we can stand firmly on a Biblical worldview.

To illustrate how quickly we can lose perspective because we lack ingrained wisdom, let me tell you an old German story that goes like this.

A happy and cheerful man once captured a bird and placed it in a cage. “Give me my freedom, sir!” cried the bird as he shut the door. Startled that the bird was talking to him, the man listened as the bird continued his pleading. “I am no use to you, sir, for I have no beautiful feathers to look at, nor am I able to sing beautiful songs, and I am too small to eat. If, however, you promise to grant me my freedom, I will tell you three wise teachings.”

The man agreed, whereupon the little bird told him, “First, do not grieve over things that have already happened. Second, do not wish for that which is unattainable. Third, do not believe in that which cannot be possible.”

The man thought about these wise teachings for a few moments and replied, “Indeed, these are wise things you have taught me.” As agreed, he opened the door of the cage and set the little bird free. The man sat and pondered the bird’s sayings, and the bird flew up to a branch high up in a tree. After a few moments, the man heard the bird laughing. “Why do you laugh?” he called.

“Because I so easily won my freedom,” replied the bird. “You humans pride yourselves on being the wisest of the creatures, yet I, a tiny bird, have outwitted you. Within my belly lies a diamond the size of a hen’s egg. If you had not let me go, you would be a wealthy man.”

Upon hearing this news, our once happy and cheerful man became angry, sad, and depressed. And the more the little bird laughed, the angrier, sadder, and more depressed the man became.

After some time, the man started hurling abuse at the laughing bird as he attempted to recapture it. But to no avail. The little bird was always beyond his reach. Finally, the little bird called out. “Listen to me O human. When you granted me freedom I gave you three teachings, yet you almost instantly forgot them. Let me review them with you. First, you should not grieve over things that have already happened, but still, you are grieving that you gave me my freedom. Second, you should not wish for things that you cannot obtain, and yet you want me, to voluntarily enter a prison. To me, freedom is my whole life. Third, you should not believe that which is impossible, and yet you believe that I am carrying about inside my body a diamond as large as a hen’s egg, although I myself am only half the size of a hen’s egg.”

And with that, the little bird flew away.

To be truly wise, you must have an understanding heart as we are told in Proverbs 14:33, “Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart; wisdom is not found among fools.”

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1137 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player so each day will be downloaded to you 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 1137 – A Demanding Father – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 30 May 2019 07:03:45 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1137 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

A Demanding Father – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1137 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…

A Demanding Father

Pastor Jim, a country preacher, is walking down a lane near the Smith farm on an exceptionally hot day. As he is about to pass a hay field, he sees Sam Smith Jr. struggling with all his mite to load a big pile of hay back onto the cart where it had obviously fallen off.

Pastor Jim calls over and says, “You look very hot, Sammy. Why don’t you come on over and rest a moment? I have some fresh cold lemonade, and after you are refreshed I’ll give you a hand.”

“No, thanks,” says Sam Jr. “My father wouldn’t approve.”

“Don’t be silly,” Pastor Jim says. “Your dad is not that harsh, is he? Everyone is entitled to a break. Come and have a drink of lemonade.”

“No, No,” Sam Jr. protests, “my father would be very upset.”

Losing his patience just a little, Pastor Jim says, “Your father must be a real slave driver. Tell me where I can find him, and I’ll give him a piece of my mind!”

“Well,” replies Sam Jr., “you can tell him whatever you like just as soon as I get this hay off him.”

Well, I hope that brought a smile to your face today. If it did, pass that smile onto someone who really needs it. Our Thursday Thought is “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”

Psalm 127:2

It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.

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 1136 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1136 – Downward Spiral and Final Betrayal – Worldview Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 29 May 2019 07:03:30 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1136 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Downward Spiral and Final Betrayal – Worldview Wednesday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1136 of our trek, and it is Worldview Wednesday. Creating a Biblical worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today’s current events.

To establish a Biblical worldview, you must also have a proper understanding of God and His word. On our Worldview Wednesday episodes we are in a series in which we are covering another detailed review of a book from one of today’s most prominent Hebrew scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser. We are taking a deep dive and will share Dr. Heiser’s insights into the question, which is also the title of his book “What Does God Want?”

Downward Spiral and Final Betrayal

· Downward Spiral

In last week’s recap, we see that God rescued his family by allowing them to escape the bondage of Egypt. After that, they wander in the wilderness for 40 years because of their betrayal of God. You’d think that after God brought Israel into the land, the Israelites would have felt an overwhelming love for God—that their believing loyalty would be at an all-time high. Not so much. Instead, they decided coexistence with evil could work. They refused to drive idolaters (people who worshipped other gods with idols) out of the land. It’s like the Israelites knew nothing of the past, how rebellion brings disaster. Their disloyalty and lack of love for God led to this demoralizing scene.

Judges 2:1-3 tells us, “The angel of the Lord went up from Gilgal to Bokim and said to the Israelites, ‘I brought you out of Egypt into this land that I swore to give your ancestors, and I said I would never break my covenant with you. For your part, you were not to make any covenants with the people living in this land; instead, you were to destroy their altars. But you disobeyed my command. Why did you do this? So now I declare that I will no longer drive out the people living in your land. They will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a constant temptation to you.'”

God had to judge his people…again. He basically said, “I’m out of here. Let’s see how you do on your own since you don’t want me.” We’ve seen that before. And, as we’ve also seen before, God’s people did very badly without their God being present with them. And since we’re rehashing history, God’s response also looks familiar—he kept coming back to Israel to lift them out of trouble. We all know people like that. Maybe you’re one of them. You stick to helping someone because of love, even to the point that it seems irrational. And if you think about what God was doing, it does seem insane. But God wants a human family even when he’s unwanted. His love defies logic.

The whole biblical book of Judges, from which the scene above was cited, is about a seemingly never-ending cycle of spiritual rebellion, the suffering it brings, crying out to God for help, and God coming back in love. That cycle persisted for a few centuries. It reached a climax of sorts when the people within the nation of Israel demanded that Samuel, a priest, and prophet, anoint a king to rule them.

Not surprisingly, the people’s choice for a king (Saul) was an unmitigated disaster. You know things aren’t going to go well (or ought to know) when your choice for a king has to be dragged out of hiding to take the job (l Samuel [10:22]). Eventually, God chose David to replace Saul. David was a moral mess, but he was better than Saul. He never showed disloyalty or lack of love for God. He broke a number of God’s moral laws, but he repented and never worshipped another god. For that reason, God made a covenant promise with David that said only his sons could be legitimate rulers of Israel.

This covenant was about creating a dynasty for David. God would only consider one of his descendants the legitimate king. Sadly, the rest of Israel’s history in the Bible’s story included a lot of men who had the right lineage that were otherwise unfit to be king. God had to remove a lot of David’s descendants because they were disloyal to him, choosing to follow other gods. A descendant of David inheriting the throne was supposed to love God as well as have the right family history. This is why every king was supposed to keep a copy of God’s laws with him (Deuteronomy [17:18]; 2 Kings [11:12]). He was to be the most excellent example of a loyal believer.

David’s son, Solomon, was the greatest king in Israel’s history (if land holdings and wealth are the litmus tests). Sadly, his believing loyalty in the true God wavered. He sacrificed to other gods and had a series of political marriages that brought the worship of other gods into Israel (l Kings 11:1- 8). In other words, Solomon began a cycle of spiritual compromise and rebellion that led to national ruin.

· The Final Betrayal

After Solomon’s death, ten of the twelve tribes revolted against his successor (l Kings [11:41]-[12:24]). The kingdom of Israel was divided into two parts by tribes and geography. God’s family was now a broken home, so to speak. It’s pretty sad that many kings during the period that ensued had never even seen a copy of God’s laws (2 Kings 22:8-13).

The northern part of the divided nation (the ten tribes that rebelled politically) immediately plunged themselves into spiritual rebellion (1 Kings [12:25]-33). Instead of showing believing loyalty to the God who had given them the land and supernaturally brought them into existence, most of Israel betrayed God. This is why the prophets who roamed about the countryside preaching during this time compared the spiritual rebellion to “playing the whore” and spiritual adultery. It was a vivid analogy. The southern part of the country (two tribes) went into spiritual rebellion more slowly. But gradual sin is still sin.

Abandoning God never goes well. As the Bible says in one place, “and you may be sure that your sin will find you out” (Numbers [32:23]). As he had done at other times, God let his people exercise their free will and pay the consequences. In 722 B.C. the northern part of the nation was eventually overrun by a people I like to call the Klingons of the Old Testament—the Assyrians. If the Lord of the Rings is more familiar to you than Star Trek, think of the Assyrians as the hordes of Mordor.

I like the analogies because the Assyrians had a well-deserved reputation for cruelty. They scattered the ten tribes all over the ancient world, breaking up families and robbing them of everything they owned. The two remaining tribes in the southern part of the nation were conquered by the Babylonians a little more than a hundred years later (586 B.C.). Thousands of Israelites were forcibly exiled to Babylon.

Let’s be honest. If God had abandoned and forgotten about his people at this point, we’d understand. They had rebelled time and time again for well over a thousand years since the time of Abraham. It’s hard to avoid the conclusion they got what they deserved. But that isn’t how God works.

Rather than just calling it quits, God decided that he still wanted a human family. But getting his people—and the rest of humanity—back into his family required a change of tactics. God had made a series of covenants with his people. But people are, obviously, mere humans. They fail…a lot and with predictable regularity. The rest of humanity had been assigned to supernatural beings (the“sons of God” Deuteronomy 32:8) that had by now become enemies of their creator, the God of Israel. Things were complicated.

God had a two-part solution to all this. When the last children in God’s family were on the verge of exile, God prompted two prophets (Jeremiah and Ezekiel) to tell people that they were not completely forgotten. God would make a “new covenant” with his children, one marked by the coming of his Spirit (Jeremiah [31:31]-34; Ezekiel [36:22]-28). There was a new day coming.

But the “new day coming” didn’t address the question of how God could honor the older covenants without scrapping or changing them. A lot of Israelites rejected God and worshipped other gods. They showed their contempt for him by breaking his laws. This grieved God. He wanted to honor his promises, but so many of his children were seduced into worshipping the gods of other nations.

That was the path of death. Remember, because of what had happened in Eden, every human being was destined to die and not have eternal life unless they turned to the true God and believed in his love and promises. Far too many Israelites forgot all that. They couldn’t just pick and choose gods whenever they felt like it from a spiritual buffet. They had to believe in the true God and keep believing.

The situation was especially problematic when it came to Israel’s kings. God had promised David that his heirs would inherit his throne, but many of them turned away from him. God couldn’t ignore this lack of believing loyalty. He also couldn’t just scrap his promise. That would be like admitting the whole thing was a bad idea—and a God who knows everything can’t have a bad idea.

So how could God honor his promises to a people who had rejected him and who were estranged from him? They needed new hearts. They needed his presence to guide them. What was needed was a descendant of Abraham, and of David who could be the ultimate king and perfect imager of God. That descendant also needed to overturn the curse of death on the human race. But how could a mere human conquer death? He’d have to be God as well. How was all that supposed to work?

No problem…

That will conclude our lesson for this week from Dr. Heiser’s book “What Does God Want?” Next Worldview Wednesday, we will learn for God’s solution to the betrayal of His human family when God joined that family as a human. I believe you will find each Worldview Wednesday an interesting topic to consider as we build our Biblical worldview.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1135 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1135 – Four Questions for Success – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 28 May 2019 07:03:30 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1135 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Four Questions for Success –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1135 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 James Allen, and it is, “For true success, ask yourself these four questions: Why? Why not? Why not me? Why not now?”

Four Questions for Success

If you desire to be successful in any area of life such as family, ministry, business, health, or any other facets of life, you must have a burning desire to achieve that success. To do so, you must be willing to ask yourself these four crucial questions.

1. Why do you want to be successful? Strip away all of the common answers and get to the very core.
2. Why not? What are you willing to sacrifice in order to achieve that success. Is there a line that you will not cross, and what is that line?
3. Why not me? If others can achieve success in an area of life, what is holding you back from also achieving success? Put aside all your excuses and know that you can do it.
4. Finally, why not now? Don’t put off your success for a more convenient time. That time will never come. Begin today with the commitment to success because this success is one reason why you have been placed here on earth. Fulfill your God-given calling and know that He has prepared and equipped you for success.

Even the great leader of Israel, Joshua had fears and doubts but this what God told him 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 1134 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 Worldview Wednesday!

Day 1134 – Don’t Forget the Bread – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 27 May 2019 07:03:03 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1134 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Don’t Forget the Bread – Meditation Monday

Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You may utilize structured meditation practices. In my life, meditation includes reading and reflecting on God’s Word and in 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.

Some sort of bread is an indispensable part of most people’s diet, especially in the western world. It is served at nearly every restaurant and used to make sandwiches of all kinds. While an overabundance of bread made from highly refined flour is not healthy, whole bread in moderation is a necessity for most. There is, however, another type of bread that we should bring to every meal.

In today’s meditation, let us consider…

Don’t Forget The Bread

Bread is eaten daily. Some fruits are available only in season. Some drinks are made only on holidays. Not so with bread. And not so with Jesus. He should be brought to our table every day. We let him nourish our hearts, not just in certain months or on special events, but daily.

Bread can meet many needs. Jesus can meet our every need. He has a word for the lonely as well as for the popular. He has help for the physically ill and the emotionally ill. If your vision is clear, he can help you. If your vision is cloudy, he can help you. Jesus can meet each need.

Can you see why Jesus called himself the Bread of Life? He is necessary in order to sustain eternal life.

I can think of one other similarity. Consider how bread is made. Think about the process. Wheat grows in the field, then it is cut down, winnowed, and ground into flour. It passes through the fire of the oven and is then distributed around the world. Only by this process does bread become bread. Each step is essential.

Jesus grew “like a tender green shoot” (Isaiah 53:2). He was one of the thousands in Israel, indistinguishable from the person down the street or the child in the next chair. Had you seen him as a youngster, you wouldn’t have thought he was the Son of God. He was just a boy. One of the hundreds. Like a staff of wheat in the wheat field.

But like wheat, he was cut down. Like chaff, he was pounded and beaten. “But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed” (Isaiah 53:5). And like bread he passed through the fire. On the cross, he passed through the fire of God’s anger, not because of his sin, but because of ours. “Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all” (Isaiah 53:6).

Jesus experienced each part of the process of making bread: the growing, the pounding, the firing. And just as each is necessary for bread, each was also necessary for Christ to become the bread of life. “Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” (Luke [24:26]).

The next part of the process, the distribution, Christ leaves with us. We are the distributors. We can’t force people to eat the bread, but we can make sure they have it.

Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty,” John [6:35].

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1133 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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!

Day 1133 – Wounds from a Friend – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 24 May 2019 07:03:52 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1133 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Wounds from a Friend – Ask Gramps

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 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.

So the question for this week is…

“Hey, Gramps, how should I handle the situation when a friend does something hurtful to me?”

Wounds from a Friend

We may be hurt or wounded by those who are close to us, which makes the situation even more difficult to deal with. We first need to determine why a friend would do such a thing as to hurt us. Next, we need to understand that all of us will eventually hurt those whom we love most, even if it is not intentional. Third, we need to take to heart what was said or done to us and see if it is an area of life where we need to be corrected. Many times the wounds from a friend occur because they have our best interest in mind. It is a little different in the following story, but even so, the principles are good ones to follow.

Peter and Paul, who lived in the Middle-East, were walking through the desert to a nearby destination. At one stage in their journey, they had a serious argument where they were becoming quite vocal on a subject about which they both had strong opinions. Finally, Peter punched Paul square in the face.

To Peter’s surprise, Paul immediately stopped arguing and without saying, another word he wrote in the sand, “Today, my best friend Peter punched me in the face, and it really hurt me physically and emotionally.”

Without saying much more to each other, they continued on their journey until they found a small oasis village, where they decided to have a wash in a local pond. Paul, who had been punched, got stuck in mud and mire on the bottom of the pond and started drowning. Peter immediately swam over to Paul and pulled him to safety, saving Peter’s life. After Peter had recovered from this ordeal and his close brush with death, he wrote on a stone, “Today, my best friend Peter saved my life.”

Paul, who had previously punched Peter and also saved his life, asked Peter, “After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand, and now, you write in stone, why the difference?”

Peter replied, “My friend Paul, when someone hurts us, we should write it down in sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it.”

Moral of the story: Don’t value the things you have in your life. Value the relationships you have in your life.

Today’s Bible verse is Proverbs 27:6, “Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.”

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1132 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player so each day will be downloaded to you 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 1132 – The Benefits of Yoga – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 23 May 2019 07:03:51 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1132 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Benefits of Yoga – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1132 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…

The Benefits of Yoga

Susan, a young woman who was worried about her habit of biting her fingernails down to the quick, shared her concern with her friend Kate. Knowing that Susan was sort of a nervous person that worried about many things, Kate suggested to Susan that she should take up yoga to ease her nervousness. Susan thought that was a great idea.

Shortly after that, Kate saw Susan in town and noticed her beautiful long, groomed nails. Kate asked her if yoga had totally cured her nervousness.

“No,” Susan replied with a bit of a sheepish grin, “but now I can reach my toenails, so I bite them instead.”

Well, I hope that brought a smile to your face today. If it did, pass that smile onto someone who really needs it. Our Thursday Thought is “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows. It empties today of its strength.”

Proverbs [12:25]

Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

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 1131 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player so each day will be downloaded to you 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 Philosophy Friday!

Day 1131 – God Was Betrayed By His Family – Worldview Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 22 May 2019 07:03:58 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1131 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

God Was Betrayed By His Family – Worldview Wednesday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1131 of our trek, and it is Worldview Wednesday. Creating a Biblical worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today’s current events.

To establish a Biblical worldview, you must also have a proper understanding of God and His Word. On our Worldview Wednesday episodes, we are in a series in which we are covering another detailed review of a book from one of today’s most prominent Hebrew Scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser. We are taking a deep dive and will share Dr. Heiser’s insights into the question, which is also the title of his book “What Does God Want?”

God Was Betrayed by His Family

We first explored what God wanted, which was us as His human family. After that, we explored in-depth three different rebellions involving both His human and supernatural family. We learned last week that God set aside a nation of humankind from which His human family would be manifested. This was completed through the covenant He made with Abraham and Sarah, which became the nation of Israel. The history of biblical Israel was a long, meandering affair filled with both triumph and tragedy. God wasn’t surprised. He knew what to expect with people. He’d always known what he was dealing with.

· Wearing Out Your Welcome

God let Abraham know that the future of his descendants was going to be difficult. He was honest. He gave Abraham some bad news, and also some hope in Genesis 15:13, “Then the Lord said to Abram, ‘You can be sure that your descendants will be strangers in a foreign land, where they will be oppressed as slaves for 400 years. But I will punish the nation that enslaves them, and in the end, they will come away with great wealth.'”

Sure enough the descendants of Abraham, now led by his grandson, Jacob, whose name God changed to “Israel,” eventually wound up in Egypt under the thumb of Pharaoh (Exodus 1). They’d gone there with God’s approval to avoid a famine (Genesis 45:5-11). Where they went wrong was that they didn’t return to the land God had given to them after the famine was over. They stuck around in Egypt way too long.

While in Egypt, the Israelite nation grew numerically, so much so that Pharaoh got paranoid about being able to stay in charge of the country (Exodus 1:8-10). He put them to forced labor and exterminated new babies if they were boys (Exodus [1:14]-16). But God intervened and made them grow even stronger (Exodus 1:8-21).

All told, Israel remained four centuries in Egypt under harsh conditions. Eventually, God intervened and preserved the life of a baby boy named Moses. God engineered circumstances so that the baby was raised in Pharaoh’s own house, right under his nose (Exodus 2:1-10). Moses led a life of privilege but one day committed a capital offense, murdering a man in a fight that began as a defense of a helpless Israelite. He fled Egypt to escape justice.

Moses found a new life in a desert place called Midian. God met him at Mount Sinai in a burning bush, an encounter that would change the history of his people and the world (Exodus 3:1-15). God sent Moses back to Egypt to confront Pharaoh. He was to demand the release of God’s people. God promised to protect Moses and empower him (Exodus [3:16]-22).

The rest of the story is one of the most famous in the world. Even if you’ve never read the Bible, you’ve probably heard of it or seen one of the movies about it. God sent plagues against Egypt and its gods when Pharaoh refused to let the Israelites go (Exodus 7-12). God used Moses to force the release of multitudes of Israelites from Egyptian bondage. He parted the Red Sea to save them when the Egyptians decided to chase them into the desert to slaughter them (Exodus [13:17] through Exodus 14). The crossing of the Red Sea is far and away the most spectacular miracle of the Bible. But it wasn’t showmanship. It was about preserving a people. God wanted his family.

· Law and Loyalty

Eventually, God brought his people back to the place where he had originally spoken to Moses. There he gave the Israelites his laws represented in the Ten Commandments. He has already made a covenant with them through Abraham. It’s important to realize that Israel was already God’s people before the Ten Commandments were given. God had referred to the people as his family when Moses confronted Pharaoh (Exodus 3:7,10; [4:23]; 5:1; 6:7; 7:4). The laws weren’t about earning a place in God’s family. Israelites were already God’s family.

We need to unpack this distinction. It’s pretty important. Rather than earning a place in God’s family, God gave his people laws to show they wanted to be in the family. God’s laws were about showing God they weren’t going to be disloyal and align themselves with some other god. Being loyal believers would allow God to use the Israelites to minister to all the other nations like “a kingdom of priests” (Exodus 19:5-6). God wanted humanity in his family. He was starting with one group—Israel. If they were loyal believers, they would be a blessing to all the other nations (Genesis 12:3).

There’s one more angle to understanding this covenant. God’s laws also weren’t about being good enough to make God love them. God already loved Israel (Deuteronomy 7:7-8). He had supernaturally enabled the elderly Abraham and Sarah to have a child from which Israel, in time, would come. Having a family was the whole point. God didn’t create a list of rules so they’d qualify as family. They were his family. God’s laws were designed to help his children avoid other gods and live happy, peaceful lives with one another, not to improve God’s disposition toward them.

True to form, God would not dismiss their free will. He just asked that they believe in him—who he was and that he had created them out of love —and forsake all other gods. Any member of Israel could forsake God’s love if they wanted. They could choose not to believe. They could choose to worship some other god. As we’ll see, many did just that.

Once the Israelites left Mount Sinai (where God gave them the law), God led them in the form of a man (an angel) to the Promised Land. This is found in Exodus 23:20-23 and Judges 2:1. I will read the Exodus passage, “’See, I am sending an angel before you to protect you on your journey and lead you safely to the place I have prepared for you. Pay close attention to him, and obey his instructions. Do not rebel against him, for he is my representative, and he will not forgive your rebellion. But if you are careful to obey him, following all my instructions, then I will be an enemy to your enemies, and I will oppose those who oppose you. For my angel will go before you and bring you into the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites, and Jebusites, so you may live there. And I will destroy them completely.'”

Along the way, the people constantly complained about not having enough food and water. God provided (Exodus [15:22]-27; 16:1-30). They had to fight for their lives against lethal enemies in the land. God saved them from destruction (Deuteronomy 2-3; Joshua 11-12; Psa 1[36:10]-24; Acts [13:19]).

That will conclude our lesson for this week from Dr. Heiser’s book “What Does God Want?” Next Worldview Wednesday, we will continue with the nation of Israel as we explore their downward spiral and the final betrayal. I believe you will find each Worldview Wednesday an 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 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 1130 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1130 – Hair-Raising Revelations – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 21 May 2019 07:03:08 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1130 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Hair-Raising Revelations –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1130 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 an old but still very timely for today one from Charles Francis Adams, and it is, “Failure seems to be regarded as the one unpardonable crime, success as the all-redeeming virtue, the acquisition of wealth as the single worthy aim of life. The hair-raising revelations of skulduggery and grand-scale thievery merely incite others to surpass by yet bolder outrages and more corrupt combinations.”

Hair-Raising Revelations

Although we might say otherwise, this quote is just as true today as it was in the mid-1800s when Charles Adams penned it. Charles is the grandson of President John Adams and son of President of John Quincy Adams. He had firsthand observation and knowledge of the hearts of men and women who were in the upper echelon of society. He could see firsthand how people truly viewed failure and success. We have to understand that culture’s and society’s views of failure and success do not line up at all with God’s perspective.

Should we strive to be successful in all things? Absolutely. When we fail, is it a crime? Absolutely not! God may permit failures and trials in our lives in order to refine and purify us. Success in and of itself is by no means an all redeeming value. The generation of wealth can be admirable if used to further God’s kingdom. The lack of wealth can also be used by God’s children to also further His kingdom. The generation of wealth should never be our single worthy aim in life. When it is, then it will drive us into all sorts of skulduggery, which means dishonesty, and we will then become thieves on a grand scale. When others of the same mindset see this, it will incite them to be even bolder and more corrupt.

We are warned about this mindset in Micah 6:12, “The rich among you have become wealthy through extortion and violence. Your citizens are so used to lying that their tongues can no longer tell the truth.”

Instead, we are exhorted by the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 6:17-19, “Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this, they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1129 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 Worldview Wednesday!

Day 1129 – A Broken Heart – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 20 May 2019 07:03:51 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1129 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

A Broken Heart – Meditation Monday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1129 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 you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

Emotionally there is probably no greater pain than that of a broken heart. Whether it is the death of a spouse or close loved one, a failed marriage, or a child that has gone astray as an adult, a broken heart is crushing to us.

In today’s meditation, let us consider…

A Broken Heart

We have all suffered from a broken heart, where the night of our soul seems so dark we wonder if it will ever end. Let me take you back to another such night. Go with me for a moment to witness what was perhaps the darkest and foggiest night in history. The scene is very simple; you’ll recognize it quickly…A grove of twisted olive trees. Ground cluttered with large rocks. A low stone fence. A dark, dark night.

Strain your eyes and attempt to look through the fog. Look closely through the shadowy foliage. See that person? See that solitary figure? What’s he doing? You see that he is face down, flat on the ground. As he picks up his face slightly, you see that it is stained with dirt and tears. His fists are pounding the hard earth. His eyes are wide with a stupor of fear. His long hair matted with salty sweat. As you strain more, you see that his face is spotted. Is that blood on his forehead?

Then you realize that is it Jesus. Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night before the crucifixion.

Maybe you’ve seen the classic portrait of Christ in the garden. Kneeling beside a big rock. Snow-white robe. Hands peacefully folded in prayer. A look of serenity on his face. Halo over his head. A spotlight from heaven illuminating his golden-brown hair.

Now, I’m no artist, but I can tell you one thing. The man who painted that picture didn’t use the gospel of Mark as a pattern. When Mark wrote about that painful night, he used phrases like: “he became troubled and distressed…and said, ‘my soul is crushed with grief to the point of death.’ He went on a little farther and fell to the ground.” Through the dark fog-shrouded night, we see him lying there, and then his voice pierces the still night air as he cries out, “Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

Does this look like the picture of a saintly Jesus resting in the palm of God? Hardly. Mark used black paint to describe this scene. We see an agonizing, straining, and struggling Jesus. We see Jesus as described in Isaiah 53:3, “He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.”

We see a man struggling with fear, wrestling with commitments, and yearning for relief. We see Jesus in the fog of a broken heart.

The writer of Hebrews 5:7 would later pen, “While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God.”

This is the true portrait of Jesus in pain on that fretful night. Jesus is on the stage of fear. Jesus is cloaked, not in sainthood, but in humanity.

The next time you are in the midst of a dark and foggy night of existence, you might do well to remember Jesus in the garden. The next time you think that no one understands, reread the fourteenth chapter of Mark. The next time your self-pity convinces you that no one cares, pay a visit to Gethsemane. And the next time you wonder if God really perceives the pain that prevails on this dusty planet, listen to him pleading among the twisted trees.

The next time you are called to suffer, pay attention. It may be the closest you’ll ever get to God. Watch closely. It could very well be that the hand that extends itself to lead you out of the fog is a pierced one.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1128 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player so each day will be downloaded to you 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 1128 – 7 Strategies for Life’s Many Challenges – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 17 May 2019 07:03:25 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1128 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

7 Strategies for Life’s Many Challenges – Ask Gramps

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1128 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.

So the question for this week is…

“Hey, Gramps, when God permits us to go through difficult times and struggles in our lives, how can we accept them and still enjoy life to the fullest?”

7 Strategies for Life’s Many Challenges

On both a personal level, as well as on a global scale, we all have to continually face challenges and hardships that test our emotional strength: illness, injuries, grief, unemployment, death, divorce, or even a brand-new venture with completely unknown outcomes. However, despite how brutally life might treat you, there are always a number of strategies that can be employed to help carry you through, and here are seven of the most effective ones.

Turn to face reality.

As human beings, we are masters of avoidance, and very often end up turning away from life’s challenges instead of facing them head-on. However, if you really want to enjoy life to the full, then you’ll need to start getting used to owning up to the truth. Once you learn to stop avoiding each of life’s hiccups, you’ll eventually find that life becomes easier, less scary, and a lot more manageable. Once you start seeing such a positive change in your life, you’ll then have even greater confidence that you can grow even further, and partaking in such journeys of personal growth is the backbone of living a satisfying life.

Embrace the way your life actually is.

The secret to life is not to want what you don’t have, but to actually want what you have. That is learning to be content in all circumstances. There is an immense feeling of freedom associated with taking life as it comes. Once you learn to simultaneously embrace the positive and negative aspects of your life, you’ll then have a real chance to enjoy life to the full and to value everything that the world has bestowed upon you. You’ll find that surrendering to the reality of who you really are truly gives you the opportunity to live up to your potential.

Don’t rush through life.

We’ve all heard the saying “Slow and steady wins the race,” but not many of us realize how important this approach to life really is. By constantly being in a hurry, we actually end up compromising our own success. If we get ahead of ourselves, then we’re bound to make a lot more mistakes. If we cut corners, we’re sure to end up paying a price for it later on. It is only through disciplined and incremental growth that we can make positive and lasting changes to our lives.

Be more grateful.

Many of us tend to count our worries a lot more often than we count our blessings and privileges. However, possessing such an attitude will diminish your ability to lead a happy and fulfilling life, since you’ll constantly be weighed down by negativity. An efficient recipe for emotional health and well-being is to recognize all the good that your life contains and to receive it with gratitude.

Stay close to all of your feelings.

Many times, we find our feelings confusing, terrifying, or hard to bear, so we try our hardest to keep them at a distance. However, by putting up a wall and choosing not to feel, we usually end up draining ourselves of the psychological energy that makes life pleasurable and meaningful. If we cease to feel anything, then we don’t only deprive ourselves of the growth that can come out of negative emotions, but we’ll also end up sucking all the fun out of life’s more positive experiences. Quite simply, when we stop feeling, we cease to be human beings and end up simply going through the motions.

Accept success and failure as parts of life’s journey.

Everyone who is alive is constantly learning, no matter how old they are. That’s why it’s important not to be too hard on ourselves and to accept that trying, succeeding, failing, and trying again is the only real way to instill lasting confidence in ourselves. No matter how successful or mature we become, our inner child will always require friends and mentors who’ll help see us through.

Take care of your loving relationships.

Relationships don’t just appear and disappear magically since they require a great deal of hard work and attentive care to help them grow and to keep them sustained. Mature love involves honoring our differences yet overcoming distance on practically a daily basis. It accepts the reality that every relationship will have its fair share of pain and suffering, but it also accepts that the only way to stay on track is through unyielding compassion. Learn to be more understanding, and your love will shine through, brighter than ever.

If you follow these 7 strategies, life may not be any easier, but you will find it a lot more enjoyable and fulfilling. God has given us all that we need to live a rich and satisfying life as we are told in:

2 Peter 1:3-7

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. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1127 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player so each day will be downloaded to you 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 1127 – The Correct Answer – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 16 May 2019 07:03:20 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1127 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Correct Answer – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1127 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.

The Correct Answer

Little Johnny burst through the front door with a huge smile on his face. Since it was shortly after lunch and much too early to be home, his mother was surprised, and asked, “Why are you home from school so early?”

Johnny said, “They let me go early because I was the only one who could answer a tough question.”

Realizing that little Johnny was not the best student in his class, and especially answering hard questions, his mother was very curious, so she asked, “Oh, really? What was the question?”

Well, said Johnny, Miss Smith asked, “Who threw the eraser at the teacher?”

Well, I hope that brought a smile to your face today. If it did, pass that smile on to someone who really needs it. Our Thursday Thought is “A person who lives in a glass house, should not throw stones.”

John 8:7

They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”

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 1126 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player so each day will be downloaded to you 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 Philosophy Friday!

Day 1126 – Rebellion #3 – The Dividing of the Nations – Worldview Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 15 May 2019 07:03:21 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1126 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Rebellion #3 – Dividing of the Nations – Worldview Wednesday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase Wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1126 of our trek, and it is Worldview Wednesday. Creating a Biblical worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today’s current events.

To establish a Biblical worldview, you must also have a proper understanding of God and His Word. On our Worldview Wednesday episodes we are in a series in which we are covering another detailed review of a book from one of today’s most prominent Hebrew Scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser. We are taking a deep dive and will share Dr. Heiser’s insights into the question which is also the title of his book “What Does God Want?”

Rebellion #3 – Dividing of the Nations

Last week we learned in Dr. Heiser’s book that parts of God’s supernatural family also chose to disobey His commands and did not stay in their limits of authority. They crossed over into the human family in a futile attempt to usurp God’s position.

Like the stories of Adam and Eve and Noah’s flood, you may have heard of the Tower of Babel. If not, that’s okay, because even most church-goers don’t realize what really happened there.

The story of the Tower of Babel is found in Genesis 11:1-9. After the flood God wanted Noah’s descendants to multiply and spread out over the earth. Like Adam and Eve, they were to be God’s co-workers to maintain creation. Instead of doing that, they gathered at a place called Babel and built a tower to their own glory Genesis 11:1-4.

That’s the familiar version of the story, but its real significance is found in two unfamiliar verses in another biblical book. The first is in Deuteronomy 32:8-9, and it reads:

When the Most High assigned lands to the nations,
when he divided up the human race,
he established the boundaries of the peoples
according to the number in his heavenly court.

“For the people of Israel belong to the Lord;
Jacob is his special possession.”

These two verses tell us that one of the judgments at the Tower of Babel was the division of humankind. Up until this point in the story, God was dealing with humanity as a collective whole. That changed at Babel. Human beings would be segregated by language and geography.

Even worse, God divorced himself from humanity. Fed up with human defiance of his will, God assigned the nations of the earth to other members of his supernatural family—the sons of God, or His heavenly court. These sons of God were a different group of his heavenly court than those who transgressed before the flood. God couldn’t kick humanity out of his house again; He had done that already back in Eden. He had promised through a covenant with Noah not to destroy humanity after the flood (Genesis [9:11]), so there would be no repeat of that disaster. So what else could he do? God essentially said, “Enough! If you don’t want me to be your God, I’ll assign you to some of my heavenly assistants.”

The fallout of this judgment took many forms. We aren’t told how long it took, but the Bible tells us that the supernatural sons of God assigned over the nations did a lousy job. Psalms 82:1-5 describes that these sons of God also became so corrupt that God had to judge them, too. Their judgment is described in Psalms 82:6-8 where God says that He would one day take away their immortality and take back the nations. For our purposes here, God’s frustration left him childless in terms of having a human family. He’d had it, but had He given up? Well…not quite.

· God’s Persistent Love

Guess what happened right after the Tower of Babel catastrophe? God appeared to Abraham (originally called Abram), an old man married to a woman (Sarah) who was beyond the age where she could have children. God made a covenant with Abraham. He promised the old man and his wife that they would have a son. God would do a miracle. Their son would be the beginning of a new family for God on earth (Genesis 12:1-9; 15:1-6; 18:1-15).

Having allotted humanity to the oversight of members of his heavenly host, God wanted to begin anew with a family of his own with Abraham. Abraham believed God’s promises as we are told in Genesis 15:6,“And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He didn’t have to earn God’s interest or favor. It was God who had chosen Abraham to start over with his human family. The relationship between God and Abraham started with God. Abraham believed.

Afterward, the covenant relationship that began with God’s call and Abraham’s faith was commemorated with the physical sign of circumcision (Genesis 17:1-14; Romans 4:1-12). Abraham’s entire family followed his example (Genesis [17:23]). Bearing this sign marked the descendants of Abraham as the people whom God wanted as his family. Circumcision would be a sign to the women of Abraham’s lineage, too. Since they were to marry only within the extended tribe, they would be reminded of how their people had been supernaturally created from Abraham and Sarah when they decided to have their own children.

It’s important to realize that God’s covenant with Abraham was based on the belief in God’s promises by faith. God didn’t approach Abraham because he’d found a man who was a good rule-keeper. Salvation is not based on behavior. We cannot earn our salvation. If that was the case, then God would be in our debt by virtue of our performance. He’d owe us something in response to our achievement. Think of how absurd that sounds. Rather, Abraham and his descendants showed their belief in God’s promises by observing the sign of the covenant. It was an outward way to show where their loyalty was.

The apostle Paul used Abraham as an example of believing loyalty (Romans 4:1-12). Abraham believed and was accepted by God before he obeyed any rules. The rules were about showing he believed. They did not replace belief. Belief (faith) was the one essential thing. Loyalty to that belief—to that God—is something we’ll talk about later. Today we call it discipleship.

Belief and loyalty are two distinct things. They are related but not interchangeable. The same is true of salvation and discipleship.

Promising Abraham a son, and through him, the start of a new family that would grow into a great nation, was God’s second covenant after the disaster of Eden. The first had been with Noah. Both were designed to preserve his dream of having a human family. But these covenants weren’t just about God not giving up. They were also about extending the offer of everlasting life to people. God had not given up on humanity. He couldn’t stop loving people. God still wanted a human family.

God kept his promise to Abraham. He and Sarah did indeed have a son, Isaac, (Genesis 17:19-21; 21:1-7). Abraham’s extended family would become known as “Israel,” the name most frequently used in the Old Testament for God’s human family (Genesis 32:28; Deuteronomy 32:9; Isaiah 44:1). But what about the people from the other nations, the ones God had assigned to the sons of God after the Tower of Babel rebellion? They are called “Gentiles” in the Bible, a short term that means “not from Israel.” And despite what happened at Babel, God did not forget about those people.

Not only would God start over yet again with a new people (Israel), but he told Abraham that his descendants would someday be a blessing to the other nations God had forsaken (Genesis 12:3)! Many years later, Jesus, who was from the family of Abraham, would be the particular descendant who would bring all the nations of the world back to God (Galatians 3:16-18, 26-29). Before Jesus arrived on the scene, Gentiles could join God’s family by choosing to reject all other gods, believing in Him, and taking the sign of God’s covenant.

A lot of time passed between the time of Abraham and Jesus. Israel’s own history as “the Lord’s portion” (Deuteronomy 32:9) wasn’t a pretty one. They were God’s people, but sadly, perhaps predictably, their loyalty failed. The darkest hour was yet to come.

That will conclude our lesson for this week from Dr. Heiser’s book “What Does God Want?” Next Worldview Wednesday we will discover that even after God had made a covenant with His special nation, He was betrayed by His family. I believe you will find each Worldview Wednesday an interesting topic to consider as we build our Biblical worldview.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1125 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1125 – Don’t Let Success Go to Your Head – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 14 May 2019 07:03:28 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1125 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Don’t Let Success Go to Your Head –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1125 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 Grantland Rice, and it is, “Failure isn’t so bad if it doesn’t attack the heart. Success is all right if it doesn’t go to the head.”

Don’t Let Success Go To Your Head

Failure and success can be both good or bad, depending on how we allow it to affect us. If we take failure to heart and think that it means that we are a failure as a person, then it will attack and may kill us just like an actual physical heart attack. Any severe heart attack takes months or years to recover from, providing that medical care is administered immediately. Otherwise, we will most surely die. In the same way, if we do not take immediate and significant action to overcome and remedy our failures, then recovery will be very difficult, and it may take a serious toll on us. We cannot allow failure to attack our heart, but realize that we need to correct what caused it and be willing to continue on.

In the same manner, success can and should be a very good thing, but if we let success go to our head and think that we are the sole generator of that success, then it is the same as having a brain aneurysm or stroke. It will impair our decision-making abilities from that point forward. Success does require that we are diligent, make wise choices, and persevere, but any successful person will acknowledge that it requires a multitude of others to help us along the way. They may be our parents, our partners, our mentors or others that have contributed to our success. We cannot allow success to go to our head, or we will be rendered brain dead and useless to others and to future successes that we may be able to achieve.

So, do not allow failure to attack your heart or success attack your head, and you will see the good that comes from both failure and success. They are intimately entwined. God is the one that will ultimately permit failure or grant us success, so let us give Him the glory.

Psalm [90:17]

And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful!

That’s a wrap for today’s Wisdom Unplugged quote. If you would like free access to my database of over 11,000 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 1124 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 Worldview Wednesday!

Day 1124 – Who Is Your Hero? – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 13 May 2019 07:03:21 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1124 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Who Is Your Hero? – Meditation Monday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1124 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 you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

From sports celebrities to movie stars, to those whom we refer to as superheroes, we all have those who we look to as heroes. Those that we dream of being like.

In today’s meditation, let us consider…

Who Is Your Hero?

Growing up, and still to this day, I enjoyed watching westerns. In the Wild Wild West, with its vast prairies and towns that are loosely regulated, the symbol of that time was the cowboy. And every young man, it seemed, wanted to emulate that cowboy. The hero of the west to many would be symbolized by a cowboy.

A thousand head of cattle passes behind him. A thousand miles of trail lie before him. A thousand women would love to hold him. But none do. None will. He lives to drive cattle, and he drives cattle to live. He is honest in poker and quick with a gun, hard riding, slow-talking…His best friend is his horse, and his strength is his grit.

He needs no one. He is a cowboy, the American hero.

When you think about the Bible, who is your hero? Possibly King David who killed Goliath, or maybe it is Gideon, who fought thousands of Midianites, with only 300 men armed with a trumpet and a torch. There is another type of person who is the true hero of the Bible…an occupation, like the cowboy, that also involves taking care of animals. Behold the hero in the Bible: the shepherd.

On the surface, he appears similar to the cowboy. He, too, is rugged. He sleeps where the jackals howl and works where the wolves prowl. Never off duty. Always alert. Like the cowboy, he makes his roof the stars and the pasture his home.

But that is where the similarities end.

The shepherd loves his sheep. It’s not that the cowboy doesn’t appreciate the cow; it’s just that he doesn’t know the animal. He doesn’t even want to. Have you ever seen a picture of a cowboy caressing a cow? Have you ever seen a shepherd caring for a sheep? Why the difference?

Simple. The cowboy leads the cow to slaughter. The shepherd leads the sheep to be shorn. The cowboy wants the meat of the cow. The shepherd wants the wool of the sheep. And so they treat the animals differently.

The cowboy drives the cattle. The shepherd leads the sheep.

A herd has a dozen cowboys. A flock has one shepherd.

The cowboy wrestles, brands, herds, and ropes. The shepherd leads, guides, feeds, and anoints.

The cowboy knows the name of the trail hands. The shepherd knows the name of the sheep.

The cowboy whoops and hollers at the cows. The shepherd calls each sheep by name.

Aren’t we glad Christ didn’t call himself the Good Cowboy? But some do perceive God that way. A hard-faced, square-jawed ranch-hand from heaven who drives his church against its will to places it doesn’t want to go.

But that’s a wrong image. Jesus called himself the Good Shepherd. The Shepherd who knows his sheep by name and lays down his life for them. The Shepherd who protects, provides, and possesses his sheep. The Bible is replete with this picture of God.

Eighty percent of Jesus’ listeners made their living off of the land. Many were shepherds. They lived on the mesa with the sheep. No flock ever grazed without a shepherd, and no shepherd was ever off duty. When sheep wandered, the shepherd found them. When they fell, he carried them. When they were hurt, he healed them.

Sheep aren’t smart. They tend to wander into running creeks for water, then their wool grows heavy, and they drown. They need a shepherd to lead them to “peaceful streams” (Psalm 23:2). They have no natural defense—no claws, no horns, no fangs. They are helpless. Sheep need a shepherd with a “rod and staff” (Psalm 23:4) to protect them. They have no sense of direction. They need someone to guide them as “He guides me along the right paths” (Psalms 23:3).

So do we. We, too, tend to be swept away by waters we should have avoided. We have no defense against the evil lion who prowls about seeking whom he might devour. We, too, get lost. Isaiah 53:6 describes it like this:

All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him
the sins of us all.

We need a shepherd. We don’t need a cowboy to herd us; we need a shepherd to care for us and to guide us.

Jesus Christ is not a cowboy, and we are not cattle. He doesn’t brand us, and we’re not on the way to the market. He guides, feeds, and anoints. And Word has it that he won’t quit until we reach the homeland.

That is a wrap for today’s meditation. 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 1123 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1123 – The Obstacle in Your Path – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 10 May 2019 07:03:55 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1123 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Obstacle in Your Path – Ask Gramps

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1123 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 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.

The question for this week is…

“Hey, Gramps, tell me a story about how we should handle obstacles that we face in life?”

The Obstacle in Your Path

We will all face obstacles along our trek of life that is a fact. It is how we respond to the obstacles that makes the difference between success and failure, between a life of satisfaction, and a life of misery. Let me tell you a story that will illustrate this.

In ancient times, a king had his men place a heavy boulder on one of the main roadways leading into the main city. The king then hid in the bushes, out of view from anyone, and watched to see if anyone would move the boulder out of the way to ease the path for themselves and others. Some of the king’s wealthiest merchants and lords passed by and with much grumbling and complaining, simply walked around the boulder forcing them to come precariously close to the edge of the road where there was a steep embankment. Almost everyone blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none of them did anything about getting the stone removed.

After several days, a peasant came along carrying a heavy load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant looked at the situation and then surprisingly laid down his load and tried to push the stone out of the way. At first, he did not move the boulder much at all. After much pushing and straining, the peasant found a huge limb that he used as a lever, and he finally managed to push the boulder close enough to the edge, and it tumbled down into a ravine.

Moral of the story: Every obstacle that we come across gives us an opportunity to improve our circumstances, and while the lazy and dissatisfied will complain, others create opportunities through their kind hearts, generosity, and willingness to get things done.

We should never begrudge the hard obstacles in life. If we let them, they will refine us and make us better people.

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.

Join us again next Friday for another question on our “Ask Gramps” episode. 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 Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1122 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1122 – Choose Your Weapon Wisely – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 09 May 2019 07:03:28 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1122 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Choose Your Weapon Wisely – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1122 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.

Choose Your Weapon Wisely

Little Jimmy came home from the playground with a bloody nose, black eye, covered with dirt, and torn clothing. It was obvious he’d been in a bad fight and lost. His father saw him running up the walk to the front door with tears streaming down his face. While his father was patching him up, he asked little Jimmy, “What happened?”

Between stifled sobs, Jimmy said, “Well, Dad, I challenged Larry to a duel. As you have taught me, I gave him his choice of weapons.”

“Uh-huh,” said Jimmy’s Dad, “that certainly seems fair.”

“I know, I thought you would be proud of me for taking the high road, but I never thought he’d choose his big sister!”

Well, I hope that brought a smile to your face today. If it did, pass that smile on to someone who really needs it. Our Thursday Thought is “Be careful that you understand the potential consequences before making a choice. There are always consequence to every choice that we make.”

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.

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 1121 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1121 – The Rebellious Supernatural Family – Worldview Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 08 May 2019 07:03:28 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1121 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Rebellious Supernatural Family – Worldview Wednesday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1121 of our trek, and it is Worldview Wednesday. Creating a Biblical worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today’s current events. To establish a Biblical worldview, you must also have a proper understanding of God and His Word.

On our Worldview Wednesday episodes we are in a series in which we are covering another detailed review of a book from one of today’s most prominent Hebrew Scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser. We are taking a deep dive and will share Dr. Heiser’s insights into the question which is also the title of his book “What Does God Want?”

The Rebellious Supernatural Family

Last week we learned in Dr. Heiser’s book that God’s human family chose to disobey His commands in the Garden of Eden, yet this choice was a result of the influence of one of God’s supernatural children. This week we move to another time where God’s supernatural family desired to create humans in their image. This is a direct affront to God and His plans for His human family.

You may have heard somewhere along the way that the Bible teaches the world has so much evil in it because of humanity’s fall into sin in the Garden of Eden. That’s only partially true. After the tragedy of Eden, there were two more episodes that plunged humanity further into the depths of depravity and chaos.

The second of these is described in Genesis 6:1-4, arguably one of the stranger incidents in the entire Bible. Dr. Heiser wrote extensively on this topic in an excellent book called The Unseen Realm and a less intense version called Supernatural. Let me read Genesis 6:1-4, “Then the people began to multiply on the earth, and daughters were born to them. The sons of God saw the beautiful women and took any they wanted as their wives. Then the Lord said, ‘My Spirit will not put up with humans for such a long time, for they are only mortal flesh. In the future, their normal lifespan will be no more than 120 years.’ 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 story is about how some of God’s supernatural children (the “sons of God”) wanted to imitate God by producing their own human children to image themselves. They decided to use human women (the “beautiful women”) for that purpose. This made them rivals to God, their own heavenly father. Rather than be happy with God’s desire to have humans become members of their family, they decided they wanted to be overlords of their own humans. That wasn’t what God had in mind. God wanted a family, not slaves.

As we dig into this story deeper, we also find two other passages in the New Testament which refer to this second rebellion. 2 Peter 2:4-5 reads, “For God did not spare even the angels who sinned. He threw them into hell, in gloomy pits of darkness where they are being held until the day of judgment. And God did not spare the ancient world—except for Noah and the seven others in his family. Noah warned the world of God’s righteous judgment. So God protected Noah when he destroyed the world of ungodly people with a vast flood.”

These “angels that sinned” (2 Pet 2:4) transgressed the boundary between heaven and earth. Jude 6 tells us, “And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment.” The sons of God who we refer to as angels, “did not stay within their limits of authority.” God sent them to hell as a result.

The transgression was done, and it had disastrous consequences. Look at the two verses that follow the Bible’s recounting of this rebellion in Genesis 6:5-6, “The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart.”

Think about that…“everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil.” And “God was sorry” he had made humanity; the thought “broke His heart.”

This is the very definition of depravity and the sorrow it brings. The first supernatural rebellion led to humanity losing everlasting life with God (which is bad enough). This rebellion took the effects of sin to another level, accelerating human self-destruction. God felt deep remorse over the way things had turned out. Humanity had been permanently damaged.

The Bible tells us that God could see no other solution but to send the flood to wipe out humanity (Genesis [6:17]). It’s important to notice that the flood story never says God was angry. It only says he was heart-stricken over what was going on. God had decided to give humans freedom. He couldn’t take it away since doing so would mean they would no longer be like him; they’d no longer be truly human. The only choice was to start over and put an end to what the rebellious sons of God had caused.

Only one man was said to be righteous in God’s eyes—Noah (Genesis 6:9). At least there was one. God would take it. He would move ahead with his plan to have a human family.

God told Noah to build an ark (a large ship) so that he, his family, and multitudes of animals would survive. God still held out hope that, as deep as human depravity had become, his human children could be with him. Mercifully, he gave Noah 120 years to prepare for the flood (Genesis 6:3) and tell people what was going to happen so they could turn from their depravity and be forgiven (2 Peter 2:5).

In the end, people wouldn’t listen. They refused God’s gracious warning. Once again, God’s children turned their backs to him, as they were free to do. Is it any wonder God’s heart was so broken? At least there was Noah and his family. After the flood, God repeated the original commands he had given to Adam and Eve in Genesis 9:1, “Then God blessed Noah and his sons and told them in, ‘Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth.'”

God was starting over with them. He made a covenant with Noah that extended to all humankind (Genesis 9:8-17). A covenant is a promise or pledge. This covenant was one-sided; it was all about God’s promise to never destroy humanity (Genesis [9:11]). Amazingly, God still wanted a human family.

Not as amazing—but still pretty incredible—the abuse of God’s goodness would continue. A third rebellion followed the flood. This one would frame the rest of the biblical story, and show, again, God’s unconquerable patience and love.

That will conclude our lesson for this week from Dr. Heiser’s book What Does God Want? Next Worldview Wednesday we will discover that even after God wiped out most of humanity in the great flood, that the rebellion continued. I believe you will find each Worldview Wednesday an interesting topic to consider as we build our Biblical worldview.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1120 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1120 – Failure Give Success Flavor – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 07 May 2019 07:03:00 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1120 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Failure Gives Success Flavor –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1120 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 Truman Capote, and it is, “Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.”

Failure Gives Success Flavor

As summer approaches our minds go to cookouts on the grill where you can hear a plump juicy hamburger sizzling and smell the aroma wafting in the air. While a hamburger itself smells great, the flavor really becomes irresistible when it is seasoned properly with just the right seasoning.

If you ate seasoning all by itself, it would not taste good or be something that you want to consume. When you properly add just the right amount of seasoning to a quality hamburger, though, it mixes with the juices and transforms that hamburger into a delightful meal that you want to devour.

Success is much the same way. While success is desirable and tasty in itself, what really makes success so much better is when it has been flavored with the seasoning of failure. Failure makes success so much more desirable. Failure makes success both smell and taste so much better. Failure, when we are in the middle of it is not pleasant, just like eating seasoning by itself. But when you mix the failure into the juices of success, then the success is one that will be so much more savory.

If seasoning loses its flavor, then the hamburger will not benefit from it. In the same way, if you do not learn the lessons of failure, then any potential successes will be hard to obtain.

Mark [9:50]

Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other.”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1119 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 Worldview Wednesday!

Day 1119 – Life Is Not Fair – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 06 May 2019 07:03:47 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1119 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Life Is Not Fair – Meditation Monday

Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

From the very earliest of ages, a child will proclaim loudly if they do not think that a situation is fair. Not much changes as we grow into adulthood.

In today’s meditation, let us consider…

Life Is Not Fair

We all desire, advocate, and push for fairness in all situations. The problem is that we often forget what may be fair for me will be unfair to someone else and vice versa. The fact is that “Life is not fair.” That’s not pessimism; it’s a fact. It’s not a complaint; it’s just the way things are. I don’t like it. Neither do you. Ever since the kid down the block got a bike and we didn’t, we’ve been saying the same thing, “That’s not fair!”

Where did we get the notion that everything in life should be fair? At some point, and preferably early in life, someone needs to say to us, “Whoever told you life was going to be fair?” God didn’t.

You see, we have a warped concept of fairness. It was not fair that Jesus had to become a sacrificial substitute for our sins against God. It is not fair that we can come boldly to God’s throne of grace when we continually turn our affections away from Him. This world has been tainted, so we should expect that life will not always be fair, at least from our own perspective.

We will have troubles, but our perspective should be one of joy because when we go through those troubles, it helps us to become more like Christ. James 1:2-4 reminds, “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.” Troubles are part of the package, but so are the blessings of being complete and needing nothing.

When we struggle with the concept that life is not fair, it is because we are viewing life from a worldly perspective. As Christ followers, we are building the Kingdom of God, which has not yet fully arrived. Jesus tells us in John 18:36,“Jesus answered, ‘My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.'”

When we are tempted to cry and complain that life is not fair, realize that God has already provided an advocate for us through the Holy Spirit as we are told in John 14:16, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.”

It is during these times when we are having a pity party that we need to choose to be satisfied with the blessing that we already have.

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?”

So when life seems unfair, realize that from the world’s perspective, it is. God is our advocate and helper…which makes all things in life fair.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1118 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1118 – Life Is Like the Morning Fog – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 03 May 2019 07:03:40 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1118 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Life Is Like the Morning Fog – Ask Gramps

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1118 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, this is not possible. 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.

So the question for this week is…

“Hey, Gramps, as a Christ follower, how should we handle it when a loved one or friend has died?”

Life Is Like the Morning Fog

Regardless of the age of one passing, whether child, teenager, or adult, it always seems too soon to say goodbye. When God permits one of his children to die, it is because their purpose in God’s kingdom has been fulfilled. None of us know when that day will be. Within the past week, I have had two dear friends who attend our church die – one from cancer, which was somewhat expected, but the other one was from a very unexpected and massive heart attack.

Regardless if there is time to prepare or not, we all need to be prepared, as we are told in the book of James 4:13-15, “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.'”

While our salvation is not based on our works, since we are to be an imager of God in the building of His earthly kingdom, we should always be serving others and impacting the lives of others for His glory. Both of these dear friends who died this week showed us an example of how to serve God by serving others. Both were humble, and ready to help anyone who needed it. You might ask, if they were serving others, why did God permit them to die? As humans, with our finite minds, we cannot fully comprehend or understand why, but we do know that it is God’s purpose because it is He who gives life, and it is He who takes us home when our earthly purpose is completed.

What we do to impact others is what we carry on to eternity. We have the capability of impacting many generations to come, by our service here on earth. We are told in James 2:14-18, “What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, ‘Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well,’ but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?

So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

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.'”

We grieve when those we love leave us who remain. Just like my own mom who died 20 years ago at the age of 68, for those of us who are left behind, my two friends who died this week were in their early 70’s, and we ache because we feel they died too soon. We think of the additional good they could have had accomplished and how much more they could have done to impact those around them. God had different plans. We can’t comprehend it from our earthly perspective, but we have to realize that both of my friends’ work for God’s Kingdom is completed. They fulfilled all that God intended for them to accomplish. The clay pot that were their earthly bodies here on earth has now been transformed into a glorious heavenly body. The book of I Corinthians 15:54-58 tells us,“Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled:

‘Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?’

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.

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”

Yes, for those who are left behind, death of loved ones and friends stings us very hard, and we are hurting because of that sting. From our perspective, their deaths may not seem a victory to us, but for both of my friends and my mom from 20 years ago would not agree with us now. Their earthly bodies have been transformed into a heavenly body that will never die. They no longer experience sorrow. They are no longer sick and in pain. So let us follow those who have gone on before us in this life on earth and live our faith in God through our good works impacting the lives of others for good. As our final passage tells us and as their lives demonstrated to us, “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”

Live life to the fullest, and leave a living legacy each day—a legacy that will impact generations to come.

Join us again next Friday for another question on our “Ask Gramps” episode. 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 1117 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1117– An Early Morning Date – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 02 May 2019 07:03:00 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1117 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

An Early Morning Date – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1117 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.

An Early Morning Date

A category five tornado hit a Kansas farmhouse just before dawn one morning. Farmer John and his wife Margaret were both in a deep sleep. They were elderly, hard of hearing, and had not heard the tornado alarms that were blaring shortly before it hit. The tornado was so violent that it tore off the roof and picked up the bed on which farmer John and his wife Margaret were sleeping. By some miracle, the twister set them down unharmed in the next county over, some 20 miles away.

Once they came to their senses and were fully awake, Margaret started sobbing uncontrollably. Trying to be a comfort to her, farmer John said, “Don’t be scared, Margaret, We’re not hurt, and it appears that it was not our time to meet our maker.”

Margaret continued to cry. Between her sobs, John finally understood what she was saying. “I’m not scared,” Margaret said, as a smile broke out on her face. She then gave John a big hug and continued, “I’m just so happy…this is the first time in 14 years we’ve been out together.”

Well, I hope that brought a smile to your face today. If it did, pass that smile on to someone who really needs it. Our Thursday Thought is “During this spring time of year, the chance of severe weather is more significant than ever, and I do not want to minimize that fact. That being said, even in the most horrific and darkest of times, there is humor and much to be grateful for. Let us focus on the beauty in the midst of the ashes of life.”

Isaiah 61:3

To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.

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 Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1116 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1116 – The Rebellious Human Family – Worldview Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 01 May 2019 07:03:29 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1116 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Rebellious Human Family – Worldview Wednesday

Creating a Biblical worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today’s current events. To establish a Biblical worldview, you must also have a proper understanding of God and His Word. In our Worldview Wednesday episodes we are in a series in which we are covering another detailed review of a book from one of today’s most prominent Hebrew Scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser. We are taking a deep dive and will share Dr. Heiser’s insights into the question, which is also the title of his book, “What Does God Want?”

The Rebellious Human Family

Last week we learned that Dr. Heiser made the point that God equipped people to image him on earth. He did that by sharing his attributes (his qualities and abilities) with them. As wonderful as that was (and is), it’s where things get interesting, and scary. One of God’s qualities is freedom, what we often call free will. If you’ve ever wondered why there’s evil in the world, here’s the Bible’s answer.

There were three significant rebellions found in the Bible that changed the course of earth and heaven. This week we will look at the first of those rebellions.

When God made the decision to share his attributes with his children, he knew what it meant. God knows everything, so he understood clearly what would happen. God had made the same decision earlier with the heavenly family he had created (whom we think of as angels). They have abilities like intelligence and freedom, too. They got those gifts from their Creator.

Sooner or later God knew that his gifts would be either misused or abused. He knew full well that, though his children (in the spiritual world and on earth) were like him, they were not him. They were less than him. They were imperfect, whereas he is perfect. At some point one (or more) of his children would either make a horrible mistake or act in thoughtless self-interest, rebelling against something God wanted to be done (or not done).

That’s precisely what happened in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve rebelled. They violated God’s command to not eat from one of the trees in the garden. They sinned and lost eternal life in God’s presence. Every human born thereafter was born outside Eden, estranged from God. The apostle Paul summed it up well in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”

That tragedy was brought on by an even earlier rebellion. We do not know at what point in eternity past this earlier rebellion occurred, or whether it was because of the jealousy from God creating a human family. One of God’s supernatural children decided to dishonor God’s decision to have a human family by tempting Eve, hoping God would destroy her and Adam. He came to Eve in the form of a serpent (Genesis 3:1-7). The Bible refers to the serpent as Satan and the Devil (Revelation 12:9). He succeeded in getting Eve to sin, but failed when it came to getting rid of humanity permanently.

There are some deep truths here…the first of which answers a question everyone asks at some point in life: Why is there evil in the world? Evil exists in the world because God decided he wanted to create beings like himself. I don’t mean that God has an evil side. Rather, I mean that God rejected the idea of creating humans as robots or pre-programmed computers made of flesh.

That last point is important. Our likeness to him had to be authentic. Without the genuine freedom to make real decisions, we simply would not be like God. God is no robot, and we were made to be like him. Without genuine free will, we cannot authentically love God or obey God. If decisions are pre-programmed, they aren’t really decisions. For decisions like love and obedience to be authentic, they must be made against a truly possible alternative.

The result of all this is that evil exists because people abuse God’s wonderful gift of freedom and use it for self-gratification, revenge, and the mirage of autonomy. This abuse began in Eden.

But God was not taken by surprise. He did not create evil, but he had anticipated evil. He foresaw what would happen and based on that foreknowledge He planned accordingly. God did not destroy his human children for their rebellion. Instead, he would forgive and redeem them. The Bible makes it clear that God saw what was coming and had a plan of forgiveness and salvation in place before the rebellion even happened—from “the foundation of the world” to be precise. Ephesians 1:4 says, “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.” Also check out Hebrews [9:26]-10:7 and I Peter [1:20].

The plan of salvation would ultimately require God becoming a man. We’ll get to that part of the story in subsequent weeks. But long before that climactic event, there was a price to pay for what happened in Eden. God banished Adam and Eve and, therefore, their descendants from his presence. Eden, the earthly dwelling place of God, was no more. Instead of eternal life with God their father, humanity would now look forward to death as we are told in Romans 5:12, “When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.” That’s what separation from the source of life, God, ultimately costs.

In effect, God kicked his children out of his house. But that was a better outcome than what the serpent had hoped for, which was complete human destruction. God wasn’t giving up on his plan to have a human family, but rebellion had a cost. God also punished Satan. Having brought death into God’s world, he became lord of the realm of the dead, what would later become known as hell.

God had no backup plan. You might wonder at this point why God didn’t just scrap the whole plan for having a human family. After all, God allowed free will, knowing it would lead to sin and thousands of years of human misery in the form of violence, neglect, selfishness, and a host of other awful things humans are capable of inflicting on one another. Perhaps your own suffering, or the suffering you see all around you, might even make you wish God had just destroyed everything.

Believe it or not, God understands that feeling. He sees the evils you see and infinitely more. None of it is the way he wanted things. But, you say, he’s God, can’t he just overrule all of it? It’s not that simple. Think about it. God can only eliminate evil in our world if he eliminates all the ones who do evil. In other words, God can only end evil if he wipes out all of us. Everyone sins (Romans 3:10-12) and, like the Bible says in Romans 3:23,“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” So sure, God could do that. But he doesn’t. He loves humanity too much for that to be an option.

All this boils down to an amazing truth…While God knew what making us like him would lead to, the result was preferable to not having a human family at all. God sees the sin and misery in our world and knows its cause. It hurts him. God is so consumed with love for his human children that he will not turn away from his original ambition. There’s no plan B. There is only Plan A. Despite foreseeing the rebellion that would come in Eden and all the failures and sins that would follow, including our own, God still longs for a human family.

What happened in Eden was only the beginning of the story. God had kicked Adam and Eve out of his house (Genesis [3:22]-24). He cursed the serpent (Genesis [3:14]-15) and cast him away from his presence (Isaiah [14:12]-15; Ezekiel [28:16]). The message was forceful and simple: rebellion would be punished. You’d think everyone would get the message. Not so. We will see next week that things got even worse.

That will conclude our lesson for this week from Dr. Heiser’s book What Does God Want? Next Worldview Wednesday we will discover that God still wanted both a human family and supernatural family, even after they both crossed the threshold of a more radical rebellion. I believe you will find each Worldview Wednesday an interesting topic to consider as we build our Biblical worldview.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1115 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1115 – Failure Is Instructive – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 07:03:53 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1115 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Failure Is Instructive –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1115 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 Dewey, and it is, “Failure is instructive. The person who really thinks learns quite as much from his failures as from his successes.”

Failure Is Instructive

We have many teachers in our lives, and instruction can come from a wide variety of sources. While we would all like to receive instructions in a pleasant and easy manner, the fact is that we will probably learn and retain more if the instructions we receive and our coursework is filled with difficult tasks and challenges. It is the challenging times of our lives that are most ingrained into our mental pathways.

We need to be mentally, emotionally, and spiritually prepared and always ready to learn. We have to think through what is being taught to us and how we can apply those lessons to minimize failures and maximize successes. Don’t be overly anxious or down-trodden when you fail. Instead, let the failures be your teacher and instructor, but be ready to learn the lessons that need to be taught. Apply those lessons, and then keep moving forward towards success that is based on those lessons learned.

When learning takes place, we have to be willing to accept the instruction, regardless if that instruction is difficult or easy.

Matthew [11:29]

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.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1114 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 for Worldview Wednesday!

Day 1114 – The Least of These – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 07:03:50 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1114 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Least of These – Meditation Monday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1114 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.

When you hear about those who are in need, what is your response? Whether it is because they have fallen on hard times financially, have lost a spouse through death or divorce, are ill, or have had an accident, what do you do for them?

In today’s meditation let us consider…

The Least of These

The title for today’s meditation comes from a parable that Jesus taught us in Matthew [25:34]-40. Let me read that passage.

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing?When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’”

As Christ followers, we are to be assisting the building of God’s Kingdom here on earth. This is not done through piety or fancy sermons. It is accomplished by getting our hands dirty, by living with and doing life with those who are downtrodden, by sharing a meal and other resources with those who are in need…It is comforting those who are ill or have lost a close loved one. It may not include any speaking but just sitting and holding someone who has lost all that they hold dear to them. This is what building the Kingdom of God is all about. Are you willing to do this?

When we are willing to help those who cannot return anything back to us, then we are becoming the disciples that Jesus told us about in this parable.

It is hard for me to “put myself out there” and help others on a close basis, and I suspect that it is difficult for you also. That is not an excuse, though. Sometimes, no many times, we need to step outside our comfort zone, and help those who cannot help themselves.

This reminds me of a time in my life where I was thrust into a situation such as this. A fellow associate who worked for the same company as I did was falsely accused by a couple of people about serious crimes he did not commit. Although he was perfectly legal, he was also not a citizen of the US and was from Central America. He was, from an intellect perspective, very gifted.

Because of these false allegations he unexpectedly and without warning was arrested one night and taken to the county jail and locked up. No one at the company knew about what had happened until he did not report in for work. I knew him a little bit outside of work as he also attended the same church we were attending, but we did not know him well. And our circles rarely crossed.

When the company found out where he was, I was called because of our church association and was asked if I could find out some details. Although it was uncomfortable for me, I visited this co-worker and fellow believer. After finding out what happened, God placed on my heart to visit him weekly. Little did I realize that he would be locked up for 18 months before he was scheduled for trial.

The prosecutors continually tried to get him to accept a plea bargain, but knowing that he had not committed any crimes, he refused to bow to the pressure. This strung out his incarceration much longer than expected. During these 18 months, as much as possible, I was able to visit him each week, and also sent him books and cards. Finally he did have his day in court, and it was very evident that the charges were completely false and he was exonerated of all charges. This was a very difficult time for him, and my prayer is that my small part will impact his life for God’s Kingdom in a major way.

I don’t mention this story to bring any attention to myself, but as an example of how we need to be sensitive and ready to assist in doing the small, impactful actions that help to build God’s Kingdom. You may be able to assist others without even taking much note about it. Others may never notice the small and random acts of kindness that you are able to perform, but that is okay. God, our King, sees them, and he tells us, “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!”

Be sensitive to opportunities that come your way each day. Always be building God’s kingdom.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1113 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1113 – A Word of Encouragement – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 07:03:37 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1113 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

A Word of Encouragement – Ask Gramps

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1113 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 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.

So the question for this week is…

“Hey, Gramps, why is it so important to be encouraging to others?”

A Word of Encouragement

It is not always easy to be encouraging to others, especially when the situation is dire, or you feel a bit discouraged yourself. The importance of encouraging cannot be underestimated. With spring in full swing now, listening to the spring peepers and other frogs in the evening reminds me of a story to help illustrate the importance of encouragement.

One cool spring evening the frogs were coming out of hiding from the day, and they started down an old farm road towards a pond that many of the frogs went to at night. Within a few hundred yards there were many frogs that had joined the group, which is referred to as an army of frogs. This army of frogs advanced forward one hop at a time. As they turned off the road toward the pond, three of the frogs that were in the front suddenly fell head first into a deep pit. When the other frogs saw them vanish, the crept up to the edge of the pit to see how deep the pit was. As the remainder of the army gathered all around the rim of the pit, they realized how hopeless the situation was. In their croaking tones, they shouted to the three fallen comrades that there was no hope of ever getting out.

However, the three frogs ignored their comrades and proceeded to try to jump out of the pit. Nevertheless, despite their efforts, the group of frogs at the top of the pit were peering over the edge and still croaking down to their fallen comrades that they should just give up as they’d never make it out.

Eventually, two of the three frogs took heed of what the others were saying, and they gave up, slipping into an even deeper crevice in the pit where they were crushed to death. The third frog ignored the other two and continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the army of frogs at the edged yelled at him to stop the pain and to just give up and die.

He seemed to ignore them and kept his eyes on the upper rim where his remaining comrades continued to plead. With a bit of a run and a giant leap, the third frog jumped harder and higher than ever finally made it out. When he got out, the other frogs gathered around their exhausted friend and said, “Did you not hear us?”

With frantic motions of his legs, the saved frog finally was able to explain to them that he was deaf, and that he thought they were encouraging him the entire time, so he was bound and determined not to give up as the other two frogs had.

Moral of the story: Your words can have a huge effect on the lives of others. Therefore, you should think about what you’re going to say before it comes out of your mouth – it might just be the difference between life and death.

So whenever possible, encourage each other. It does not cost us anything, but pays huge rewards.

Romans [1:12]

When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1112 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

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 on Monday!

Day 1112– It’s a Miracle! – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 07:03:48 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1112 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

It’s a Miracle! – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1112 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.

It’s a Miracle!

Leroy, a devout cowboy, lost his favorite Bible while he was mending fences out on the range. He looked everywhere for it, but to no avail. Leroy was beside himself, he had this Bible for many years, and although it was a bit tattered, he was familiar with it, and had all of his favorite passages highlighted. Leroy prayed earnestly that somehow he would find it, as it was the only Bible that he owned.

Three weeks later as Leroy was out again working on the fences, a cow walked up carrying his favorite Bible in its mouth.

Leroy couldn’t believe his eyes.

He took the Bible out of the cow’s mouth, raised his eyes heavenward and exclaimed, “It’s a miracle!”

When he looked down again, he saw the cow staring into his eyes. “Not really,” said the cow. “Your name was written inside the cover.”

Well, I hope that brought a smile to your face today. If it did, pass that smile on to someone who really needs it. Our Thursday Thought is “This cow was not the first talking animal. It’s okay that you talk to your animals, but when they engage you in a conversation, you might have the Balaam syndrome, and God needs to get your attention.”

Numbers [22:28]-31

Then the Lord gave the donkey the ability to speak. “What have I done to you that deserves your beating me three times?” it asked Balaam.

“You have made me look like a fool!” Balaam shouted. “If I had a sword with me, I would kill you!”

“But I am the same donkey you have ridden all your life,” the donkey answered. “Have I ever done anything like this before?”

“No,” Balaam admitted.

Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the roadway with a drawn sword in his hand. Balaam bowed his head and fell face down on the ground before him.

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 1111 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1111 – God Wanted a Family – Worldview Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 07:03:44 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1111 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

God Wanted a Family – Worldview Wednesday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase Wisdom and Create a Living Legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1111 of our trek, and it is Worldview Wednesday. Creating a Biblical worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today’s current events.

To establish a Biblical worldview, you must also have a proper understanding of God and His Word. Last week we began a new series in which we are covering another detailed review of a book from one of today’s most prominent Hebrew Scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser. We are taking a deep dive and will share Dr. Heiser’s insights into the question, which is also the title of his book “What Does God Want?”

God Wanted a Family

Last week we began to explore the question “What does God want?” We discovered that the overall answer is simple. He wants you.

Before I became a believer, God was seeking me. I just didn’t know it. He is also seeking you. I know now that God sought me because it’s his nature to seek us. He’s committed to us.

How do we know these things about God? (That’s a question I’m going to ask more than once, so look for it!) Let’s start with ourselves as an analogy. It’s normal—part of our nature—to care about the things we make, especially if they required serious effort or were the result of concerted thought. We are naturally going to be angry or resentful when someone mocks, belittles, destroys, or claims as theirs something we made, achieved, or thought of first. Not feeling those things would be abnormal.

Romans 5:8

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

The God of the Bible shares this profile, or should I say, we share His profile. God does what he does to enjoy what He’s done. God didn’t create humanity because he lacked something. He wasn’t lonely, as though He was incomplete or needed company. God needs nothing because… well…He’s God. He created things to enjoy the work of his own hands, so to speak. And the things he cares about most are those He made to be like him, “in his own image” as the Bible says (Gen [1:26]). He is referring to you and me.

Our story—the story of why God wants us—begins with the biblical idea that God is our Maker. Although we can’t completely comprehend that, the bottom line is that we’re here because God wanted us here. God doesn’t act randomly. He acts with purpose. When He created humankind, He wasn’t trying to fill some deficiency in himself. Given the fact that He didn’t need us but still made us, there’s only one rational explanation for why He created us. God wanted us to exist in order to enjoy us (and to have us enjoy him in return).

Because God created us, the Bible refers to him as our “Father” and people from Adam onward as his children. That’s why the Bible uses the language of family to describe God and His relationship to us. That’s no coincidence.

But I’m getting a little ahead of myself. To really understand the context for the family-centered language in the Bible, we need to go back to the time before God made the earth and the human race. It may surprise you, but God wasn’t alone then, either. That’s another reason why we can be sure he didn’t create us to heal his own loneliness.

The Bible tells us that before God created us, he had already created other intelligent beings. The Bible calls them “sons of God.” We call them angels. The Old Testament book of Job tells us that the sons of God “shouted for joy” when God laid the foundations of the earth (Job 38:4-7). They were already present and watching.

Think about the phrase “sons of God.” The same Hebrew term translated “sons” can also be translated more inclusively as “children.” What does a phrase like “children of God” imply? Family!

“Children” is a term you’d use when a family is the subject of conversation. In the case of Job 38:4-7, the family is a heavenly or supernatural one. God is Father to the intelligent beings He creates in the unseen realm. At least unseen to humans, except for rare occasions.

The fact that God already had a supernatural family helps us understand his motivation for the creation of Adam and Eve, the first humans in the Genesis story. God wanted a human family in addition to his supernatural family. Incredibly, the story of Eden tells us God wanted his two families to live together in his presence. This means that, just like the angels, humans were originally created fit for the presence of God himself.

But how do we know all that? (There I go again). Let’s take a look.

The first book of the Bible, Genesis, begins with creation. God had done a lot of creating by the time the story gets to people (Adam and Eve). The story unfolds with God creating plants, insects, flying creatures, and land animals. None of those creatures was capable of having a relationship with God. They could not converse with God. They could not share their thoughts with God or express their appreciation to him. Members of a family relate to one another—they interact on an intellectual and emotional level. They form companionship bonds. As spectacular as plants and animals are, they couldn’t play the role of children. They weren’t family. That’s what God really wanted. He needed to create something like himself.

· Imagers of God

After God had filled the earth with all kinds of plants and animals, He still had work to do. God decided to fashion new creatures “in His image” and “in His likeness” (Genesis [1:27].)

The “image of God” is an important concept in the Bible. Human beings were created to be like God. Think of the “image” of God as a verb, and you’re on the right track to understanding the idea. We were created to image God, to be his imagers—to represent him.

What does it mean to image God? Genesis [1:27]-28 gives us the answer.

So God created human beings in his own image.
In the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.

Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”

God could have taken care of his world just fine. He’s God. Nothing is beyond his ability. But instead, God created an earthly family. His children would assume His role in managing and maintaining his creation. They would be understudies and partners. Imaging God means being God’s representation on earth. God tasked humans with doing a job he could just as well have done himself. But he wanted his children to participate. God’s business would be a family business. Eden was not merely God’s home; it was God’s home office. We were created to be God’s co-workers.

God made sure the people he made could do the job of imaging him on earth. He shared his attributes (his qualities and abilities) with them—things like intelligence and creativity. The Bible tells us that humans are a lesser version of who God is. He made us to be like him so we could participate with him as co-rulers and co-caretakers in his new world.

Imaging God is an important concept for several reasons. It gives each of us a secure, profound identity. It was God’s original desire that every human being would be his child and partner. That is how God looks at people. It’s also how we ought to think of people. God wants every one of us to consider each person a sibling. We all have the same status as imagers of God whom God wants in his family. Racism, violence, manipulation, and coercion were not part of God’s design for humanity. They are the evil result of rebellion and sin. God hates what sin has done to the people he loves. That’s something we need to remember when we think about our own moral failures and those of others.

Imaging God also gives us purpose. We have a mission. Every person, no matter how small or weak or short-lived has some role to play in someone else’s life. Every task we set our mind to that honors God and our fellow imagers becomes a spiritual calling. In God’s mind, the role of a pastor, minister, or priest is not superior to any other calling. How we live either blesses fellow imagers, reminding them of what life and harmony with God must surely be like, or curses them. What we do matters—and most of the time in small, unspectacular ways.

All of this is why Dr. Heiser answered his opening question the way he did. What does God want? He wants you. He wants a family. He wants co-workers. He wants you to know who you are and why your life has value to Him.

But we’re just getting started. There’s a lot more to the story. Life in our world—and perhaps even in our own house—doesn’t conform to God’s vision. Something happened to ruin it all. The heartache would be so great that God almost decided to give up on humanity.

That will conclude our lesson from Dr. Heiser’s book “What does God want?” for this week. Next Worldview Wednesday, we will discover that God still wanted a family, even after our rebellion. I believe you will find each Worldview Wednesday an interesting topic to consider as we build our Biblical worldview.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1110 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1110 – Choose to Respond – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 07:03:48 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1110 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Choose to Respond –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1110 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 Michael Hyatt, and it is, “Failure is inevitable, but we can choose to respond in ways that accelerate our journey to success.”

Choose to Respond

Failure in many areas of life is certain, but it only remains a failure if you choose to do nothing about it. If you remain quagmired in your failure through self-pity and despair, then you will never recover. It is when we choose to learn from our failure and avoid repeating the same failure, that we will begin again on our journey to success. Even if we avoid the same failure, it is certain that there will be other challenges and obstacles that we will face. That is a part of life. Here are the best steps to follow to ensure that you accelerate your journey to success after a failure:

Pause
Reflect on what caused the failure
Access what you need to change in order to avoid that same failure
Make the necessary changes to your plan
Begin again more intelligently

As you now move forward once again, when the next failure hits you, repeat these five steps. The key is to choose to respond in a manner that will ensure that you never stop. Failure is not permanent unless you choose to quit when you should continue to move forward. Yes, there are risks in every decision that we make, but push through. What is the worse that can happen? If it does not cause bodily harm or death to you or your loved ones, then even if you do fail, you can recover from all else.

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.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1109 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 Worldview Wednesday!

Day 1109 – A Day of Rest – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 07:03:13 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1109 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

A Day of Rest – Meditation Monday

Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

In our busy world, it seems like it is almost impossible to take time for quiet reflection. We fill our schedules to overflowing and then wonder why we are sick and tired all of the time. This is not what God has planned for us. There is nothing wrong about working six days each week, but in today’s meditation let us discover the need for…

A Day of Rest

I realize that I am as guilty as the next person when it comes to setting aside a day for rest, regeneration, and reflection. I don’t practice this nearly as much as I should. When God created the world, He rested from all of his activity on the seventh day. When God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses, 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. Just as with farming, for a field to bear a crop in abundance, it must occasionally lie fallow. For you to be healthy, you must rest. When David says in Psalms 23:1-3,

The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.

The Good Shepherd knows that if he drives his sheep too hard and long, they will collapse. We need to rest in his green meadows and drink deeply from his peaceful streams. 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? Jesus instructed us in Matthew [11:29],

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.

We must allow the risen Savior, our good shepherd, to teach us and provide rest for our souls. Even though Jesus was fully God while on earth, He was also fully man and knew the value and necessity for a time of rest and regeneration. Jesus understood this. Just as Luke [5:16] says,

But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.

The closer we get to the heart of God, the more we will understand that we need to habitually set time aside for rest, regeneration, and reflection. This reminds me of the words from the old hymn “Near to the Heart of God.”

There is a place of quiet rest,
Near to the heart of God;
A place where sin cannot molest,
Near to the heart of God.

There is a place of comfort sweet,
Near to the heart of God;
A place where we our Savior meet,
Near to the heart of God.

There is a place of full release,
Near to the heart of God;
A place where all is joy and peace,
Near to the heart of God.

Refrain:

O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God;
Hold us, who wait before Thee,
Near to the heart of God.

That is a wrap for today’s meditation. 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 1108 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1108 – Why Do We Call It Good Friday? – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 19 Apr 2019 07:03:09 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1108 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Why Do We Call It Good Friday – Ask Gramps

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1108 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 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.

So the question for this week is…

“Hey, Gramps, the crucifixion of Christ was horrible, so why do we call that day Good Friday?”

Why Do We Call It Good Friday

What is Good Friday and why do we call Good Friday “good,” when it is such a dark and bleak event commemorating a day of suffering and death for Jesus?

For Christians, Good Friday is a crucial day of the year because it celebrates what we believe to be the most momentous weekend in the history of the world. Ever since Jesus died and was raised, Christians have proclaimed the cross and resurrection of Jesus to be the decisive turning point for all creation. Paul considered it this way in 1 Corinthians 15:3, “I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said.”

On Good Friday we remember the day Jesus willingly suffered and died by crucifixion as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins (1 John 1:10). It is followed by Easter, the glorious celebration of the day Jesus was raised from the dead, heralding his victory over sin and death and pointing ahead to a future resurrection for all who are united to him by faith (Romans 6:5).

Still, why call the day of Jesus’ death “Good Friday” instead of “Bad Friday” or something similar? Some Christian traditions do take this approach: in German, for example, the day is called Karfreitag, or “Sorrowful Friday.” In English, in fact, the origin of the term “Good” is debated: some believe it developed from an older name “God’s Friday.”

Regardless of the origin, the name Good Friday is entirely appropriate because the suffering and death of Jesus, as terrible as it was, marked the dramatic culmination of God’s plan to save his people from their sins.

In order for the good news of the gospel to have meaning for us, we first have to understand the bad news of our condition as sinful people under condemnation. The good news of deliverance only makes sense once we see how we are enslaved. Another way of saying this is that it is important to understand and distinguish between law and gospel in Scripture. We need the law first to show us how hopeless our condition is; then the gospel of Jesus’ grace comes and brings us relief and salvation.

In the same way, Good Friday is “good” because as terrible as that day was, it had to happen for us to receive the joy of Easter. The wrath of God against sin had to be poured out on Jesus, the perfect sacrificial substitute, in order for forgiveness and salvation to be poured out to the nations. Without that awful day of suffering, sorrow, and shed blood at the cross, God could not be both “just and the justifier” of those who trust in Jesus (Romans [3:26]). Paradoxically, the day that seemed to be the greatest triumph of evil was actually the deathblow in God’s gloriously good plan to redeem the world from bondage.

The cross is where we see the convergence of great suffering and God’s forgiveness. Psalm 85:10 sings of a day when “righteousness and peace” will “kiss each other.” The cross of Jesus is where that occurred, where God’s demands and his righteousness, coincided with his mercy. We receive divine forgiveness, mercy, and peace because Jesus willingly took our divine punishment, the result of God’s righteousness against sin. “For the joy set before him” (Hebrews 12:2) Jesus endured the cross on Good Friday, knowing it led to his resurrection, our salvation, and the beginning of God’s reign of righteousness and peace.

Romans [8:11]

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.

Good Friday marks the day when wrath and mercy met at the cross. That’s why Good Friday is so dark and so good.

Join us again next Friday for another question on our “Ask Gramps” episode. 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 1107 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 on Monday!

Day 1107– The Easter Bunny – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 18 Apr 2019 07:03:04 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1107 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Easter Bunny – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1107 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.

The Easter Bunny

Little Susie came home from school one day shortly before the Easter holiday. With major concern on her face, Susie tentatively approached her mother and said, “Mom, some of the kids at school today said that you were the Easter Bunny. Is that true?”

The mom kneeled down took little Susie’s face in her hands and stared straight into her wide eyes and said, “Do you really want to know?”

“Yes,” little Susie replied.

The mother sighed, thinking of the end of the innocence of childhood, “Yes, dear, I am the Easter Bunny.”

Little Susie looked at her in amazement and with excitement in her voice declares, “How do you get to ALL of those houses in just one night???”

Well, I hope that brought a smile to your face today. If it did, pass that smile on to someone who really needs it. Our Thursday Thought is “With Easter being celebrated throughout the world, sometimes it is easy to lose focus on the meaning and significance of the most joyous of all holidays. Let us cherish the Risen Christ.”

Matthew 28:6

He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying.

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 1106 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1106 – What Does God Want? – Worldview Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 07:03:47 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1106 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

What Does God Want? – Worldview Wednesday

Creating a Biblical worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today’s current events. To establish a Biblical Worldview, you must also have a proper understanding of God and His Word. This week we will begin a new series that will cover another detailed book review from one of today’s most prominent Hebrew scholars Dr. Micheal S. Heiser. We will take a deep dive and share Dr. Heiser’s insights into the question which is also the title of his book “What Does God Want?”

What Does God Want?

What does God want? It sounds like a simple question, but if you give it a bit of thought, it’s really not.

Why? Well, for starters, you have to know who’s asking the question. People will ask it for a lot of different reasons. Is it a cry of anger from someone in pain? Perhaps it’s a barely audible whisper that surfaces from deep sadness. Is the motivation curiosity? Or is it just prompted by the desire to reflect and think deep thoughts? It’s not difficult to see that giving the right answer depends on why the question is being asked.

While we all may have motives for asking this question, the answer is the same for everyone, at least in terms of the answer God himself would give with respect to all of us. That is precisely how I’m asking it. I’m asking it to help you think about some important things. When I ask, “What does God want?” I’m really asking, “What does God want when it comes to every person in the human race?” What does God want when it comes to me and my life and to you and your life?

Before I get to the detailed answers from Dr. Heiser, it’s pretty obvious that the question is a religious one. All of our questions about God naturally get filed in the religious folder. I’ve raised the question, and we will explore the answer because I’m interested in God. Most people still are, though they may not be interested in church. It certainly is not a prerequisite to be involved in church to be seeking the answer to our question. As we go through this book, we will find that the answer is going to be a biblical one. That narrows the focus a bit more. The goal of Dr. Heiser’s book is that the Bible would answer the question “What does God want?”

Now for the answer. It’s simple. He wants you.

That might surprise you. You may doubt it. That’s okay. It’s the right answer. To be honest, though, it isn’t enough of an answer. You can’t get a sense of how amazing and profound the answer is by just that one sentence. You need some context to appreciate how much love is behind it. There’s actually a long, remarkable story behind the answer.

Since that’s the case, this book is not only about what God wants, but it’s about things God wants you to know. Yes, he wants you, but for you to appreciate that and (hopefully) feel the same way about God, you need a little context.

That is what we will discover in our detailed synopsis of this book. We’ll start with God’s story. There’s a lot of tragedy in it, but none of that ever changed God’s mind about you (or me, thankfully). Once we are done discovering the story that is contained in this book, Dr. Heiser drills down on some parts of the story that are especially important.

Before we jump in, Dr. Heiser does have one disclaimer. If you’ve spent a lot of your life in the church, you might think you already know the story. You certainly know parts of it, but I can guarantee there will be some surprises. Unfortunately, the thing that most often gets in the way of the wonder of the story is religion. Sometimes church and denominational preferences become more important than the story. That’s not the case within this book.

Even though I’m assuming some listeners or readers are familiar with the Bible, I’m confident you’re going to encounter new truths and new ways to think about old truths. And if you’ve never been in a church or heard much about the Bible, you’re the perfect listener. There’s nothing to unlearn or relearn. It’s all fresh. Either way, I think you’re going to experience the thrill of discovering what God wants—and why.

Growing up with Godly parents, I understood God to be the creator. I assumed he knew about me and everyone else, but I did not have a good grasp of what he was thinking about me, or other people in the world. While I had a sense of God’s love for me, it was more of a distant God who was watching whether I was being good, or bad. I did not realize that God was actually seeking me. I know now that God was and continues to seek me because it’s His nature to seek all of us. He is committed to us. How do we know these things about God? Those are the questions and answers that we will discover over the next several months as we explore “What does God want?”

While we have answered the question that God wants us, we will never know the why of that question unless we sincerely seek Him.

Hebrews 11:6

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

That will conclude an introduction into Dr. Heiser’s book “What Does God Want?” Next Wisdom Wednesday we will begin to start to slowly peel the layers back to find out why. I believe you will find each Wisdom Wednesday an interesting topic to consider as we build our Biblical worldview.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1105 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player so that each day’s trek will be downloaded automatically.

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 1105 – It Will Take Longer – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 07:03:44 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1105 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***It Will Take Longer –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1105 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 Croft M. Pentz, and it is, “Failure doesn’t mean you’ll never succeed — it will just take longer.”

It Will Take Longer

Failure, we all experience it, otherwise we would not have a basis for success. We can and should make plans and set goals, because that gives us a timeline and milestones to strive toward. We have to realize that at some point during our journey, and usually, for our betterment, we will have setbacks and failures that disrupt the plans and goals that we have set. Does that mean we should quit? Absolutely not! For every failure we experience, there is a lesson to be learned—that in itself is a success. Failures allow us to take pause, reevaluate our circumstances, and ask ourselves these three questions.

Is our goal still what we desire?
If so, what corrections need to be made to the plan to avoid, or at least minimize, the same or similar failures.
Am I willing to continue to make the sacrifices necessary in order to obtain the desired goal?

If we can address these three questions affirmatively, then we need to pick ourselves back up, dust ourselves off, and continue on with our journey. We may need to adjust our timeline to compensate for the failure, but we are still moving forward.

As we make our plans and set our goals, always keep in mind that it is God who directs our steps.

Proverbs 16:9

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1104 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1104 – He Is Risen! – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 07:03:07 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1104 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

He Is Risen! – Meditation Monday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1104 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 you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

With the Celebration of Easter this week, today’s meditation has been adapted from Max Lucado’s book When Christ Comes…

He Is Risen!

When Pilate learned that Jesus was dead, he was surprised that death had come so quickly. Perhaps he should have been less harsh with him or listened to his wife’s message. Pilate asked the soldiers if they were certain. They were.

Had they seen the Nazarene twitch, had they heard even one moan, they would have broken his legs to speed his end. But there was no need. The thrust of a spear removed all doubt. The Romans knew their job. And their job was finished. They pried loose the nails that pierced his hands and feet, lowered his body, and gave it to Joseph and Nicodemus to do what they wished. It was one less task they had to deal with.

Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, both Pharisees. They sat in seats of power and bore positions of influence. Men of means and men of clout. They had to witness the unjust trial and convicting of whom they had hoped was the Messiah.

They would’ve traded it all for one breath out of the body of Jesus. He had answered the prayer of their hearts, the prayer for the Messiah. As much as the soldiers wanted him dead, even more, these men wanted him alive.

As they sponged the blood from his beard, don’t you know they listened for his breath? As they wrapped the cloth around his hands, don’t you know they hoped for a pulse? As they finally wrapped the shroud tightly around their Savior’s beaten face, they hoped against all hope that he would revive somehow. Oh, how they searched for one glimpse of life. But they didn’t find it.

So they do with him what they were expected to do with a dead man. After wrapping his body in clean linen, they placed it in a tomb. Joseph’s tomb.

Roman guards are stationed to guard the corpse. And a Roman seal is set on the rock of the tomb. For three days, no one gets close to the grave.

But then, just as the sun begins to rise that Sunday morning, a light appears. Not from the sunrise, but light within the tomb. A bright light? A soft light? Flashing? Hovering? We don’t know. But there was a light. For he is the light. And with the light came life. Just as the darkness was banished, now the decay is reversed. Heaven blows and Jesus breathes. His chest expands. Waxy lips open. Wooden fingers lift. Heart valves swish and hinged joints bend. And, as we envision the moment, we stand in awe. He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!

Romans 6:5-9

Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ, we were set free from the power of sin. And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him.

And I might add…because of this, death no longer has power over us.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1103 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player so each day will be downloaded to you 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 1103 – A Pound of Butter – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 07:03:56 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1103 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

A Pound of Butter – Ask Gramps

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1103 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, this is not possible. 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.

The question for this week is…

“Hey, Gramps, why is it so important to be honest in everything that we do?”

A Pound of Butter

As I am creating this podcast, we are out of town watching our grandson, so time has been limited. So to answer this question today, I will read a short story that will provide a practical example of why it is so important to be honest at all times. The story is called A Pound of Butter.

Sam was a dairy farmer who made butter from the cream. Every week Sam would sell a pound of butter to John the Baker. On the flip side of this John, the baker, would sell Sam, the farmer, a one pound loaf of bread each week. One day John the baker decided to weigh the butter to see if he was getting the right amount, which he wasn’t. John became very angry about this, so he took Sam to court.

The judge asked Sam the farmer if he was using any measure to weigh out the butter properly. Sam replied, “Your Honor, I am primitive. I don’t have a proper measure, but I do have a scale.”

The judge asked, “Then how do you weigh the butter?”

Sam replied, “Your Honor, long before the John the baker started buying butter from me, I have been buying a pound loaf of bread from him. Every week when the baker brings the bread, I take it in the back room and put it on the scale and give him the same weight in butter. I always figured it was a pound, so I never thought any more about it. I guess if anyone is to be blamed, it is John, the baker.”

Moral of the story: In life, you get what you give. Don’t try and cheat others.

Luke [16:10]

“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.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1102 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player so each day will be downloaded to you 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 1102 – Murphy’s 17 Laws of Technology – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 11 Apr 2019 07:03:57 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1102 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Murphy’s 17 Laws of Technology – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1102 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.

Murphy’s 17 Laws of Technology

As a person who has been a technology professional for all of my working life, I am certainly familiar with the original Murphy’s Law, but today we want to review 17 lesser known Murphy’s Laws of Technology that have recently been added.

Murphy’s Technology Law #1: You can never tell which way the train went by looking at the track.

Murphy’s Technology Law #2: Logic is a systematic method of coming to the wrong conclusion with confidence.

Murphy’s Technology Law #3: Technology is dominated by those who manage what they do not understand.

Murphy’s Technology Law #4: If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker that came along would destroy civilization.

Murphy’s Technology Law #5: An expert is one who knows more and more about less and less until he/she knows absolutely everything about nothing.

Murphy’s Technology Law #6: Tell a man there are 300 billion stars in the universe, and he’ll believe you. Tell him a bench has wet paint on it, and he’ll have to touch to be sure.

Murphy’s Technology Law #7: All great discoveries are made by mistake.

Murphy’s Technology Law #8: Nothing ever gets built on schedule or within budget.

Murphy’s Technology Law #9: All’s well that ends…period.

Murphy’s Technology Law #10: A meeting is an event at which minutes are kept and hours are lost.

Murphy’s Technology Law #11: The first myth of management is that it exists.

Murphy’s Technology Law #12: A failure will not appear until a unit has passed final inspection.

Murphy’s Technology Law #13: New systems generate new problems.

Murphy’s Technology Law #14: To err is human, but to really foul things up requires a computer.

Murphy’s Technology Law #15: We don’t know one-millionth of one percent about anything.

Murphy’s Technology Law #16: Any given program, when running, is obsolete.

Murphy’s Technology Law #17: A computer makes as many mistakes in two seconds as 20 men working 20 years make.

Well, I hope that brought a smile to your face today. If it did, pass that smile on to someone who really needs it. Our Thursday Thought is “What is a technologist, anyway? In the broadest sense, a technologist is a Technology Specialist. That is, one who specializes in technology. Say what?”

Colossians 3:23 – “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”

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 1101 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player so each day will be downloaded to you 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 Philosophy Friday!

Day 1101 – Who Determined The Canon of Scripture? – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 07:03:49 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1101 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Who Determined the Canon of Scripture? – Wisdom Wednesday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1101 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, you must 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.” Today is the last essay in Dr. Heiser’s book, and next week we will begin a new series.

As we explore this final essay today, we will explore information about…

Who Determined The Canon of Scripture?

Dan Brown’s best-selling conspiratorial thriller The Da Vinci Code seems like ancient history now. At its peak of popularity, the novel set records both for sales and for irritating scholars with its view that Jesus and the 12 apostles held to Gnostic heresies. The book’s bizarre plot focuses on Jesus’ bloodline extending through a child born by Mary Magdalene. Within that narrative, Brown asserts that the New Testament canon was determined by the Roman Emperor Constantine, who was not friendly to Gnostic Christianity, at a time much later (fourth-century AD) than any New Testament scholar would endorse. Unfortunately, this myth has since taken on a life of its own.

The notion that Constantine decided which books should constitute the New Testament springs from the ancient Life of Constantine by Eusebius of Caesarea (ad 263-339). Eusebius reports that in a letter written in AD 331, the emperor instructed him to

…order fifty’ copies of the sacred Scriptures, the provision and use of which you know to be most needful for the instruction of the Church, to be written on prepared parchment in a legible manner, and in a convenient, portable form, by professional transcribers thoroughly practiced in their art.

This same Constantine had earlier convened the Council of Nicea (AD 325), famous for its focus on the full deity of Christ against Arianism, which taught that Jesus was a created being. Brown carelessly conflated the two events in The Da Vinci Code to put forth the preposterous idea that Constantine had decided at Nicea which books belonged in the New Testament. But can we be sure this didn’t happen? If not, what exactly did Constantine demand in this letter?

We can be certain that the Council of Nicea did not determine the books of the New Testament at Constantine’s request. The date of Eusebius correspondence tells us that Nicea did not consider the issue of the canon. Today, anyone can read the 20 decisions rendered at Nicea (coincidentally called “canons”). None of them concerns the New Testament Scriptures. In addition, accounts of what happened at Nicea were described by several early church historians and theologians who lived at the time of the event or shortly thereafter. Their testimony is unanimous in opposition to the idea that Constantine determined the books of the New Testament.

So what did Constantine want? During the first several centuries of the early church, the issue of which books were to be considered sacred and authoritative was uncertain. Several early lists of sacred books have been recovered, as have records of rejected books. Constantine’s order brought the problem to the point of decision. Once the emperor commanded copies of the sacred books to be distributed, early church leaders were forced to produce the item that needed to be copied. The result was a minimalist consensus canon, books considered authoritative by the vast majority of Christian leaders throughout the empire. Books regularly disputed or already rejected were thus set aside in faith that the Holy Spirit had successfully enlightened His believing Church to reach consensus. We hold that consensus New Testament in our hands today.

That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday will shift our focus a bit, but we may continue to review another book from Dr. Heiser. I am in prayer on the direction that we may take. No matter what direction we head, I believe you will find each Wisdom Wednesday an interesting topic to consider as we build our Biblical worldview.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1100 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1100 – There Are No Shortcuts – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 09 Apr 2019 07:03:17 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1100 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***There Are No Shortcuts –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1100 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 Cummuta, and it is, “Everyone who has achieved financial independence will tell you that at least in the early days you have to work smarter and harder. The price of success must be paid in full, and it must be paid in advance. There are no shortcuts.”

There Are No Shortcuts

Financial success can only be achieved by working hard and smart for many years. What most people do not realize is that you must be willing to invest the time, talent, perseverance, and determination before any return can be achieved. There are no shortcuts to success in any area of life, and that is particularly true of financial independence.

Financial independence in itself is subject to the amount you are willing to sacrifice today, in order to reach that independence. I have found over my years of experience and observation that those who are not willing to sacrifice, will never achieve independence. In fact, most people who are able to achieve financial independence, continue to live frugally long after it is required. In that way, they continue to pay the price today for continued independence in the future.

The price of financial independence must always be paid in full and in advance to ensure continued independence. As with all areas of success in life, it goes back to the law of planting and harvesting. It is as true as the law of gravity. It cannot be changed, nor is there ever a short cut. If you desire to harvest in the future, you must plant today and nurture those plants for long periods of time before the harvest will be available.

Psalm 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.

Galatians 6:7

Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1099 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1099 – I Can’t Change – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 07:03:02 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1099 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

I Can’t Change – Meditation Monday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1099 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 you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

Change…it may be difficult, yet it is possible. In our Meditation Monday today I want us to reflect on whether this statement is true…

I Can’t Change

There is a saying that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. I am not an expert on if that is true with dogs, but the statement is also often applied to people. Especially if we are the ones quoting that axiom, what we are actually saying is that we do not choose to change. So, is it really true for humans that we cannot change?

Here’s some good news. You are not stuck with today’s personality. You are not forever condemned to “grumpy town.” If you reside there, that is your choice. You are tweak-able! So what if you were born a bigot and have a lot of ingrained prejudices? You don’t have to continue to live that way and die one.

Where did we get the idea we can’t change? Where do statements such as “It’s just my nature to worry,” or “I’ll always be pessimistic. I’m just that way,” or “I have a bad temper. I can’t help the way I react,” come from? Who says?

Would we say, “It’s just my nature to have a broken leg? I can’t do anything about it.” Of course not! If our body malfunctions in any little manner, we seek help. Shouldn’t we do the same with our hearts? Can’t we seek aid for our sour attitudes? Of course we can! Jesus can change our hearts! He wants us to have a heart like his!

Here are a couple of Bible passages that we can claim that clearly show that we are responsible for our attitudes and our actions. If we choose to continue to live miserably, then know that it is our choice.

Ephesians [4:21]-23

Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.

Romans 12:2

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1098 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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!

Day 1098 – A Little Fellow Follows Me – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 07:03:37 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1098 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

A Little Fellow Follows Me – Ask Gramps

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 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.

The theme of this podcast from the very beginning has been to “Create a Living Legacy.” From my very core, this is what drives me. I feel that we all have a Biblical mandate to live a life that is today, and will continue to be, a living legacy. Not to bring attention to ourselves, but to bring glory to God and to further His Kingdom on earth.

So the question for this week is…

“Hey, Gramps, why is creating a living legacy so important, and can you provide us with an illustration of what this means in practical terms?”

A Little Fellow Follows Me

I will turn 63 in August of this year, and the older I get, the more important it is to me to live in such a way that my children, grandchildren, friends, and others who may observe my life will have a positive role model and example which they can follow. A life lived in such a way that others will see and understand how important it is to live a good and godly life each day. As an illustration of this philosophy, today I will read a poem that our oldest son, who is now 38, received as a gift. Although our five children are all over 30 now and have families of their own, this poem still reflects how I desire to live for my children, and also now for our seven grandchildren.

Listen to this poem, and apply it to your life, regardless of your situation, and live in such a way that you will have an opportunity to positively impact all you come in contact with.

A careful man I want to be,
A little fellow follows me,
I do not dare to go astray,
For fear, he’ll go the self-same way.
I cannot once escape his eyes,
Whatever he sees me do, he tries;
Like me, he says he’s going to be,
This little chap who follows me.
He thinks that I am good and fine,
Believes in every word of mine;
The base in me he must not see,
This little chap who follows me.
I must remember as I go,
Through summer’s sun and winter’s snow;
I’m building for the years to be,
That little chap who follows me.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1097 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 on Monday!

Day 1097 – Found Dead or Alive – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 07:03:44 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1097 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Found Dead or Alive – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase Wisdom and Create a Living Legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1097 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.

Found Dead or Alive

While hiking in the country, Susan and her friend Eve spotted a huge bed of mushrooms that they knew were edible. They gathered a large basketful and sautéed them that night. Susan’s husband Phil refused to eat them, thinking they might be poisonous. Two weeks later, Eve and Susan gathered some more mushrooms. This time, Phil joined them.

“How is it that you’re eating these mushrooms tonight,” Susan asked, “when you wouldn’t touch the ones we brought home two weeks ago? What changed your mind?”

“I thought about it,” Phil explained seriously, “and I figured it would be better to be found dead with you two than to try to explain two dead women in my home.”

Well, I hope that brought a smile to your face today. If it did, pass that smile on to someone who really needs it. Our Thursday Thought is “Avoid eating mushrooms raw, even if they are on the salad bar that way. Since mushrooms have thick cell walls that break down with cooking, cooking unlocks more nutrients and safely degrades any trace amount of a potentially carcinogenic compound called agaritine.”

Since we are approaching Easter, our verse for today is Matthew 28:6,” “He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying.”

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 1096 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1096 – Perspective Changes Everything – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 03 Apr 2019 07:03:50 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1096 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Perspective Changes Everything – Wisdom Wednesday

Wisdom – the final frontier to true knowledge. Welcome to Wisdom-Trek! Where our mission is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy.

Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1096 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, you must 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.”

Our perspective about a situation or circumstance creates our reality, which may not sync with actual reality. In today’s essay, we will explore passages that cover…

Perspective Changes Everything

The question many Christians and Bible scholars debate about surrounds eschatology or future events that is the end times. Is the book of Revelation a linear chronology of distant future events, or does the book describe the Roman persecution of Christians and Rome’s destruction of the temple events that occurred in John’s lifetime? The first view opts for a mid-AD 90s authorship (long after the temple was destroyed), the second supports a pre-AD 70s authorship (when the temple was still standing). Each of these readings is complicated by Revelation 11:1-2,“Then I was given a measuring stick, and I was told, “Go and measure the Temple of God and the altar, and count the number of worshipers. But do not measure the outer courtyard, for it has been turned over to the nations. They will trample the holy city for 42 months.”

Taken literally, these verses indicate the Jerusalem temple still stands—apparent proof that Revelation was written before AD 70. If so, the idea that John is describing the Roman persecution and invasion, empowered by Satan and his hatred for the Church, must be valid. However, while the defense of this view takes this passage literally, most people who prefer to see Revelation written before AD 70 read the rest of Revelation symbolically, matching John’s descriptions to some feature of the Roman Empire and its Caesars.

Those who read Revelation in terms of distant future events often point to the mid-90s authorship. They prefer a symbolic reading of Revelation 11, a departure from their preference for taking the rest of Revelation quite literally. Even to the point of describing futuristic military weaponry in John’s visions.

Who is the literalist now? It’s difficult to be consistent in the book of Revelation.

The early church father Clement of Rome offers us clues for understanding how this passage might be understood. Clement wrote long after the Jerusalem temple had been destroyed, but he used the present tense when speaking of the temple (1 Clement 40-41). He does this to strike an analogy between the orderly worship of the temple in times past with a current concern about worship. The same may be true of Revelation 11:1-2. It’s not unusual for biblical writers to speak of a past event in language that sounds contemporary. In other words, the temple might be long gone, but references to it serve some other literary or theological purpose taking center stage in the writer’s mind. Nonetheless, this doesn’t exclude the possibility of interpreting Revelation in light of events in Rome. It just proves that neither approach can be fully accepted.

When reading a complicated book like Revelation, it’s helpful to address where views deviate in their interpretive approach. It might be more revealing than we ever expected. When it comes to the study of eschatology, it is best to realize that there is much we do not know. Therefore, we should not become overly dogmatic or cause divisions within God’s Kingdom over such issues.

That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday will be our final essay from Dr. Heiser’s book. The final essay is titled “Constantine, Conspiracy, and the Canon.” 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 1095 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1095 – All Rights Come with Responsibility – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 07:03:05 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1095 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***All Rights Come with Responsibility –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1095 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. Rockefeller, and it is, “Every right implies a responsibility, every opportunity an obligation, every possession a duty.”

All Rights Come With Responsibility

There are many in today’s modern culture that propagate that we have various “rights,” but they are unwilling to accept the responsibilities that come with those rights that they desire. It is a wise and mature person who knows and understands that with every right we are granted, there is an equal and offsetting set of responsibilities. For every opportunity that comes our way, we have obligations that are inexplicitly bound to those opportunities. For every possession that we obtain, we have a duty to take care and maintain that possession. There are no free lunches without someone sacrificing, and there are always strings attached to it.

So the next time that you demand your rights, be willing to step up and be responsible to pay the price for that right. The next time you seek an opportunity, then be willing to fulfill the obligations that come with taking advantage of that opportunity. The next time you choose to obtain a possession, be willing to sacrifice the necessary blood, sweat, and tears that are required to obtain it.

Also, realize that you then have a duty to take care of and maintain that possession until it is no longer yours. It boils back down to the laws of planting and harvesting. If you desire to harvest, you must first invest yourself into the planting and nurturing, or the harvest will not happen.

As we are told in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, “Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: ‘Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.'”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1094 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1094 – Let’s Focus on God – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 07:03:44 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1094 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Let’s Focus on God – Meditation Monday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1094 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.

When we are faced with giants in our lives, do we focus on the giant or how God will help us through? In our Meditation Monday today I want us to reflect on…

Let’s Focus on God

On his father’s instructions, David just showed up to the battlefield completely unexpected. He left his sheep with other shepherds and delivered bread and cheese to his brothers on the battlefront. That’s where David hears Goliath defying God.

Read the ﬁrst words recorded in the Bible by David in 1 Samuel 17:26, “David asked the soldiers standing nearby, ‘What will a man get for killing this Philistine and ending his defiance of Israel? Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?'”

David shows up discussing God. The soldiers mentioned nothing about him, his six brothers never spoke God’s name, but David takes one step onto the stage and raises the subject of the living God.

No one else discusses God. David discusses no one else but God.

David sees what others don’t and refuses to see what others do. All eyes, except David’s, fall on the brutal, hate-breathing hulk Goliath. The people know his taunts, demands, size, and strut. They have majored in Goliath.

David majors in God. He sees the giant, mind you; he just sees God more so. Look carefully at David’s battle cry in 1 Samuel 17:45, “David replied to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.'”

Let God, train us to walk on His path. Let God teach us to see Him in situations that are dangerous and difficult. Like David, when we are surrounded by overwhelming challenges may our thoughts, and words turn first to God. Rather than discuss the problem, let us be reminded to focus on God. May our first thought in the morning and our last thought at night be centered on God. Rather than worry about the impossibilities, let us major in God’s mighty power. When we are tempted to look at the giants in our lives, let us choose to focus on God.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1093 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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!

Day 1093 – Love Your Neighbor – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 07:03:08 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1093 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Love Your Neighbor – Ask Gramps

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1093 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, this is not possible. 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 often wonder how best to help others, but are often hesitant when other people look like they have caused their own problems by the choices we make. The fact is that we don’t know what others are struggling with and need to be very careful about judging others and more willing to help.

So the question for this week is…

“Hey, Gramps, I know that the Bible tells us to love your neighbor as yourself, but what does that really mean?”

Love Your Neighbor

· The Young Man

“Love your neighbor as yourself” is a commandment of Scripture but is sometimes difficult to interpret. How far does our obligation go? After all, who is our neighbor? Most of us don’t even know our literal neighbors! How can we love them? What do these words really mean, “to love our neighbor”? Listen to this tale that I came across recently, and decipher for yourself!

Early one evening, Jim, a very successful young businessman, took his new Mercedes XLR to the mall to buy his girlfriend a Christmas present. Jim saw on his GPS that his usual route was closed off, so he decided to chance it and go through the crazy-dangerous area of downtown to get there. Jim figured it was a better choice than having to go all the way around the city, thus adding two hours to his journey.

Well, the area he had to cut through was in the north end of the city, which was known for its gang warfare and biker bars. What Jim did not realize is that he had chosen the completely wrong time to go through as young gang members started to gather for their nightly escapades, and certain young ladies went outside to claim their piece of the sidewalk for their nightly business of selling themselves.

At a red light, Jim stopped and found himself in the middle of a gang war. The gang member from one group took a shot at his enemy across the street, and Jim in his Mercedes was the unfortunate barrier between them. The bullet barely grazed his shoulder, but it started to bleed quite a bit, he cried out loudly in sharp pain. Carefully he managed to pull over and stop the car.

Jim got out of the car, intending to go get help, but in his weakened state attracted the wrong kind of attention. A couple thugs looking for some quick drug money noticed his stupor, and decided it would be easier to rough him up, than try to break into a store. They also noticed his car keys were left in the car, and the car running close by, and put the two and two together. Soon, he was out of a car, his cell phone, and his wallet. They left him there battered, bruised, and still bleeding.

By the time the thugs drove off, Jim was in rough shape and lay smashed and dirty on the sidewalk. Jim managed to pull himself over to the edge of a building and lay there for what seemed like hours, but was only a few minutes. Jim was thrilled when he looked up and saw a pastor from a local church walk by. “Help me, Pastor!” he cried out feebly, but the pastor crossed over the other side of the sidewalk and did not even look his way.

· The Pastor

The pastor did not usually walk this way, but he was on his way to a board meeting for all the churches in his district. Unfortunately, it was in one of the rougher areas of town, and the pastor really wasn’t comfortable in this environment. The pastor wished he had been able to find parking closer, but he had been forced to walk several blocks to his destination.

The pastor saw the man lying against the building from a few feet away and felt nervous. Who knows what that man had been drinking in order to be that intoxicated? Often these people were dangerous and unpredictable. Just for security’s sake, he crossed over to the other side of the street. The pastor was already late for the meeting, and he didn’t want any complications. “I’m sure the police will deal with him,” he thought. “I need to get going.”

A faint wave of guilt washed over him, hoping this man would be okay, but the pastor quickly told himself that he wasn’t responsible for saving the world. “They have people for that,” he thought. “It’s not my calling.”

· The Church Lady

About a half hour later, a very frequent church-going lady walked by in a rush. She was carrying a Bible, and the Jim thought for sure she would help him. He tried to call out to her, but she did not help. Instead, she put her nose in the air and quickly walked away in horror and disgust.

The woman had lived on that street for years and had seen everything decline in the last decade. What had once been a hard-working, respectable part of town was now overrun by hookers, pimps, and drug addicts. Every day, she heard of more horrors on the nightly news, and it made her sick. She had once been proud to live here, but now she lived in fear. When she heard the young man call out to her, she was sure he would be begging for money to buy some more booze. She was tired of being lambasted by these welfare-dependent bums. She looked at him in disgust and anger at the way the country was going. She hurried home to her little apartment, safe with bars on the windows and a good security system. She knew she shouldn’t have gone out so late in the afternoon.

· The Biker

Just as Jim was almost passing into unconsciousness, he caught a glimpse of a rough looking man with a long beard and tattoos in a jean vest covered with decals and tight pants. Jim would have normally been afraid of this biker-looking man under different circumstance, but he had no fear left, only empty curiosity. In a stupor, Jim thought, “I wonder what kind of bike he rides.”

The man, who was dressed as a biker, parked his Harley-Davidson and decided to hoof it to the bar where he was going to relax for a few hours. He had had a hard week at the mill and was looking forward to forgetting his troubles with some good friends. Later, the biker thought he would grab a cab and pick up his bike in the morning. No one on the street would dare to touch it.

As the biker neared his destination, he noticed Jim who looked like he’d been beaten up pretty badly. Feeling sorry for him, he went over and gently felt his wrist. Yes, he was still breathing. “Are you okay?” he whispered, not wanting to startle him. “Not really,” Jim replied. Let me call you an ambulance…you look like you’re in pretty bad shape. The biker used his cell phone to call 911, waited with Jim until they arrived, and paid the ambulance driver the $500 fee. “Take my cell,” he told Jim, “and use it to call your Mom, Dad, and girlfriend about where you are. Here’s a couple hundred dollars to tide you over until you get all your I.D. straightened out. Sorry for what happened to you, man. Those guys were thugs.”

Jim left in the ambulance and went to the hospital, used the cell phone to call his family and friends, the police, and afterward called the biker to give him back his cell phone. “How can I repay you,” he asked. “Don’t worry about it,” the biker told him. “There are still a few good guys left in this world.”

· Who Is Your Neighbor?

Three people passed by our young man and saw three different things. One saw a dangerous drunk, another saw a lazy bum, and one saw a person that needed help. Who was the one that helped his neighbor?

It is said, love your neighbor as yourself. Who is your neighbor? Think about this tale and discover for yourself.

This is an adaptation of a parable told by Jesus, as recounted in Luke: [10:25]-37. Here is the story as told by Jesus in the Scriptures:

One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?”

Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?”

The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

“Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this, and you will live!”

The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

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.”

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1092 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 on Monday!

Day 1092 – The Expert – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 28 Mar 2019 07:03:50 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1092 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Expert – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1092 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.

The Expert

While working as a radiology technician in a hospital emergency room, Sarah took x-rays of a trauma patient. After she was finished with several complicated x-rays, Sarah organized and cataloged them. She informed Kathy the radiologist they were ready to be analyzed. Kathy invested a long time studying the multiple fractures of the femurs and pelvis.

“What happened to this patient?” Kathy asked in astonishment.

“He fell out of a tree,” Sarah reported.

Kathy was amazed at the amount of fractures there were and inquired what the patient was doing up a tree.

“I’m not sure, Sarah replied, but his paperwork states he works for Bob’s Expert Tree Service.”

Gazing intently at the x-rays for several more minutes, Kathy blinked and finally said, “Cross out ‘Expert’ on that paperwork.'”

Well, I hope that brought a smile to your face today. If it did, pass that smile onto someone who really needs it. Our Thursday Thought is “He who knows the limits of his capabilities will save much embarrassment.”

And our verse for today is 1 Corinthians 3:10,“Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful.”

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 1091 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1091 – 666 – What Does It Really Mean? – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 27 Mar 2019 07:03:08 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1091 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

666 – What Does It Really Mean? – Wisdom Wednesday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1091 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, you must 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.”

The number 666 in the Bible is recognized by believers and non-believers alike as the “number of the beast.” In today’s essay, we will explore passages that cover…

666 – What Does It Really Mean?

If there’s one part of the Bible virtually everyone has heard of, it’s 666—the “number of the beast.” If there’s one thing no one can agree upon, it’s what that number stands for. We see 666 in Revelation 13:18, “Wisdom is needed here. Let the one with understanding solve the meaning of the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is 666.” The wording here is important. John tells readers that the number must be “calculated,” which means there must be a hidden meaning behind it. But how do we calculate it?

· Calculating Symbolism

One option for solving this biblical riddle is gematria, the idea that numbers have symbolic meaning. While some have called gematria a tool for speculation, it actually derives from an ancient convention in languages like Greek and Hebrew where letters of the alphabet are used to represent numbers. But gematria is not limited to just Revelation; the New Testament contains several other symbolic figures. The 153 fish of John 21:11 could be interpreted as ancient symbolism for the Church, the body of Christ, and the Old Testament sons of God as analogous to believers in the Church. The Greek word for “dove,” like the dove that descends on Jesus at His baptism, has a numerical value equivalent to the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, thus symbolizing the Alpha and Omega as recorded in Revelations 1:8, “I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. ‘I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.'”

· Calculating 666

When it comes to 666, one gematria explanation is that the number represents Nero Caesar. The Greek Xeron Kaisar adds up to 1,005, but when the name is transliterated into the Hebrew letters nrwn qsr, the sum is 666. Nero Caesar also would explain the variant number of the Beast (616) found in some New Testament manuscripts. Transliterating the Latin Nero Caesar into Hebrew, nrwn qsr, yields 616, suggesting John may have been thinking of the well-known Nero Redivivus myth when writing about the beast (i.e., that Nero would rise from the dead to destroy Christians).

The gematria solution presents three major problems…It could be viewed as cheating with the spellings (the usual Hebrew spelling for Caesar is q’st, not qsr, although the qsr form does exist). It assumes that readers knew Hebrew well enough to do the transliteration from Greek back into Hebrew. And, perhaps most tellingly, the early Christian commentators who knew of the Nero redivivus myth never identified 666 with Nero.

· Ancient Sudoku

There is another possibility. 666 is a magic square. From very ancient times, philosophers and mathematicians were fascinated that the numbers 1-36 could be arranged in squares so that each row and diagonal would add up to the same sum (the same principle as modem Sudoku). One magic square has four rows and two diagonals that each add up to111. The six lines of 111 equal 666. Each magic square in ancient Jewish and Greek tradition was also associated with a celestial body. In the case of the 666 square, that body was the sun, which was associated with Zeus, the highest god in the Greek pantheon.

Zeus was often associated with Baal and the mythological north (tsaphon) of Canaanite religion. Most relevant to the Beast of Revelation is Baal’s (and Zeus’) title, “lord of heaven” (Baal-shamem). It is possible that the “abomination of desolation” in Daniel 9:27 (shiqquts-shamem) is a play on Baal- shamem, since the Old Testament writers sometimes substituted words that meant “shame” or “abomination” into proper names that formerly contained “Baal” (e.g., Mephibosheth, Ish- Bosheth). This would mean 666 is a symbol for the abominable Baal, the dark lord of the Old Testament world, satanic power in New Testament thinking.

As with all studies concerning escatology or what is considered the “end times,” it is best that we do not get too hung up or fixed on a particular position. Just as in the coming of the Messiah the first time was misunderstood by nearly everyone of that day, there is much we do not know and will not know until God’s kingdom is fully established on earth. Until then, let us focus on building His kingdom by sharing the good news to all the world.

That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue in the New Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “Perspective Changes Everything.” 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 1090 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1090 – The Seeds of Success – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 07:03:29 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1090 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***The Seeds of Success –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1090 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 Napoleon Hill, and it is, “Every failure brings with it the seed of an equivalent success.”

The Seeds of Success

As any farmer or gardener will tell you, for any plant to grow, you must first plant a seed. If that seed remains a seed, it will produce nothing. Only when that seed dies and is destroyed will the plant emerge from its nucleus. What may seem like the seed failing is actually allowing the plant to begin a new life.

So it is with success. Unless we allow failures to die and become the nucleus for new growth, we will never be able to achieve the success that we hope for. Success starts out just like a plant beginning from the seed dying.

First, just a little sprout of green emerges, then with the proper nutrients and water, the plant begins to grow. It must be continually nurtured until it is mature and is able to produce fruit many times more than the original seed that died. It is not different with success. When we take the dying seeds of failure, learn the lessons, and nourish the lessons learned, success will slowly begin to sprout. If we continue to care and nurture the beginning sprouts of success, it will eventually grow to maturity and produce many times the return from the seeds we planted at the beginning. So take your seeds of failure and nurture them so that they will grow into mature successes that will produce many times your original investment.

John 12:24 – I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1089 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1089 – The God of Second Chances – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 07:03:12 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1089 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The God of Second Chances – Meditation Monday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase Wisdom and Create a Living Legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1089 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 you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

There are times in our lives where we really blow it. We mess up and hurt those whom we love most and who are close to us. We usually will have an opportunity for a do-over, but those scars may stay with us for the remainder of our lives. In our Meditation Monday today I want us to reflect on…

The God of Second Chances

Have you ever read a familiar passage in the Bible, then all of a sudden it jumps out are you as if you were reading it for the first time? It nearly explodes in your mind with a new impact that you have never seen before. Mark 16:1-8 is one such passage. Maybe it is the excitement of the resurrection and the empty tomb that makes another part of verse 7 so easily overlooked.

Let me read this passage to you, “Saturday evening, when the Sabbath ended, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went out and purchased burial spices so they could anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on Sunday morning, just at sunrise, they went to the tomb. On the way, they were asking each other, ‘Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?’ But as they arrived, they looked up and saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled aside. When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a white robe sitting on the right side. The women were shocked, but the angel said, ‘Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body. Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died.’ The women fled from the tomb, trembling and bewildered, and they said nothing to anyone because they were too frightened.”

Did you catch the last part of verse 7? “Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee.”

Now tell me if that’s not a hidden treasure. Remember that just three days prior to this event, Peter had denied that he even knew Jesus three times. In fact, he even swore his denial in a curse.

What a line. It’s as if all of heaven had watched Peter fall, and it’s as if all of heaven wanted to help him back up again. In our modern day vernacular, it would read. “Be sure and tell Peter that he’s not left out. Tell him that one (or even three) failure(s) doesn’t make a flop.” He is not destroyed by this failure. What a relief for Peter!

No wonder they call it the gospel of the second chance. We have the same second chances for us, even when we deny our Lord and Savior, just like Peter did.

It may seem like there are not many second chances in the world today. Just ask the kid who didn’t make the little league team or the fellow who got the pink slip or the mother of three who got dumped for a “pretty little thing.”

You may feel that there are not many second chances. If it feels like you are confronted with… “It’s now or never,” “Around here we don’t tolerate incompetence,” “Not much room at the top,” “Three strikes and you’re out,” or “It’s a dog-eat-dog world!”

Remember, Jesus has a simple answer to our crazy world. Why let a bunch of other failures tell you how much of a failure you are? In Christ, you are never a permanent failure. You can have a second chance.

Just ask Peter. The message came loud and clear from the celestial Throne Room through the divine courier. In the divine baseball game of life, the angel told the women, “Be sure and tell Peter that he gets to bat again.”

It’s not every day that you get a second chance. Peter must have known that. The next time he saw Jesus, he got so excited that he barely got his britches on before he jumped into the cold water of the Sea of Galilee. It was also enough, so they say, to cause this backwoods Galilean to carry the gospel of the second chance all the way to Rome where they killed him. If you’ve ever wondered what would cause a man to be willing to be crucified upside down, maybe now you know.

It’s not every day that you find someone who will give you a second chance, much less someone who will give you a second chance every day. But in Jesus, Peter found both.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1088 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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!

Day 1088 – The Carpenter’s Wisdom – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 07:03:31 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1088 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Carpenter’s Wisdom – Ask Gramps

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1088 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.

Events and circumstances that happen to us in life are not always as they appear on the surface, and certainly may not be what they appear to others. We need to keep this in mind and not jump to conclusions for ourselves or others.

So the question for this week is…

“Hey, Gramps, can you tell me a story of a situation where something seemed to be tragic, but looking back at it, there was much good and many lessons learned through it?”

The Carpenter’s Wisdom

There have been many situations in our lives that at the time seemed devastating, but as we look back at them, we know that it was within God’s plan for our lives and have shaped us into the people that we are today. Situations like my mom dying much sooner than we would have liked, a business failure that was financially devastating, our granddaughter being diagnosed with leukemia…There are many more, but I think the story that I read of “The Carpenter’s Wisdom” teaches us a valuable lesson that we all need to learn.

Once upon a time, there was an old man who lived in a tiny village. Although poor, he was envied by all, for he owned a beautiful white horse. Even the king coveted his treasure. A horse like this had never been seen before—such was its splendor, its majesty, its strength.

People offered fabulous prices for the steed, but the old man always refused. “This horse is not a horse to me,” he would tell them. “It is a person. How could you sell a person? He is a friend, not a possession. How could you sell a friend?” The man was poor, and the temptation was great. But he never sold the horse.

One morning he found that the horse was not in the stable. All the village came to see him. “You old fool,” they scoffed. “We told you that someone would steal your horse. We warned you that you would be robbed. You are so poor. How could you ever hope to protect such a valuable animal? It would have been better to have sold him. You could have gotten whatever price you wanted. No amount would have been too high. Now the horse is gone, and you’ve been cursed with misfortune.”

The old man responded, “Don’t speak too quickly. Say only that the horse is not in the stable. That is all we know; the rest is judgment. If I’ve been cursed or not, how can you know? How can you judge?”

The people contested, “Don’t make us out to be fools! We may not be philosophers, but great philosophy is not needed. The simple fact that your horse is gone is a curse.”

The old man spoke again. “All I know is that the stable is empty, and the horse is gone. The rest I don’t know. Whether it be a curse or a blessing, I can’t say. All we can see is a fragment. Who can say what will come next?”

The people of the village laughed. They thought that the man was crazy. They had always thought he was a fool; if he wasn’t, he would have sold the horse and lived off the money. But instead, he was a poor carpenter, an old man still cutting wood and dragging it out of the forest and selling it. He lived hand to mouth in the misery of poverty. Now he had proven that he was, indeed, a fool.

After fifteen days, the horse returned. He hadn’t been stolen; he had run away into the forest. Not only had he returned, but he had also brought a dozen wild horses with him. Once again the village people gathered around the woodcutter and spoke. “Old man, you were right, and we were wrong. What we thought was a curse was a blessing. Please forgive us.”

The man responded, “Once again, you go too far. Say only that the horse is back. State only that a dozen horses returned with him, but don’t judge. How do you know if this is a blessing or not? You see only a fragment. Unless you know the whole story, how can you judge? You read only one page of a book. Can you judge the whole book? You read only one word of a phrase. Can you understand the entire phrase?

“Life is so vast, yet you judge all of life with one page or one word. All you have is a fragment! Don’t say that this is a blessing. No one knows. I am content with what I know. I am not perturbed by what I don’t.”

“Maybe the old man is right,” they said to one another. So they said little. But down deep, they knew he was wrong. They knew it was a blessing. Twelve wild horses had returned with one horse. With a little bit of work, the animals could be broken and trained and sold for much money.

The old man had a son, an only son. The young man began to break the wild horses. After a few days, he fell from one of the horses and broke both legs. Once again the villagers gathered around the old man and cast their judgments.

“You were right,” they said. “You proved you were right. The dozen horses were not a blessing. They were a curse. Your only son has broken his legs, and now in your old age, you have no one to help you. Now you are poorer than ever.”

The old man spoke again. “You people are obsessed with judging. Don’t go so far. Say only that my son broke his legs. Who knows if it is a blessing or a curse? No one knows. We only have a fragment. Life comes in fragments.”

It so happened that a few weeks later the country engaged in a war against a neighboring country. All the young men of the village were required to join the army. Only the son of the old man was excluded, because he was injured. Once again the people gathered around the old man, crying and screaming because their sons had been taken. There was little chance that they would return. The enemy was strong, and the war would be a losing struggle. They would never see their sons again.

“You were right, old man,” they wept. “God knows you were right. This proves it. Your son’s accident was a blessing. His legs may be broken, but at least he is with you. Our sons are gone forever.”

The old man spoke again. “It is impossible to talk with you. You always draw conclusions. No one knows. Say only this: Your sons had to go to war, and mine did not. No one knows if it is a blessing or a curse. No one is wise enough to know. Only God knows.”

As we conclude this story, we realize that the old man was right. We only have a fragment. Life’s mishaps and horrors are only a page out of a grand book. We must be slow about drawing conclusions. We must reserve judgment on life’s storms until we know the whole story.

I don’t know where this old carpenter learned his patience. Perhaps from another carpenter in Galilee. For it was that Carpenter who said it best in Matthew 6:34, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”

He should know. He is the Author of our story. And he has already written the final chapter.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1087 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 on Monday!

Day 1087 – A Test of Strength – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 21 Mar 2019 07:03:31 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1087 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

A Test of Strength – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1087 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.

A Test of Strength

Jim, a strong young man with a chiseled body, worked at a construction site. Day after day he bragged that he could outdo anyone in a feat of strength. He made a special case of making fun of Fred, an older worker who had worked for the company for nearly 40 years.

After several months of hearing Jim brag every day, Fred had enough. “Why don’t you put your money where your mouth is,” Fred told Jim. “I’ll bet a week’s wages that I can haul something in a wheelbarrow over to that outbuilding that you won’t be able to wheel back.”

“You’re on, old-timer,” Jim braggingly replied. “Let’s see what you got.”

Fred defiantly reached out and grabbed the wheelbarrow by the handles. Then, nodding to Jim, he said, “All right. Get in.”

Well, I hope that brought a smile to your face today. If it did, pass that smile on to someone who really needs it. Our Thursday Thought is, “Eventually, you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it.”

And our verse for today is Proverbs 13:16, “Wise people think before they act; fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness.”

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 1086 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1086 – Jesus Is God, The Name – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 20 Mar 2019 07:03:33 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1086 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Jesus Is God, The Name – Wisdom Wednesday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase Wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1086 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, you must 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.”

In our English translations of the Bible, we miss a lot of the meaning of various names in the Bible. This is especially true of the nuances of names in the Old Testament and New Testament with God and Jesus. In today’s essay, we will explore passages that cover…

Jesus Is God, The Name

It only takes a few words to produce dramatic theology. In the short letter we know as 3 John, the apostle is writing to a beloved friend, Gaius (v. 1). He commends Gaius for ministering to fellow believers who were strangers because “they are traveling for the Lord, and they accept nothing from people who are not believers” (v. 7). John

doesn’t use the phrase “in Jesus’ name” or “the name of Jesus.” It’s simply, “traveling for the Lord.” Why this phrase? Is John trying to keep a secret?

John isn’t trying to be cryptic. He’s actually drawing on an Old Testament expression. When understood in that original context—and the context of his other writings—John’s wording amounts to a powerful statement on the deity of Jesus.

· The Name in the Old Testament

In Deuteronomy 12:5 God instructed the people of Israel that when they got into the Promised Land, “Rather, you must seek the Lord your God at the place of worship he himself will choose from among all the tribes—the place where his name will be honored.” God

wasn’t talking about writing His name on a town or a building. He was referring to where the tabernacle, and ultimately the temple, was to be His station. But He wasn’t talking about writing “Yahweh” on that either. Nothing of the sort is ever recorded in Scripture. Rather, God was talking about the place where He would choose to meet Israel personally—His very presence.

The description “the name” actually refers to the presence of God. This presence was at times visibly evident through the so-called “glory cloud” (e.g., 1 Kings [8:10]-11). At other times the name came in human form. For instance, in Exodus [23:20]-23, God tells Moses that He is sending an angel to bring Israel to the Promised Land. God warned Moses that this angel would pardon no transgression since God and the “Angel of the Lord” appear to speak as one.

We learn from Judges 2:1-5 that the angel did indeed lead them to the land. But how could God’s name be in an angel? The answer is that “the name” referred to the very presence of God, His essence. This is confirmed in Deuteronomy 4:37. Here, we read that—instead of the angel being credited as the one who would bring Israel to Canaan—it is God who brought them there “personally.” We read, “Because he loved your ancestors, he chose to bless their descendants, and he personally brought you out of Egypt with a great display of power.”

· Jesus Has and Is the Name

Before His arrest and crucifixion, Jesus prays in John 17:11, “Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are.” The Gospels are clear that the name given to Mary’s child was Jesus—and that is not God’s name. The idea is that the very essence of the Father was in Jesus. They were one.

For John, ministering “For they are traveling for the Lord” meant spreading the news of Jesus. By using this simple phrase, he linked Jesus with the name of the Old Testament, the very “presence of God Himself.” God’s name had come “in the flesh” (John 1:1-3. 14; 1 John 4:2: 2 John 7). “The Name” now abides in us, the children of God in the form of the Spirit (1 John [3:24]: 4:4).

That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue in the New Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “666 – What Does It Really Mean?” 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 1085 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1085 – Enthusiasm Powers Success – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 19 Mar 2019 07:03:23 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1085 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Enthusiasm Powers Success –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1085 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 Ralph Waldo Emerson, and it is, “Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic, be enthusiastic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”

Enthusiasm Powers Success

Being passionate and enthusiastic about your dreams and plans is a requirement in order for those dreams to come true and those plans to be fulfilled. No success will ever be achieved without enthusiasm. On the flip side of this coin, though, enthusiasm must be coupled with perseverance and action. Enthusiasm may be the fuel for success, but action is the engine and perseverance is the momentum that will keep you moving towards your desired success. Enthusiasm without action is a storm with no rain. There may be a lot of noise, but nothing good will come from it without the nourishing rains to feed the seeds of success. Be enthusiastic, but then take action, and persevere to ensure success.

This reminds me of what Jesus’s half-brother James tells us about faith in James 2:14-20, “What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. 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?”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1084 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1084 – The Validity of the Bible – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 07:03:49 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1084 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Validity of the Bible – Meditation Monday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1084 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 you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

I am sure that all of us have doubts on whether we can truly believe the Bible is actually God’s Word at times. In our Meditation Monday today I want us to reflect on…

The Validity of the Bible

Can we believe the Bible? How can we know it is anything more than a collection of sayings and stories? Can we truly believe that the Bible is the Word of God?

Anything that we believe to be true eventually boils down to faith. No doctrine or science can be completely verified because we, as humans, are confined to a very limited perspective within the time and space in which we reside during the few short years that God grants us life. Hebrews 11:1-3 explains it like this, “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation. 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.”

There are many reasons I believe in the Bible and in God. Here are a few:

Composition. The Bible was composed over sixteen centuries by forty authors with one central theme – that God provided a means in which we can be in fellowship with Him through the advocacy and sacrifice of His son Jesus Christ.

The Bible was written by soldiers, shepherds, scholars, and fishermen. Begun by Moses in lonely Arabia, finished by John on lonely Patmos. Penned by kings in palaces, shepherds in tents, and inmates in prisons.

Forty writers, most unknown to each other, writing in different countries and at least three different languages, separated by three times the number of centuries since Columbus discovered America, was it possible for these authors to produce a book of singular theme unless behind them there was one mind, one designer? The Bible is remarkable in composition.

Durability. The Bible is the single most published book in history. The top seller since the printing press was invented over three hundred years ago. Translated into twelve hundred languages by an army of translators. Bibles have been burned by dictators and banished from courtrooms, but God’s Word continues. The Bible’s death knell has tolled a hundred times, but each time the grave is opened, God’s Word continues. The Bible is remarkable in durability.

Prophecy. The pages of your Bible contain more than three hundred fulfilled prophecies about the life of Christ. A substantial biography was written about Jesus five hundred years before he was born. Can you imagine if the same occurred today? Can you imagine if we found a book written in 1900 that prophesied two world wars, a depression, an atomic bomb, and the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King? What would we think of the book? Wouldn’t we trust it?

Applicability. Paul says of the Bible in 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.”

Apply the principles of stewardship to your budget, and see if you don’t get out of debt.
Apply the principles of fidelity to your marriage, and see if you don’t have a happier home.
Apply the principles of forgiveness to your relationships, and see if you aren’t more peaceful.
Apply the principles of honesty at school, and see if you don’t succeed.
Apply the Bible, and see if you don’t agree—the Bible works.

That is a wrap for today’s meditation, 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 1083 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1083 – How to Make Wise Choices (2) – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 15 Mar 2019 07:03:46 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1083 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

How to Make Wise Choices (2) – Ask Gramps

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1083 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, 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.

Each day we are faced with a bombardment with decisions and choices that we make. It is not always easy to make sure we are making wise choices. Our ‘Ask Gramps’ question is a continuation from last week so If you did not listen to last week’s Friday podcast, or read the Wisdom Journal for that day, I would suggest listening to it first.

So the question for last week and again this week is…

“Hey, Gramps, when you come to decision points in life, and there is a multitude of choices to make, how do you make sure that you are making wise choices, especially when there are several good options?”

How To Make Wise Choices (2)

We make hundreds of choices each day. Some choices are spontaneous, and of little consequence, like the coffee mug, we choose in the morning. Other decisions carry greater weight and significance, like choosing the person we will marry. In either extreme or with any decision in between, learning how to make wise choices is an important life skill for every believer and servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. In fact, doing God’s will is really a matter of making the right choices on a consistent, daily basis.

After we have invested time on our own with God to seek His will, it is helpful and wise to run our decisions and thought process by other godly people. Godly and wise counsel can help us avoid any shortsightedness or naivety and help us to consider alternative options that may exist.

If we are afraid or unwilling to hear anyone else’s opinion on a matter, it could be that our motives are impure. Proverbs 18:1 tells us, “Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense.” If you’re hesitant to ask the opinion of others, search your heart to understand your motives.

When evaluating choices, it’s a good practice to see if any of our options are contrary to the Bible’s description of wisdom. James 3:17 gives a great definition for Biblical wisdom, “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.”

Comparing our decisions to the description of wisdom, we can ask ourselves, “Is this choice pure, peace-loving, gentle, submissive, merciful and good?” Any time we cannot answer “yes” to one of these characteristics, we need to raise a red flag.

We can do a similar evaluation using any other list of Bible qualities. For example, we can decipher if our decision is loving by reviewing it against the description of love found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. We can evaluate whether our decision is in harmony with the Holy Spirit by analyzing it against the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians [5:22]-23. When we come to a place where our decision is not aligned with Scripture, we need to stop, pray, and ask God to clarify how we need to proceed forward.

Our Western, rationally-minded culture highly values logic and reason. While both logic and reason have their place in making decisions, they are not to the exclusion of intuition and inclination. What may make some uncomfortable about suggesting that we use intuition or sensitivity in decision making is the fear that we will live our lives based on the fickle nature of our emotions. I am not suggesting that we do whatever we feel whenever we feel like doing it. Nor am I in any way promoting hedonism or carnality! What I am saying is that we have been wired by God with feelings and sensitivity that when guided by the Spirit of God can be a great asset in one’s decision-making process.

Take for example a husband who finds a great deal on a used car and goes to his wife to ask her opinion. She meets the guy selling the vehicle, sees the car and afterward says, “I don’t know, there is something about this guy I don’t trust. I don’t think you should buy the car.” The husband asks, “What do you mean? It’s a perfectly good car.” She responds, “I just don’t feel right about it.”

Any man who’s been married long enough knows how this story can sadly end. He goes against his wife’s intuition, buys the car, and a week later it breaks down. Okay, so you want a biblical reference to support this phenomenon? Consider Pilate’s wife. She has a dream (more likely a nightmare) and tries to convince her husband to have nothing to do with Jesus. Matthew 27:19 tells us, “Just then, as Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: ‘Leave that innocent man alone. I suffered through a terrible nightmare about him last night.’” You know the rest of the story. We’d be foolish to rely solely on intuition, but just as foolish to ignore it.

God desires His people to walk by faith in Him and His promises. While God is able to provide us the guidance we need to make wise decisions, it is then our responsibility to carry out those actions. We may not have all the facts, figures and evidence when we move forward. Peter didn’t crack open a science book before stepping out on the water. He obeyed what the Lord told him to do by faith.

Hebrews 11:1 explains, “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” Faith decisions require us to rely on the faithfulness of God. When we step out to do something we’re not sure will work out, we are in essence saying, “God, I trust you no matter what happens.” God is honored by such courage. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”

Knowing what to do is good, but knowing when and how to do it is better. At times the Lord reveals his will for us, but we either move too slowly in response or too hastily. Ideally, we do God’s will in His timing (otherwise we may indeed miss His will). In fact, doing what God wants prematurely or too late can be disastrous.

So how do we know we are in God’s timing? The first thing to do is to pray, “God help me to do (whatever the activity or venture) in your perfect timing.” Secondly, ask yourself and God what the next right step should be. Then simply do the next right thing. Most big decisions are made up of many other small ones on the way. If you’re planning a short-term mission trip, the first thing to do may be to write a support letter. If you’re planning to stay overseas for a considerable time, the first thing to do might be to research the country or places that you could potentially go.

Also, be sensitive to how God may lead you to do what He’s called you to do. At times when we sense God telling us what to do, we too quickly start acting based on how we think it should come about instead of waiting on the Lord for his provision and plan to unfold. Again, start by praying. “God show me the way you want to accomplish this through me.” Doing things God’s way will save us time, money, and energy, not to mention the avoidance of many hassles.

The wisest decisions you will ever make are those done in obedience to God. Abraham obeyed God in bringing his only son as a sacrificial offering. God faithfully brought him a sacrifice and then promised to bless Abraham’s abundantly (Genesis 22:16-18). In fact, obedience and blessings are so closely knit together they might as well be Siamese twins. For the nation of Israel, their blessings were directly tied to obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-2).

While the idea of blessing is appealing to most, the risk and fear factor many of us face when looking to obey God seems overwhelming. After all, who wants to put their son on the chopping block? For this reason, obedience to God can only truly take place when we trust the Lord with all our hearts. The more we trust God, the easier it becomes to obey Him. The reverse also works. The more we are willing to obey God, the more we learn to trust Him. It reminds me of the refrain of the famous hymn Trust and Obey, “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”

Even when it’s our heart’s desire to make wise choices and do God’s will, we will inevitably fail from time to time. Instead of beating ourselves up for our mistakes, since Jesus already took our punishment for us, we need to learn from our mistakes and failures. In order to become wise decision makers, it’s imperative to be of a moldable, teachable spirit. Any form of stubbornness or pride will prove to be the downfall of those who seek to make wise choices. When we do make mistakes, we need to confess them to the Lord asking His forgiveness and not allow the enemy to condemn us (1 John 1:9, 1 John 3:20, Romans 8:1).

Let’s not forget to learn from our successes as well! I have heard it said, “God gets the glory, you get the encouragement.” That one statement really provided me with a lot of freedom. Of course, only God deserves the credit and glory (Romans 16:27), but each of us needs to humbly receive the encouragement of others, of God, and even of ourselves (1 Samuel 30:6).

And why limit our learning to our own life experiences when there are so many others to learn from, including the hundreds of Bible characters who either blew it, made it, or both (Hebrews 12:1, Romans 15:4). As we study the Word of God, we can prayerfully ask the Lord to give us wisdom (James 1: 5) and understanding from the lives of God’s people who have gone before us. Someday, let’s hope others will look upon the story of our lives and also learn how to make wise choices that glorify God.

Join us again next Friday, and we will conclude our answer on how to make wise choices on our “Ask Gramps” episode. 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 1082 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 on Monday!

Day 1082 – Don’t Touch Me – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 07:03:06 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1082 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Don’t Touch Me – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1082 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…

Don’t Touch Me

Jim and Janice, an elderly couple were lying in bed one morning, having just awakened from a good night’s sleep. Jim takes Janice’s hand, and she responds, “Don’t touch me.”

“Why not?” Jim asks.

Janice answers back, “Because I’m dead.”

Jim becoming concerned and thinking that Janice must be losing her senses says, “What are you talking about? We’re both lying here in bed together and talking to one another.”

Janice says, “No, I’m definitely dead.”

Jim insists, “You’re not dead. What in the world makes you think you’re dead?”

To which Janice responds, “Because I woke up this morning and nothing hurts.”

I hope that brought a smile to your face today. If it did, pass that smile onto someone else who needs it. Our Thursday thought is “Take life one day at a time, which is all any of us are promised, and make today count.”

Revelation 21:4 – He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.

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 1081 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1081 – God’s Tough Love – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 13 Mar 2019 07:03:39 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1081 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

God’s Tough Love – Wisdom Wednesday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1081 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, you must 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.

There are times when we are dealing with our children, or those who are very close to us, where we have to show love in a firm and disciplined manner, called tough love. This is required because it is best for those whom we do love. In today’s essay, we will explore passages that cover…

God’s Tough Love

It’s a common myth that God always brings us back to repentance. This myth is debunked in the first letter of John as John writes in 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.”

We need to consider, though, that John also tells us that sometimes God never gives us another chance to confess our sins and be forgiven. In 1 John 5:16-17, the apostle gives us the other side of the sin-confession-forgiveness coin,“If you see a fellow believer sinning in a way that does not lead to death, you should pray, and God will give that person life. But there is a sin that leads to death, and I am not saying you should pray for those who commit it. All wicked actions are sin, but not every sin leads to death.”

Put simply, there are sins that Christians commit that don’t lead to death, but there are some that do. Is John talking about a divine law of cause and effect, where a specific sin irrevocably results in death? Not exactly.

We can be certain that John has no specific sin in mind because he never names a sin in this passage. John is saying there may come a time when God has had enough of our sin, and then our time on earth is up. We cannot know when such a time might come, so we shouldn’t be in the habit of sinning with impunity.

John had actually seen this happen. In Acts 5:1-11, Luke relates the incident of Ananias and Sapphira who lied to Peter (and to God) about the proceeds from a piece of property they had sold. They were under no obligation to give any of it to the church but pretended that they had given all the money to the Lord’s work. When confronted by Peter, both of them collapsed and died on the spot. Luke writes, “Great fear gripped the entire church and everyone else who heard what had happened,” Acts [5:11]. No kidding, can you imagine the impact?

No doubt this incident left an imprint on John’s mind. But John would have also known that there was Old Testament precedent for “sin unto death” as well. In Numbers 11, in response to the latest wave of complaining about their circumstances, the Lord sent the people of Israel meat to eat in the form of quails. In Numbers 11:33 we are told, “But while they were gorging themselves on the meat—while it was still in their mouths—the anger of the Lord blazed against the people, and he struck them with a severe plague.”

John’s message to believers wasn’t, “God doesn’t judge like that today.” Rather, it was, “Stop sinning, because there is a sin that leads to death.”

Lest we think God is horrible and negative, we would do well to remember that it was John who penned 1 John 4:8, “But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”

As with Ananias and Sapphira, removing a sinning believer from the church was (very) tough love. But the fledgling church was all the stronger and more committed for it.

That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue in the New Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “Jesus Is God – The Name.” 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 1080 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1080 – Honesty Will Drive Success – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 07:03:02 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1080 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Honesty Will Drive Success –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1080 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 Joseph Sugarman, and it is, “Each time you are honest and conduct yourself with honesty, a success force will drive you toward greater success. Each time you lie, even with a little white lie, there are strong forces pushing you toward failure.”

Honesty Will Drive Success

Honesty is not only the best policy, but it is also an imperative policy. Dishonesty may seem like it provides a modicum of short-term success, but it will never last, and ultimately lead to your downfall and failure. Honesty is required for all long-term, lasting success, and it is the foundation upon which a living and lasting legacy is built.

Honesty is an invisible driving force that builds upon itself like a snowball cascading down a steep slope, going bigger and more powerful with each revolution. Honesty begets honesty and has a multiplying effect that by its very nature brings with it success in all areas of life.

Even the smallest of lies will destroy the momentum that success is building upon. So in all areas of life, live a life of honesty, with integrity, so that no one can have a negative word to say about how you live your life. In doing so, you will exude success in everything that you do. This reminds me of two verses in 1 Peter 3.

1 Peter 3:10 – For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.

1 Peter 3:16 – But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1079 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 1079 – God Causes Everything to Work Together – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 11 Mar 2019 07:03:02 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1079 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

God Causes Everything to Work Together – Meditation Monday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1079 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 you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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 have our own concept of what may be best for us, but God who is outside of our limited time space knows for sure and has His purpose in mind. In our Meditation Monday today I want us to reflect on…

God Causes Everything to Work Together

Romans [8:28] is one of the most frequently misused verses both within the family of believers and outside. You frequently hear that “everything works together for good.” For most of us it is a coping mechanism for when events or circumstances happen that we do not particularly understand or like. As Christians, we may not always know or understand why certain events happen, but we can know that God is ultimately in control.

Let me read this verse 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.”

We know…There are so many things we do not know. We do not know if the economy will dip or if our team will win. We do not know what our spouse is thinking or how our kids will turn out. We don’t even know “what we ought to pray” as Romans 8:6 tells us, “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.”

But according to Paul in his letter to the church in Rome, we can be absolutely certain about four things. We know…

God causes everything to work together. God is busy behind the scenes, above the fray, within the fury. He hasn’t checked out or moved on. He is ceaseless and tireless. He never stops working.
God causes everything to work together for the good. Not for our comfort or pleasure or entertainment, but for our ultimate good. Since he is the ultimate good, would we expect anything less?
God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God. Observe the benefit of loving God! Make his story your story, and your story takes on a happy ending. Guaranteed. Being the author of our salvation, he writes a salvation theme into our biography.
God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. We are called according to His purpose, not ours. This concept is taken from the Greek word Panta, which is the root for words like “panoramic” or “panacea” or “pandemic.” In other words, “All-inclusive.” God works, not through a few things or through the good things, best things, or easy things. But “God causes everything to work together.” God works.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1078 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1078 – How to Make Wise Choices – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 08:03:45 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1078 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

How to Make Wise Choices – Ask Gramps

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1078 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.

My surgery for removing the rod and screws from my left femur last Friday was very successful, and I am well on my way to recovery. Although it is still quite sore in the four areas that the incisions were made, I can already tell that there will be relief from the irritation that was caused by the rod and screws. There will be some discomfort at least until next Wednesday when the bandages are removed, and I get the staples taken out of the incisions. I am excited about the results.

Each day we are faced with a bombardment of decisions and choices to make. It is not always easy to make sure we are making wise choices.

So the question for this week and next is…

“Hey, Gramps, when you come to decision points in life, and there is a multitude of choices to make how do you make sure that you are making wise choices, especially when there are several good options?”

How to Make Wise Choices

We make hundreds of choices each day. Some choices are spontaneous and of little consequence, like the coffee mug we choose in the morning. Other decisions carry greater weight and significance, like choosing the person we will marry. In either extreme or with any decision in between, learning how to make wise choices is an important life skill for every believer and servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. In fact, doing God’s will is really a matter of making the right choices on a consistent, daily basis.

All godly wisdom starts with the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 1:7 tells us, “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”To fear God is to reverently acknowledge Him for who He truly is. The result of fearing God is the avoidance of evil. Picturing yourself in the presence of Almighty God as you make decisions can be a safeguard to keep you from making foolish and unwise choices. Start your decision-making process with eternity in mind and with the goal of hearing, “Well done, my good and faithful servant” from your Lord and Master.

When we start our decision-making process by fearing the Lord, we put ourselves in the position of humility before God. It is at this point that our hearts are ready to acknowledge our utter dependence upon the Lord for his guidance, counsel, and wisdom in how to proceed forward.

God wants to guide our lives and decision making and promises such guidance in His Word. In Psalms 32:8, “The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.'” Therefore anyone who desires to make wise choices and know God’s will must regularly pray for guidance. As we pray, we need to also look for ways in which He is guiding us. Along with prayers for guidance, we can pray for other important virtues like wisdom, clarity, and courage when making decisions.

Praying to God does not mean we speak without listening. Learning to know and recognize God’s voice is one of the most important aspects of the Christian life. After all, what kind of relationship can you have with God, or anyone else for that matter, if you are the only one who speaks? God is not silent. He has an opinion and wants it to be known. That is why Jesus tells us in John 10:27, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” God’s people, his sheep, can know his voice and are able to follow his leading.

The problem is not whether God still speaks; it’s whether or not we are listening with a heart that’s fully surrendered to do the will of God regardless of how we personally feel on the matter. When Jesus was on earth, shortly before His crucifixion, He also struggled, as recorded in Matthew 26:39, “He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, ‘My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.'”

George Mueller, a man of great faith and prayer, said in regard to seeking God’s will, “I seek at the beginning to get my heart into such a state that it has no will of its own in regard to a given matter. Nine-tenths of the difficulties are overcome when our hearts are ready to do the Lord’s will, whatever it may be. When one is truly in this state, it is usually but a little way to the knowledge of what His will is.”

If you need to grow in your ability to hear and discern God’s voice, I would highly recommend Mark and Patti Virkler’s book, Dialogue with God. This one book can revolutionize your Christian life and relationship with God.

When hearing God’s voice in a time of decision seems difficult, it is helpful to refer to our priorities. Knowing your priorities can help to weed out certain options and assist you in making one choice over another. It has been said that in a multiple choice test, you can usually eliminate at least two of the answers right off the bat. Having your priorities in order works the same.

So what are your priorities as a believer? Well, according to Jesus, the greatest commandment is to love God and to love others. 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.'”

I’d say that’s a pretty good start in understanding your priorities. Loving God comes first, period. Next comes loving people (neighbors). It is essential to determine what relationships are in the highest order of priority in your life. If you’re married, your spouse must come first. After all, could there be any closer a neighbor? Prioritizing the people in your life will not make every decision for you, but it can easily eliminate and weed out some selfish decisions you may be tempted to make that would hurt the people closest to you.

Join us again next Friday, and we will conclude our answer on how to make wise choices on our “Ask Gramps” episode. 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 1077 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 on Monday!

Day 1077 – Travel Much? – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 07 Mar 2019 08:03:58 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1077 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Travel Much? – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1077 of our trek, and it is time for our 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 – something to cheer you and provide a bit a levity in your life.

Travel Much?

I have had the privilege to travel throughout this country and a few countries outside of the United States. There are many places that I have not been though. So let me ask you, have you been to these following locations…?

I’ve been in many places, but I’ve never been in Kahoots. Apparently, you can’t go alone. You have to be in Kahoots with someone.

I’ve also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there.

I have, however, been in Sane. They don’t have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my children, friends, family, and employees.

I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump to there, which would require more energy than it seems worth.

I have been in Flexible at times, but only when it was very important to stand firm.

Sometimes I’m in Capable, and I go there more often as I’m getting older.

I may have been in Continent, but I don’t remember what country that was in. It’s an age thing. They tell me it is very wet and damp there.

Well, that is enough traveling, for now, I think I have already gone off the rails for today.

I hope that brought a smile to your face today. If it did, pass that smile onto someone else who needs it. Our Thursday thought is “No matter where you are heading, enjoy your journey.”

Proverbs 21:8 – The guilty walk a crooked path; the innocent travel a straight road.

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 1076 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1076 – When Angels Do Time – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 08:03:12 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1076 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

When Angels Do Time – Wisdom Wednesday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1076 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, you must 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 often taught or think that the demonic beings in the New Testament are fallen angels that have sinned with Satan, but what does the Bible say? In today’s essay, we will explore passages that cover…

When Angels Do Time

Most Bible study resources describe fallen angels as demons who joined Lucifer in his rebellion against God. But what if I told you that the only place in the New Testament that describes angels sinning, does not call them demons, has no connection to Lucifer, and has the angels in jail? Welcome to the world of 2 Peter and Jude.

2 Peter 2:4 – “For God did not spare even the angels, who sinned. He threw them into hell, in gloomy pits of darkness, where they are being held until the day of judgment.

Jude 6 – “And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment.”

Second Peter 2:4 and Jude 6 are nearly identical in their description of angels doing time, but there are differences that help us figure out “what in the spiritual world is going on.”

Jude 6 defines what 2 Peter 2:4 means by the angelic sin. These sinning angels “left the place where they belonged.” Second Peter doesn’t say they were in cahoots with Satan, or that they did anything in Eden. It tells us they left their designated realm of existence and did something in another realm. But what did they do?

Both 2 Peter and Jude compare the sin of these angels with the Sodom and Gomorrah incident, where the sin involved sexual immorality (2 Pet 2:7: Jude 7). Second Peter also connects it to the time of Noah. There is only one sin involving a group of angelic beings in the entire Bible, and it coincides with Noah and is sexual in nature. That incident is Genesis 6:1-4, “Then the people began to multiply on the earth, and daughters were born to them. The sons of God saw the beautiful women and took any they wanted as their wives. Then the Lord said, ‘My Spirit will not put up with humans for such a long time, for they are only mortal flesh. In the future, their normal lifespan will be no more than 120 years.’ 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.”

Two features in these passages in 2 Peter and Jude point to Genesis 6:1-4. First, “sons of God” is a specific phrase used elsewhere in the Old Testament of angelic beings (Job 1:6; Job 2:1; Job [38:17]; Psalms 89:6; Deuteronomy 32:8) Second, both 2 Peter 2:4 and Jude 6 explicitly tell us that what happens to these angels, “God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment.”

While it is true that Genesis 6:1-4 never tells us what happened to the sons of God who sinned, Jewish writings from between the Testaments do. All Jewish writings that comment on Genesis 6:1-4 agree that it was angelic beings who sinned and who were bound and thrown into the Netherworld (e.g., 1 Enoch [18:14]-19:3).

Most English translations of these ancient documents say the angels were thrown into “hell” —the most frequent translation of the Greek word “Hades.” However, 2 Peter has the angels chained in “Tartarus” (Tâprapoç). This is the name of the prison of the divine giants in the classical Greek story, Hesiod’s Theogony. Jewish writers also used this word for the dark, gloomy Netherworld.

While these passages are certainly strange, they telegraph that angelology and demonology are more complex than we might think. They are also the key to understanding Genesis 6:1-4, which is tied to the New Testament doctrine of baptisms

That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue in the New Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “Tough Love.” 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 1075 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1075 – Success Is Your Admission Ticket – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 08:03:46 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1075 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Success Is Your Admission Ticket –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1075 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 Henry Kissinger, and it is, “Each success only buys an admission ticket to a more difficult problem.”

Success Is Your Admission Ticket

Success in any area of life is not the final destination. Yes, we can and should celebrate milestones of success in life, but that is not the end. One success is just a doorway, or ticket, to the next challenge. As long as we are alive and able to make a positive impact on God’s kingdom, then we should be ready, willing, and able to continue moving forward through the difficult times on our journey to the next milestone of success.

We should never rest on the laurels of success for long because as long as we have breath, our purpose on earth is not completed and our journey forward must continue on. There will be more mountains to scale, more obstacles to overcome, and more hurting people to help. Take a rest when needed, and let us not grow weary but continue on utilizing our God-given talents and abilities to do His will in all things. Let us remember a couple of truths found in God’s Word.

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.

Isaiah 40:31 – 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.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1074 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1074 – Set Your GPS for the Correct Destination – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 08:03:58 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1074 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Set Your GPS for the Correct Destination – Meditation Monday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1074 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.

A compass or GPS unit can be very valuable if you know how to use it. In our Meditation Monday today I want us to reflect on…

Set Your GPS for the Correct Destination

The problem is not that God has not spoken, it is that we are not listening. You might be thinking, when has God spoken?

Imagine that you opened a cookbook and proclaimed, now I know how to set my GPS for my vacation destination or business trip. While a cookbook may give you directions for making a great cake, it will do you no good for directions for traveling in a car. That is not the purpose of a cookbook.

Only by understanding its purpose can I accurately use the cookbook for something useful. In the same manner, only by understanding its purpose can I accurately use the Bible. Its purpose is to teach you the way to go in life.

The purpose of the Bible is simply to proclaim God’s plan to save his children. It asserts that man is lost and needs direction in order to be saved. The Bible is our GPS for life. It communicates the message that Jesus is the God in the flesh sent to provide directions on how his children are to be saved.

Though the Bible was written over the span of sixteen centuries by at least forty authors, it has one central theme—salvation through faith in Christ. The redemption story began through the directions given to Adam and Eve. It continues to Noah on building the Ark. It then was handed to Abraham by giving him directions to a land that was not his yet.

It then passed onto Moses leading the entire nation of Israel through the lonely desert of Arabia. In the New Testament, it continued through the Apostles and was finished by John on the lonely Isle of Patmos. All those directions were held together by a strong thread: God’s passion and God’s plan to save his children. To provide them directions to heaven.

What a vital truth! Understanding the purpose of the Bible is like setting the GPS to the correct destination. Set those directions correctly and you’ll journey safely. If you fail to set your life’s direction according to God’s Word, who knows where you’ll end up.

As we are told in Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1073 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1073 – Are You Afraid Gramps? – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 08:03:59 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1073 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Are You Afraid Gramps? – Ask Gramps

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1073 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.

After investing 31 weeks focusing on the Enneagram, we are switching back to our regular “Ask Gramps” episodes. We may mix it up a bit on our Friday episodes, but we will strive to keep them down to earth and enjoyable.

If you have been a long time listener to Wisdom-Trek, you may remember that 19 months ago I fell from a ladder and fractured my femur bone right below the hip ball. The operation to repair it required a rod inserted down the center of my femur through the hip socket with a screw placed in the hip ball and another one right above my knee cap to hold the rod securely in place.

On the day that this podcast originally airs, I am scheduled for outpatient surgery to have the rod and screws removed. Since I exercise a lot, the rod and screws are continually rubbing on my thigh and hip muscles, causing an irritating amount of low-level pain. I could leave the rod and screws in my leg the remainder of my life, but given an option to have them removed, I chose the latter.

So the questions for this week is…

“Hey, Gramps, even though your surgery is outpatient and should not cause a problem, are you afraid or fearful to have the operation?”

Are You Afraid Gramps?

That is a great question. None of us like to have our bodies cut open, let alone choosing to have the procedure, when it is not required. I have heard the question before…what is the difference between major surgery and minor surgery? When you strip away all other concerns, major surgery is when it is performed on you, minor surgery is when it is performed on someone else.

Any time you have to be put completely under anesthesia, there is a heightened risk of complications. That is certainly a concern. During the operation the surgeon will need to make three incisions to remove the rod and two screws, and the primary cut for the rod will be about 3” long. That is also a concern, as there is a lot of bleeding and subsequent bruising. On top of these two concerns, I had to also take into consideration that when I had the original surgery, my pulse dropped dangerously low three times. In the emergency room, during the operation, and once afterward. We were told that the surgeon did give me a shot of adrenaline to stimulate the heart during surgery. My low heart rate was partially due to the fact that I was in very good shape physically and do a lot of running so prior to the accident my resting heart rate was only 50 bpm.

So back to the question, Gramps, are you afraid? I have to admit that as I record this podcast, which is the day before my surgery, there is a bit of both excitement and trepidation. I am excited that, after a period of recovery, I will no longer suffer the on-going pain caused by the rod and screws, but I also realize that no surgery is risk-free.

While there is some apprehension, I would not classify it as an intense fear.

First of all, I realize that God is ultimately in control of all things, including every breath that I take. If something were to go wrong during surgery, God is aware of it, and is in control of the situation, even to guiding the hands of the surgeon.

Second, while there are times when we need to be cautious so we do not put ourselves in harm’s way, throughout the Bible, we are exhorted not to be afraid or fearful. I can rest in the fact that I have taken care of myself physically, so I am very healthy going into the surgery. I have taken care of my mental and emotional states, so I am prepared emotionally and mentally. I have a strong family support system that will be with me during the surgery, but also help with rehabilitation afterward. I have also prepared myself spiritually by investing time in God’s Word and in prayer on a daily basis for many years. So I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns, Philippians 1:6.

Lastly, I can rest peacefully both before and after the operation realizing that God has proclaimed in His Word that I have nothing to fear as referenced in the following verses.

Psalm 91:1 – Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

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.

2 Timothy 1:7 – For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Matthew 11:29-30 – 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.

There are many more verses that I can draw on from God’s Word. I am confident that the surgery will be successful and that God will abundantly bless and prosper as I continue to follow Him in building His kingdom here on earth.

Join us again next Friday as we have another question on our “Ask Gramps” episode. 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 1072 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1072 – I Will Grant You Three Wishes – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 28 Feb 2019 08:03:31 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1072 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

I Will Grant You Three Wishes – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1072 of our trek, and it is time for our 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 – something to cheer you and provide a bit a levity in your life.

I Will Grant You Three Wishes

Jim, a sales representative, Sue the administration clerk, and Sam, their manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp in a dark, deserted alley. Curious about it they decide to rub it, and Poof! A genie comes out in a puff of smoke.

The genie says, “I usually only grant three wishes, so I’ll give each of you just one.”

Sue excitedly shouts, “Me first! Me first!” The genie replies, your wish is my command. “I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.” Poof! Sue is gone.

In astonishment and amazement, Jim excitedly shouts “Me next! Me next!” The genie once again says, your wish is my command. “I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse and the love of my life.” Poof! Jim is gone.

“Okay, you’re up,” the genie says to Sam. Sam contemplates for a few minutes and then responds, “I want Sue and Jim back in the office after lunch.”

Moral of the story: Always let your boss have the first say.

I hope that brought a smile to your face today. If it did, pass that smile on to someone else who needs it. Our Thursday thought is “Learn to allow others to go first, even when you are excited.”

Today’s verse is Matthew 20:16, “So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last.”

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 1071 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1071 – Jesus Is God – According to Peter, Jude, & Enoch – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 08:03:13 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1071 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Jesus Is God – According to Peter, Jude, & Enoch – Wisdom Wednesday

Creating a Biblical Worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today’s current events. To establish a Biblical Worldview, you must 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.

The question I will ask as we explore today is, “Did Enoch know that Jesus was the incarnate God?” In today’s essay, we will explore passages that cover…

Jesus Is God – According to Peter, Jude, & Enoch

The epistles of Peter and Jude are often overlooked in preaching and Bible study. Not only are they nestled among the more popular letters of Paul and the book of Revelation, but portions of these epistles sound odd to our modern sensibilities. That wasn’t the case in the first century. We can better grasp the meaning of these letters if we understand what they have in common with influential ancient Jewish and Christian writings that were circulating at the time. One of those literary works is known to us today as l Enoch, a book Peter and Jude draw upon in their letters. Jews and Christians of antiquity considered books such as l Enoch important resources for understanding biblical books and their theology. Peter and Jude were no exception. For example, Jude 14-15 draws directly from 1 Enoch.

*1 Enoch* 1:9	Jude 14-15
Behold, he comes with the myriads of his holy ones, to execute judgment on all, and to destroy all the wicked, and to convict all flesh for all the wicked deeds that they have done, and the proud and hard words that wicked sinners spoke against him.	Enoch, who lived in the seventh generation after Adam, prophesied about these people. He said, “Listen! The Lord is coming with countless thousands of his holy onesto execute judgment on the people of the world. He will convict every person of all the ungodly things they have done and for all the insults that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”

All of the ideas found in 1 Enoch 1:9 can also be found in three Old Testament passages: Jeremiah [25:30]-31, Isaiah [66:15]-16, and Zechariah 14:5. Rather than quote all three, Jude quotes the verse in 1 Enoch that combines them. But the real point of interest isn’t Jude’s succinctness; it’s his interpretation of 1 Enoch, as well as the Old Testament. In 1 Enoch 1:9 it is the “Great Holy One” (God) who is “coming with myriads of holy ones from Sinai (1 Enoch 1:4) and who has promised to come to earth in the day of the Lord for final judgment. For Jude as well as Mark and Paul (compare Mark [8:38] and 1 Thessalonians [3:13]), this event is transformed into the return of Jesus Christ (Jude 17-18). By naming Jesus as the one coming with the holy ones, Jude equates Jesus with the God of Israel. Jude’s citation of 1 Enoch is his efficient strategy for declaring that Jesus is God.

Peter also draws freely upon 1 Enoch; his first letter contains roughly 20 allusions to 1 Enoch 108. First Peter 1:7-18 illustrates how Peter uses 1 Enoch to teach and encourage his audience.

1 Enoch 108:6-10

1 Peter 1:6-12

Here are thrown the spirits of the sinners and blasphemers and those who do evil and those who alter everything that the Lord has said by the mouth of the prophets (about) the things that will be done. For there are books and records about them in heaven above, so that the angels may read them and know what will happen to the sinners and the spirits of the humble, and those who afflicted their bodies,… those who love God., and do not love gold and silver and all the good things that are in the world, but gave their bodies to torment: … The Lord tested them much, and their spirits were found pure, so that they might bless his name.

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.

You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.

This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward.

They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.

These similarities show how both l Enoch and l Peter encourage the faithful to persevere. Their love for God is an earthly drama watched by angels. But like Jude, Peter turns the object of this love in l Enoch—the God of Israel—to Jesus. Peter is encouraging those of Jewish heritage to continue following Christ.

These parallels show us that both Peter and Jude want to strengthen the resolve of their readers to follow Jesus, the God of Israel revealed for them. By reading texts such as l Enoch, we can better understand the cultural background of the Bible. We can also see how the biblical writers engaged texts that shape their theology.

QUICKBIT: 1 Enoch is placed in a collection of ancient Jewish and Christian writings known as the “pseudepigrapha.” This term is often misunderstood to mean “false writings,” but it actually describes literature that bears the name of a biblical figure who did not write the book named after him. (Think of the term “pseudonym,” meaning “pen name.”)

That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue in the New Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “When Angels Do Time.” 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 the past 1063 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1070 – Don’t Be Distracted By Criticism – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 26 Feb 2019 08:03:56 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1070 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Don’t Be Distracted By Criticism –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1070 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 Zig Ziglar, and it is, “Don’t be distracted by criticism. Remember — the only taste of success some people have is when they take a bite out of you.”

Don’t Be Distracted By Criticism

None of us likes to be criticized by others, but it does still happen. Sometime justly, but most of the time, unjustly. If we are doing what is right, just, and fair we still may be criticized, but we can move forward with the realization, that it is not warranted, and we also have to consider the source.

When we succeed in any area of life, there will be distractors attempting to bring us down to their level. It is true that misery loves company, and the more miserable someone is, the more that person will attempt to bring others down. Those who are critical of others may do so because they are jealous. They may realize they do not have the ambition and perseverance to achieve success themselves. It may be, though, that they are hurting inside, so they lash out at others as a desperate plea for help.

Let us never be brought down by the criticism of others, but continue to do the very best that we can do with the abilities and gifts that God has granted to us. Let us never forget to be thankful in all ways. With your success, be willing to reach out and help others, yes, even those who criticize you.

In all ways, let us be like Daniel as we are told in Daniel 6:4, “Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy.”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1069 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1069 – It’s Your Choice Each Day – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 08:03:28 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1069 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

It’s Your Choice Each Day – Meditation Monday

Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

Every day we are faced with a multitude of situations, both good and bad about which we need to make decisions and choices of how we will respond. In our Meditation Monday today, I want us to reflect on…

It’s Your Choice Each Day

IT’S QUIET. It’s early as I wake up at [4:45] AM each morning. I dress in my workout clothes and prepare for my combination exercise and quiet time with God. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming.

By the time I am finished and have showered and dressed for the day, the morning has arrived. It roars down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn is exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met.

For the next twelve hours or more I will be exposed to the day’s demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I’m free to choose. Those choices will be difficult, and there will be times where I feel too weak to make the right choices…But by God’s grace and His power within me, I am free to choose correctly. So I choose.

I choose love…

No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.

I choose joy…

I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical…the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I choose peace…

I will live forgiven. I will forgive others so that I may live.

I choose patience…

I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

I choose kindness…

I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.

I choose goodness…

I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.

I choose faithfulness…

Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children and grandchildren will never fear because they know that their father and gramps will always be faithful.

I choose gentleness…

Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.

I choose self-control…

I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot and decay to rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.

I will choose to allow the Holy Spirit to produce a harvest of righteousness in my life each day. As we read 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!”

To these, I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks to God. If I fail, I will seek God’s grace. When this long day is complete, I will place my head on my pillow and rest contently knowing that it is my choice each day.

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 1068 – The Enneagram Type Combinations – 8&8, 8&9, 9&9 – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 22 Feb 2019 08:03:44 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1068 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Enneagram Type Combinations – 8&8; 8&9; 9&9 – Ask Gramps

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1068 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.

Understanding ourselves and how others may interpret life through their paradigm better allows us to interact with each other with more love and compassion. This can be achieved by utilizing a profound tool called “The Enneagram.” The tool that we refer to as the Enneagram (Any-a-Gram) is a circle with nine interconnected points (“Ennea” refers to 9 and “gram” refers to a drawing). I have included a One Page Enneagram Summary created by Beth McCord. If you would like to download this graphic, click on the picture in today’s Wisdom Journal.

For additional insight, I recommend the book The Road Back to You written by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile. It is an excellent book about an enneagram journey to self-discovery from a Christian perspective.

We have concluded our deep dive into the nine types which are “The Reformer,” “The Helper,”“The Achiever,” “The Individualist,” “The Investigator,” “The Loyalist,” “The Enthusiast,” “The Challenger,” and “The Peacemaker.” Fourteen weeks ago, we began a series of episodes on Type Combinations, answering the question, “What are the potential relationship benefits and issues with each combination?” Covering all of the 45 different potential type combinations will take several weeks, but will be valuable in understanding each other, regardless of what type you are and what type those with whom you interact with each day are.

Since we are exploring the Enneagram in detail, I would also recommend reading the Wisdom Journal for each Friday to see the diagrams presented each week. As helpful as the Enneagram is, keep in mind, it is still only a tool and cannot replace or usurp the precepts that are found in God’s Word. All decisions and actions that we make in life must be in harmony with God’s precepts.

So the questions for the next several weeks will be…

“Hey, Gramps, why do people act and react to situations and circumstances in life so differently? How can I gain wisdom to better understand myself and others so that I can love, serve, and minister to them on a deeper level?”

The Enneagram Type Combinations

Enneagram Type Eight (the Challenger)
with
Enneagram Type Eight (the Challenger)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

As with all double-type relationships, two Enneagram Eights generally bring the same qualities to each other. Therein lies both a main source of the attraction as well as one of the main pitfalls. Thus, the level of health of each person is especially important for these types of relationships as are their dominant instincts. Both Eights will bring a lot of energy, vitality, and passion to the relationship. Few other combinations are so intensely involved with each other as this, nor are they able to create such fireworks. They both have strong willpower, independent thinking, the ability to make decisions and get things done, and a desire to see results in the practical world: they will not simply talk about building a house or going on vacation—they will make it happen.

When two Eights are well matched, they paradoxically both stimulate each other and relax each other at the same time. They feel that their energy has been met, so they can relax around the other Eight and turn their attention and energy toward other interests. Two Eights are also able to profoundly relax each other because they have confidence in each other. They know that they have what it takes as a team to do what needs to be done to be safe, secure, and stable in their own world. The feeling is “we’ve got it covered.” Rather than be marked by high energy, quiet confidence is a hallmark of a double Eight couple. This is because they are relieved (and quietly happy) to have found someone else strong who they can depend on. This also leads to a profound feeling of mutual respect, direct and frequent communication, the ability to air their needs and feelings, and the capacity to settle their occasional disagreements cleanly and quickly. Double Eight pairs can build a significant empire of some sort together, and because they feel that they have unshakable support in the other, they can also be generous and open-hearted with others.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

A double Eight combination will be extremely volatile, with lots of ego on display, frequent tests of wills and more or less open jockeying for control. They can get into competitions and rivalries because real equality and sharing is difficult between a lower functioning double Eight couple. Issues about being (and staying) in control will likely be the center of many conflicts, especially since lower functioning Eights do not want to back down or be seen as weak in any way. Both will, therefore, struggle to dominate, at least in some area, making for a highly reactive and conflict-ridden relationship.

Both Eights can have hair-trigger tempers, and a certain degree of suspiciousness and paranoia might set in, even in regard to their partner. Tests of loyalty will come from both sides, and both will tend to up the ante emotionally (and often sexually and financially) as things deteriorate. Nevertheless, someone will always need to make the final decision, and unless they learn how to communicate and negotiate effectively with each other, this combination can wear each other down. Both Eights tend to feel rejected unless they have the power, money, or position that would make their significant other want or need them. They may feel free to disparage the other, justifying their aggressiveness with the attitude that they can take it. Verbal and physical rough-play can get out of hand. Neither will be the first to back down in a conflict, and it is very difficult for them to apologize.

Nevertheless, Eights can be surprisingly thin-skinned and easily hurt, resulting in the banishment of others often over seemingly trivial matters. Further, two Eights can also find that they tend to take up a lot of space—and therefore to need a lot of room with each other. They may find it worthwhile to declare certain parts of the house (or similar territory) off-limits to the other. In short, there is often too much bluntness and pushing each other around which can escalate into outright battles. Power struggles become occasions for revenge by the one who feels aggrieved, or they may simply take turns hurting each other as they continue to wear each other down until “the final straw” has been reached.

Enneagram Type Eight (the Challenger)
with
Enneagram Type Nine (the Peacemaker)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

Enneagram Eights bring leadership qualities—a take charge, “we can do it” mentality that others usually look up to and rely on. They are full of self-confidence and vitality and feel like a force of nature that cannot be denied. Nines generally admire these qualities in Eights and often gravitate to them. Nines typically tend to live vicariously through the positive qualities of the other, and Eights like to have people around who are impressed and stimulated by the Eight’s leadership, vitality, and brashness. Nines genuinely admire the Eight’s ability to make things happen and to fearlessly take on challenges.

On the other hand, Nines bring a sense of calm and stability that Eights find soothing and necessary for their wellbeing. They also bring to Eights a feeling of quiet pride in the Eight’s bravado and more assertive qualities, encouraging Eights to continue in their take-charge style. Even healthy Eights invest a lot of time overcoming obstacles and adversity; they are fighters trying to survive and make their mark on the world. Nines are like a safe harbor, a respite, a person with whom Eights can let down their guard and relax. They tend therefore to teach each other what the other lacks: Eights bring Nines self-confidence and self-assertion, while Nines teach Eights which battles are worth fighting for and how not to push so hard. The Eight/Nine couple is thus like fire and water—an active force and a receptive force—that has an archetypal feeling about it. Their roles are well-defined with each playing a parenting role toward the others—one is usually the daddy while the other is the mommy—although this does not go along gender lines as might be expected. Both have powerful drives and strong willpower; both like comfort and simplicity; both want to create a safe retreat from the world. When these forces and their talents are harnessed together after the same goals, this pair can be dynamic and powerful but also comfortable and receptive at the same time.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

One of the main problem areas for people of this combination is that, as they deteriorate, their defenses go in opposite directions: Eights tend to push harder, while Nines tend to increasingly shut down. Nines can become unresponsive, or worse, energetically push away the Eight as a defense. Eights become more aggressive and belligerent, demanding that their energy be met. Nines respond by not responding: they go on emotional strike, and may begin to react passive-aggressively, sabotaging the Eight’s activities in various ways. This causes Eights to escalate berating and threatening the Nine, or else to encourage Eights to react passive-aggressively.

Eventually, Eights tend to lose interest in Nines, feeling that they are too obstructionist to them and their plans. Whenever Eights want to do something exciting, Nines respond with “Why bother?” or its equivalent. Eights can not only feel thwarted in their vision but also feel that one of their core strengths is being undermined or rejected. On the other hand, Nines can begin to see lower functioning Eights as too bossy and controlling, selfish and wanting everything to be their way. (Nines think that they want someone to be in charge and to direct things, but when Eights start directing them, they rebel and become stubborn.) Eights think Nines are blank slates who could be molded to their needs—and they get surprised by the depth and power of the Nines stubbornness.

The relationship often founders on rage whether expressed openly or covertly. Nines often feel that Eights are too openly aggressive and harsh with others in order to maintain their dominance. They may begin to have to take sides to protect their children or others who are vulnerable to what they see as the hardness and potential violence of Eights. At its worst, this archetypal, elemental combination can deteriorate into a domestic battlefield with frequent verbal and physical abuse.

Enneagram Type Nine (the Peacemaker)
with
Enneagram Type Nine (the Peacemaker)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

As with all double-type relationships, two Enneagram Nines generally bring the same qualities to each other. Therein lies both a main source of the attraction as well as one of the main pitfalls. Thus, the Level of health of each person is especially important for these types of relationships as are their dominant instincts. One of the most common same-type pairs, double Nine couples are invariably quiet, gentle, supportive of each other and of those around them, comfortable to be around and hospitable to others. They are easy-going and do not let the minor irritations of life or of the relationship get to them easily. They tend to look positively on their life circumstances, whatever they are, making the most of whatever they have. They are patient with each other and give the other partner the benefit of the doubt, being quick to forgive if there have been spats or conflicts, generous and steady in their emotions and habits. They give each other lots of space, undemanding, non-judgmental attention, and a good deal of affection. Both feel that the other is a kindred spirit who can be curious and adventuresome, although not too much so.

Little deeply rocks, or even threatens, the world of a double Nine couple. They are typically people who enjoy regularity and predictability, the pleasure of the familiar and the tried and true. For example, most double Nine couples tend to go to the same restaurant or to the same vacation spot over and over again once they have found something they like. While being friendly and approachable, they are also surprisingly domestic and protective of their family and their private world. This pair wants to create and maintain a safe haven from life’s ups and downs. Importantly, both feel unpressured by their relationship. The lack of pressure and stress in their ordinary interactions is one of the main attractions of this relationship. Neither one wants to feel put upon—they both want to take life at their own pace. Mellowness (with a certain feistiness and zippiness, depending on the instinctual pattern) is the hallmark.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

The very steadiness and regularity of a double Nine couple is also part of what could be their Achilles’ heel: the fear of rocking the boat or of allowing anything to intrude on the peace and harmony of their world. They can seem to be friendly but get stuck in doldrums, gradually dropping social connections. The outside world, other people, even family members, can be subtly resisted or neglected in various ways if the Nine couple feels sufficiently threatened in some way. Double Nine couples can be so bound to their desire for harmony that they also find it difficult to raise important issues to the other. They might well love each other, but very little real communication begins to take place. Most of it is non-verbal or worse, exists only in their imaginations.

In fact, as Nines deteriorate, they idealize the other but do not really relate to the other as he or she is. Most of the relationship occurs in their imagination of the other rather than from being in contact with the real person. Much is not expressed, and they can get into deadening routines that are difficult to break. They tend to avoid conflict by not bringing up threatening topics, leading to a build-up of old tensions and resentments. Passive-aggressive behavior, worrying, blaming, and bubbling anxieties can start to undermine the relationship if they continue to avoid speaking about how they really feel. Outwardly, they may seem like a great, natural match, giving each other lots of space and seeming to have an unusual ability to get along with each other. But they can actually be suppressive of each other in subtle ways, leading to a gradual deadening of vitality, a lack of ambition, and a masked depression with nothing, in particular, standing out as an obvious cause. Often double Nine couples find a way to coexist in a mutual non-aggression pact that allows them to leave each other alone. However, the joy and excitement will have long evaporated from the relationship as the couple settles into more and more deeply entrenched routines and avoidances.

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1067 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

To Jump, or Not to Jump – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1067 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.

To Jump, or Not to Jump

The local cancer society decided to sponsor a “Jump for Cancer” fundraiser to support local cancer patients. They contacted a nearby flight school that had a training course for parachute jumping. Next, they solicited local businesses to sponsor volunteers who were willing to jump. The donation was to be $1 per foot that they were willing to jump, with a maximum of 1000 feet.

Sam, who had several family members that suffered from cancer eagerly volunteered, although he was quite apprehensive. There were three one hour training sessions involved before the actual jump. The first couple of classes went okay, with mostly background information about parachute jumping and how to make sure your parachute was packed properly.

On the final day of training Jim, the instructor, described what it was like free-falling before the chute opened and what to expect once it did open. He then emphasized that the most important part was landing and how important it was to prepare for landing at 300 feet.

“How do you know when you’re at 300 feet?” asked John, another new jumper.

“That’s a great question,” replied Jim. “At 300 feet you can recognize the faces of people on the ground.”

John thought for a while in silence before seriously asking, “What happens if there’s no one there I know?”

I hope that brought a smile to your face today. If it did, pass that smile onto someone else who needs it. Our Thursday thought is “Sometimes we just need that little extra push to get headed in the right direction.”

Today’s verse is Revelation 14:6,“And I saw another angel flying through the sky, carrying the eternal Good News to proclaim to the people who belong to this world—to every nation, tribe, language, and people.”

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 1066 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player so each day will be downloaded to you 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 Philosophy Friday!

Day 1066 – The Spiritual Warfare of Baptism – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 20 Feb 2019 08:03:53 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1066 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Spiritual Warfare of Baptism – Wisdom Wednesday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1066 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, you must 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.

What is the purpose or significance of baptism? In today’s essay, we will explore passages that cover…

The Spiritual Warfare of Baptism

The pastor had been preaching a series of messages through l Peter. When it was time for 1 Peter [3:14]-22 he sincerely announced, “We’re going to skip this section since it’s just too strange.” He was right and wrong that day. As odd as it is, this passage is one of the most compelling in the New Testament, if you understand what it is saying.

But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit. So he went and preached to the spirits in prison, those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood. And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honor next to God, and all the angels and authorities and powers accept his authority.

The theme of 1 Peter is that Christians must withstand persecution and persevere in their faith. To understand how our odd passage fits with that theme, we need to get our heads around the concept of “types” and typology—a kind of prophecy that occurs in the Bible.

We’re most familiar with prophecies directly from the mouth of a prophet. But a “type” is an unspoken prophecy: it is an event, person, or institution that foreshadows something that will come. For example, Paul tells us that Adam was a type of Christ. He foreshadowed or echoed something about Jesus, namely that His work on the cross would affect all people just as Adam’s disobedience had a global effect (Rom [5:14]).

1 Peter [3:14]-22 uses typology. The passage presumes that events associated with Genesis 6 typify or foreshadow the gospel and the resurrection. The episode of Genesis 6:1-4, where angelic beings (the “sons of God”) cohabited with human women—the catalyst to the wickedness that brought the judgment of the flood, was especially significant. For Peter, these events were commemorated during baptism.

Peter was evidently familiar with Jewish tradition about Genesis 6. Jewish writers just prior to the New Testament era taught that God sent Enoch (Genesis [5:21]-24) to inform the fallen sons of God that they were doomed for what they had done. These angelic beings were, according to Jewish traditions, held in a prison under the earth.

Peter saw a theological analogy in these ideas. Just as Jesus was the second Adam for Paul, Jesus is the second Enoch for Peter.

Enoch descended to the imprisoned fallen angels to announce their doom. 1 Peter [3:14]-22 has Jesus descending to these “spirits in prison,” these fallen angels. He then tells them they were defeated, despite His crucifixion. God’s plan of salvation and ruling His kingdom was still intact. In fact, it was right on schedule. The crucifixion actually meant victory over every demonic force opposed to God. This victory declaration is why 1 Peter [3:14]-22 ends with Jesus risen from the dead and set at the right hand of God, above all angels, authorities, and powers.

How does this relate to baptism? It explains the logic of the passage. Two words in verse 21 need reconsideration in light of this backdrop. The word most often translated “appeal” (eperotema) in verse 21 is best understood as “pledge.” Likewise, the word “conscience” (suneidésis) does not refer to the inner voice of right and wrong here. Rather, the word refers to an attitude or decision that reflects one’s loyalty.

Baptism, then, is not what produces salvation: it is an oath of loyalty to the risen savior, a public avowal of who is on the Lord’s side in the cosmic war between good and evil. It is also a visceral reminder to the defeated fallen angels. Every baptism is a reiteration of their doom in the wake of the gospel and the kingdom of God.

Early Christians understood the typology of this passage and its link back to the fallen angels of Genesis 6. Early baptismal formulas included a renunciation of Satan and his angels for this very reason. Baptism was and still is spiritual warfare.

That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue in the New Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “Jesus Is God.” 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 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 1065 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1065 – Don’t Be Discouraged By Failure – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 19 Feb 2019 08:03:02 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1065 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Don’t Be Discouraged By Failure –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1065 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 Keats, and it is, “Don’t be discouraged by failure. Failure, in a sense, is the highway to success because every discovery of what is false leads us to seek what is true. And every fresh experience points out an error which we shall, afterwards, carefully avoid.”

Don’t Be Discouraged By Failure

No one likes or enjoys failure, and many become discouraged and quit at the first sign of failure. This should not be. Failure is no more than a detour on life’s road to success.

If you are driving down the highway on the road to a sought after destination, say to visit your kids or grandkids, and you find the road is closed, and there is a detour, would you give up and return home? No, you would travel the extra miles needed on the detour so that you would continue on your road towards your eventual destination.

The highway to success is filled with the potholes of failure. When you see the potholes coming, you try to avoid them, but you will occasionally hit one dead on, and it most likely is not an enjoyable experience. If the road has many potholes, you become more cautious and learn to watch for them and avoid as many as possible. Every discovery of a pothole leads to you know what the solid highway looks like and what is to be avoided.

In the same manner, every failure on your road to success will allow you to learn what to carefully avoid and give you the confidence to keep moving forward toward your destination. So don’t let the potholes of failure on your highway to success discourage you. Learn from them, avoid them when possible, and enjoy your journey. Keep in mind, ultimately it is God who provides our success.

Deuteronomy 8:18 – Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1064 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1064 – The Many Faces of Greed – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 18 Feb 2019 08:03:44 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1064 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Many Faces of Greed – Meditation Monday

Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

Stuff…In our western cultures, and especially in the United States, accumulating stuff has become a national pastime. What drives this fixation we have with accumulating more and more? In our Meditation Monday today I want us to reflect on…

The Many Faces of Greed

Our obsession with stuff carries a hefty price tag. As a society, we spend 110% of our disposable income trying to manage debt. We are obsessed with accumulating stuff. We buy things we don’t need with money we don’t have to impress people we don’t like.

We have become a nation of hoarders. We have to build or buy larger homes to store all of our stuff, and when they fill up, we spend even more money renting storage buildings to store the stuff we never use and certainly don’t need. We fill our garages to the brim with worthless stuff, while we let our vehicles costing tens of thousands of dollars sit out in the weather to be ravished by the elements.

The US and most western governments do the same running on deficit spending. Why are we driven to such insanity? Who can keep up? No one can!

Jesus warns in Luke 12:15, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” Greed comes in many forms. Greed for approval. Greed for applause. Greed for status. Greed to keep up with others. The tenth commandment in Exodus 20:17 clearly tells us, “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.”

Greed has many faces but speaks one language: the language of more. Wise was the one who wrote, “Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.” We could also say, “Whoever loves stuff, never has enough stuff.” We are only caretakers at best of all that we possess in this world. When we depart, it is no longer ours. This old adage is also very true, “The more that we own, the more we are owned by it.”

The only way to feel full is to feel fulfilled. The only way to feel fulfilled is to understand that everything we have comes from God—and he gives us exactly what we need. All of it is on loan! And, someday we’ll have to give it all back, checking it at heaven’s door!

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 1063 – The Enneagram Type Combinations – 7&7, 7&8, 7&9 – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 08:03:30 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1063 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Enneagram Type Combinations – 7&7; 7&8; 7&9 – Ask Gramps

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1063 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.

Understanding ourselves and how others may interpret life through their paradigm better allows us to interact with each other with more love and compassion. This can be achieved by utilizing a profound tool called “The Enneagram.” The tool that we refer to as the Enneagram (Any-a-Gram) is a circle with nine interconnected points (Ennea refers to 9 and Gram referring to a drawing). Check out today’s or a prior week’s Wisdom Journal for a representation of it. I have also included a copy of “The Enneagram At-A-Glance,” which was compiled by Suzanne H. Eller in today’s Wisdom Journal. If you would like a PDF copy, click on the link in today’s Wisdom Journal located on our website Wisdom-Trek.com.

We have concluded our deep dive into the nine types which are “The Reformer,” “The Helper,”“The Achiever,” “The Individualist,” “The Investigator,” “The Loyalist,” “The Enthusiast,” “The Challenger,” and “The Peacemaker.” Thirteen weeks ago, we began a series of episodes on Type Combinations, answering the question, “What are the potential relationship benefits and issues with each combination?” Covering all of the 45 different potential type combinations will take several weeks, but will be valuable in understanding each other, regardless of what type you are and what type those with whom you interact with each day are.

So the questions for the next several weeks will be…

The Enneagram Type Combinations

Enneagram Type Seven (the Enthusiast)
with
Enneagram Type Seven (the Enthusiast)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

As with all double-type relationships, two Enneagram Sevens generally bring the same qualities to each other. Therein lies both a main source of the attraction as well as one of the main pitfalls. Thus, the level of health of each person is especially important for these types of relationships as are their dominant instincts. The key characteristics of double Seven relationships are easy to spot: high energy, spontaneity, frequent travel and entertaining, and an interest in anything new or that promises to open new possibilities. If both Sevens are psychologically healthy and well balanced, there is a noteworthy joyousness and sense of abundance that permeates their relationship and which spills out to everyone around them. A healthy double Seven relationship is emphatically happy—even radiant and exuberant-and both parties enjoy sharing their happiness with as many others as possible. They are thoughtful, sensitive, idealistic, hospitable, and generous. Double Seven couples are sociable and unusually good company for others as much as they are with each other.

Each brings to the relationship a spirit of personal freedom that is noteworthy. Neither wants to be tied down in routines or empty, formal commitments, and so both Sevens are determined to not impose many rules or expectations on the other. They want their relationship to be guided by the fact that both parties positively want to be with the other rather than feeling that they are locked into some constricting set of obligations. Both Sevens bring a sense of possibility, open-endedness, experimentalism, and realism that enables them to build a life together—while making it an enjoyable experience for themselves and their circle of family and friends. Double Seven pairings are optimistic and resilient, and always ready to pick themselves up and start over again when they run into difficulties. Gratitude for the relationship—and for finding each other—is the guiding spirit.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

Building a relationship usually takes time together, and patience to weather the disappointments and disillusionments that are also usually part of the picture. One of the main problems with double Seven relationships is that of impatience—of wanting the relationship to be more complete and developed than it really is. While double Seven pairings have no lack of energy and high expectations for their relationship, they may find it difficult to stay with both themselves and the other as both work through the growing pains of the relationship. As time goes on and the relationship is no longer the stimulating experience that it once was, Sevens begin to turn their attention elsewhere, possibly to their work or to other involvements.

Both Sevens feel that somewhere in the world exists the perfect person for them. Sevens are terrified of missing out on whatever in life they are meant to have. They hate the feeling that by committing themselves to one thing-whether it is one person, one place to live, or one career—they are limiting their life in some fundamental way. In short, Sevens tend to be commitment adverse, and it is a measure of their psychological health when they can commit relatively easily and permanently to someone. In a double Seven relationship, this problem is compounded, and one of the Sevens must be the first to risk commitment—and possible rejection.

Another problem for double Seven relationships is that both tend to be impulsive and irreverent, often saying and doing whatever brings relief in the heat of the moment. During arguments, things are said which cannot be unsaid, and feelings may be irreparably hurt by either. Both can be insensitive, self-centered, and unreliable. Both also tend to crave constant stimulation which can lead to a hectic social life. This can be exciting if both parties do things together, but if they begin to have separate interests and different sets of friends, their social lives will pull them apart. They may begin to have little time for each other or for their family. Someone is bound to feel left out, and on some level, each Seven is determined that it will not be him.

Enneagram Type Seven (the Enthusiast)
with
Enneagram Type Eight (the Challenger)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

Both Enneagram Sevens and Eights are highly self-assertive, independent, and strong-willed. Both types also resist being controlled or limited by authorities or even by internal, psychological mechanisms. Once someone (or even some inner voice) says do not, both Sevens and Eights respond with defiance and a desire to push the limits, whatever they may be. Both types are practical, this world-oriented, not necessarily worldly or materialistic, but concerned with concrete affairs and finding happiness and fulfillment in the here and now. Neither likes to postpone their satisfactions or to settle for vague promises about the future. Both tend to overspend their budget on a bountiful lifestyle that is a source of pleasure for themselves and their friends and family. They love to entertain and offer the best there is to others as a sign of their generosity and as a signal of their success and standing in the world.

Both are high energy people, often gifted with vitality and gusto for life that is noteworthy. A Seven/Eight couple can get a tremendous amount done and are revitalized by staying active. They are adventuresome and are willing to try new things in their relationship. They are also both extremely outspoken and do not hold themselves back from voicing their own opinions or making their needs known. Sevens bring more lightness and a sense of fun and excitement, trying something new and different for the sake of keeping things fresh and stimulating. They are also usually the more talkative of the two: Sevens are usually highly engaging storytellers and raconteurs, turning their adventures (and catastrophes) into entertaining tales. Eights are usually surprisingly more reserved and moody than is often recognized, and they rely on the Seven to lighten the atmosphere and to make their practical affairs more fun and enjoyable. Eights also bring directness, decisiveness, and the willingness to face difficult situations with determination and persistence.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

While a Seven/Eight couple can be an extremely productive, high-energy pair, problems may begin if the constructive outlets for that energy are thwarted or misguided. Sevens and Eights both need to find positive outlets for their prodigious energies and interests, and if they do not, they will inevitably discover destructive ways of releasing them. They may also begin to turn against each other or bring each other down in a kind of dark collusion that can have tragic consequences for them both. Both Sevens and Eights are extremely strong-willed and independent, and so both resist being controlled by the other, often taunting the other with their lack of influence over them. Eights tend to be authoritarian and bullying, ordering the Seven around and making threats if they are disobeyed. Sevens will attempt to avoid being controlled, and can become highly insulting and contemptuous of the Eight and their heavy-handed tactics. Both types will flaunt the other’s inability to have their way, as if their defiance were a badge of honor. Both types can be extremely selfish and self-centered, feeling that the world revolves around them and their desires. Of course, this builds in the likelihood of conflicts.

Both types can also be verbally crude and insulting, frequently saying things that other types might only occasionally allow themselves to think. Their fights can be gargantuan brawls and public scenes in which physical abuse and violence may also play a significant part. The problem is, however, that both types tend to be addicted to excitement and the adrenaline rush of reckless behavior. Once they have begun to build their relationship on a certain level of physical excitement (whether it is from sexuality or violence), it is difficult for this couple to turn back to something more moderate. Anything less than being death-defying seems lifeless and boring. They may, however, push the limits once too far, with tragic consequences not only for their relationship, but for everyone around them.

Enneagram Type Seven (the Enthusiast)
with
Enneagram Type Nine (the Peacemaker)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

Enneagram Sevens and Nines are one of the most often seen pairings of the types because they bring a good mix of similar and opposite qualities. Fundamentally, Sevens and Nines are both positive outlook types who are optimistic, upbeat, and who prefer to avoid conflicts and negatives in their lives and in their relationship. Both types are friendly, sociable, and generally happy with themselves and with their lives. Neither is typically introspective or brooding, preferring to get on with things rather than to look backward or to stew over failures or disappointments. Both are able to forgive and forget and to make the best of their limitations, whatever they might be. They might be separated physically or have few financial means, but Sevens and Nines can make the best of these circumstances and continue to build their future together. Both tend to be practical, although both can have a romantic streak and a physicality that adds spice to their relationship. Both are also often funny and can make even the most mundane events pleasurable and pleasant. Sevens provide the stimulation, Nines the audience.

On the complementary opposite side, Sevens are more active and self-assertive than Nines; they tend to take initiatives, to make plans, to have multiple interests, and to provide the energy for the couple. Sevens are mentally quick, self-confident, curious, open to new experiences, and resilient when there are setbacks. They bring fun, sparkle, and a sense of adventure. Nines bring a sense of steadiness, support, and acceptance to the relationship. They tend to be more sympathetic and soft-hearted than Sevens, as well as more relaxed and undemanding of themselves and their environment, including other people. Nines are also often generous and willing to make personal sacrifices to help others and to make them happy. Their personal simplicity and uncomplicatedness mesh well with the more assertive qualities of the Seven. As long as neither takes advantage of the other, there is a good balance between energy and relaxation in this couple.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

One of the main areas for potential problems is the fact that neither Sevens nor Nines are usually adept at working through negative or painful aspects of their lives or of the relationship. Both would prefer everything to be kept on the positive side; neither one wants to fall into the possibility of depression or to otherwise cut off their chance for happiness. At most, they will briefly acknowledge a problem or conflict in their relationship by blaming the other: both types tend to become anxious, critical, and edgy when under stress, taking these things out on someone else rather than working through negative feelings themselves. Both types also tend to be blind to their own share of responsibility for how the relationship has deteriorated, including their own contribution to communication problems. Nines tend to collapse in the face of the Seven’s angry demands, withdrawing into silence and, eventually, inaction. They become increasingly unable to make sense of the Seven’s grievances, and so they become stubborn and shut down further, with occasional outbursts of anger or anxiety, or both.

Of the two types, Sevens are far more equipped to talk about whatever is bothering them than Nines, although this does not mean that Sevens are necessarily more able to face what is really bothering them much less resolve it. Sevens tend to impulsively say whatever comes to mind and to fall into excoriating verbal abuse of the Nine whenever the Seven feels frustrated. Sevens often feel that the Nine is too checked out and unresponsive to them. Nines seem perpetually indecisive, slow, and ineffectual. Sevens’ criticisms and outright contempt for the unresponsiveness of the Nine only makes Nines retreat further from them and disengage from the situation. However, Sevens often feel that they cannot help themselves and that honesty demands that they tell the Nine how unhappy they are with them. One of the sunniest and most carefree couples can become one of the

Day 1062 – Gifts for Mom – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 08:03:50 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1062 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Gifts for Mom – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1062 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.

Gifts for Mom

Three brothers, Milton, Gerald, and Donald all left home after college, went out on their own, and prospered. After many years of hard work, they got back together to celebrate their individual successes. At this reunion, they discussed the recent gifts they were able to give their elderly mother for the most recent Christmas.

Milton bragged, “As you all know, I built a big house for our mother.”

Not to be outdone, Gerald bragged, “That was nice, but I believe my gift was much more practical. I sent her a Mercedes with a driver.”

Donald smiled and said, “I’ve got you both beat. You remember how mom enjoyed reading the Bible? And you know she can’t see very well. So I sent her a remarkable parrot that recites the entire Bible. It took elders in the church 12 years to teach him. He’s one of a kind. Mama just has to name the chapter and verse, and the parrot recites it.”

Soon thereafter, mom sent out her letters of thanks:

“Milton,” she wrote to her eldest son, “The house you built is so huge. I live in only one room, but I have to clean the whole house.”

“Gerald,” she wrote to her middle son, “I am too old to travel. I stay most of the time at home, so I rarely use the Mercedes. And the driver is so rude!”

“Dearest Donald,” she wrote to her third and youngest son, “You have the good sense to know what your mother likes. The chicken you sent was delicious.”

I hope that brought a smile to your face today. If it did, pass that smile onto someone else who needs it. For our Thursday thought, remember, “Sometimes it really is the thought, not the gift that counts.”

Today’s verse is 1 Peter 4:10, “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 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 1061 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player so each day will be downloaded to you 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 Philosophy Friday!

Day 1061 – God’s Right-Hand Woman – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 08:03:19 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1061 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

God’s Right-Hand Woman – Wisdom Wednesday

Creating a Biblical worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today’s current events. To establish a Biblical worldview, you must 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.

While much of the Bible is written from a patriarchal perspective, women certainly play an integral part of God’s redemption story. I don’t think it is by coincidence that when Scripture speaks of wisdom that it is referred to in the feminine gender. In today’s essay, we will explore passages that cover…

God’s Right-Hand Woman

Hebrews 1:2 tells us, “And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe.” This is also emphasized in Colossians 1:16 and in I Corinthians 8:6. Jesus’s role as co-creator with God is a familiar doctrine. But in Hebrews 1:3 there’s something that’s a bit odd, “The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.”

What’s strange about the phrase isn’t its meaning. We get the metaphor. Jesus “radiates” the glory of God; He is a brilliant reflection of what God is like. What’s odd is where the idea comes from, and how startling it would have been to the Jewish Christians for whom the book of Hebrews was intended.

The word “radiates” (apaugasma) occurs only here in the New Testament. To figure out what the writer of Hebrews meant, we have to look at his source. The writer is quoting the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, but the Septuagint included books that many Jews and Christians today do not consider part of the biblical canon, but which some in ancient times considered sacred. The phrase in Hebrews 1:2 comes from one of these books titled Wisdom of Solomon.

Which is different than the book of Proverbs in our Old Testament. How can we be sure? Because the word (apaugasma) is found only one time in the Septuagint: Wisdom of Solomon [7:26]. Sure, the scarcity of the word is curious, but where’s the surprise? Not only is the word extremely uncommon, but the source of the Hebrews 1:2 quotation has a woman as God’s personified reflection. As Dr. Heiser puts it, “welcome to the biblical twilight zone.”

The Wisdom of Solomon [7:24]-26 from the Septuagint from which this word is taken reads as follows:

For wisdom is more mobile than any motion; because of her pureness she pervades and penetrates all things.

For she is a breath of the power of God, and a pure emanation of the glory of the Almighty; therefore nothing defiled gains entrance into her.

For she is a reflection (apaugasma) of eternal light, a spotless mirror of the working of God, and an image of his goodness.

The Jewish writer of the Wisdom of Solomon got the idea of personified Wisdom as a woman from the book of Proverbs. While the term most often refers to practical, insightful living according to God s law, the writer of Proverbs at times portrays Wisdom as a woman as a feminine personal pronoun “she.” (Read Proverbs 1:20-33; 3:13-16; 4:6: 7:4; 9:1-6). Proverbs 8:1 describes Wisdom speaking to God’s people, “Listen as Wisdom calls out! Hear as understanding raises her voice!”

But what is especially remarkable about Wisdom in Proverbs 8:22-30 is that she is described as God’s co-creator. The wording here echoes Proverbs 3:19, where we read, “By wisdom, the Lord founded the earth; by understanding, he created the heavens.”

This is also similar to Jeremiah [10:12]. Wisdom, personified as a woman, is cast as God’s agent of creation in the Old Testament.

How is this consistent with the New Testament teaching about Jesus? We need a little more backdrop to answer that question.

About 250 years before Jesus, Jewish theologians equated the Torah with wisdom mainly because torah was also a grammatically feminine word in Hebrew and the Torah made one wise. This meant that, to many Jews, the Torah (Wisdom) was divine. Again taken from the Septuagint:

Sirach 24:1-3, 22 – “Wisdom praises herself, and tells of her glory’ in the midst of her people. In the assembly of the Most High she opens her mouth, and in the presence of his hosts she tells of her glory: I came forth from the mouth of the Most High, and covered the earth like a mist’…All this is the book of the covenant of the Most High God, the law that Moses commanded us.”

Wisdom of Solomon 9:1, 4, 10, 18 –“God of my ancestors and Lord of mercy…give me the wisdom that sits by your throne…Send her forth from the holy heavens, and from the throne of your glory’ send her…that I may learn what is pleasing to you…and people were taught what pleases you, and were saved by wisdom.

For these writers, the word spoken by God at the creation in Genesis 1:3 was Wisdom—the word of the Torah. Proverbs [8:22] cast this spoken Wisdom as a living divine entity, whose instruction would later be written down by Moses. Wisdom (Torah) was God’s agent of creation and even the Savior for Jewish theology.

The New Testament writers had another view. Paul’s description of Jesus as “the Wisdom of God” (l Corinthians [1:24], 30) and God’s agent of creation was a theological jolt to Jewish ears. It places Paul’s struggle to articulate the gospel “apart from the law (Torah)” in an entirely new light (Romans [3:21]). Defining Wisdom as Jesus was another way for Paul to say that Jesus was indeed the Word of creation, the agent at God’s right hand, as John had as well (John 1:1-4). That also meant that Jesus was Wisdom (Torah), the means of salvation. In fact, Jesus asserts that He is the fulfillment of Wisdom (Torah) (Matthew [5:17]-20). It was Jesus who radiated God’s character to humankind as the bearer of salvation. Along with Paul and John, the author of Hebrews articulated this startling view by calling Jesus “The Son radiates God’s own glory.”

QUICK BIT: Proverbs 8 and the identification of Jesus with Wisdom was a controversial issue for the early church. In the debates at the Council of Nicea, those who believed Jesus to be God’s first creation sought affirmation in Proverbs 8:22, where the Lord brought forth Wisdom. The phrase “formed me from the beginning” is a Hebrew verb (qanah) that can be used for creation as we see in Psalms 139:13, “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb” and Genesis [14:19], 22 (“creator of heaven and earth”). Some translations have possessor instead of creator which is a possible translation. The interpretation of this verb was a factor in the distinction between the “begotten, not made” language of the Nicene Creed.

Since Wisdom is a personification of an attribute of God, the key questions are “Was there ever a time when God did not have Wisdom? If so, how then can God be God?” It would be unthinkable to the biblical writer for the God of Israel to lack wisdom at some point. Wisdom is eternal since God (with His attributes) is eternal—“brought forth” as the agent of creation.

That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue in the New Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “Baptism as Spiritual Warfare.” 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 1060 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1060 – Either Failure or Success Can Destroy – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 08:03:17 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1060 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Either Failure or Success Can Destroy –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1060 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 Jose Silva, and it is, “Do not allow the first failure to destroy you, nor success to ruin you.”

Either Failure or Success Can Destroy

Failure and success are often times two sides of the same coin. There is such a slight difference between the two. When you fail at something, you may be very close to the desired success. In the same manner, when you succeed, even greatly, you are always precipitously close to failure.

If you let it, failure can defeat you and destroy your desire to continue on. In the same manner though, if you push so hard for success in one area of life, like finances, and you ignore the other areas of life, then success can utterly ruin you. In all areas of life, be balanced and practice moderation.

You can be so focused on gaining the whole world that you lose your soul. You lose the very person of who you are. You lose the relationships that are so important. Invest in being a success in all areas of life – spiritually, relationally, mentally, emotionally, economically and physically. It is then that you will be successful without ruining a part of your life. God’s Word provides us with the guidelines and precepts to achieve true success.

Matthew 16:26 says, “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1059 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 1059 – Alone With God – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 08:03:08 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1059 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Alone With God – Meditation Monday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase Wisdom and Create a Living Legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1059 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 you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

In our fast-paced, constant stimulus, technology-driven world, we have little time to be alone with ourselves or alone with God. In our Meditation Monday today, I want us to reflect on…

Alone With God

How long has it been since you went off to an isolated place to be with God? I mean really alone? No distractions. No background noise. No mobile phone. Just you and God. How long since you gave him a portion of undiluted, uninterrupted time listening for his voice?

It is very difficult to do so, especially if you have children in your home constantly vying for your attention. It is important that we plan those times in our busy schedules, or it will not happen. We need to set the time aside to commune with God through prayer and to let Him speak to us through His Word. There is no substitute. It is a time of refreshment for renewing of your mind. It provides sustenance for spiritual strength. Is it really that important?

Apparently, Jesus thought so. Although he was fully God, in his incarnation, he was also fully man. As a human in his flesh, he was subject to the weaknesses of body, mind, and soul as we are, and yet without sin. He made a deliberate effort to invest time with God. If you invest much time reading about the life of Jesus, a distinct pattern emerges. He invested regular time with God, praying and listening. Mark 1:35 says, “Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.” Luke 5:16 tells us, “But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.”

Let me ask the obvious. If Jesus, the Son of God, the sinless Savior of humankind, thought it worthwhile to clear his calendar to pray, wouldn’t we be wise to do the same?

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1058 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1058 – The Enneagram Type Combinations – 6&7, 6&8, 6&9 – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 08 Feb 2019 08:03:52 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1058 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Enneagram Type Combinations – 6&7; 6&8; 6&9 – Ask Gramps

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1058 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.

Understanding ourselves and how others may interpret life through their paradigm better allows us to interact with each other with more love and compassion. This can be achieved by utilizing a profound tool called “The Enneagram.” The tool that we refer to as the Enneagram (Any-a-Gram) is a circle with nine interconnected points (Ennea refers to 9 and Gram referring to a drawing). Check out today’s or a prior week’s Wisdom Journal for a representation of it. I have also included a copy of “The Enneagram At-A-Glance,” which was compiled by Suzanne H. Eller in today’s Wisdom Journal. If you would like a PDF copy, click on the link in today’s Wisdom Journal located on our website Wisdom-Trek.com.

We have concluded our deep dive into the nine types which are “The Reformer,” “The Helper,”“The Achiever,” “The Individualist,” “The Investigator,” “The Loyalist,” “The Enthusiast,” “The Challenger,” and “The Peacemaker.” Twelve weeks ago, we began a series of episodes on Type Combinations, answering the question, “What are the potential relationship benefits and issues with each combination?” Covering all of the 45 different potential type combinations will take several weeks, but will be valuable in understanding each other, regardless of what type you are and what type those with whom you interact with each day are.

So the questions for the next several weeks will be…

The Enneagram Type Combinations

Enneagram Type Six (the Loyalist)
with
Enneagram Type Seven (the Enthusiast)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

Both Enneagram Sixes and Sevens are mental types, and there can be a great deal of mental stimulation in this pairing. These two types offer many areas in which they reinforce each other, and some areas in which the strengths of one counterbalance the limitations of the other. Sevens are usually entertaining and tend to lift the spirits of Sixes. Both are quick mentally and often have rapier wits: they enjoy bantering with each other, verbally sparring, and seeing how absurd or funny they can become as they push each other to more outrageous limits. Sevens are particularly good at generating new ideas while Sixes are particularly good at mastering the practical steps that are necessary to get things done. Sevens help Sixes put fear and limitation into perspective, and sometimes to move beyond them entirely. They thus make effective team members in which the Seven lays out the big picture and gets people excited about new possibilities while the Six moves in with the logistical and tactical know-how, following through with the details. In intimate relationships, the same balance pertains: Sevens are the stimulators, Sixes are the regulators—and they can keep each moving forward by allowing the other to counterbalance their own limitations.

To this visionary-functionary mix, Sixes bring commitment and loyalty to the Seven, often expertise and groundedness that the Seven comes to trust and rely on implicitly, as well as a strong grip on reality and what can be accomplished within given parameters. Sevens bring a driving sense of optimism and possibility, high energy, a sense of adventure, and fearlessness with regard to failure. They can teach Sixes how to be resilient and how not to fear the future, while Sixes can teach Sevens the difference between optimism and pipedreams.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

Despite how well Sixes and Sevens can reinforce each other’s strengths when they are healthy, in the average to lower Levels, the picture can shift quickly. Sixes are essentially interested in security and predictability, foreseeing problems and building procedures to prevent future uncertainty. They are aware of limitations and why things cannot be done—or at least done easily. Sevens, by contrast, are about seeking happiness and relief from increasing frustration or anxiety. They are about trying new things, seeing new possibilities and overcoming limitations. They do not want to hear about problems or obstacles: they want things to be done the day before yesterday. Sixes tend to be negative and pessimistic, while Sevens tend to be positive and optimistic.

Sevens are future-oriented, while Sixes tend to be aware of the past, of precedents, and the lessons of history that would prevent things from going badly again. Sixes very much want to find someone with whom they can have a long term commitment, Sevens tend to be fearful of long term commitments and enter into them somewhat reluctantly. Sixes tend to feel that Sevens are too hedonistic, selfish, and extravagant, and when the chips are down, they wonder if they can be relied on. Will they skip off to someone else or avoid their responsibilities in some form of escapism or addiction? Sevens tend to feel that Sixes are too anxiety-ridden, worry too much, and make themselves (and everyone else!) crazy raising every question and objection before trying anything. Sixes oppose everything, at least at first, and get distrustful and suspicious easily. They live a life of limits and rules that Sevens feel are restrictions largely imaginary and self-imposed. In a Six/Seven couple, these two opposing philosophies reflect the very different expectations Sixes and Sevens have from life and from a relationship, and unless they can be reconciled, it will be difficult for this couple to remain one.

Enneagram Type Six (the Loyalist)
with
Enneagram Type Eight (the Challenger)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

Enneagram Sixes and Eights can build an extraordinarily strong, long-lasting relationship on what is, at root, a defensive view of the world. Both types feel that most people and the world are selfish and untrustworthy, and that their world is highly unpredictable. One, therefore, needs to take care of oneself and one’s own interests (Eights) and have strong allies and the ability to get back up from one’s friends (Sixes). Both Sixes and Eights have deep issues with trust—and with finding people they are able to trust, and so when they have found each other and have gone through a period of testing, their alliance can be solid and deep. Once they have bonded with each other, both types have done so on a deep level of their being, and while the relationship may change over time, they are never indifferent to each other. They both admire and try to embody strength, commitment to one’s word, honor, unquestioned loyalty, responsibility, hard work, courage, a spirit of protectiveness, and fighting for the underdog. Both are doers, and enjoy being active, getting tasks accomplished, building a more safe and secure world for themselves and their loved ones. Sixes bring warmth, the desire for personal connection and commitment, a certain playfulness and sensitivity.

They are also mental types and bring skepticism, analytic thinking, and the ability to think through decisions and to foresee outcomes and potential problems before acting. Sixes thus tend to act as advisors and lieutenants to Eights who tend to take the lead and provide the vision and audacity that Sixes sometimes lack themselves. Eights also bring directness and decisiveness, strong wills, confidence, and a can-do spirit that is energized by adversity and a penchant for taking on challenges. Sixes tend to look up to the Eights as their hero, while Eights are touched by the Six’s devotion and courage. Eights are aware of their inner struggles and what it takes to overcome them. When there is genuine affection between these two types, there may be fireworks and occasional fights, but the bond only seems to grow stronger with time.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

Both Sixes and Eights are emotional, although both tend to hide their emotions and vulnerabilities as best they can. Eights do so under a veneer of toughness and bravado, Sixes under a shell of defensiveness and bluster. Both tend to counterattack and go on the offensive when threatened—or when they feel they are being threatened. In general, Eights tend to take the lead in most relationships they are in and to set the tone and make decisions. They expect others to obey them and to be loyal to them. Eights may tolerate (or even be amused by) an occasional flare-up of independence on the part of others around them, but ultimately, they expect to be in charge. For the most part, this is also fine with Sixes, except for those times when Sixes feel the need to push back and to prove themselves. They need to show others (including the Eight) that they cannot be pushed around or taken advantage of. Power struggles of all kinds can ensue. This is especially true of “counterphobic” Sixes who can actually react much like Eights, displaying leadership, decisiveness, and independence (on the positive side) as well as bluster, aggression, and defiance. Sixes who are more counterphobic tend to get into more open fights with Eights until both have determined their territory and just how far each can push the other.

Sixes who are more openly phobic (fearful, timid, anxious) generally tend to avoid confrontations with Eights; instead, they tend to present no open threat to the Eight’s dominance, while being covertly passive-aggressive and evasive. Eights can get into conflicts with phobic Sixes by sensing their indirect, questioning qualities—and whether or not the Six is as loyal to the Eight as the Eight wants. Eights may become more or less openly contemptuous of them if they feel the Six is weak or vacillating. Problems in this relationship can be exacerbated by the Eight’s tendency to get into rages, to make threats to the Six’s security, or to bully and play on weaknesses. When trust and respect crumble in this relationship, constant testing from both parties brings about the end fairly quickly.

Enneagram Type Six (the Loyalist)
with
Enneagram Type Nine (the Peacemaker)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

This is one of the most stable and most common relationships. Although both types are very different, they want rather similar things—security and predictability (Sixes) and stability and autonomy (Nines). They both want their lives to be built on solid, dependable values and for good, honest work to be rewarded. Both types tend to personify “middle of the road” values in their time and culture, to be dutiful, respectful of authority, and to abide by the rule of law. On the other hand, there is a rebellious streak in Sixes and a counterculture streak in Nines that allows some of these couples to live on the fringes of society, to be unusual in their lifestyle and beliefs, and to be free thinkers unconcerned about conventional values and more.

More for Sixes and Nines than for most couples, much depends on their belief systems and the quality of their childhood experiences—and they are looking for a partner who will mirror this, including their own beliefs and reactions. To this mix, there are also complementary differences: Sixes bring a more active mind, questioning and alert to exceptions, to problems, and to safety issues. They can be more skeptical of others and find it more difficult to be trusting: others need to prove themselves first. Nines, on the other hand, are usually trusting and unquestioning, sunny and easy to get along with. They are optimistic and steady, offering support and non-threatening acceptance. If Sixes tend to see the exception and to focus on complications, Nines tend to see the general and to focus on what will work without problems. This couple gets along well, greasing each other’s wheels and adding just enough gas to the mix to keep them moving forward together. Change, when it comes, is slow and methodical. Both tend to see themselves as simple, regular people and do not feel special or exempt in any way. Both bolster the other’s confidence through their solidarity with each other. They are generous with each other and do not crowd the other or make special demands. When they find a relationship such as this, it usually feels like they have found what their heart has been seeking and their dream has come true.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

Since Sixes and Nines find it very difficult to say what is actually on their minds (and what they really want for themselves), there is a great tendency in this relationship to clam up, to be silently stubborn and defensive, and to make the other person guess what is going on. If there is little motive to do so, the two parties will fall into a stalemate that keeps the other at arm’s distance, yet close enough so that the other will not drift away. They may also begin to have health problems or other nonspecific complaints about themselves that seek to bind the couple in cords of concern and guilt. Psychological or physical problems help to ensure that the other person will continue to be there.

Moreover, while these two types fulfill social roles very well, they both tend to disappear in their roles too completely for their own good. Sixes are frequently burdened by guilt feelings and doggedly do whatever they think they must do to keep their job or their security in place. They try to make sure that they have covered the bases so that no one will be angry at them for failing in their responsibility. Nines also fulfill roles, but these usually have to do with mediating between people to keep them together in some way. They accommodate themselves and go along with what others need even as their own stress grows.

Another potential problem is that both types love the familiar and dislike change. The feeling is that familiarity equals security, which is reinforced by the conviction that they must not rock the boat. Both types will tend to put off confrontations until they are pushed to the limit, although Sixes have a shorter fuse concerning their anger. They will either give up on the Nine, or there will be an explosion in which a backlog of pent up hostilities will be said, often to the permanent damage of the relationship.

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1057 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

It’s a Dog’s Life – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1057 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 inProverbs 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…

It’s a Dog’s Life

Sam, a veterinarian, had been called to examine a very ill fifteen-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Duke. The dog’s owner, Ron, and his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Duke and they were hoping for a miracle.

Sam examined Duke and found he was dying of cancer. Sam told the family that he couldn’t do anything for Duke, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As they made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told Sam they thought it would be good for four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, Sam felt that familiar catch in his throat as Duke’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that Sam wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Duke slipped peacefully away.

Shane seemed to accept Duke’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. As Sam and the family sat together for a while after Duke’s death, they wondered aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.

Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, “I know why.”

Startled, they all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned everyone. They had never heard a more comforting explanation.

Shane said, “People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life—like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?”

Shane, the four-year-old continued, “Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”

I hope that brought a smile to your face today, if so, pass that smile onto someone else who needs it. Our Thursday thought is “love everyone, all the time and be nice to them.”

Our verse for today is Philippians 4:4-5, “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.”

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 1056 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1056 – What Is Jesus Waiting For? – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 08:03:43 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1056 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

What Is Jesus Waiting For? – Wisdom Wednesday

Creating a Biblical worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today’s current events. To establish a Biblical worldview, you must 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.

Since Jesus Christ ascended to heaven after His resurrection believers have been looking hopefully for His 2^nd coming to rule and reign. In today’s essay, we will explore passages that cover…

What Is Jesus Waiting For?

Dr. Heiser shares this story…I recall the traumatic experience of seeing the movie A Thief in the Night as a teenager. The film was about how Jesus could return at any moment—like a thief in the night, a description borrowed from l Thessalonians 5:2 that says, “For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night.”

The message of this movie was: If we weren’t believers, we could be left behind by the Lord. The movie didn’t lead to my decision to put my faith in Christ, but it did accomplish one desired effect—it scared me. But the question in our essay today: Is the idea of the imminent return of Jesus biblical?

Jesus warned His followers to be ready for His return; even He did not know the precise day or hour it would happen (Matt [24:36]). Therefore, He would return unexpectedly (Matthew [24:50]). Other passages written after Jesus resurrection suggest that His return could be very soon in that we should be eagerly waiting as we look forward with hope to that wonderful day (1 Corinthians 1:7: Titus [2:13]). The Lord is coming soon, or his coming is near (Philippians 4:5 and James 5:8-9).

Two thousand years have passed since these blunt statements were made, leading many to believe that they have been misunderstood. Additional obstacles to the idea of an “imminent” return emerge from other Scripture passages. The New Testament suggests that certain signs or events would precede the return of Jesus. For example, the temple had to be destroyed (Matthew 24:2), and there would be celestial signs indicating His return (Matt [24:30]: Luke [21:11]).

In three of His parables, Jesus suggested that His return would not be immediate but after a delay (Luke [19:11]-27 & Matthew 25:5, 19)—at least until the death of an aged Peter (John [21:18]). Paul believed, apparently on the basis of Matthew [24:14], that the gospel had to reach all the Gentile nations before the salvation plan of God was fulfilled and Jesus would return (Romans [11:12], 25).

Even I Thessalonians 5, the chapter in which the “thief in the night” phrase is found, suggests that believers will have some sort of inkling about the time of His return. Note how Paul uses nouns and pronouns to distinguish believers as able to discern something unbelievers will not. Let me read I Thessalonians 5:1-6, “Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we don’t really need to write you. For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. When people are saying, ‘Everything is peaceful and secure,’ then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape. But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief.For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.”

If believers have some sense of when the Lord will return, the idea that Jesus’ return could be at any moment may be incorrect. To solve this problem, many Christians argue or rationalize that l Thessalonians 5 refers to the return of Jesus at Armageddon, but that there will be an earlier return (a rapture) that will happen before any sign or hint. Perhaps the best advice is that instead of describing Jesus’ return as imminent, we might want to think of it as impending. Either perspective can agree on that thought.

The facts are, we have much more work to do building God’s kingdom on earth, so instead of debating when Christ will return, let’s be about the Father’s work, and always be ready for Christ’s return by living Godly lives.

That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue in the New Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “God’s Right Hand Woman.” 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 1055 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1055 – Discipline Brings Success – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 08:03:20 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1055 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Discipline Brings Success –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase Wisdom and Create a Living Legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1055 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 George Washington, and it is, “Discipline is the soul of any army. It makes small number formidable, procures success to the weak, and esteem to all.”

Discipline Brings Success

Discipline in all areas of life will transform your life from being ineffective, small, and weak into a life that is powerful, effective, and larger than life and give you the strength to succeed in any area that you choose. Just like discipline within an army is a requirement in order to be victorious in battle, discipline in your life is required in order to succeed. A life with discipline is a life with a soul that will enable you to accomplish the impossible.

Discipline will make your small efforts unstoppable. Discipline will provide the strength that will bring success and esteem not only to you but to all whom you impact. Discipline in a life is what blood is to the body. It provides the very essence of a life that is both rich and satisfying. One of the main sources of both wisdom and discipline is found in the Book of Proverbs as we are told in Proverbs 1:1-4.

Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,
to help them understand the insights of the wise.
Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,
to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
These proverbs will give insight to the simple,
knowledge and discernment to the young.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1054 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1054 – He Faced All The Same Testings – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 04 Feb 2019 08:03:46 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1054 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

He Faced All The Same Testings – Meditation Monday

Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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 all go through difficult times and trials in our lives, and yet in so many ways, we are blessed. We don’t fully understand the trials and temptations that others face and wonder why they must suffer. There is one who does understand fully. In our Meditation Monday today I want us to reflect on…

He Faced All The Same Testings

Why did Jesus grow weary in Samaria, disturbed in Nazareth, and angry in the Temple? Why was he sleepy in the boat on the Sea of Galilee, sad at the tomb of Lazarus, and hungry in the wilderness? Why did He suffer intense anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane? Why? Why did he endure all these feelings?

Because he knew you’d feel them too. He knew you’d be weary, disturbed, and angry. He knew you’d be sleepy, grief-stricken, and hungry. He knew you’d face anguish and pain. If not the pain of the body, the pain of the soul—pain too sharp for any drug. He knew you’d face thirst. If not a thirst for water, at least a thirst for truth, and the truth we glean from the image of a thirsty Christ is—he understands. And because he understands, we can come to him!

Why did Jesus take on flesh to become fully human while remaining fully God? How can we find solace in His sacrifice for us? It is found in the following two passages.

Philippians 2:5-11

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.

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Can Jesus really relate to our experiences? According to Hebrews [4:14]-16, He can.

So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So 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.

Jesus not only understands our sufferings and trials, He has also experienced them all. Now we can take them all before His throne and receive mercy and grace when we need it most.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1053 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1053 – The Enneagram Type Combinations – 5&8, 5&9, 6&6 – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 08:03:51 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1053 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Enneagram Type Combinations – 5&8; 5&9; 6&6 – Ask Gramps

Wisdom – the final frontier to true knowledge. Welcome to Wisdom-Trek where our mission is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase Wisdom and Create a Living Legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1053 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.

Understanding ourselves and how others may interpret life through their paradigm better allows us to interact with each other with more love and compassion. This can be achieved by utilizing a profound tool called “The Enneagram.” The tool that we refer to as the Enneagram (Any-a-Gram) is a circle with nine interconnected points (Ennea refers to 9 and Gram referring to a drawing). Check out today’s or a prior week’s Wisdom Journal for a representation of it. I have also included a copy of “The Enneagram At-A-Glance,” which was compiled by Suzanne H. Eller in today’s Wisdom Journal. If you would like a PDF copy, click on the link in today’s Wisdom Journal located on our website Wisdom-Trek.com.

We have concluded our deep dive into the nine types which are “The Reformer,” “The Helper,”“The Achiever,” “The Individualist,” “The Investigator,” “The Loyalist,” “The Enthusiast,” “The Challenger,” and “The Peacemaker.” Eleven weeks ago, we began a series of episodes on Type Combinations, answering the question, “What are the potential relationship benefits and issues with each combination?” Covering all of the 45 different potential type combinations will take several weeks, but will be valuable in understanding each other, regardless of what type you are and what type those with whom you interact with each day are.

So the questions for the next several weeks will be…

The Enneagram Type Combinations

Enneagram Type Five (the Investigator)
with
Enneagram Type Eight (the Challenger)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

These two types bring to each other complementary and reciprocal talents — just what the other needs but is not necessarily aware of. For instance, Enneagram Fives need to be more identified with their body and with their instinctive energy; they need to be more engaged with the practical world and to feel their own sense of power and capacity. They can learn these qualities from Eights. On the other hand, Eights need to be more thoughtful and aware of the impact of their actions on themselves and on their environment. They need to know more and to think of consequences more carefully before acting. Every action produces a reaction, and it is not necessarily the one that the Eight wants to happen. This kind of analytic foresight is something Eights can learn from Fives.

Besides these qualities, both Fives and Eights bring a common insistence on independence and non-interference from others. Both types are aware of boundaries and dislike intrusion. Both enjoy a good debate, and both admire someone who stands up for himself intellectually and/or physically. Both types feel like misfits, and so they understand each other’s emotional core, often in an unspoken way. Both types need personal space, but when they find each other, they can both show a surprising degree of need and vulnerability. They see the other person behind the defense, relating to each other’s’ sense of dignity and hidden vulnerabilities. Both can be stoical toward their own suffering and unhappiness, with little or no self-pity. As a couple, they can bring power and depth, action and thoughtfulness, brilliance and brashness to their world. They are also the natural protectors and advisors of each other. Eights love to protect less tough Fives, and Fives help Eights recognize the subtleties for their plans and actions. These two types can, therefore, band together as a coalition of power and brains, a formidable combination.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

Fives are not much in touch with their physical bodies—they identify with their minds and are indifferent to virtually all of the physical and practical goals that more earthy Eights have. Not wanting a house, a company, or a spouse are all sources of pride to average Fives who feel good about themselves when they can cut off from their needs and learn to do without. Eights, by contrast, take pride in their earthly conquests, whether socially, financially, sexually, or psychologically. Making their mark on their environment is a primary goal for Eights, and they often use their physical stature and energy to intimidate people and enforce their will. Thus, the more insecure these two types become, the more they react in completely opposite ways: Fives shut down more completely, become more taciturn, secretive, and isolated, while Eights become more confrontational, threatening, and enraged.

The biggest problem is that in the lower Levels, these two separate physically from the other and any real communication ceases to take place. Lower functioning Fives tend to lose respect for anyone they judge to be irrational, destructive, and out of control. The storminess and threats of unhealthy Eights terrify Fives who must physically leave to feel safe. They know and will attack each other’s vulnerabilities if sufficiently provoked—and both Fives and Eights tend to provoke each other as a way of protecting themselves. Both types are also sensitive to rejection, and both tend to feel rejected easily. The Five’s departure will trigger a strong rejection reaction in the Eight who will likely retaliate in any way that he or she can. An Eight’s departure will trigger the Five’s rejection feelings, but more likely with a collapse into cynicism and depression. Both can be extremely cynical, and the demise of their relationship only confirms their darkest opinions about the possibility of human beings living together.

Enneagram Type Five (the Investigator)
with
Enneagram Type Nine (the Peacemaker)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

An Enneagram Five/Nine pair gives each other a great deal of personal and emotional space for activities and for doing things on their own. Neither one would hover or intrudes on the other although the capacity for a healthy emotional connection and interest in each other is still present. This pair is characterized by a sense of quiet, non-intrusiveness, spaciousness, and respect for each other’s boundaries, work, and individuality. Nines are undemanding and uncritical. Nines are the more emotional of the two types, but even so, Nines do not always know what they are feeling or how to express themselves adequately. They appreciate the Five’s ability to be curious about them and to draw them out of the kind of “inner fuzziness” that Nines can get into. Nines appreciate the Five’s intellectual sharpness, ability to ask the right questions, to remember things, to be objective, and to be patient. Fives appreciate Nines’ warmth—and when there is a real personal or sexual connection between them—their nurturing qualities. Fives usually feel dry and cut off from emotional sustenance; if they find this in someone, it is likely to be a Nine who can offer unquestioned acceptance, sensual comfort, and tenderness. Nines often make Fives relax deeply and completely, something Fives very much need.

Both types have an intellectual component, and if they are more or less on an intellectual par with each other, they can be a powerful and stimulating couple: the pungent wit of the Five is softened by the droll understatement of the Nine. Both appreciate the irrational and the absurd although Fives dig far deeper into the dark areas of life than Nines. This pair can be a case of two people initiating the other into very different worldviews: the idealism and the realism, the sunlight and the darkness—both have a place here

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

Tensions between Fives and Nines can begin to grow as a result of the very amount of space that each is willing and able to give the other. Both are highly aware of boundaries and of feeling pressured or intruded on by anyone, and so both tend to expect an unusual degree of independence from the other and to give a large degree of freedom to the other without being asked. For this reason, it is often difficult for Fives and Nines to take the initiative (to make a date, for instance) or to be decisive about calling on a regular basis, or even to know what their feelings are telling them about the other. There may well be a great deal of comfort and intellectual rapport, but one or both of the couple may be relatively cut off from their feelings so that they do not actually know how much they care for the other, or even if they are in love. Nines tend to be more emotionally available and fluid in this regard, liking and even idealizing the Five while they are together, but quickly forgetting those positive feelings when the person is away. Nines easily get into an out of sight, out of mind state where the other might as well not exist if they are not physically together. Nines can also idealize the other so much that when they get together, the Five cannot really live up to the image that the Nine has of them in their imagination. Fives, on the other hand, can become frustrated by the on again, off again attentions of the Nine and begin to become cynical and pessimistic about the relationship, analyzing the Nine and intellectually dissecting the relationship both as a defense from being hurt and as a way to express anger over their disappointment.

Both types can be disconnected from themselves and from the other, living in projections and imagination rather than seeing the other as they are. Work and solitary interests can take the Five’s attention, and the pursuit of peace and more supportive relationships can draw the Nine away. Unless there is an intense reason to see each other frequently, the stubbornness, inertia, and autonomy issues of the Nine will mix with the withdrawal, detachment, and indifference of the Five and the relationship will wither away.

Enneagram Type Six (the Loyalist)
with
Enneagram Type Six (the Loyalist)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

As with all double-type relationships, two Enneagram Sixes generally bring the same qualities to each other. Therein lies both a main source of the attraction as well as one of the main pitfalls. Thus, the Level of health of each person is especially important for these types of relationships as are their dominant instincts. Strong Six couples understand each other deeply and make a point of trying to understand what they don’t understand. Two Sixes usually bond with each other very quickly sensing a kindred spirit, and there can rapidly develop a playful, bantering, buddies-in-arms kind of excited collusion and relief, like two kids who have found each other in the woods and can help each other to safety. A double Six couple will have a sense of shared secrets and values, of intellectual stimulation and questioning that they find both useful and stimulating.

Trust is extremely important to both Sixes, and once it has been established, it allows them to relax and enjoy themselves as they do with few others. Trust allows double Six couples to think aloud to test ideas, voice doubts, and suspicions, and to discover what they really feel about various things. They give each other a lot of support and mutual protection, and are ready to come to the other’s aid without hesitation. Loyalty, commitment, and a “You’re my friend—no questions asked” attitude reinforces the feelings of security and safety that they build together. There can also be a great deal of unspoken sensitivity and delicacy in a double Six relationship. Sixes are generally not adept at talking about their feelings directly, so their feelings and attitudes are mostly expressed in their actions and in the depth of their dedication and steadfastness. Each person also inspires the other as each works for the other’s welfare and happiness—often more energetically than they would for their own alone.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

Double Six couples (whether in intimate or professional situations) tend to be emotionally reactive, and once a spirit of negativity or scarcity enters the picture, their fears can begin to feed off of each other. Double Six pairs can get into worst-case scenarios, and other forms of catastrophizing, each magnifying problems until they both feel like crises are everywhere and that they are doomed. Sometimes extreme reactions will cause them to act impulsively, without thinking through their situation or finding an adequate solution to their problem. They may arbitrarily take action—any action—that promises to relieve their anxiety. On the other hand, double Six couples can become indecisive and fall into a feeling of stalemate and confusion, unable to act and unable to get some perspective on their problems. Since they are also emotionally reactive, they tend to become edgy and argumentative with each other, often blaming the other for the situation and for not providing the solution. Shifting blame back and forth can be like a ping pong match whose main objectives are to keep a connection with the other by keeping them in the argument—and to buy time to work through their anxiety so that a solution may appear.

Double Six couples can thus be one of the most keyed up of pairings with lots of yelling, outbursts, arguments, blaming—and making up—in the mix. In the lower Levels, there can be an openly worried, semi-hysterical atmosphere that keeps everyone on edge with nervous pessimism. And yet, it is difficult to break the pattern because so many of the double Sixes’ fears are irrational and based on speculations about the future. There is no way to settle them logically until the future happens. Double Six couples, therefore, tend to wear each other out with negativity, worrying, suspicion, and eventually mistrust of each other. Accusations and feelings of betrayal or lack of support can be part of the picture as this couple sours and find it almost impossible to reestablish trust and the old friendly, playful spirit that they once had.

Day 1052 – They Will Put Mommy In Jail – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 08:03:04 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1052 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

They Will Put Mommy In Jail – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase Wisdom and Create a Living Legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1052 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.

They Will Put Mommy In Jail

Karen is a mother of two rambunctious elementary school boys who were complete opposites. Johnny, her older son, loves school, but his younger brother Tommy absolutely hates it. One weekend Tommy cried and fretted and tried every excuse not to go back on Monday. Sunday morning on the way home from church, Tommy’s crying and whining built to a crescendo. Karen was at the end of her rope. She abruptly pulled the car into a store parking lot and stopped the car and explained, “Now Tommy, Honey, it’s a law. If you don’t go to school, they’ll put Mommy in jail.”

Tommy looked at his mom, thought a moment, and then asked, “How long would you have to stay?”

Well, I trust that brought a smile to your face today. If it did, pass that smile onto someone else that needs it.

Our Thursday thought is “No matter how frustrating children are at times, they are your heritage from the Lord. Live life well.”

Proverbs 31:28-29 reminds, “Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: ‘There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!'”

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 1051 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1051 – How Many Times Is Jesus Coming Back? – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 08:03:11 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1051 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

How Many Times Is Jesus Coming Back? – Wisdom Wednesday

Creating a Biblical worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today’s current events. To establish a Biblical worldview, you must 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.

There are few Biblical topics that elicit as much excitement and conflict as interpretations of the rapture and 2^nd coming of Christ. In today’s essay, we will explore passages that cover…

How Many Times Is Jesus Coming Back?

Few things in the Bible attract more attention than prophecies about the end times. Even people with only a passing acquaintance with the Bible know that it foretells a second coming of Jesus. Those who study the Bible know the book of Revelation reveals that the second coming brings an end to the reign of the Antichrist (the “beast” in Revelations [19:11]-21). The risen Christ, the incarnation of God, returns to earth not as a suffering Savior, but as the glorious warrior-king. But does the Bible describe an earlier return of Jesus—one that precedes this triumphant arrival?

· The “Rapture”

Some Christians believe that 1Thessalonians [4:16]-17 describes how all believers will be taken from the earth, dead or alive, at an appearing of Jesus before the second coming described in Revelation 19.

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.

This earlier return of Jesus is called the “rapture” by believers who embrace this idea. The term is derived from the Latin word rapiemur (from rapio, meaning “to carry off”) used by the translator of the Latin Vulgate for the Greek word harpazo translated “caught up” in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. Other Christians, however, reject the idea that 1 Thessalonians 4 speaks of a different event than the return of Jesus to earth described in Revelation 19. For them, there will only be one return of Jesus in the future. So, who’s right?

· Harmonizing

The answer to the question is “it depends.” If we were to read all the passages in the New Testament that speak of Jesus’ future return, along with Old Testament passages that speak of a final, climactic visitation by God on earth that will put an end to evil (“the Day of the Lord ”), we would notice immediately that they do not agree on the details or descriptions. For example, 1 Thessalonians [4:16]-17 seemingly has Jesus returning in the air, gathering believers into the clouds, whereas the prophet Zechariah foretold the physical arrival of the pierced Lord on the Mount of Olives with His holy ones at the Day of the Lord (Zechariah [12:10] and 14:1-5; compare Revelation [10:14]).

Interpreters are forced to make a decision…Should we take these verses and split them into two events, or should we harmonize them? The former approach produces two events: a rapture and a second coming. Harmonization, the second approach, eliminates the rapture and leaves only one event: the second coming. Harmonization is a tried-and-true method frequently used by interpreters to resolve disagreements between the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ life. It is also used to reconcile Old Testament accounts of Israelite history recorded in Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles. But many see the harmonized differences as “inconsistencies” between biblical prophecies.

The Bible doesn’t telegraph which interpretive approach is correct. There is no appendix on interpretation following the book of Revelation. Both views are based on choices we bring to the text. Neither is self-evident as the “biblical position.” That realization should prompt us to act with humility and charity toward each other, no matter what position we take.

That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue in the New Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “What Is Jesus Waiting For?” 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 1050 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1050 – Beginning Every Fresh Moment – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 08:03:28 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1050 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Beginning Every Fresh Moment –* *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 Mary Anne Radmacher, and it is, “Difficulties impact me, but they do not define me. Challenges mold me, but they do not make me. Praise may encourage me, but it is my own vision that inspires me. Successes may spur me on, but it is my own reward that satisfies me. Pain may permeate, but my heart and hope prevail. Criticism and pettiness may knock, but the lock is on my side of the door. Abundance may pave the road, but it is generosity that lights the way. My way. Beginning every fresh moment, now!”

Beginning Every Fresh Moment

We often want to shift the responsibilities for our decisions and actions to external circumstances that we face each day, but external circumstances do not really control us. We cannot control the external circumstance in our lives, but we can always control how we respond to those external circumstances. We always have a choice, even though those choices may be very difficult.

Difficulties, challenges, praise, success, pain, criticism, and abundance, are all external stimuli, but it is our core values and integrity that controls how we respond to either positive or negative stimuli. We have a choice at any point in our lives to allow our lives to be fresh and new, to live from this point forward guided by core values that are built on the solid bedrock of Biblical integrity.

Our lives are holy beacons of light that should shine the light of hope, love, and joy into the lives of others. Let us always be a light shining brightly because of who we are, not because of our external circumstances, regardless of whether they are positive or negative.

We are instructed in Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1049 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 1049 – Fix Our Gaze – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 08:03:42 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1049 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Fix Our Gaze – Meditation Monday

Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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 cannot always see life circumstances clearly when we are in the middle of them. We may question and doubt God’s plan and will for our lives. In our Meditation Monday today I want us to reflect on…

Fix Our Gaze

On the wall of a German concentration camp, a prisoner had carved the following words:

“I believe in the sun, even though it doesn’t shine.

I believe in love, even when it isn’t shown.

I believe in God, even when he doesn’t speak.”

What hand could have cut such a conviction? What eyes could have seen good in such horror? There’s only one answer. Eyes that chose to see the unseen.

There are many circumstances and situations that we face in life that we just cannot understand. They don’t make any sense. They seem to be so unfair. It may be a spouse or parent that is suffering from cancer. It may be a child who is plucked from your life through an accident. It may be a marriage that has crumbled around you, even though you did all you could to preserve it.

In our lives, it was nearly two years ago when we found out our granddaughter Hazel had leukemia at age 2 1/2. She is still receiving treatments, and the prognosis looks favorable, but we still don’t understand the why of it. We must accept by faith that God ultimately has a bigger purpose in these situations—a purpose that we may never fully understand they why. We can choose to see either the hurt or the Healer. The direction our lives will lead us will determine which we choose.

Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:18, “So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.”

That is a wrap for today’s meditation. 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 1048 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1048 – The Enneagram Type Combinations – 5&5, 5&6, 5&7 – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 08:03:57 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1048 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Enneagram Type Combinations – 5&5; 5&6; 5&7 – Ask Gramps

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase Wisdom and Create a Living Legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1048 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.

Understanding ourselves and how others may interpret life through their paradigm better allows us to interact with each other with more love and compassion. This can be achieved by utilizing a profound tool called “The Enneagram.” The tool that we refer to as the Enneagram (Any-a-Gram) is a circle with nine interconnected points (Ennea refers to 9 and Gram referring to a drawing). Check out today’s or a prior week’s Wisdom Journal for a representation of it. I have also included a copy of “The Enneagram At-A-Glance,” which was compiled by Suzanne H. Eller in today’s Wisdom Journal. If you would like a PDF copy, click on the link in today’s Wisdom Journal located on our website Wisdom-Trek.com.

We have concluded our deep dive into the nine types which are “The Reformer,” “The Helper,”“The Achiever,” “The Individualist,” “The Investigator,” “The Loyalist,” “The Enthusiast,” “The Challenger,” and “The Peacemaker.” Ten weeks ago, we began a series of episodes on Type Combinations, answering the question, “What are the potential relationship benefits and issues with each combination?” Covering all of the 45 different potential type combinations will take several weeks, but will be valuable in understanding each other, regardless of what type you are and what type those with whom you interact with each day are.

So the questions for the next several weeks will be…

The Enneagram Type Combinations

Enneagram Type Five (the Investigator)
with
Enneagram Type Five (the Investigator)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

As with all double-type relationships, two Enneagram Fives generally bring the same qualities to each other. Therein lies both a main source of the attraction as well as one of the main pitfalls. Thus, the Level of health of each person is especially important for these types of relationships as are their dominant instincts. To a Five, another Five is virtually his or her idea of the perfect companion: well informed, intellectually stimulating, independent, imaginative, quiet (unless it’s about subjects of mutual interest), fact oriented (as opposed to being utterly emotional and subjective), non-intrusive, and always ready for a good debate or a good movie. Since they do not wish to be controlled in any way or even for people to know too much about them, Fives give a great deal of personal and emotional space to each other. It may be weeks or even months before they both see the insides of each other’s homes. They value tactfulness and would never knowingly put people on the spot for personal information or make personal demands on anyone for favors. Distance, respect, courtesy, good boundaries, and few demands (and no expectations), are hallmarks of a double Five pairing. Of course, Fives can be curious about each other and their private lives, but there is a great deal of reticence to take the initiative where personal matters are at stake.

Some Fives are more forward socially but their experience is somewhat like the mating of shy and prickly animals…Unless the other finds a way to hold on to the Five, the Five is soon off again. As a pair, two Fives must learn quickly how to balance the independence they require with the degree of intimacy and personal sharing and self-disclosure required to establish a meaningful relationship. In most cases, this takes a while, although once Fives have found someone with whom they feel comfortable, they can become quickly (but still secretly) attached. Long silences and breaks are punctuated by intense bursts of communication. The meeting of minds does not have to be full of words.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

A double Five pairing can suffer from over-intellectualizing their relationship, approaching each other analytically rather than as someone to be felt or identified with in a more emotional and subjective way. They also tend to compartmentalize their life together (just as they do their own lives), drawing boundaries around your world and my world. Both parties can begin to become secretive and to lead something of a double life, consciously withholding information about themselves and their activities from the other out of the fear of being engulfed by them, and from a deep-seated resistance to sharing themselves or merging with someone. Double Five pairs can also become argumentative and competitive, getting into a pattern of intellectual bickering over fine points and (ultimately trivial) details. But since intellectual prowess is so highly prized in Fives, there may be one or more areas in which competitiveness and intellectual showing off at the expense of the other begins to take place.

The main problem for most double Five pairs is too much emotional distance and reticence to express oneself, which can erode intimacy. They each become too private and run the risk of becoming isolated from each other. They can deteriorate into a professional association connected by respect for the other’s competency and other positive qualities, but any emotional connection may eventually get lost—if it ever was established in the first place. A kind of dryness and indifference about the possibility of finding a satisfactory rapport comes over them, and eventually even a final cutting off of all wanting of such a thing happens. Fives can drift apart, burying themselves ever more deeply in their work or their intellectual hobbies while still living together. Eventually, both Fives live without any hope or expectation that the other could break through to them or that they would ever want to break out of their own detached shell. Couples such as this can deteriorate into eccentric recluses, cut off from themselves and from the world around them.

Enneagram Type Five (the Investigator)
with
Enneagram Type Six (the Loyalist)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

Both Enneagram Fives and Sixes are mental types, although there are significant differences between them. Both have respect for the intellectual acumen of the other and the expertise and technical mastery the other possesses. They may well begin a relationship as colleagues or by sharing the same professional area of interest which forms the basis for a friendship and eventually something more intimate. Both types respect detail, factual objectivity and accuracy, craftsmanship, and the ability to analyze situations without inserting personal opinions or biases. As a pair, Fives and Sixes can be highly effective in dealing with crises because both are attuned to danger and to bringing their expertise to solve problems.

Fives also offer emotional calm, detached objectivity, observational skills, an unusual and penetrating curiosity, and an unwillingness to settle for easy answers. Sixes bring strongly held values and ideas that make them less objective than Fives although they are more passionate. Their very emotional reactivity—including anxiety and fear—gives Sixes a more sympathetic, human quality. Sixes are more openly unsure of themselves and often look to authorities of some kind (including the Fives they trust) to give them guidance and advice. Fives tend to be surer of their ability to think for themselves and to entertain new ideas. Fives also tend to be more skeptical and rejecting of authority. Fives are accepting of Sixes’ changing needs for independence with connection; they are also patient with Sixes’ vacillations. The devotion of Sixes and understated caring can break through the Fives’ tendency to isolate. Thus, Fives and Sixes, as a pair, tend to have a symbiotic intellectual relationship of doubt and decision, questions and answers, problems solved and problems discovered that can be endlessly stimulating. In any event, for a relationship between these two opposite head types to work, there must be a tested and unshakable trust between them: they may often come to different conclusions, but they at least know that their hearts and minds are in the right place.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

The potential trouble spots between Fives and Sixes have already been hinted at above. In short, Fives and Sixes tend to think in diametrically opposite ways and often are on the opposite side of the fence in their conclusions. There will be a good deal of intellectual and emotional tension between them, for better or worse. Sixes tend to look to precedents for guidance about how to proceed; they tend also to be more guided by rules and procedures and protocols, building their arguments and marshalling their facts meticulously, if sometimes ponderously, so that they can feel unassailable. Fives tend to take greater intellectual leaps of the imagination and to consider less or not at all what has been the received wisdom or common consensus of opinion.

Once trust and communication breakdown, Fives can begin to see Sixes as too conservative and indecisive in their thinking and actions. Sixes get nervous about making a mistake and do not want to be criticized (much less ostracized) for their efforts. They can seem to be prejudiced and not open minded, petty and political, playing favorites and trying to please authorities rather than seeking the objective truth. To Sixes, Fives can seem excessively independent, unwilling and constitutionally unable to work within a system or group. Sixes feel that Fives are needlessly provocative and have useless, strange ideas that are impractical and a waste of time. Sixes want to build security by having something clear to believe in; Fives want to find the objective facts, whether or not it makes them feel secure. Fives do not need Sixes’ discouraging wet blanket approach. Sixes do not need Fives’ endlessly vivid imagination for darkness and catastrophe. Each can feed each other’s sense of powerlessness and hopelessness. Fives can see Sixes as closed-minded drudges and fanatics, whereas Sixes see Fives as weird, isolated, and hopelessly impractical. Without intentionality and hard work, this pair of emotional opposites might feel they were better off as colleagues than intimate partners: one wants to put out fires, the other wants to play with matches.

Enneagram Type Five (the Investigator)
with
Enneagram Type Seven (the Enthusiast)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

Since they are both thinking types, Enneagram Fives and Sevens both bring a lot of mental energy and appreciation for ideas to their relationship. Their approach is complementary and reciprocal—each one brings something that the other does not have. On the positive side, Fives bring depth, clarity of observation, insight into the objective state of affairs, independence and self-reliance, and often a wonderfully, off-beat, whimsical sense of humor. It almost goes without saying that they have quick minds and love knowledge and intellectual pursuits. Sevens bring quickness not only of mind but of spirit—ready to do almost anything at a moment’s notice, from going to a movie to booking an around the world trip, from moving the furniture across the room to moving the home to another state. Sevens are independent, although they like to have a few people around to join in the fun and to add to the celebratory, happy feeling that they are always looking for in their lives. They tend to be generous and extravagant, optimistic, gregarious, and outgoing with strangers, often the life of the party.

Fives tend to be somewhat more frugal with money and resources, seldom spending much on themselves (unlike Sevens). Fives also tend to be private and taciturn around strangers, although they can be very funny once they get to know you and feel secure. Fives ground and deepen Sevens, giving them permission to take themselves and their interests more seriously, to focus their energies, and to stay with things until they pay off. Sevens get Fives to try new experiences and to make more social contacts. They may also run interference for Fives in social settings. Both like conversation and ideas and they love to explore new realms together. In short, this is a mixture of opposites with different attitudes about how to enjoy themselves and how to be fulfilled in the world. Fives say, “Life is short: don’t expect too much.” Sevens say, “Life is short: try it all.” Both attitudes are true and can usefully balance the other.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

Fives tend to minimize their needs and their expectations of life, particularly whenever they are under more stress. They tend to see things in terms of scarcity and of being personally unprepared to meet the demands of the world. The result is that as pressures on them increase, Fives tend to withdraw and detach emotionally from everyone around them, and ultimately, even from themselves. They become more reclusive, isolated, disembodied minds who are difficult to break through to, much less to engage in constructive action. This pattern is very difficult on Sevens for whom quick action and having multiple escape routes is the norm. As pressures increase on them, Sevens go into hyper-drive, going more places, doing more things, talking more, getting more advice, gossiping about their relationship problems, and possibly turning to substance abuse to control their mounting anxiety and sadness. These problems only make Fives withdraw further and become frightened of someone who they see as out of control.

In the lower Levels, Fives can see Sevens as too escapist, superficial, intrusive, and coarse. The Seven wants the Five to be more fun so that their experience will be more positive. Sevens embarrass Fives by being too effusive and glib. On the other hand, Sevens think Fives are cold and unresponsive. Conflicts with each other’s style make both dig in their heels. Sevens become more demanding and pushy, whereas Fives become more withdrawn and uncooperative. Sevens may act out to get the Five’s attention, but they may go too far causing Fives to close the door. A lack of trust and difficulty in finding a safe common ground to work out differences makes things worse as both types...

Day 1047 – Don’t Forget Your Umbrella – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 08:03:03 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1047 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Don’t Forget Your Umbrella – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1047 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.

Don’t Forget Your Umbrella

One day as he was walking to work, Sam stopped at the local diner that was on his way for breakfast just as it began to rain. It came down in buckets.

Forgetting that he hadn’t brought an umbrella, he reached for the nearest one that looked like his when he got up to leave. Little did he realize that an elderly woman named Sarah was just behind him and was also preparing to leave. With his hand on the door, he suddenly heard Sarah scolding him, as she loudly pronounced, “Hey Mister! That’s my umbrella.”

Sam was so embarrassed at his mistake when he suddenly realized that he had not brought an umbrella that morning. He handed the umbrella back to Sarah and slinked out of the diner. He walked on to his office, but was drenched by the time he arrived.

Once he got to his office, Sam discovered three umbrellas that he had left in the office over the months. Since it still looked like it could rain when he was leaving the office, he decided to bring them all home at the end of the day.

On his way home, he decided to stop once again at the diner for a snack and wouldn’t you know it, he ran into the same elderly woman (Sarah) also at the diner eating her dinner. Sam tried to avoid her stare as he walked past her, but she spotted him and looked at the umbrellas, then at Sam, and tartly remarked, “You did really well for yourself today, didn’t you?”

I hope that brought a smile to your face for today…If so, pass that smile onto someone else. Our Thursday Thought is “be careful about jumping to conclusions without knowing all the details.”

A good verse for today is: Zechariah 7:9,“This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says, ‘Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another.'”

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 1046 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1046 – When Abraham Met Jesus – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 08:03:41 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1046 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

When Abraham Met Jesus – Wisdom Wednesday

Creating a Biblical worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today’s current events. To establish a Biblical worldview, you must 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.

The father of the Israelites, Abraham, lived 2000 years before Christ came to earth to dwell as a human. How could Abraham have possibly met Christ? In today’s essay, we will explore passages that show…

When Abraham Met Jesus

Some of the most startling things in the Bible are hidden in plain sight. Galatians 3:8 is a case in point. Amid the predictable focus on law, grace, and the gospel, Paul blindsides us, “What’s more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would make the Gentiles right in his sight because of their faith. God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, ‘All nations will be blessed through you.'”

But Abraham lived two millennia before Jesus. There’s nothing about a crucified Savior in the stories about Abraham. What is Paul thinking? To correctly process Galatians 3:8, we need to think about the gospel in different terms.

We typically think of the gospel in terms of the crucified Savior, Jesus, dying for our sins. But the work of Christ was just the means to accomplish what God sought. God wanted a sinless, holy, human family. The sacrifice of Jesus—fully God and fully human—was the necessary mechanism to achieve that larger goal. The gospel is God’s plan to become a man so He could have that holy, human family. Could Abraham have grasped that?

God’s decision to produce His family through Abraham is described in Genesis 12:1-3, “The Lord had said to Abram, ‘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.'”

Paul quoted part of that passage in Galatians 3:8. Paul believed that as a result of that divine encounter, Abraham came away with the knowledge of the gospel that God would become a man to provide the means for a human family. Even more than that, Abraham discerned that he and his offspring—which didn’t yet exist, and which seemingly couldn’t exist—were a critical part of that plan. Was Paul reading a different Old Testament than us? No, Paul got his information about the good news where all the gospel writers did—Jesus (Galatians [1:12]: 1 Corinthians 15:8).

If John 8:56 is any indication, Jesus happened to be an authority on Abraham’s divine encounter with God, “Your father Abraham rejoiced as he looked forward to my coming. He saw it and was glad.” The Jews listening to Jesus immediately understood Him to mean that He had met Abraham. That’s why they said in the next verse John 8:57, “The people said, ‘You aren’t even fifty years old. How can you say you have seen Abraham?'” They were actually right on both counts.

We know that John referred to Jesus as the Word (John 1:1). Less well known is that the “Word of the Lord” is at times an Old Testament description of the embodied God of Israel. For example, Jeremiah was visited by “the word of the Lord” (Jeremiah 1:2-4) whom he called “Sovereign Lord” (Jeremiah 1:6). The Lord God, the Word, is embodied in human form in Jeremiah 1:9, “Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth!”

There are other such passages in the Old Testament. One of them is Genesis 15:1 where the covenant promises between God and Abraham were sealed, “Some time later, the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.'” Notice that this was a vision. In Genesis 12:7, the passage Paul quoted in Galatians 3, has the same language but a physical component, “Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, ‘I will give this land to your descendants.’ And Abram built an altar there and dedicated it to the Lord, who had appeared to him.” Paul wasn’t out of his mind. Abraham had met the Word, and through that encounter, he understood the salvation plan of God.

That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue in the New Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “How Many Times is Jesus Coming Back?” 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 1045 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1045 – Success From Failure – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 08:03:45 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1045 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Success From Failure –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1045 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 Dale Carnegie, and it is, “Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.”

Success From Failures

Success cannot be fully realized except in the light of the failures that we must go through in order to achieve it. We must learn to develop success from our greatest failures. We must understand that we will become discouraged and, at times, our hope will fade. It is only then that we can recognize and appreciate success when it comes.

Each decision we make, every action that we take is a step toward the success that we desire to achieve. In fact, discouragement and failures are the very stepping stone that we need to navigate over the murky slime that would otherwise engulf us. God never promises us that our path will be clear, nor that we will be free from hardship and anguish. He does promise us that He will guide and direct us. He does promise us that He will give us the strength and courage that we need.

He will see us through the discouragements and failures that we will inevitably face. It is then that we will realize the sweet success that we desire, and also realize that as long as we follow God’s precepts, then He will place the stepping stones along our path that will allow us to live a rich and satisfying life each day.

Deuteronomy 8:18 says, “Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1044 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1044 – Live Wisely – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 08:03:44 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1044 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Live Wisely – Meditation Monday

Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

How do you live your life on a day by day basis? Can others look to you as an example of someone who lives wisely? In our Meditation Monday today, I want us to reflect on…

Live Wisely

How you live each day is extremely important, much more important than you may realize. Other people are watching and observing your lives and taking mental note of the decisions that you make and the actions that you take. This includes many people who don’t believe that Jesus took on human form to dwell among us to become our Savior. They make decisions about Christ by watching us. When we’re kind, they assume Christ is kind. When we’re gracious, they assume Christ is gracious. But when we’re dishonest, what assumption will an observer make about our Master?

Courteous conduct honors Christ. It also honors his children. When you make an effort to greet everyone in the room, especially the ones others may have overlooked, you honor God’s children with love worth giving!

Are you creating and living a legacy that points others to Christ? Can others look at your life, regardless if they are a person of faith or not, and say there is an example of a good and godly person. We should be that type of example to everyone, all the time.

Live wisely before everyone so that they may see your life and glorify God. As the Apostle Paul tells us in Colossians 4:5-6, “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1043 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1043 – The Enneagram Type Combinations – 4&7, 4&8, 4&9 – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 08:03:27 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1043 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Enneagram Type Combinations – 4&7; 4&8; 4&9 – Ask Gramps

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase Wisdom and Create a Living Legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1043 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.

Understanding ourselves and how others may interpret life through their paradigm better allows us to interact with each other with more love and compassion. This can be achieved by utilizing a profound tool called “The Enneagram.” The tool that we refer to as the Enneagram (Any-a-Gram) is a circle with nine interconnected points (Ennea refers to 9 and Gram referring to a drawing). Check out today’s or a prior week’s Wisdom Journal for a representation of it. I have also included a copy of “The Enneagram At-A-Glance,” which was compiled by Suzanne H. Eller in today’s Wisdom Journal. If you would like a PDF copy, click on the link in today’s Wisdom Journal located on our website Wisdom-Trek.com.

We have concluded our deep dive into the nine types which are “The Reformer,” “The Helper,”“The Achiever,” “The Individualist,” “The Investigator,” “The Loyalist,” “The Enthusiast,” “The Challenger,” and “The Peacemaker.” Nine weeks ago, we began a series of episodes on Type Combinations, answering the question, “What are the potential relationship benefits and issues with each combination?” Covering all of the 45 different potential type combinations will take several weeks, but will be valuable in understanding each other, regardless of what type you are and what type those with whom you interact with each day are.

So the questions for the next several weeks will be…

The Enneagram Type Combinations

Enneagram Type Four (the Individualist)
with
Enneagram Type Seven (the Enthusiast)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

Enneagram Fours and Sevens tend to be intrigued by each other since they are a generally a case of opposites attracting. Fours tend to be quiet, introverted, self-doubting, emotional, and pessimistic, while Sevens tend to be outgoing, extroverted, self-confident, mental, and optimistic. Sevens help Fours overcome shyness and a possible reluctance to try new experiences. Fours help Sevens stay focused on what they really want—and to respect and follow their feelings. Fours and Sevens bring to their relationship the charge and mystery of their differences—that they think so differently, react so differently, and find pleasure in such different ways. They can, therefore, become intrigued by the other, finding him or her endlessly fascinating, always ready with something new and unexpected.

Both Fours and Sevens bring a capacity for joy and ecstasy, spontaneity, emotion, and passion. Both Fours and Sevens love lively conversation and can pass hours sharing with each other detailed accounts of the events of the day as well as their thoughts and reactions. Both Fours and Sevens love the finer things of life—travel, good food, wine, clothes, and furnishings, and, for better or worse, both can tend to overspend their incomes on what they consider life’s necessities—caviar, champagne, and another trip to Europe. They both have a love of the new and a sense of adventure and romance that can keep their relationship fresh and lively for themselves and be a source of joy and inspiration for others. Both types can be funny, irreverent, and entertaining. There is also an earthiness and bawdiness to both, as well as, paradoxically, a sophistication and elitism. Being opposites, Fours and Sevens can balance each other. Fours bring a sense of depth and interiority, while Sevens contribute a sense of fun and emotional resilience.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

Because they are so different in many ways, Fours and Sevens must have several strong points of attraction or else they will likely miss connecting with each other. Unless some strong passion (romantic, mental, or spiritual) keeps them together, they are likely to fly apart if there are any deep disagreements or conflicts early in the relationship. Both types tend to be impulsive and to be easily frustrated with others when they are disappointed or if their life circumstances do not go as they expect. Both have high expectations for the kind of attention and quality of interactions they want from others, and if they are not forthcoming, both tend to not give others too many second chances to prove themselves. While Fours may admire and even secretly envy the Seven’s resilience and high energy, they may also find themselves worn down by their fast-paced lives and what feels to Fours like the Seven’s relentless plans and activities. Fours can see Sevens as too noisy, superficial, insensitive, and occasionally coarse and insulting without realizing it.

On the other hand, Sevens may admire and try to imitate the Four’s artistic flair, creativity, and appreciation of subtlety and beauty. But Sevens can also see Fours as hypersensitive, ineffectual, impractical, moody, and self-absorbed. In addition, if the relationship worsens, Fours usually become more withholding and hostile, snipping at the other from a safe distance. Sevens become more impatient, abrasive, and can be verbally abusive. Fours may want to talk about everything that has gone wrong with the relationship in great detail with the Seven. By contrast, Sevens typically want to move on to something more promising and upbeat. The result is that underlying problems do not get resolved adequately. Once this relationship curdles, virtually everything each admired and was attracted to in the other becomes irritating and insufferable.

Enneagram Type Four (the Individualist)
with
Enneagram Type Eight (the Challenger)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

This can be one of the most creative relationship couplings, although it is also one of the most inherently volatile. Both Enneagram Fours and Eights are intense and have strong emotional responses; both seek to get a reaction from the other, and both can be dominating of their environments—Eights are socially dominant, Fours are emotionally dominant. Both types bring passion, intensity, energy, and deep (often unconscious) feelings to all aspects of the relationship. They are attracted to each other’s storminess, the other’s vulnerability, and the other’s “hidden” qualities: neither is what they seem to be on the surface. Both types are also highly intuitive—Fours by being self-aware and knowledgeable about how they are feeling, and Eights with their intuition about external phenomena, often with an extremely accurate insight about the potentials and possibilities exhibited by others. Because of their passionate natures, both types can become impulsive and reckless, taking extreme risks for love of thrills or for the sensation of being alive—and this can be tremendously exciting to the other. But there are trade-offs: Fours tend to depend on the Eight’s practicality and ability to protect and provide for them, whereas Eights tend to depend on the Four’s sensitivity and mysterious sense of challenge—the Four’s emotional life and heart may be one world that the Eight cannot easily conquer.

On the other hand, Fours see strength, charisma, and solidity in Eights. Both feel that the other can meet their intensity—that the other will not be boring or non-responsive to them. They make each other feel more alive—something that both want. Intensity, vitality, passion, and immediacy are the emotional hallmarks of this couple, and they relate to each other (and to others in their world) from an unusually high emotional pitch—there is always something happening in their relationship, and they like it this way.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

Both types take a certain pride in having a “larger than life” quality about them: Eights in their larger than life willpower and quest for control, Fours in their larger than life emotions and quest for self-expression. Both types want to be free and to be free from having anyone control them, particularly in their careers and private lives. If they feel that the other is trying to control them, both types can become enraged, easily triggering a gargantuan battle, financial and sexual intrigues, and rampant feelings of hatred. Both Fours and Eights are emotionally stormy and prone to periods of rage, depression, vengeance, and various forms of acting out. When conflicts between them reach a certain pitch, arguing replaces real connection, and fighting (and possibly physical violence) becomes an increasingly common element of their communication, with the violence often running both ways.

They can also begin to get into the practice of fighting and making up because both are more exciting that way. They can also begin to punish each other by withholding attention and affection and by verbally putting the other down, often in public. No coupling is more passionate than the Four/Eight combination—nor is any couple more likely to deteriorate into verbal and physical abuse and various kinds of personal retaliation for escalating offenses. (They also tend to draw their friends and family into their conflicts, trying to make others choose sides.) They may get into the feeling that they are not able to stop themselves from hurting each other, as much as part of them would like to quiet down and become more normal. The passionate attraction that they have for each other can end in obsession and hurtful, ruinously impulsive actions.

Enneagram Type Four (the Individualist)
with
Enneagram Type Nine (the Peacemaker)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

This can be, paradoxically, both a very comfortable—and yet exciting—relationship pair. Enneagram Fours and Nines are both withdrawn and private, sensitive to the feelings and needs of the other, and empathetic to the suffering of others. Both can be tender-hearted and highly sympathetic to the suffering that they find in the world and in each other. Both want to find a deep connection with the other, and yet, both also want a certain degree of autonomy and insist on a very real degree of privacy. Both Fours and Nines can be highly creative, and as a pair, they enthusiastically support the other’s creativity and give the other a good deal of space in which to develop their talents. Both are idealistic and want to connect deeply with someone, feeling that they are on a search for their soul mate, the one person in the world with whom they can completely connect and be themselves.

Both Fours and Nines also bring sensuality and love of comfort that is noteworthy; this may express itself in their lifestyle, traveling habits, and in their sexual and other intimate activities. This is a couple that likes to stay in bed all Sunday morning, reading the papers and talking. Each brings passion and an appreciation of the other coupled with a desire to be comfortable and build a life with the other. Fours can make Nines become more intense and expressive about how they feel, while Nines can allow Fours to feel understood and accepted for who they are. Fours are good at naming feelings and pinpointing emotional states; Nines are good at creating an atmosphere of nonjudgmental acceptance, Nines may even enjoy the emotional storms and dramas that Fours occasionally get into, feeling that it adds spice to their life together. A lot of the pleasure and passion of this couple is nonverbal in the depth of the understanding that each has for the other.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

The biggest area of conflict between Fours and Nines is that each tends to react differently as stress increases. Fours become more emotionally volatile and demanding, while Nines become more disengaged and impossible to get through to. Fours can feel too unstable and dramatic, unpredictable and moody for Nines, while Nines can feel too unresponsive and emotionally inert, unsatisfying, and uncommunicative for Fours. Nines can become angered by the Four’s sense of entitlement and demands for attention and exemption. Fours can become angered by Nines’ irresponsibility and apparent inability to learn from their mistakes and experiences. If conflicts and tensions increase between them, Nines can shut down more and more so that communication stops, and they give Fours the subtle message that they don’t want to hear their reactions or deal with their feelings. Fours can feel that talking with Nines is like playing tennis with yourself—there’s no one to hit the ball back—and there is too little relating in the relationship. Contempt for what Fours see is boring and ineffectual can end the relationship.

Both types look for partners who seem to embody some qualities that they feel they do not have themselves: Nines seek strong, high energy partners, whereas Fours seek partners who possess some ego—ideal that they feel they are missing themselves. In lower functioning Fours and Nines, neither energizes the other, and both get stuck in a morass of inhibited anger, resentment, and irritation with each other. Fours tend to give up on the Nines (as being hopelessly inert and dull), whereas Nines tend to give up on Fours (as being too demanding and emotionally volatile).

That covers the Tenth group of 3 (for a total of 30) out of 45 possible type combinations. We will continue each week to look into three additional combinations as we work our way through the numbers. You are important in God’s Kingdom, live to your fill God-Given potential. Regardless of your personality type and the personality types of those with whom you interact in person or online, we must follow God’s Word as told to us in John...

Day 1042 – One Noisy Hotel – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 08:03:10 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1042 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

One Noisy Hotel – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase Wisdom and Create a Living Legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1042 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.

One Noisy Hotel

Jim, a bleary-eyed guest, shuffles up to the counter to check out of the hotel. Sam, the guest services manager, noticed Jim’s look and asked him if everything was okay. Jim replied loudly, “This hotel is horrible!” Because the hotel was known for its good reputation, Sam was taken back and asked, “What is wrong?” Jim replied curtly, “I got no sleep. Every 15 minutes this loud banging sound woke me up!”

Sam apologized for the noise and asked if there was anything he could do. Jim replied gruffly, “No, but the next time, I want a different room.” Sam assured him that he would give him a special room the next time and finished checking Jim out of the hotel.

A few minutes later, a young couple showed up at the front desk to check out, looking very tired. Being concerned because of Jim’s experience, Sam asked how their stay was.

“Terrible!” They said. “The guy in the next room was snoring so loudly that we had to bang on the wall every 15 minutes to wake him up!”

I hope that brought a smile to your face for today…If so, pass that smile on to someone else. Our Thursday Thought is always be considerate of others, we only see things from our own perspective.

A good verse for today is Proverbs 18:17,“The first to speak in court sounds right— until the cross-examination begins.”

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 1041 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1041 – Charlton Heston Had Company – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 08:03:47 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1041 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Charlton Heston Had Company – Wisdom Wednesday

Creating a Biblical worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today’s current events. To establish a Biblical worldview, you must 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.

The Ten Commandments have had a huge impact on our world, and our culture. Do we really know all the details of how they came to be? In today’s essay, we will explore a passage that shows…

Charlton Heston Had Company

When we hear “Moses Law,” we think of the story we heard in Sunday school or the scene from The Ten Commandments where Charlton Heston (a.k.a., Moses) gets the two tablets from God. But what if I told you Moses and God weren’t alone?

It may come as a surprise, but the New Testament tells us in three places that the Law was delivered by angels, members of God’s divine council. Here are two of those passages:

Acts 7:52-53 – Name one prophet your ancestors didn’t persecute! They even killed the ones who predicted the coming of the Righteous One—the Messiah whom you betrayed and murdered. You deliberately disobeyed God’s law, even though you received it from the hands of angels.

Hebrews 2:1-2 – So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. For the message God delivered through angels has always stood firm, and every violation of the law and every act of disobedience was punished.

I was pretty shocked the first time I saw these verses. And I certainly hadn’t heard about them in church. So what passage in the Old Testament were they quoting? That’s the second jolt. There isn’t a clear reference to it, at least not in the Old Testament we use.

The New Testament writers didn’t invent the idea, though. They got it from Deuteronomy 33:2-4 in their Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament. The Septuagint more clearly connects angels to the Law than the traditional Hebrew text upon which our English translations are based.

So they were using a translation. We can understand that. But we’re not done. It gets a bit stranger. The third New Testament passage that talks about the Law and angels is found in Galatians 3:19- 20. And this time, it isn’t just a crowd of angels with Moses and God, Why, then, was the law given? It was given alongside the promise to show people their sins. But the law was designed to last only until the coming of the child who was promised. God gave his law through angels to Moses, who was the mediator between God and the people. Now a mediator is helpful if more than one party must reach an agreement. But God, who is one, did not use a mediator when he gave his promise to Abraham.

Galatians [3:19] informs us that there was a mediator between God and the angels when the Law was given. Most scholars assume this is a reference to Moses. But why didn’t Paul just say that? And why repeat part of the creed of Israel, the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-6) in the next verse (“God is one”)?

The mediator was likely the Angel of the Lord, the Old Testament version of God in human form. Paul emphasized that “God is one” to keep the Galatians from being confused about his viewpoint. So the God of Israel met Moses in human form, but where is the embodied God in the story of the giving of the Law? Moses answers that question in Deuteronomy 9:10,“The Lord gave me the two tablets on which God had written with his own finger all the words he had spoken to you from the heart of the fire when you were assembled at the mountain.”

Human physicality (“a finger”) is applied to God, who is a disembodied spirit (John [4:24]; Isaiah 31:3). The God of Israel came to Moses in human form, just as He had before, when the Angel of the Lord appeared to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-3: Acts [7:35]). We find support for this proposal in the words of Stephen, who, in the same speech where he said the Law was given by angels, tells us that “the angel” spoke to Moses at Mount Sinai (Acts [7:38]). Some Bible scholars would purport that this angel mentioned by Stephen is the pre-incarnate Christ who is also our mediator.

As much as I love The Ten Commandments movie, the book is more fascinating than the movie. That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue in the New Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “When Abraham Met Jesus.” 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 1040 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1040 – A Better Person – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 08:03:51 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1040 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***A Better Person –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1040 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 Benjamin Franklin,and it is, “Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better person.”

A Better Person

If another person would describe you with a single word, what would that word be? Would it be angry, greedy, jealous, hateful, mean, immoral, or selfish? Or would it be lovely, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, or self-controlled? We need to be continually defeating those attributes in the first group and constantly cultivating the attributes in the second group.

I realize that all of us slip into bad traits at times, but we must be fertilizing and nurturing the good character traits in our lives each year. We do need to live at peace with others and each year become a better person than we were the year before.

There are many references and examples in the Bible as to what type of life we should be living, but there is also a distinct list of character traits that we should have if our lives are being controlled by God’s Spirit on a daily basis. This list will overwrite and indeed even fulfill all the law and the prophets and exemplify the person that we should be. That list 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!”

What type of fruit are you growing?

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1039 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1039 – Lord, Prop Us Up On Our Leaning Side – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 08:03:59 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1039 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Lord, Prop Us Up On Our Leaning Side – Meditation Monday

Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

Do you believe that God provides you with the strength, mercy, and grace to continue on each day? In our Meditation Monday today I want us to reflect on…

Lord, Prop Us Up On Our Leaning Side

Today I want to share with you a story that I read recently that will provide you with a thought that you can meditate on this week. Every time I am asked to pray, I think of the old farmer who always prayed, “Lord, prop us up on our leanin’ side.” After hearing him pray that prayer many times, someone asked him why he prayed that prayer so fervently.

He answered, “Well Guthrie, you see, it’s like this…I got an old barn that is out back of my house. It’s been there a long time; it’s withstood a lot of weather; it’s gone through a lot of storms, and it’s stood for many years. It’s still standing. But one day I noticed it was leaning to one side a bit. So I went and got some pine poles and propped it up on its leaning side of the barn so it wouldn’t fall. Then I got to thinking about that and how much I was like that old barn.

That barn has been around for a long time, and I realize that it is not too much different than me. I’ve been around a long time. I’ve withstood a lot of life’s storms. I’ve withstood a lot of bad weather in life, I’ve withstood a lot of hard times, and I’m still standing too. But I find myself leaning to one side from time to time, so I like to ask the Lord to ‘prop us up on our leaning side,’ cause I figure a lot of us get to leaning at times.

Sometimes we get to leaning toward anger, leaning toward bitterness, leaning toward hatred, learning towards greed, learning towards jealousy, leaning toward cussing, leaning toward a lot of things that we shouldn’t. So we need to pray, ‘Lord, prop us up on our leanin’ side,’ so we will stand straight and tall again to withstand the storms of life, and to glorify the Lord.”

As the old hymn says we are “Leaning on the everlasting arms of God.”

When God “props us up on the leaning side,” remember the truth found in Psalm 73:26, “My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.”

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1038 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1038 – The Enneagram Type Combinations – 4&4, 4&5, 4&6 – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 08:03:06 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1038 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Enneagram Type Combinations – 4&4; 4&5; 4&6 – Ask Gramps

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase Wisdom and Create a Living Legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1038 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.

Understanding ourselves and how others may interpret life through their paradigm better allows us to interact with each other with more love and compassion. This can be achieved by utilizing a profound tool called “The Enneagram.” The tool that we refer to as the Enneagram (Any-a-Gram) is a circle with nine interconnected points (Ennea refers to 9 and Gram referring to a drawing). Check out today’s or a prior week’s Wisdom Journal for a representation of it. I have also included a copy of “The Enneagram At-A-Glance,” which was compiled by Suzanne H. Eller in today’s Wisdom Journal. If you would like a PDF copy, click on the link in today’s Wisdom Journal located on our website Wisdom-Trek.com.

We have concluded our deep dive into the nine types which are “The Reformer,” “The Helper,”“The Achiever,” “The Individualist,” “The Investigator,” “The Loyalist,” “The Enthusiast,” “The Challenger,” and “The Peacemaker.” Eight weeks ago, we began a series of episodes on Type Combinations, answering the question, “What are the potential relationship benefits and issues with each combination?” Covering all of the 45 different potential type combinations will take several weeks, but will be valuable in understanding each other, regardless of what type you are and what type those with whom you interact with each day are.

So the questions for the next several weeks will be…

The Enneagram Type Combinations

Enneagram Type Four (the Individualist)
with
Enneagram Type Four (the Individualist)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

As with all double-type relationships, two Fours generally bring the same qualities to each other. Thus, the Level of health of each person is especially important for these types of relationships as are their dominant instincts. Double Four pairs generally make good friends, and deep friendship is something they often bring to their intimate relationships. Fours often feel misunderstood, yet feel a special bond of understanding with other Fours. They share stories of their childhood traumas, their private dreams, and their disappointments. Both types are openly emotional and sensitive to the needs of the others. Both are looking for adequate mirroring, and in a double Four relationship, they have a real possibility of finding it.

Because each person in a double Four couple is so attuned to their own emotions, there is a great deal of sensitivity and respect for individuality and each other’s emotional needs. They have the ability to laugh at themselves and to find amusement with each other in the dark loneliness of their childhood and adolescence. They are not put off by unearthing deep psychological and personal issues. Both are encouraging of the artistic and creative efforts of the other and find it easy to communicate about the most private and intimate issues as they arise. They feel that their relationship is a truly safe space where the other is on a similar emotional wavelength: both feel less alone and less like something is wrong with them personally. Double Fours are highly romantic and idealistic as a couple, and their intimacy has the potential to grow into a grand passion of virtually operatic proportions. Emotional ups and downs, hopes and disappointments, elation and despair, tend to make this couple more focused on itself than on practical life, child raising, or their careers. Enormous candor, deep friendship, and consideration for the unique history and emotional needs of the other are hallmarks of this relationship.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

Emotional instability of the relationship itself is the main potential problem with a double Four intimate couple. Each person can be self-absorbed and excruciatingly aware of what he or she is getting (and not getting) in the relationship. Both want to be the focus of attention regarding emotional issues. Both want special handling—and insist on having special needs, and they can resent the other for demanding the same for themselves. Both long for an ideal mate—and the feeling that one has found it—can alternate with depression (and other reactions) when expectations are disappointed. They can get into “Who’s more damaged?” contests, a form of negative competition. Both are more or less secretly looking for a rescuer and can get lost in a morass of emotional drama even if they find one.

For all of their potential sensitivity, Fours also tend to withdraw from others and to withhold their attention and affection when they have a conflict with someone. Fours have a profound lack of trust in others, and this lack of trust can extend even to their intimate partner. A period of testing will invariably happen that may be too much for the other Four to bear. They can be annoyed by the other’s quirks and “sensitivities” and unacknowledged demands. They can be intolerant of the other, making each other walk on eggshells, ironically making it difficult to bring up certain issues with the other.

Double Fours can become moody and incommunicative, passive-aggressive, and disdainful, actually hating the very person they may have been so passionately in love with. Rejecting the other (and feeling rejected) can alternate from both parties. Arguments can spiral out of control, and hurtful things get said until reconciliation becomes difficult, if not impossible. Once certain things are said in the heat of the moment, they can never be taken back. Permanent damage is done to feelings of trust and safety—and to the future of the relationship. Once hope for the relationship dies, it is difficult to resuscitate.

Enneagram Type Four (the Individualist)
with
Enneagram Type Five (the Investigator)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

Both types bring a certain richness and special qualities of aspects of human development: Fours bring an artistic and emotional temperament, the habit of introspection and sensitivity to feelings in themselves and others. Both types are private and like depth, and they do not mind taking time to explore things deeply and to savor the richness of their own experience. Enneagram Fours and Fives may well have different interests, but they appreciate different perspectives and respect the other’s intensity and commitment to following their own feelings and interests. Fives bring an inquiring, intellectual temperament, the habit of asking questions and of being interested in a wide variety of things and of being willing to break with old conventions. Fours contribute an appreciation of aesthetics and of the effect that ideas and discoveries have on people: feelings and unconscious processes are powerful and are not to be taken lightly.

Both types can be extremely creative, and both love to share their findings with the other, making stimulating, wide-ranging conversation and open communication a hallmark of a Four/Five relationship, both in the intensity of their conversation and in the sincere interest they bring to their listening to each other. Each type usually brings a noteworthy sense of humor and love of the bizarre and the outlandish that can give their relationship a quirky and unique character all of its own. This is often because they both share an “outsider” status. Fives draw Fours out by showing them other worlds and other perspectives, with a depth that Fours like. Fours help Fives stay in contact with their personal self and feelings. They have a mutual tolerance for whatever the other comes up with, and neither is easily shocked. They generally find each other stimulating and are tolerant of each other’s idiosyncrasies. Both inspire creativity in the other and give permission to the other to be themselves and follow their own inspirations.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

The greatest area for discord in a Four/Five pairing is that Fours are emotional types and tend to push for more contact and intimacy, sometimes becoming overly demanding, whereas Fives are thinking types and tend to push for more detachment and space in the relationship, sometimes becoming more reclusive and private. Fours can experience Fives as being too intellectual and feel that Fives are analyzing them rather than sympathizing with their emotional needs and states. They can also feel that Fives are unavailable and detached, uncaring and unresponsive to their needs in their relationship. Fours feel they can also be impractical and take too long to respond when a situation calls for action.

On the other hand, Fives can see Fours as bottomless pits of emotional needs who drain their time and energy. Fives also feel that Fours’ emotionality reflects a lack of rationality or is a sign of immaturity that seems potentially dangerous and out of control. Fours in the lower Levels do not seem safe because of their apparent instability. Fours tend to be easily frustrated with the quality of attention they get from Fives (since they can be preoccupied with their mental worlds, not with the relationship); thus they tend to provoke the Five until they get a response. Fours need to appreciate the minimalist emotional style of the Five, while Fives need to appreciate the Fours’ depth of feeling. Romantic relationships can get very intense quickly and combust. Usually, the Five retreats first, feeling overwhelmed by the Four’s escalating needs and demands. Of course, the Five’s withdrawal triggers more clinging and neediness in the Four, as well as more demands and more endless analysis of the relationship itself. Emotional florid reactions confronting emotional detachment and rational analysis quickly get to an impasse that may spiral into a breakup.

Enneagram Type Four (the Individualist)
with
Enneagram Type Six (the Loyalist)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

Both Enneagram Fours and Sixes, have many natural affinities for each other, especially since both are highly emotional and often feel insecure around people. Both tend to have strong, immediate feelings and to act on their unconscious hunches or intuitions. Sixes often misidentify themselves initially as Fours because of the traits that they actually have in common. These very traits can also be ones that they bring to the relationship, enabling them to have an unusual degree of empathy and tolerance for each other. In short, Fours and Sixes can bring to each other the feeling that they are kindred souls, connected by their feelings of abandonment and a certain distrust of others. They may feel like “orphans in the storm” who offer mutual support and reassurance. Rather than energize each other, when they are healthy, Fours and Sixes tend to support and stabilize each other, usually acting as a sounding board for worries and complaints that they feel they cannot air anywhere else.

Fours bring sensitivity, sensuality, and the ability to express emotions openly, including the feelings that Sixes themselves do not know how to express. Fours talk about their inner lives—again, something that Sixes often need to learn. Sixes bring hard work, perseverance, practicality, loyalty, and concern with security to the relationship. They are also often warm and unpredictably playful and able to break through whatever gloom and self-absorption Fours may periodically fall into. Fours give Sixes the sense that they are needed—helping to give Sixes more confidence in their ability to cope with things. Sixes like being practical and they often provide Fours with a platform of some kind to develop their creativity as well as the time and support they may need to work through their emotional issues. This combination creates steadiness and daring, balance and the ability to fill in the gaps for each other—both in their own development and in practical affairs.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

As noted above, both Fours and Sixes have issues with feelings of abandonment. Both types in the lower Levels tend to be emotionally reactive, critical of others, pessimistic, and easily overwhelmed. While they may not often talk about it, they may test each other in various ways in an attempt to discover how loyal the other will be to them. Both types may also begin to subtly withdraw attention and affection from the other as a way of defending against the hurt of potential abandonment, should it occur. But in this, both types have a tendency to create a self-fulfilling prophesy in which their fears and reactions bring about the very thing they are consciously trying to avoid. Both types can become codependent, and their reliance on each other may not result in development for either: Fours do not automatically become more practical, and Sixes do not become more insightful about themselves.

Another potential trouble spot for Fours and Sixes lies in the area of change and tolerance for change. Generally, Fours are more interested in self-exploration and self-development, and they tend to be more adventuresome in their tastes and in what they allow themselves to think and to experience. Sixes tend to be more conservative and resistant to change and to personal exploration, making for potential conflict with Fours, who may feel that Sixes are holding them back and stifling their creativity and development. Both can be pessimistic and self-doubting, gloomy and mistrustful of others. The complaint that Fours typically have about Sixes is that they are not free-spirited and romantic enough, whereas the complaint of Sixes about Fours is that they are too undependable and act too much on whims and are not emotionally stable enough. Both types are reactive, and conflicts can escalate quickly. Misunderstandings can lead to projections and massive over-reactions.

That covers the Ninth group of 3...

Day 1037 – A Professional’s Skills – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 10 Jan 2019 08:03:13 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1037 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

A Professional’s Skills – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase Wisdom and Create a Living Legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1037 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.

A Professional’s Skills

We all have the tendency to rely on professionals when we feel that we are not qualified enough in a certain area of life. Quite often we don’t understand the true mastery certain professionals bring to our lives. In today’s humor nugget I will share with you the skill set of 12 different professionals.

A programmer is someone who solves a problem you didn’t know you had in a way you don’t understand.
An auditor is someone who arrives after the battle and bayonets all the wounded.
A banker is someone who lends you their umbrella when the sun is shining and wants it back the minute it begins to rain.
An economist is someone who is an expert who will know tomorrow why the things he predicted yesterday did not happen today.
A statistician is someone who is good with numbers but lacks the personality to be an accountant.
A mathematician is someone who is a blind person in a dark room looking for a black cat that is not there.
A lawyer is someone who writes a 10,000-word document and calls it a “brief.”
A psychologist is someone who watches everyone else when a beautiful girl enters the room.
A pastor is someone who tells you how much God loves you while making you feel wretched.
A professor is someone who talks in someone else’s sleep.
A consultant is someone who takes the watch off your wrist and tells you the time.
A diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to Antarctica in such a way that you will look forward to the trip.

What type of professional are you? I hope these humorous nuggets put a smile on your face for today.

Our good worker verse for today is 2 Timothy 2:15,“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”

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 1036 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1036 – Treason & Translation – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 09 Jan 2019 08:03:11 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1036 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Treason & Translation – Wisdom Wednesday

Creating a Biblical worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today’s current events. To establish a Biblical worldview, you must 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.

Are some Biblical translations treasonous to the Christian faith? In today’s essay, we will explore a passage that shows why certain translations differ.

Treason & Translation

A famous Italian proverb declares “traduttore, traditore,” which means, ”translator, traitor.” Those who assume this is true are unaware of how difficult it is to produce a translation. Every translator at some point invariably discards the meaning of the original text.

A committee of scholars assembled to produce a translation typically adopts an overarching philosophy of translation. In simplest terms, there are two. The first is called “formal equivalence,” which seeks to account for virtually every word in the original text by producing its English counterpart in translation. This is “word-for-word” or “literal” translation. The second is called “dynamic equivalence.” This approach seeks to capture the thought of the original verse in context, and then re-create that thought using whatever English words are most precise. This is “thought-for-thought” translation. But adopting an approach does not mean that all the translators will apply it equally. There is also a matter of interpretation. When the biblical text allows more than one translation due to ambiguity in the context, grammar, or word usage, a translator needs to make his or her own decision, which can lead to controversy.

1 Corinthians 7:1 is illustrative of the potential hazard.

ESV	It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.
NASB	It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
NIV	It is good for a man not to marry.
NLT	It is good to abstain from sexual relations.

The most “word-for-word” of these translations is that of the NASB, which captures the literal reading of the Greek words in the verse, particularly the verb “touch.” Other translations move away from the ambiguous “touch” to “have sexual relations with’’ (ESV, and NLT).

The most controversial rendering is the NIV “It is good for a man not to marry.” How is it that the translators could go from a Greek word that means “touch” to these options?

The answer is that the translators factored in what was presumed to be the wider context of the chapter and, ultimately, the writer. In 1 Corinthians 7:7-8, Paul describes himself as single. His advice to the Corinthians in several places is that it would be wiser for those who are not married to remain unmarried (1 Corinthians 7:7-8 & 26-27) because of an undefined “present crises” ([7:26]), which may be indicating Paul’s view that they were in the final days before Christ’s return. This context is presumed in 7:1 by the NIV.

This translation is certainly plausible, but still problematic. While Paul notes a “present crises” in verse [7:27], can we be certain that Paul was thinking of that distress in 7:1? Might Paul have been thinking about sexual morality instead? The verses that immediately follow 7:1 speaks frankly of sexual temptation (7:2-4). If morality was on Paul’s mind, then the ESV and NLT are more on target. The point would then be an admonition to avoid sexual contact outside of marriage, not to avoid marriage itself.

Translation isn’t just a matter of matching words of one language to words of another. Rather than consider Bible translators as traitors or off base, we need to be sympathetic to their burden. Reading multiple translations can help your understanding of God’s Word and reveal the complexities of the process.

That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue in the New Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “Charleston Heston Had Company.” 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 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 1035 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1035 – New Challenges and New Opportunities – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 08:03:04 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1035 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***New Challenges and New Opportunities –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1035 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 Michael Josephson, and it is, “Whether we want them or not, the New Year will bring new challenges; whether we seize them or not, the New Year will bring new opportunities.”

New Challenges and New Opportunities

Every year, in fact, every day, we are continually faced with both challenges and opportunities. They may actually be the same experience. A challenging situation is actually an opportunity.

We must do away with the thinking that challenges are negative and opportunities are positive. Both are actually neutral, and it is how we perceive the situation that makes it a challenge or an opportunity. Every challenge has opportunities embedded in its core, and every opportunity will have many challenges that actually make the opportunity worthwhile.

Regardless of whether a situation is considered a challenge or opportunity, let us be willing and ready to seize the day, work hard, and take advantage of every challenge and convert it into an opportunity. Let us be prepared to face every challenge that is contained within every opportunity.

Let us live by the Spirit’s power the resides within us, as we are told 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.”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1034 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1034 – Fate vs. Free Will – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 08:03:00 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1034 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Fate vs. Free Will – Meditation Monday

Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

As we have just begun a new year, what do we need to do in order to make it a good and godly year? In our Meditation Monday today I want us to reflect on…

Fate vs. Free Will

In Paul’s letter to his protégé Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:6 he instructs him to, “This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.”

Timothy was divinely given spiritual gifts to assist in building God’s kingdom, but it was up to him to do something with those gifts. Paul encourages him to turn up the heat and do something with the gifts he was provided.

A good explanation for the difference between fate and free will is: “Fate is the hand you were dealt; free will is what you do with that hand.”

We cannot choose to whom, when, or where we are born, that is determined only by God. While we are not responsible for, nor did we have any choice in what gifts and abilities we were born with, we are completely responsible for what we do about discovering and developing these gifts and talents and for how we use them. We are responsible for maximizing our God-given resources.

Furthermore, regardless of our background, which I acknowledge has a profound effect on us, with God’s help and the support of encouraging friends, we can refuse to allow our predetermined past to determine our future, and we can overcome much of our past, develop our talents, learn new skills or upgrade the skills that we already have, become the people God wants us to be, and do what we believe He wants us to do with our lives. We are without excuse as we are encouraged in 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.”

God planned our lives long ago. It all boils down to our choice on what we do with those plans. Either by conscious choice or by default, we all choose what we want to become and do what we choose to do. As another person has said, “Everyone is self-made, even if the successful are the only ones who will admit it.”

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1033 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1033 – The Enneagram Type Combinations – 3&7, 3&8, 3&9 – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 08:03:44 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1033 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Enneagram Type Combinations – 3&7; 3&8; 3&9 – Ask Gramps

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1033 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 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.

Understanding ourselves and how others may interpret life through their paradigm better allows us to interact with each other with more love and compassion. This can be achieved by utilizing a profound tool called “The Enneagram.” The tool that we refer to as the Enneagram (Any-a-Gram) is a circle with nine interconnected points (Ennea refers to 9 and Gram referring to a drawing). Check out today’s or a prior week’s Wisdom Journal for a representation of it. I have also included a copy of “The Enneagram At-A-Glance,” which was compiled by Suzanne H. Eller in today’s Wisdom Journal. If you would like a PDF copy, click on the link in today’s Wisdom Journal located on our website Wisdom-Trek.com.

For additional insight, I recommend the book The Road Back to You written by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile. It is an excellent book about an enneagram journey to self-discovery from a Christian perspective.

We have concluded our deep dive into the nine types which are “The Reformer,” “The Helper,”“The Achiever,” “The Individualist,” “The Investigator,” “The Loyalist,” “The Enthusiast,” “The Challenger,” and “The Peacemaker.” Seven weeks ago, we began a series of episodes on Type Combinations, answering the question, “What are the potential relationship benefits and issues with each combination?” Covering all of the 45 different potential type combinations will take several weeks, but will be valuable in understanding each other, regardless of what type you are and what type those with whom you interact with each day are.

So the questions for the next several weeks will be…

The Enneagram Type Combinations

Enneagram Type Three (the Achiever)
with
Enneagram Type Seven (the Enthusiast)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

This is a highly complementary pair: both types are self-assertive, have high energy, and are outgoing and capable of being around people with relative ease. Both types bring optimism, a future orientation, the sense of possibility and renewal to their relationships and to enterprises they become involved with. Threes can work alone more easily than Sevens, although both are stimulated by interacting with people and both can be excellent communicators of their ideas and values. Both are persuasive and articulate, often lively and attractive, making them sought-after company. Both have a youthful orientation such that they feed off of each other’s energy: no other couple is as vivacious or gregarious as the Three/Seven couple. This is probably the highest energy combination of types, and they wholeheartedly engage in lots of activities, plans, and projects, with the emphasis on attaining the good life. The focus is on sociability, going out, having adventures together and on realizing possibilities and on finding personal fulfillment.

To this mix, Threes bring sensitivity to people and how to communicate with them, a sense of propriety, appropriateness, and social conventions, as well as the ability to focus on goals and get them accomplished. Sevens bring a sense of fun and adventure, resilience, and not being overly concerned with failure. Sevens can be spontaneous in ways that are helpful to more self-conscious Threes. Sevens bring breadth of knowledge and experience, boundless enthusiasm and good spirits. Threes bring a focus on goals, on staying practical and grounded, and on observing healthy limits. This can be a fun, articulate, generous pair, virtually sparkling with vitality and the joy of life. This can sometimes seem to others to be an almost magical couple.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

This is also an extremely volatile couple: there is almost too much electricity under one roof. A Three/Seven pair always looks like a great couple, but this can also mean having to live up to their own hype. They can be exhausting to keep up with, and their mutual qualities make it difficult to admit to or look at problems. They both feel the pressure to be “fabulous” and perfect all of the time. Both types seem light-hearted, and unconcerned; yet, in their high-energy routines, they often hurt each other without realizing it. Often this results in a backlog of past hurts that have been suppressed until it is too late and too much damage has been done.

Depending on their level of health, Threes can become workaholics, completely focused on achieving success, building more prestige, and planning career moves with the care of a general, so much so that relationship and family life takes a distinct second place, if that. By contrast, Sevens tend not to take their career as seriously as Threes, always feeling that if things do not go well in one job they can move to something better. On the surface, Threes seem to have as much self-confidence as Sevens; in reality, they do not, which is why they feel they need to promote themselves and their accomplishments. Threes may be envious of the easy success of Sevens, while Sevens may feel that too much fun and enjoyment is being sacrificed for the Threes’ focus on career. Sevens may get the feeling that they only exist to prop up the Three in various ways. Neither type wants to talk about their shortcomings, failures, or negative feelings, and so these topics tend to be avoided for as long as possible. Often either a health or career crisis will bring things to the surface. Sevens do not want to be trapped in a relationship that is no longer enjoyable, and Threes do not want to be in a relationship that has failed. Once they doubt that the other is there for them, they turn toward self-centered attitudes, which further erode the relationship. A break can come abruptly and be permanent.

Enneagram Type Three (the Achiever)
with
Enneagram Type Eight (the Challenger)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

These two types can form powerful and highly effective affiliations and can also have passionate and stimulating personal relationships. Both are assertive: both Threes and Eights go after what they want in life. Both can be larger-than-life figures who are outstanding in some ways and because both stand out in their social circle. They cannot help but notice each other and come to terms with each other. Either an alliance forms that will enhance both parties or a competition develops that will keep them apart. Surprisingly, Eights’ strength and solidity gives Threes permission to be more heartfelt. The Eight feels reliable, and Threes seek safety to reveal their hearts. Eights also like seeing Threes use the opportunities and rise to the challenges they offer. On the other side, it helps Eights to relax once they see that the Three is competent and can do things on their own. Moreover, both Threes and Eights are action-oriented, pragmatic, care about getting the job done and are willing to take the lead to achieve their goals.

They both have a marked degree of self-confidence (at least outwardly), they can be persuasive, and they can cut their losses and change goals when things are not working for them. To this mix, Threes bring more awareness of others and a feeling for public relations and for how to please people. They are more diplomatic and adaptable, both in their relationship with Eights and with others. Eights bring forthrightness in expression, fearlessness, physical vigor, and determination to achieve their personal vision. They bring solidity, decisiveness, and a kind of strength that the more flexible Three gains confidence from. They want to be proud of each other and to support each other’s potentials and accomplishments. They tend not to compete with each other—surprising because both tend, in general, to be competitive with others.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

Threes and Eights can be effective in the business world and in their professional careers where energy, determination to succeed, and personal drive are necessary. But both types tend to be workaholics, putting themselves under tremendous stress in order to achieve their goals and to hang onto whatever success they have. Under sufficient stress, they may stop supporting each other and compete to top the other’s achievements. Of the two types, Eights are more openly controlling than Threes, although Threes will attempt to control situations covertly—which can arouse the Eight’s suspicions and lack of trust. Once trust is compromised, Eights can become jealous and possessive, ordering the Three to do things to prove their personal loyalty to the Eight. Threes may easily feel used and belittled, not adequately appreciated for their contributions or for their support of the Eight. Eights begin to expect and demand loyalty—even obedience—for their patronage and guidance. Threes begin to feel that they are losing their ability to pursue their own goals and that they are becoming an appendage of the Eight.

In response to deteriorating conditions, both types can become manipulative to get what they want. Once they begin to do this with each other, trust and openness cannot be maintained. Moreover, neither Threes nor Eights are very skilled at talking about their real feelings or needs, nor do they feel comfortable being vulnerable. For both, isolation and suspicion becomes the norm and can become difficult to break through. Eights may see the Three as deceitful and untrustworthy; Threes may see the Eight as willful and vengeful. And they can fear being humiliated and co-opted for life. Eights ultimately want support for themselves and their vision. Threes want to be developing themselves and to be admired for their qualities. Battles over who is supporting whom result. Whose agenda will prevail? A nasty, very personal, breakup may follow.

Enneagram Type Three (the Achiever)
with
Enneagram Type Nine (the Peacemaker)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

This is a fairly common pairing. Nines bring enormous support, encouragement, and a sense of pride in the Threes’ accomplishments. Threes can feel that with the Nine behind them, they are able to be themselves, explore their potential, and become the best mate, friend, or professional that they can be. Threes can help Nines to properly value themselves, to have more self-respect, and to invest in their own development. Nines can help Threes relax and find enjoyment in simple things—Nines give them permission to not drive themselves so much. Both types also want to avoid conflicts and to put a positive spin on things—Nines are genuinely optimistic and look on the bright side, while Threes focus on being positive and hopeful, and are careful to not let people see them being down or depressed. Both types are sociable, idealistic, caring for children, animals, and the underdog. Both are usually hard working and want to achieve a degree of material success that will enable them to take care of others in a kind of extended family where everyone would be safe, comfortable, and thriving. They both want a pleasant, aesthetically pleasing home.

To this mix, Threes bring energy, personal ambition, flexibility, the ability to set and achieve long-term goals, and efficiency. Threes energize Nines and bring change and excitement to the relationship. Nines bring a feeling of safety and steadiness, the assurance that the Three is loved for themselves and not just for their achievements, and the feeling of not being judged or evaluated at every moment. Threes feel that they can let down their hair and really be themselves with Nines who accept them just as they are. The sensuality of the Nine and the attractiveness of the Three can meet in a couple highly attracted to each other and attached by physical passion. In other Three-and-Nine couples, the need for comfort and security may be the main source of attachment and the pleasure they get from each other.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

The Three/Nine couple can almost be a case of “too much of a good thing.” Because both types are attracted to keeping the positive values in their lives alive—and there can be so much attachment to comfort and stability in their world—it becomes difficult to question the status quo and the routines that they get into. Neither wants to bring up conflicts that they have with the other. Nines are more likely not to want to talk about whatever is bothering them for fear of further endangering the relationship. But Threes also do not want to express their complaints because doing so will risk rejection and may also expose the fragility or even the falseness of their relationship. Nines feel that it is better not to say anything and to let things work out on their own, if that is at all possible. If Threes are heavily invested in having a “perfect marriage” to the outside world, it will be difficult to talk about their unhappiness in the relationship or the frustrations they are feeling.

Often the relationship will continue for a while as if nothing is wrong even if it is essentially over. Eventually, however, Threes begin to feel unseen and unappreciated and perceive that the Nine is not really there for them—not really present to the relationship. The Nine may be an excellent provider in a material sense, but under stress, may begin to become emotionally absent. Feeling abandoned or rejected usually makes Threes become depressed, although they often do not realize this since they can get quite out of touch with their emotions. Threes can feel that Nines are stifling them, whereas Nines can feel that Threes are too demanding and are “spoiled.” Sometimes a crisis, an affair, or some other major life challenge brings the deterioration of the relationship into awareness. They may go through cycles of breaking up and getting back together, although if the underlying problems are not resolved, the real feelings and frustrations continue and will eventually undermine the relationship.

We will continue each week to look into three additional combinations as we work our way through the numbers. You are important in

Day 1032 – Exercises to Avoid in 2019 – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 08:03:32 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1032 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Exercises to Avoid in 2019 – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1032 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.

Exercises to Avoid in 2019

If you are a long time listener to the Wisdom-Trek podcast, you know that I strongly advocate keeping fit through exercising and eating good, wholesome foods. In today’s humor nugget I want to share with you 17 exercises that we should avoid:

Jumping on the bandwagon.
Wading through paperwork.
Running around in circles.
Pushing your luck.
Playing in traffic.
Spinning your wheels.
Adding fuel to the fire.
Beating your head against the wall.
Climbing the walls.
Beating your own drum.
Dragging your heels.
Jumping to conclusions.
Grasping at straws.
Fishing for compliments.
Throwing your weight around.
Passing the buck.
Running with scissors.

Well, I hope that will keep you safe, help to improve your exercise regimen, and put a smile on your face for today.

Our exercise verse for today is 1 Timothy 4:8, “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”

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 1031 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1031 – Signed, Sealed, and Delivered, to Satan – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 08:03:21 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1031 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Signed, Sealed, and Delivered, to Satan – 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.”

Can a Christian be turned over to Satan for destruction? In today’s essay we will explore a passage that may indicate so…

Signed, Sealed and Delivered, to Satan

Throughout the New Testament, “family language” is used to describe the relationship of believers to God and Jesus. The Lord’s Prayer instructs us to address God as “our Father” (Matthew 6:9). Hebrews 2:11-12 reveals that Jesus considers believers His own siblings. Paul says Christians comprise “the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). How is it, then, that Paul tells Christians living in Corinth that believers unrepentantly living in sin should not only be put out of the church (1 Corinthians 5^:9-13), but also “hand him over to Satan.” 1 Corinthians 5:5 reads, “Then you must throw this man out and hand him over to Satan so that his sinful nature will be destroyed and he himself will be saved on the day the Lord returns.”

If a person is handed over to Satan, does that mean they then belong to Satan? Does the person lose salvation and have to be re-converted to Christ? Nowhere in the passage does Paul suggest that the believer in question becomes an unbeliever or is without hope of salvation.

After demanding the unrepentant believer be handed over to Satan, Paul notes the goal of such a decision is “so that his sinful nature will be destroyed and he himself will be saved on the day the Lord returns.” What does Paul mean by “that his sinful nature will be destroyed?” Paul often uses the word “flesh” to refer to the physical body, but sometimes he uses it to refer to self-sufficiency, worldliness, or manner of life. In this passage, it is translated “sinful nature.” Since someone expelled from a church is not going to die as a result, the second possibility is best. Paul is insisting that the unrepentant person be dismissed from the church to live in his or her sin and endure the consequences of their behavior.

Paul’s explanation in verse six helps answer what he means by “his sinful nature will be destroyed,” but it does not explain what the phrase “handed over to Satan” means. For that, we need to look to the Old Testament. The Israelites viewed their land as holy ground and the territory of the non-Israelite nations as controlled by demonic gods. Israel was holy ground because that was where the presence of God resided. The opposite was true everywhere else.

This perspective shifted after the formation of the Church. God’s presence was no longer in the Jerusalem temple, but in the temple which is the body of believers. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 reads, “Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.”

Where a church was, the Lord was present. Therefore, the church was considered “holy ground;” anywhere outside the church was the demonic realm. Hence Paul’s thinking: to be expelled from the church—the local manifestation of the place God lives—was to be thrust into the realm of Satan.

That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue in the New Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “Treason & Translation.” 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 1030 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1030 – Another Fresh New Year – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 01 Jan 2019 08:03:25 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1030 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Another Fresh New Year –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1030 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 William Arthur Ward, and it is, “Another fresh new year is here…another year to live! To banish worry, doubt, and fear, to love and laugh and give! This bright New Year is given me to live each day with zest…to daily grow and try to be my highest and my best! I have the opportunity once more to right some wrongs, to pray for peace, to plant a tree, and sing more joyful songs.”

Another Fresh New Year

All of us like new beginnings. A time to strip off the old and put on the new. A time when we can cast off the past and begin with a clean slate. We can learn from the past, and our past does determine our starting point for today. But it does not control our future.

We need to strip off the shackles of yesterday, and press forward to new tomorrows. Anyone can do this, regardless of your past. First, you must determine in your mind, then take action to make it happen. Strip off the clothing of worry, doubt, and fear, and put on the new garments of love, kindness, peace, and gratitude. Many others are traveling on this trek of life with you to live a life that is rich and satisfying. Let us band together for the best year ever. We can be encouraged by the following two verses.

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.

2 Corinthians [5:17]

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1029 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1029 – Begin Again…Anew – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 08:03:26 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1029 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Begin Again…Anew – Meditation Monday

Taking time to relax, refocus, and re-prioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

As we finish this year and look forward to next year with all of its hopes, dreams, and promises on our Meditation Monday I want us to reflect on…

Beginning Again…Anew

One of God’s chosen prophets really got far off course from what God intended for him. That prophet was given another chance, as we all are shared in Jonah 3:1-3, “Then the Lord spoke to Jonah a second time: ‘Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh, and deliver the message I have given you.’ This time Jonah obeyed the Lord’s command and went to Nineveh, a city so large that it took three days to see it all.”

As far as following God was concerned, Jonah failed hopelessly. He defiantly did the opposite of what he knew he was supposed to do. But did God reject him? No. God allowed him to experience failure. Getting thrown overboard and being swallowed by a whale, or some sort of big fish, brought Jonah to his senses real quick. When he was ready to listen, “Then the Lord spoke to Jonah a second time.”

And so it is with us. No matter how difficult this past year has been for you—whether it is because of the choices you have made—or just completely out of your control, God is still calling you to do His will. No matter how many times we feel we’ve failed or blown it, God will continue to call us to himself. If you have made unwise choices or you feel life has been unkind to you, there is always hope. Regardless, it is much wiser to “listen up” quickly, so we don’t have to get hit over the head with a “4 by 4“, or be swallowed by a “whale of a problem.” God is patiently waiting to get our attention.

So, if you feel you have failed, be encouraged. If life has thrown obstacles into your path that were completely outside of your control, be encouraged. Now is the time to give God a chance to make all things new. It may not be immediately, but He will “mend even a broken heart if you give him all the pieces.” God calls us all to follow him, so why not respond to his call and, if you haven’t already done so, ask him to come into your life as Lord and Savior? Even though life is hard at times and we are saddened and overwhelmed, through your lamenting remember Lamentations 3:22-23, “The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1028 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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!

Day 1028 – The Enneagram Type Combinations – 3&4, 3&5, 3&6 – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 28 Dec 2018 08:03:47 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1028 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Enneagram Type Combinations – 3&4; 3&5; 3&6 – Ask Gramps

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1028 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.

Understanding ourselves and how others may interpret life through their paradigm better allows us to interact with each other with more love and compassion. This can be achieved by utilizing a profound tool called “The Enneagram.” The tool that we refer to as the Enneagram (Any-a-Gram) is a circle with nine interconnected points (Ennea refers to 9 and Gram referring to a drawing). Check out today’s or a prior week’s Wisdom Journal for a representation of it. I have also included a copy of “The Enneagram At-A-Glance,” which was compiled by Suzanne H. Eller in today’s Wisdom Journal. If you would like a PDF copy, click on the link in today’s Wisdom Journal located on our website Wisdom-Trek.com.

We have concluded our deep dive into the nine types which are “The Reformer,” “The Helper,”“The Achiever,” “The Individualist,” “The Investigator,” “The Loyalist,” “The Enthusiast,” “The Challenger,” and “The Peacemaker.” Six weeks ago, we began a series of episodes on Type Combinations, answering the question, “What are the potential relationship benefits and issues with each combination?” Covering all of the 45 different potential type combinations will take several weeks, but will be valuable in understanding each other, regardless of what type you are and what type those with whom you interact with each day are.

So the questions for the next several weeks will be…

The Enneagram Type Combinations

Enneagram Type Three (the Achiever)
with
Enneagram Type Four (the Individualist)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

These two types can form something of a complementary relationship, with each bringing important qualities to the relationship that the other generally lacks. Enneagram Fours can teach Threes how to talk about themselves on a deeper level and help acknowledge and process their feelings. They can also bring Threes more sensitivity, a feeling for beauty and for the non-practical but fulfilling aspects of life. Finding the Three’s heart’s desire is an extremely important area of self-awareness in which Fours can play a helpful role to Threes. Fours can bring a sense of style and presentation, rich communication, and a sense of refinement. Threes model many of the qualities that Fours would like to develop in themselves, and Threes are well-suited to helping Fours gain new skills. Threes can bring a good deal of tact and diplomacy in handling Fours’ emotional reactions and their sometimes too-sensitive feelings and self-doubts. Knowing what to say and when to say it—and what not to say—to a Four can be crucial for building trust in the relationship and avoiding inadvertent episodes when either feels humiliated or embarrassed. Threes can bring a sense of hope and ambition to the relationship, practical goal-setting, coaching and behavior management techniques that help Fours get out of a slump or a period of low energy. Threes can coach Fours on how to get on with practical matters and to act professionally despite the shifts in their feelings and self-doubts.

Since both types are driven by (often unconscious) feelings and reactions, this can be an intense and passionate coupling. Both are aware of “image” issues and about how others perceive them, and so this couple will be noteworthy for its energy, flair, sense of style, and enjoyment of the finer things of life. They may both feel a connection with the other that goes beyond words or reason into another realm as if they had known each other from a previous existence or that the other is some kind of soul mate.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

Both Threes and Fours have issues with self-esteem and with needing attention and validation from others. They both suffer from questions about their own identity and have hidden feelings of shame and worthlessness. These two types secretly compare themselves with others and have more or less openly competitive tendencies. Much will depend on how narcissistically wounded each person is—and therefore how much they will be vying for approval, attention, and recognition. Both Threes and Fours need attention and to feel appreciated although Threes will be more able to openly seek these things. Fours can feel overshadowed or shut out of the limelight by the more energetic Three. This can trigger feelings in Fours of being defective and deficient, which Threes may play on. Threes will tend to give less attention than Fours to the relationship itself, although both will tend to see the other as essential for their welfare. Fours will typically want far more emotional involvement and intimacy than Threes are comfortable with (or even capable of providing).

A related problem is that neither type really sees the other as they are: both see the other through projections of what they need and expect the other to be. Fours may see Threes as a rescuer and as the embodiment of everything they lack, whereas Threes may see Fours as an exotic, mysterious sexual or artistic trophy that enhances their desirability. Both types, however, can get into hostile rages if their emotional needs are not fulfilled. Perhaps worst for this pairing is that they inadvertently keep reminding each other of their own particular brand of self-concealment and phoniness—a constant source of irritation to each other. They can become snippy and sarcastic, gossiping and complaining about the shortcomings of the other to their own friends. Both can also be covert and indirect about sabotaging the other out of revenge, if their relationship should end. Once the respect and admiration they have had for each other ends, dismissiveness, contempt, and undermining begin—and the relationship itself is surely about to end.

Enneagram Type Three (the Achiever)
with
Enneagram Type Five (the Investigator)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

This is a frequently seen combination although one that might not be expected. Enneagram Fives often give Threes depth, new areas of expertise and credibility, while sparking creativity. Threes give Fives confidence, presentation skills, and awareness of the importance of communicating effectively with others. Both Threes and Fives are primarily focused on their work and on objective issues and concerns. Both types are preoccupied with competency and effectiveness, especially in their professional areas, and this is where they support each other in an outstanding way. Although both have deep feelings, both tend not to focus on them for the sake of getting on with their work. They tend to understand each other’s need to balance closeness with their need for personal space: they do not crowd each other. Threes contribute social skills, the ability to communicate and to sell ideas and projects, charm, energy, and a strong sense of practicality to the relationship. They can often see what is needed in the relationship or in the world and help to marshal the Fives’ skills toward that goal. Fives bring depth of understanding, expertise in one or more areas, perseverance with details until the goal is accomplished, an objective dispassion, and lack of attachment to outcomes.

This can be a “brilliant” couple—sharp, successful, deeply competent, and well respected. If they are attractive, Threes can be a trophy for Fives who are usually less concerned with appearance; Fives, on the other hand, can also be a trophy for Threes who are proud of the Five’s expertise and who are glad to learn from them whenever they can. Both regard the other as a catch who enhances their own self-esteem and social standing. Their deep, often unspoken, feelings for each other frequently deepen even more over time, gradually allowing this couple to discover not just passion but quiet affection and pride in each other.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

This couple’s emphasis on work and competency can also lead them into conflicts and tensions with each other. A great deal of their self-esteem is also derived from their work and how it is regarded by others. Threes and Fives can get into more or less open contentiousness over who was the original source of ideas and work. There can be elements of comparing one’s work and contributions, claims about who is responsible for which ideas or breakthroughs, and other forms of competitiveness coming not only from Threes but from Fives. Threes also tend to want to get on with the project or with whatever they feel needs to be done, while Fives tend to take a long time fine-tuning and tinkering until they feel that they are adequately complete. Conflicts can erupt over the use of time, resources, and priorities as the more practical-minded Three becomes increasingly impatient with the Five’s lengthy preparations but lack of action. Fives may also begin to lose respect for the ethical standards of Threes who they feel are ready to cut corners or exaggerate claims in order to accomplish goals or to stay ahead professionally.

Both types also tend to not speak directly about their feelings or misgivings about the relationship until it is too late: then they both can become sarcastic and hostile, icy and distant from each other. Fives can be too blunt and argumentative for Threes who can retaliate with sarcastic zingers and put-downs while pretending not to be hostile or irritated. Both types can be arrogant and impatient with the other, and as a couple, they begin to find little to admire in the other. Threes can seem shallow and dishonest to Fives, while Fives can seem weird and repulsive to Threes. Turning a negative situation around will depend on how much each needs the other, as well as the depth and breadth of other shared values, such as children and spiritual beliefs. If these are few, it will be difficult to salvage the relationship once their connection has been broken since both types tend to be suspicious and cynical about people.

Enneagram Type Three (the Achiever)
with
Enneagram Type Six (the Loyalist)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

Surprisingly, this is not a common pairing although these two types can work very well as a team. On the positive side, Threes bring hard work, optimism, energy, a desire to communicate to and connect with people, and a feeling of unlimited potential both personally and in the relationship itself. Threes can bring an enormous sense of self-confidence and the hope of success that is assured—that this relationship is a winning team or that this couple is the best ever! Common goals bring them together—they are both practical and want to achieve tangible things in the world. Sixes bring grounding, industrious hard work, perseverance in difficult times and personal loyalty to the Three. Sixes provide warmth, support, and a great deal of practical good sense. Sixes can also bring compassion for the downtrodden or the less fortunate in life. Threes can pick up on this compassionate quality in Sixes and learn to open their own hearts more deeply to the underprivileged and the unfortunate.

Both believe in applying elbow grease toward goals, whether toward financial security or developing personal talents. In short, they are both doers. They foster equality, and mutual respect for the different talents each brings and the shared interests they invest in. Threes help bolster the Sixes’ confidence and develop their self-esteem. Sixes offer support to Threes without Threes feeling smothered. Sixes also help Threes to become part of something bigger than themselves-a church, a service organization, a political or spiritual group. Both become stronger individually and as a team by “finding themselves” through service and humble, hard work. Respect for each other can grow as each continues to discover the other’s good qualities. This can be a very enduring and successful couple as long as heart-centered values and deeper principles keep them both grounded.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

Ultimately, each has what the other needs, but unless their relationship is healthy and well stabilized, they can tend to bring out the worst characteristics in themselves and in each other. These two types have similar negative qualities in common: both can be competitive and become workaholics, both are looking externally for reassurance to make up for secret inferiority feelings and insecurity, both want to be socially accepted. Both can be conformists of various kinds, doing what is expected of them, and both avoid looking at their deeper feelings or discussing their emotions. Both Sixes and Threes have feelings, but they tend to put them aside in order to get the job done whatever it is. Their different coping styles can get on each other’s nerves by reminding them of their own weak spots. Threes seem to be inflated and grandiose to Sixes; Sixes seem to be nervous and reactive loose cannons to Threes. Sixes err on the side of caution; Threes on the side of too much ambition.

At their worst, both can become dishonest, evasive, and covert about their own actions and feelings. They can deteriorate into a relationship of robotic functioning in which real feelings are not discussed, and both develop social lives away from the other. Threes will try to keep up appearances and are often embarrassed by Sixes (intentionally or inadvertently) revealing that the pair is in trouble. Eventually, there is a quiet, deadening down of any real enthusiasm or interest from both in the other. Instead of healthy skepticism and questioning of the Six, or the playful teasing and challenging competitiveness of the Three, both sides present an increasingly bland mask of normalcy to themselves and to the world until something comes along to expose the situation.

Day 1027 – Walking on Water – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 27 Dec 2018 08:03:05 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1027 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Walking on Water – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day Day 1027 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.

Walking on Water

For his entire life Dewey Winthrop, IV was told the story about how his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather had all walked on water on their 21st birthdays.

Feeling that this was his divine destiny to continue with this tradition, on his 21st birthday, Dewey and his younger brother Damon, headed out to the lake. “If they did it, I can too!” he insisted.

When Dewey and Damon arrived at the lake, they rented a canoe and began paddling. When they got to the middle of the lake, Dewey stepped off of the side of the boat…and immediately plunged beneath the surface and nearly drowned.

After being rescued by Damon, a furious and somewhat embarrassed Dewey headed for home.

When Dewey arrived back at the family home very distraught, he asked his grandmother for an explanation. “Grandma, why can’t I walk on water like my father, and his father, and his father before him?”

His sweet old grandmother took Dewey by the hand, then gently held his face and looked into his eyes and explained, “That’s because your father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were born in January, you were born in June, dear.”

I hope that brought a smile to your face for today.

Our Thursday thought is “If you intend to walk on water, you must have a firm foundation.”

Our Thursday Scripture Reference is Matthew 14:28, “Then Peter called to him, ‘Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.'”

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 1026 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1026 – A Female Apostle – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 26 Dec 2018 08:03:07 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1026 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

A Female Apostle – Wisdom Wednesday

Creating a Biblical worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today’s current events. To establish a Biblical Worldview, you must 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.

The culture in which the Bible was written was primarily patriarchal meaning that it was written by and from the perspective that males controlled much of the narrative of the world. While it has changed some in recent decades, this is still not uncommon. A careful reading of God’s Word will expose many women who had a dramatic impact on the world. During Jesus’s ministry on earth, women played a very vital role. The building of God’s kingdom today has also been greatly impacted by women. There are many examples, but today’s essay will explore…

A Female Apostle

Paul’s final greetings to the Roman church seem typical. We might just skim over the list of names without a second thought. But one name within that list has become the focus of controversy and heated debate is Romans 16:7, “Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews, who were in prison with me. They are highly respected among the apostles and became followers of Christ before I did.”

Junia (or Julia) is most likely the name of a woman. When you read the phrase ‘‘among the apostles,” you understand how a simple salutation has become a proof text in the debate over the role of women in ministry.

The evidence that Junia is a woman is compelling. Its Greek spelling (Iounian) could point to either a man or a woman. However, the addition of an accent mark would specify gender—depending on what mark was chosen—Greek has several—and on which syllable the accent mark was placed.

The earliest manuscripts of the New Testament were written in an uppercase Greek script (uncial) that did not include accents. But copies of the Greek New Testament from later periods in a cursive script (minuscule) accent the name as female.

In ancient Greek literature, outside the New Testament, the masculine form of the name has only surfaced once. Ancient Latin texts have also been searched, with some theorizing that Junia might be a shortened form of the male Junianus. Of the 250 or more citations of the name Junia, where a shortening of the name is possible, all have referred to women.

The phrase “among the apostles” can also be translated as “to the apostles,” placing Junia within or outside this ministry category. Either translation is possible within the scope of Greek grammar. External examples, though, statistically favor the female option.

However, there are other issues that are rarely raised in this debate. New Testament apostles, for instance, are not all described on equal terms. The original 12 disciples, along with Paul, were a special group. They were firsthand pupils of Christ, some of whom God endowed with supernatural spiritual gifts (Acts [5:12]) and divine revelation in the form of the New Testament.

Not all apostles had such gifts, however. Aside from the 12 disciples and Paul, it is not clear that the term “apostle” spoke of high authority or even expectations of the role. The Greek word “Apostolos” simply means “messenger” or “sent one,” someone sent out for a specific task, akin to our concept of a missionary.

Although the apostle Barnabas did preach and teach (Acts [15:35]). Epaphroditus is not described in such terms. “Apostles” were also sent out to represent churches, but we are not told in what capacity (2 Corinthians [8:23]). Paul did not appoint apostles for local church leadership. As paying attention to the details in the Bible matters. Things can get complicated, but they’re certainly interesting. And we also learn from this example that women played a strategic role in the early church.

That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue in the New Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “Signed, Sealed, and Delivered…to Satan.” 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 1025 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1025 – The Original Christmas Story – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 25 Dec 2018 08:03:39 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1025 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***The Original Christmas Story –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1025 of our trek, and since I am releasing this podcast episode on Christmas Day, I am switching today’s wisdom nugget to explore…

The Original Christmas Story

When we think of the Christmas story, we think of the Virgin Mary, Joseph, the carpenter, a long hard journey to Bethlehem, the manger, the shepherds, and the wise men. While they make up part of the Christmas story, and there are many other details surrounding this precious day, the original Christmas story is found in the book written by the Apostle John. John does not mention any of the details mentioned above. In fact, John’s book begins when Jesus was an adult, and yet he takes us back to eternity past. This information allows us to see that the Original Christmas Story began then. Let me read John 1:1-16.

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.

God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

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.

So from this moment forward, when we think about the Christmas Story, let us go back to the beginning of time, to eternity past, and remember all the other details of the Christmas Story specifically verse 14, “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.”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1024 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1024 – The Arrival of a King – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 24 Dec 2018 08:03:10 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1024 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Arrival of a King – Meditation Monday

Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

When a son is born to a king, the finest room is prepared for them, and the entire world rejoices. There is a great celebration and fanfare shouted in the street. There was one king born where the fanfare and celebration were of a different nature. It was there, but in the most unusual places from the most unusual sources. For our Meditation Monday today, I want us to reflect on…

The Arrival of a King

God had entered the world as a baby.

Yet, were someone to chance upon the sheep stable on the outskirts of Bethlehem that morning, what a peculiar scene they would behold.

The stable stinks like all stables do. The stench of urine, dung, and sheep reeks pungently in the air. The ground is hard, the hay scarce. Cobwebs cling to the ceiling, and a mouse scurries across the dirt floor.

A lowlier place of birth could not exist.

Off to one side sit a group of shepherds. They sit silently on the floor; perhaps perplexed, perhaps in awe, no doubt in amazement. Their night watch had been interrupted by an explosion of light from heaven and a symphony of angels. God goes to those who have time to hear him—so on this cloudless night, he went to simple shepherds.

Near the young mother sits the weary father. If anyone is dozing, he is. He can’t remember the last time he sat down. And now that the excitement has subsided a bit, now that Mary and the baby are comfortable, he leans against the wall of the stable and feels his eyes grow heavy. He still hasn’t figured it all out. The mystery of the event puzzles him. But he hasn’t the energy to wrestle with the questions. What’s important is that the baby is fine and that Mary is safe. As sleep comes, he remembers the name the angel told him to use…Jesus. “We will call him Jesus.”

Wide awake is Mary. My, how young she looks! Her head rests on the soft leather of Joseph’s saddle. The pain has been eclipsed by wonder. She looks into the face of the baby. Her son. Her Lord. His Majesty. At this point in history, the human being who best understands who God is and what he is doing is a teenage girl in a smelly stable. She can’t take her eyes off him. Somehow Mary knows she is holding God. So this is he. She remembers the words of the angel in Luke 1:33, “And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”

He looks like anything but a king. His face is wrinkled and red. His cry, though strong and healthy, is still the helpless and piercing cry of a baby. And he is absolutely dependent upon Mary for his well-being.

Majesty in the midst of the mundane. Holiness in the filth of sheep manure and sweat. Divinity entering the world on the floor of a stable, through the womb of a teenager and in the presence of a carpenter.

She touches the face of the infant-God. How long was your journey!

This baby had overlooked the universe. These rags keeping him warm were the robes of eternity. His golden throne room had been abandoned in favor of a dirty sheep pen. And worshiping angels had been replaced with kind but bewildered shepherds.

Meanwhile, the city hums. The merchants are unaware that God has visited their planet. The innkeeper would never believe that he had just sent God into the cold. And the people would scoff at anyone who told them the Messiah lay in the arms of a teenager on the outskirts of their village. They were all too busy to consider the possibility.

Those who missed His Majesty’s arrival that night missed it not because of evil acts or malice; no, they missed it because they simply weren’t looking.

Little has changed in the last two thousand years, has it?

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1023 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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!

Day 1023 – The Enneagram Type Combinations – 2&8, 2&9, 3&3 – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 08:03:13 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1023 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Enneagram Type Combinations – 2&8; 2&9; 3&3 – Ask Gramps

Wisdom – the final frontier to true knowledge. Welcome to Wisdom-Trek! Our mission is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1023 of our Trek and 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.

Understanding ourselves and how others may interpret life through their paradigm better allows us to interact with each other with more love and compassion. This can be achieved by utilizing a profound tool called “The Enneagram.” The tool that we refer to as the Enneagram (Any-a-Gram) is a circle with nine interconnected points (Ennea refers to 9 and Gram referring to a drawing). Check out today’s or a prior week’s Wisdom Journal for a representation of it. I have also included a copy of “The Enneagram At-A-Glance,” which was compiled by Suzanne H. Eller in today’s Wisdom Journal. If you would like a PDF copy, click on the link in today’s Wisdom Journal located on our website Wisdom-Trek.com.

We have concluded our deep dive into the nine types which are “The Reformer,” “The Helper,”“The Achiever,” “The Individualist,” “The Investigator,” “The Loyalist,” “The Enthusiast,” “The Challenger,” and “The Peacemaker.” Five weeks ago, we began a series of episodes on Type Combinations, answering the question, “What are the potential relationship benefits and issues with each combination?” Covering all of the 45 different potential type combinations will take several weeks, but will be valuable in understanding each other, regardless of what type you are and what type those with whom you interact with each day are.

So the questions for the next several weeks will be…

The Enneagram Type Combinations

Enneagram Type Two (the Helper)
with
Enneagram Type Eight (the Challenger)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

These two types are more alike than they might appear to be at first. Both are action-oriented and want to have a personal impact on their environment. Both can be sentimental and deeply feeling, with a soft side that is often more hidden than apparent. Both can play the roles of provider, protector, caretaker, and nurturer while avoiding or even denying their own needs. Both tend to overwork themselves, and both tend to be the strong one in relationships (although Twos will tend to do so as the power behind the throne while Eights will tend to clearly be on the throne). Both types bring passion, vitality, interpersonal and social skills, magnanimity, and generosity. The basic emphasis of both types is distinctly different, however, with Twos being primarily interested in the welfare of others while Eights tend to be interested in their physical wellbeing and in having a distinct impact on their world, often with beneficial fallout for others.

They easily play roles that the other needs and wants: the Eight is practical and concerned with results, whereas the Two is more people-oriented and more openly altruistic. They are both strong willed and like taking on responsibility, as long as they choose it themselves. Eights often bask in the glow of the Twos’ affection and adoration. Twos truly appreciate the Eights’ strength and efforts—and see their often hidden self-sacrifice. Both see each other’s noble qualities and can be each other’s staunchest supporters and admirers. Their roles are also clearly delineated, so they do not get in each other’s way. Each runs different spheres of their lives and covers different bases (one plays the symbolic Mommy, the other the symbolic Daddy, and things are clear and balanced). These qualities make this couple powerful allies who complement each other’s strengths, particularly the good effects they can have on others.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

Twos and Eights have very different value systems: as noted above, Twos tend to be person oriented, while Eights tend to be practical minded. Their interpersonal styles are also very different, with Twos tending to be more empathetic and indirect and Eights being more direct and independent. Even average Eights tend to become proud of their resolutely unsentimental way of dealing with people and situations, while average Twos become highly attached to people and overly-solicitous about their needs. Twos tend to see things from the points of view of others, while Eights do not: they see things from the point of view of self-interest, feeling that others need to learn to take care of themselves lest they become weak and ineffectual. Thus, in a relationship, Twos and Eights have very different ideas about where other people fit into the picture, including their own family.

Both types tend to move in opposite directions and have increasingly opposing views about how to treat other people. Eights become more hard-hearted and confrontational, while Twos become more possessive and self-sacrificial. Between themselves, they can get into battles with each other about whose philosophy will prevail. Rather than feel rejected or lose a key relationship, however, Twos can get caught in a codependent relationship with the Eight. The Two can become an apologist for the Eight’s bad behavior, enabling them and thus encouraging Eights to continue with anti-social or self-destructive habits. Thus, this couple might not break up as quickly as some other pairings would although they can drag each other down without seeing their mutual trap. Ultimately, Eights can lose respect for Twos, finding them insincere and manipulative, while Twos lose respect for Eights thinking them to be cruel and domineering. Both can become coarser and more controlling if this continues, with overtones of stalking and paranoia, fears of betrayal, and acts of revenge.

Enneagram Type Two (the Helper)
with
Enneagram Type Nine (the Peacemaker)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

Enneagram Twos and Nines are similar in a wide variety of areas and reactions; both types are interested in nurturing others and in helping people to be better, more comfortable with themselves, and more at peace. Both types also tend to be optimistic and to reframe disappointments in the most positive way possible. This pairing has an outstanding warm, kindly, and good-natured quality about it that each side reinforces. Twos and Nines are easy-going, hospitable, and undemanding, happy to make friends happy and to welcome them into their home. Twos bring to the pair a more outward and interpersonally engaging energy: they would most likely be the first to introduce themselves at a party or to go to someone’s aid and comfort if they perceived that the other person had some kind of problem. Twos are proud of their relationship, their home, their family and their friends—and they want to share them with others. Twos constantly add energy and new people to the relationship mix. They are more talkative than Nines and more openly curious about other people, how they live and what they are like, and are more eager to get involved in others’ lives.

On the other hand, Nines bring a quiet steadiness and uncomplicated directness that allows people to flourish and things to get done with a minimum of stress and conflict. Even if Twos become upset about their relationships or are feeling moments of self-doubt about how loved they are, Nines have a way of calming them down and of providing a great deal of unquestioned acceptance. Both types are drawn to each other to provide soothing and support; their home and hearth, pets and love of nature are extremely important to them. Both go out of their way to be considerate of each other, as well as of other people. Much of their best communication is non-verbal, physical, arising from their simple, direct presence to each other. They can develop almost a psychic link with each other. This is a very mellow couple, whose emphasis on hospitality reminds people of how healing it is to be around loving, generous people.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

Both Twos and Nines tend to give away their power and to go along with the agendas of others. Yet, one of the parties will have to wear the pants in the family, taking charge and making decisions. Doing so goes against the grain of both types although either will take charge if necessary. However, negotiating power and decision making in a Two/Nine couple puts both parties under increasing stress, and both tend to feel that they are being forced into the bad guy role in the family, and that they will be resented and unloved while their partner gets off the hook.

Further, neither finds it easy to talk about their feelings or their growing discontent with the power balance in the relationship or with any other sources of resentment and potential conflicts that they may have. Twos tend to actually take over too much, becoming domineering and controlling, not hesitating to boss the Nine around and to speak with surprising harshness to him or her. But because Twos can rationalize their motives and see themselves only as all loving, they can continue without feeling guilty or embarrassed.

Nines find it difficult to find their own voice and to speak up for themselves. But when the Nine actually does speak up, the Two often takes this as a lack of gratitude and tries to turn the Nine’s comments around on them. Twos are not good at taking criticism, and when Nines find the courage to speak up, they may go overboard with a load of old resentments that have piled up. The result is that Nines withdraw into silence and become passive-aggressive as a way of dealing with their anger, while Twos feel unappreciated, misunderstood, and rejected.

Both try to keep everything quiet and normal on the surface although they begin to deteriorate into longer silences with each other and more distance, including less physical contact. An air of tension takes over, punctuated by angry outbursts and recriminations. The couple that seems so unassuming and supportive tends to end through attrition and drifting apart. Nobody wants to talk about what has really happened, nobody wants to take responsibility for the deterioration of the relationship, and things eventually simply fall apart.

Enneagram Type Three (the Achiever)
with
Enneagram Type Three (the Achiever)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

As with all double-type relationships, two Enneagram Threes generally bring the same qualities to each other. Therein lies both a main source of the attraction as well as one of the main pitfalls. Thus, the level of health of each person is especially important for these types of relationships as are their dominant instincts. Two Threes bring to each other a concern for achievement and excellence, for making something of themselves and their opportunities, and for being a credit to the relationship. They are both hard workers, always looking for a way to improve their station in life and to share these benefits with their loved ones and friends. Threes also tend to be sociable and to enjoy the company of others. They have the ability to charm others and present themselves in a favorable, attractive light—even to their spouse or close friends. Some Threes are less sociable and more concerned with business matters and with gaining financial security, but they too, want both themselves and their relationship to be admirable and outstanding in some way. They may be known for their closeness or personal devotion or the longevity of the relationship itself.

Both Threes can form an extremely effective team that is likely to be successful in virtually any endeavor they might pursue. They are able to coordinate tasks at home or in the office, becoming a working team supporting each other. They each want the other to be proud of them and to be admired by the other as a worthy partner. They both try to avoid drama in the relationship, and they give each other space to pursue their own interests and self-development.

Double Three couples are usually excellent motivators of each other, urging the other to higher achievement and to attaining their goals, whether in child-rearing, education, or sports and physical fitness. They can act as the coach of the other, helping the partner to improve their technique and hone their professional and personal skills. What they demand of each other is respect for their achievements and for their hard work. Thus, in many ways, two Threes can make an impression on others of being virtually an ideal couple—attractive, energetic, ambitious, focused, and often outstanding members of their social group.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

As long as a Three couple is healthy, they both tend to be highly supportive of each other and the other’s interests and career. They are glad for the success and prestige that their spouse may garner. Problems may arise in average to lower-functioning Three couples if they begin to compare themselves with each other. An unhealthy spirit of competition and one-upmanship can infect the relationship and undermine the pride and generosity they have felt toward each other. Even if they have different careers, two Threes may begin to compare their relative success, their incomes, how well each is regarded professionally—and what their relative chances for advancement are. One partner being elected to a committee or board of directors puts pressure on the other to do something similar or even more prestigious.

Further, one or both of the Threes may begin to feel that the relationship is taking time away from their own career and their own pursuit of success. One may feel that they are sacrificing their career potential for the sake of keeping the relationship together while the other is getting ahead at their expense. Children, pets, family members, and friends may also suffer varying degrees of neglect as the double Three couple puts energy into their professional advancement, putting ever longer hours in at the office or on the road.

One of the biggest issues for double Three couples is that neither is particularly aware of their real feelings or their own heart’s desire. They also typically do not know how to talk about their deepest feelings, and so they most often do not. They often experience...

Day 1022 – A Christmas Turkey Story – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 08:03:47 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1022 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

A Christmas Turkey Story – Humor Unplugged

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase Wisdom and Create a Living Legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1022 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.

A Christmas Turkey Story

Sarah, a new young bride, calls her mother in tears. She sobs, “Richard doesn’t appreciate what I do for him.”

“Now, now,” her mother comforted, “I am sure it was all just a misunderstanding.”

“No, mother, you don’t understand. I bought a frozen turkey, and he yelled and screamed at me about the price.”

“Well, the nerve of that lousy cheapskate,” says her mom. “A frozen turkey is only a few dollars, especially this time of year.”

“No, mother,” Sarah replied, “it wasn’t the price of the turkey. It was the price of the airplane ticket.”

Now Sarah’s mom was really confused at this point, so she asked, “An airplane ticket…What on earth did you need an airplane ticket for?”

“‘Well mother, when I went to fix it, I looked at the directions on the package, and it said, ‘You must prepare from a frozen state,’ so I flew to Alaska to cook it.”

Well, I hope that brought a smile to your face today. Here are Gramps’s Christmas Gift suggestions that will not cost you anything: 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.

Our Thursday Scripture Reference is the greatest gift that God gave to all the world John 3:16, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave^[a] his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

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 1021 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1021 – Destiny and Destination – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 19 Dec 2018 08:03:26 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1021 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Destiny and Destination – Wisdom Wednesday

Creating a Biblical Worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today’s current events. To establish a Biblical Worldview, you must 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.

When we read in the Bible about taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth, what was the mindset of the apostles who wrote it, and more specifically Paul? Today’s essay will explore…

Destiny and Destination

Paul felt it was his destiny reach the ends of the known world, which made his destination Spain. In Romans 15:23-24 he expressed this plan, “But now I have finished my work in these regions, and after all these long years of waiting, I am eager to visit you. I am planning to go to Spain, and when I do, I will stop off in Rome. And after I have enjoyed your fellowship for a little while, you can provide for my journey.”

His ambitions are repeated a few verses later in Romans 15:28, “As soon as I have delivered this money and completed this good deed of theirs, I will come to see you on my way to Spain.” It’s certainly ambitious for him to be making travel plans. But Paul wasn’t making casual conversation or planning a vacation. He believed that his life and ministry would not end until he reached Spain. We aren’t sure if Paul made it, but he was passionate about getting there. Why? He saw himself in the prophecy of Isaiah 66.

· Day of Salvation

Throughout his letters, Paul quotes Isaiah and other Old Testament books to show that the long-promised day of salvation would come during his lifetime. In the Old Testament, the Jewish belief in Jesus as the Messiah was preceded by something Paul referred to as “the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ,” which is found in Romans [11:25].

In Romans 9-11, Paul says that Gentile (non-Jew) inclusion in the people of God was made possible by the hearts of the Jewish people being temporarily hardened (Romans [11:25]-26). Accomplishing the mission of Gentile evangelism would undo this hardening. Only then would Paul’s longing for the Jews to believe in Jesus come to full fruition. Only then would the deliverer (Jesus) come again from Jerusalem or Zion.

Paul was tracking the prophecy found in Isaiah [66:18]-20.

“I can see what they are doing, and I know what they are thinking. So I will gather all nations and peoples together, and they will see my glory. I will perform a sign among them. And I will send those who survive to be messengers to the nations—to Tarshish, to the Libyans^[a] and Lydians^[b] (who are famous as archers), to Tubal and Greece,^[c] and to all the lands beyond the sea that have not heard of my fame or seen my glory. There they will declare my glory to the nations. They will bring the remnant of your people back from every nation. They will bring them to my holy mountain in Jerusalem as an offering to the Lord. They will ride on horses, in chariots and wagons, and on mules and camels,” says the Lord.

The conversion of the Gentiles would result in the Jews from those nations returning to the Lord.

· The Sign Paul Saw

Paul interpreted Isaiah 66 through Christian eyes. The “sign” was the virgin-born Jesus found in Isaiah 7:14, “All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin^[a] will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).”

At Pentecost, Jews whose ancestors were exiled to foreign nations came to Jerusalem from those nations. They witnessed a sign of the Holy Spirit coming upon the disciples, heard the gospel miraculously in their own language, and believed in Acts 2. Returning to their countries, nations scattered throughout the Mediterranean—they spread the word to the Gentiles.

Reading Acts 2 carefully, we can see that the nations listed move east to west, beginning with the region where Jews were first exiled. Paul’s missionary efforts began at the geographical midpoint of those listed nations and moved westward.

· The Ends of the Earth

Spain, the location of ancient Tarshish listed in Isaiah [66:19], was the end of the world, according to the thinking of Paul’s time. When Paul wrote Romans, he and other believers had taken the gospel to every region in Isaiah 66, every region that is except Tarshish.

Paul believed that his mission, “the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ” and the salvation of his fellow Jews, would be fulfilled once he reached Spain. His focus was evident when he and Barnabas were rejected at Antioch as told in Acts 13:46-47, “Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and declared, “It was necessary that we first preach the word of God to you Jews. But since you have rejected it and judged yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we will offer it to the Gentiles. For the Lord gave us this command when he said, ‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.’”

For Paul, reaching Spain was about the gospel being fulfilled. There was no other option. This is something we wouldn’t pick up on without reading our Old Testament.

That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday, we will continue in the New Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “A Female Apostle.” 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 1020 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1020 – Christmas Hope, Peace, and Love – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 08:03:11 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1020 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Christmas Hope, Peace, and Love –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1020 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 Ada V. Hendricks, and it is, “May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope; The spirit of Christmas which is peace; The heart of Christmas which is love.”

Christmas Hope, Peace, and Love

Christmas, for most people around the world, but especially for those who hold to the Christain faith, is the most wonderful time of the year. May we be glad to share the Christmas hope to all we meet. May our spirits reflect the peace that Christmas represents. May our hearts be filled with love for one another, regardless of whether we see eye to eye. May this hope, peace, and love flow through us, not only during the Christmas season but throughout the whole year. Let us keep in focus the hope, peace, and love that God provides to us through His gift to us, as He became human through Jesus Christ and chose to live with us. Jesus’s entire human existence represented the very essence of that hope, peace, and love. May our lives also reflect the same.

Isaiah 9:6

For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1019 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 for Wisdom Wednesday!

Day 1019 – Evidence of Things We Cannot See – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 08:03:18 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1019 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Evidence of Things We Cannot See – Meditation Monday

Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

When I ponder the vastness of space with its millions of galaxies in all their beauty in a universe that seems to go on forever, I am left with so many questions that no one has answers to. Is it really possible that we as humans could have possibly evolved over eons of time? Our Meditation Monday today I want us to reflect on…

Evidence of Things We Cannot See

We are told in Psalms 19:1, “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.”

Not so long ago a school district here in the United States was ordered by a judge to remove stickers from biology textbooks that said that evolution was a theory, not a fact.

How interesting is this so-called day of diversity that we allow evolution to be taught as fact but are not allowed to teach that there might be another way to look at life—including Intelligent Design—even if not God!

Even Charles Darwin, considered the father of evolution, said over 150 years ago, “To suppose that the eye with all its inimitable contrivances for adjusting the focus to different distances, for admitting different amounts of light, and for the correction of spherical and chromatic aberration, could have been formed by natural selection, seems, I freely confess, absurd in the highest degree.”

We have made so many advances in understanding the human body since then. Darwin didn’t know nearly as much as we do about the sophistication of the signal processing from the eye and the nose. Not to mention the miracle of birth and millions of other miracles that we live with every day of our life.

There is so much noise and confusion in the world today that it is no wonder why so many people don’t understand the miracles of the smallest of atoms, or the vastness of our universe. How could it possibly have happened by random chance out of an empty void? The fact is that each one of us, for the most part, hears what we want to hear and turns a deaf ear to what we don’t want to hear. We also see what we want to see and turn a blind eye to what we don’t want to see. Belief is basically the same and not based on rational thinking. It’s based on choice. Generally speaking, we believe what we want to believe, what we are most comfortable with, and what we choose to believe.

True, none of us has ever seen God, and many use this as an excuse not to believe in him. I can’t see electrons either, but every time I turn on my light switch, I see the evidence of electrons in action. I can’t see cell signals, radio waves, or TV signals that come from satellites, or the wind, but I see and hear the evidence of their existence continually.

The fact is if we want to “see” God, we will because the evidence of his existence is everywhere we look. But if we don’t want to see him, we won’t.

Again, it is choice, not chance, that not only determines our belief in God but also our eternal destiny. So choose wisely. Your life depends on it. Eternity awaits us all. It all boils down to what we put our faith in.

Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.”

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1018 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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.

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 1018 – The Enneagram Type Combinations – 2&5, 2&6, 2&7 – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 14 Dec 2018 08:03:54 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1018 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Enneagram Type Combinations – 2&5; 2&6; 2&7 – Ask Gramps

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1018 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, this is not possible. 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.

Understanding ourselves and how others may interpret life through their paradigm better allows us to interact with each other with more love and compassion. This can be achieved by utilizing a profound tool called “The Enneagram.” The tool that we refer to as the Enneagram (Any-a-Gram) is a circle with nine interconnected points (Ennea refers to 9 and Gram referring to a drawing). Check out today’s or a prior week’s Wisdom Journal for a representation of it. I have also included a copy of “The Enneagram At-A-Glance,” which was compiled by Suzanne H. Eller in today’s Wisdom Journal. If you would like a PDF copy, click on the link in today’s Wisdom Journal located on our website Wisdom-Trek.com.

We have concluded our deep dive into the nine types which are “The Reformer,” “The Helper,”“The Achiever,” “The Individualist,” “The Investigator,” “The Loyalist,” “The Enthusiast,” “The Challenger,” and “The Peacemaker.” Four weeks ago, we began a series of episodes on Type Combinations, answering the question, “What are the potential relationship benefits and issues with each combination?” Covering all of the 45 different potential type combinations will take several weeks, but will be valuable in understanding each other, regardless of what type you are and what type those with whom you interact with each day are.

So the questions for the next several weeks will be…

The Enneagram Type Combinations

Enneagram Type Two (the Helper)
with
Enneagram Type Five (the Investigator)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

Enneagram Twos and Fives are double opposites, as it were—a people person versus a loner, a feeling type with a thinking type. Twos and Fives come from different points of view on what is important in life and in a relationship. And yet, because they are so different, there can also be an intense attraction to the mystery of the other. Twos and Fives are a more common pairing than might be expected: Twos can see Fives as challenges—distant, mentally preoccupied, not giving many outward signals, and difficult to charm easily because they are so private. It is hard to know what pleases Fives which makes Twos only try harder. Twos bring to the relationship a willingness to take the initiative and to pursue the Five—to be the first one to call or to ask for a date, no matter which gender they are. When healthy, Twos bring warmth, physical comfort and ease (something Fives typically lack), a desire to improve the Five’s living conditions, style of dress and eating habits—and many other marks of thoughtfulness as signs of affection and genuine interest. Fives are usually not unaware of these though they may not outwardly react to the expressions of affection of Twos, Fives are secretly pleased that someone cares and is being attentive to them.

For their part, Fives are usually very loyal: they find relationships complex and difficult, so they tend to value one that begins to work. And they tend to put energy into it. Fives bring stability and quiet, dispassionate good judgment and objectivity, particularly in crises. When Fives focus, they are good listeners and give undivided attention. They are not as attached to outcomes, and so can often make decisions more wisely and be good advisors to more emotionally volatile Twos. Fives are often more calm than Twos, and this gives them both a feeling of steadiness and hope. In short, Fives stabilize Twos’ emotionality, while Twos warm up Fives’ coolness. Twos enjoy seeing that their attention and affections have had positive, visible effects on the Five. Fives secretly like being doted on and finally finding the nurturing they have unconsciously been seeking (but may have almost given up on).

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

Many of the issues that this couple faces have to do with their boundaries and how respectful or not each is of the other. Twos tend to become frustrated by the Five’s lack of immediate response to them—sometimes Fives are so taciturn and involved in their own mental world that there is no response at all—which hurts the Two’s feelings and feels like a rejection to them. Feeling rejected triggers deep anxieties in Twos relating to the fear that they are unwanted and unloved. This may make them redouble their efforts to get some kind of response from the Five. They may become more talkative, more curious and questioning of the Five, and more demanding-physically hoisting the Five from her desk or barging into her library to drag her out dancing or to a movie because she needs a break from work. Much of the Two’s activities become a form of intrusion that has, at its root, the need to reassure himself that the Five is still connected with him.

But the more intrusive Twos become, the more Fives internally withdraw and detach emotionally from what feels like a threat to their autonomy and competence. Fives start to lose confidence in themselves and are actually harmed by being overly helped. Lower functioning Twos, however, feel that they have no value unless they are actively involved in every aspect of the other’s life. But the more they feel intruded on, the more unsafe Fives begin to feel. And they may start to fear the Two (because they seem irrational and out of control to the Five). Fives can also become cynical about the value and viability of relationships—and cynical about the possibility of finding one that works for them. Fives tend to walk away from the entire question, losing interest in having an intimate relationship often for years at a time. But the more distance Fives put between themselves and Twos, the more this brings out the Twos’ obsessions and the more aggressive they become in their pursuit of the Five. It is a prescription for disaster, or at least loneliness, for both.

Enneagram Type Two (the Helper)
with
Enneagram Type Six (the Loyalist)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

Both Enneagram Twos and Sixes are highly dutiful and take their responsibilities toward each other very seriously. The emphasis tends to be slightly different, however, with Twos focused primarily on building intimacy and positive feelings between themselves and other individuals, whereas the emphasis of Sixes tends to be on building a foundation of security, a sturdy platform of hard work and trust that everyone can count on. Both types are highly responsible and tend to put the needs of others before their own. They are both family oriented and foster domesticity; they easily share duties around the house and with their children or friends. They are both socially involved in their community and see great value in having many social connections which give them the feeling that they are valued in their world. Sixes value the warmth, kindheartedness, generosity, and self-sacrifice of the Twos. Sixes are aware of how well suited Twos are to be an excellent, devoted spouse and parent, and that they could be trusted to be loyal.

On the other hand, Twos will likely admire the hard work, steadfastness to commitments, perseverance, modesty, and playfulness of Sixes. Even if they should sometimes be grumpy and indecisive, Twos realize that healthy Sixes almost always come around in the end. Caution and vigilance are recognized as worthwhile assets in what can be a cruel and exploitative world. Twos often feel that they can count on the Six’s watchfulness to spot difficulties before they become problems. When Twos and Sixes are healthy, they may actually admire each other more than they feel a grand passion for each other. Their relationship may be based more on steadiness, mutual respect, and affection than on some kind of overheated chemistry between them. They see the other as good and dependable, and that is often more than enough as a basis for an enduring and productive life together.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

One of the main potential areas for problems between Twos and Sixes has to do with control and autonomy, between being too close and being too far apart. Part of the problem has to do with the lack of confidence of lower functioning Sixes and their ability to make decisions and to be decisive. Average Sixes tend to feel pressured by all kinds of competing demands on their time and energy—by the Two, by the boss, by friends, by their church, and even by their country. Pressure from all sides makes Sixes feel more anxious and emotionally unstable, unable to think clearly or to make decisions easily. They can become doubtful, suspicious, and negativistic. As Sixes become more reactive, they are likely to impulsively take almost any action just to relieve their anxieties momentarily. At such times, Twos may begin to offer them more help and advice, or to issue “orders” as a way to empower the Six and help them through their anxiety.

However, Sixes usually perceive the Two’s help as intrusiveness and undermining of their self-confidence, and they resent it. Cycles of anxiety and acting out, followed by tearful reunions, followed by needing to be more autonomous on the Six’s part, followed by more intrusion on the Two’s part, can wear this relationship down. The problem is that lower functioning Twos think there is no such thing as too much intimacy since they always want to be closer. However, Sixes are more ambivalent, pushing the Two away and then pulling them closer. The Six’s ambivalence and inconsistency drives the Two crazy and taps into fears of rejection. Twos will up the ante by trying to help the Six more although Sixes experience their help as control and seek more distance. This pair can become enmeshed in a bad child, punishing parent drama that can ultimately be fatal to their relationship and the real mutual respect that it was potentially founded on.

Enneagram Type Two (the Helper)
with
Enneagram Type Seven (the Enthusiast)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

In many ways, both of these types can look alike. Both Enneagram Twos and Sevens can be outgoing, friendly, funny, high-energy people and very enjoyable company. They want others to be happy and to have a good time, and both types tend to interpret things (including setbacks) in a positive way—always looking for the silver lining or the blessing in a seeming disaster. Both types are engaging and spontaneous and love the good things of life. In addition, Twos bring a depth of feeling and concern for the welfare of others into the mix. Twos admire the nerve and gusto with which Sevens plunge ahead in life, making every day an unpredictable adventure. Sevens bring high energy, and a quick mind that sees possibilities and generates ideas faster than they can be acted on. There is a kind of mental electricity and excitement that Sevens generate—the aura of sheer possibility that Twos find intoxicating, not only for themselves but for those they want to share their excitement with. The Seven helps the Two to remember to do nice things for him or herself on a regular basis. They remind Twos that if they are not taking care of their own health and fulfillment, they will not really be able to be helpful to others. On the other hand, healthy Sevens feel that their emotional and physical needs are largely met by a healthy Two. The Two helps the Seven feel relaxed and fulfilled, reducing the temptation to wander.

Further, both Twos and Sevens are idealistic, but Twos can more easily and consistently translate this impulse into altruistic action. This inspires the Seven who also enjoys sharing abundance with others. Together, they can be remarkably generous and thoughtful as a couple. The Two and Seven combination can have a positive effect on people that is virtually unmatched by any other couple: they can be warm, welcoming, and generous, making others feel loved and invited to the party.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

In time, Twos feel that they can never have enough intimacy, and they usually try to find ways to be closer to the Seven. They like to stay at home, go on quiet walks together, cook, and talk about settling down and having a family. Sevens, on the other hand, generally find the idea of settling down and limiting their options to be nowhere nearly as attractive. Sevens are capable of long-term commitments, but they tend not to be eager to get into them. As a result of these signals, the Two may start to hover and become more intrusive, pulling in the reins on the Seven, insisting that they have more quality time together. Sevens can easily feel trapped by this maneuver, and they may begin to lose interest in the Two, feeling that the relationship has gone stale (rather than realizing their own anxiety over the potential closing of options). Twos will increasingly want to get serious about the relationship just as the Seven begins to feel bored or that the relationship has gotten heavy and unfulfilling. Twos can thus begin to see the Seven as untrustworthy, a playboy (or playgirl) who is selfishly leading them on with no intention of tying the knot. Sevens can begin to see Twos as possessive and manipulative, playing on their guilt or insecurities to make sure the Seven does not stray.

Further, Sevens need to be the center of attention as a way of staying energized and excited. Other people and their needs are not really the focus of their concern as much as they are an audience of potential playmates if others can keep up with them...

Day 1017 – Dad Jokes, Christmas Edition – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 08:03:11 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1017 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Dad Jokes, Christmas Edition – 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:

Dad Jokes – Christmas Edition

How do sheep in Mexico say Merry Christmas?
Fleece Navidad

What do you get if you deep fry Santa Claus?
Crisp Cringle

Why is Christmas just like a day at the office?
You do all the work, and the fat guy with the suit gets all the credit.

What do you get if you cross an apple with a Christmas Tree?
A pineapple

What did the guest sing at the Eskimo Christmas Party?
Freeze a Jolly Good Fellow

What did Adam say on the day before Christmas?
It’s Christmas, Eve!

If athletes get athlete’s foot, what do astronauts get?
Mistletoe

If Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus had a child, what would he be called?
A subordinate clause

What do you have in December that you don’t have in any other month?
The letter “D”

Why does Santa have 3 gardens?
So he can ho, ho, ho.

Why was Santa’s little helper depressed?
Because he had low elf esteem.

What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire?
Frostbite

Knock Knock
Who’s there?
Holly
Holly who?
Holly-days are here again!

Gramps’ Thursday Thought is “You know you are getting old when Santa starts looking younger than you.”

Well, I hope that brought a smile to your face today. Our Thursday Scripture Reference is Job 8:21, “He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.”

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 1016 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1016 – Paul’s Lost Letters – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 08:03:56 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1016 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Paul’s Lost Letters – Wisdom Wednesday

Creating a Biblical Worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today’s current events. To establish a Biblical worldview, you must 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.

Were all of the books written by the apostles included in the Bible? If not, why not? Today’s essay will explore…

Paul’s Lost Letters

Throughout modern history, there has been a discussion about how particular books were included in the New Testament. Dan Brown’s blockbuster novel and subsequent movie The Da Vinci Code based its conspiratorial plot in part on the notion that other gospels had been eradicated by spiteful church authorities and an emperor openly partial to orthodoxy. The success of the novel and movie prompted many churchgoers to ask whether or not all the books that should be included in the New Testament actually were.

To be sure, Dan Brown took a lot of liberties with facts in his story. But what if we’re not dealing with fiction? The New Testament itself tells us that there were books written by apostles that didn’t make it into in the Bible. Surprised? Let’s take a look.

· 1 Corinthians 5:9

In l Corinthians, Paul himself mentions an earlier letter he wrote to this same church in 1 Corinthians 5:9, “When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin.” While some interpreters have argued that Paul was referring to the letter he was currently writing (1 Corinthians), most acknowledge that this explanation is weak. Taken at face value, 1 Corinthians 5:9 tells us that Paul had written to this church before, but that letter has not survived and thus is not part of the New Testament.

· Colossians [4:16]

In Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae in Colossians 4:16, he says, “After you have read this letter, pass it on to the church at Laodicea so they can read it, too. And you should read the letter I wrote to them.” What was this letter from Laodicea? What happened to it?

The phrase “letter from Laodicea” is a literal translation of the Greek and suggests that the letter came from Laodicea. This is a bit misleading though. The phrase does not necessarily mean that this letter was written by someone in Laodicea to Paul or to the Colossians. Colossians [4:16] tells us that letters to churches were circulated, and so it may be that this Laodicea letter was written by Paul and sent to the Christians at Colossae—like the Colossian letter was to be sent to the believers in Laodicea.

Some scholars have speculated that this letter isn’t actually missing. The region of Laodicea was also identified with the city of Ephesus, indicating that the letter from Laodicea may actually be the epistle to the Ephesians. Others disagree, stating that a good case can be made based on the book of Acts’ chronology for the letter to the Colossians being written before the letter to the Ephesians. If this is the case, then the letter to Laodicea must not be the letter to the Ephesians contained in New Testament, because Colossians [4:16] directly references a letter that is supposed to already exist. If indeed the letter from Laodicea is not Ephesians, then we have another one of Paul’s letters that never made it into the New Testament.

· Cause for Concern?

Are missing apostolic letters something that should cause us concern? Are we somehow driven to the conclusion that the process of collecting the inspired books of the New Testament was flawed? Some believers might be troubled at the thought, but the problem is not that the circumstances of history worked against God! The problem is a flawed view of inspiration that sees the act of writing Scripture as some sort of “single moment” divine encounter. If we think that inspiration is merely a string of momentary supernatural writing sessions, then it would be expected that anything “spiritual” written by an apostle or his close associate had to be preserved. If something went missing, then it looks like something went wrong, or that God’s intentions were thwarted by human ineptitude.

Rather than seeing inspiration as a string of mystical encounters, we ought to understand that the apostles were normal people whose work for the Lord was in concert with the general providence of God. We know by comparing the New Testament to other literature of its day that the apostles used vocabulary, styles, and forms of expression that were quite commonplace.

The Scripture writers were not under some sort of holy spell that meant everything they thought, spoke, or wrote had to be safeguarded. Rather, God influenced them through the circumstances of Providence to write what He deemed necessary for posterity. This perspective moves the focus of inspiration from the writers to the ultimate, providential guidance of God. We owe both the writers and God a debt of gratitude for giving us the Word of God.

That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue in the New Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “Destiny & Destination.” 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 1015 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1015 – Determination and Commitment – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 08:03:36 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1015 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Determination and Commitment –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase Wisdom and Create a Living Legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1015 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 Mario Andretti,and it is, “Desire is the key to motivation, but it’s determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal — a commitment to excellence — that will enable you to attain the success you seek.”

Determination and Commitment

Yes, we first must have the desire to succeed, but desire is not enough. It is only when we are both determined to succeed and make an unwavering commitment to succeed, regardless of the obstacles which we experience, that we will achieve success in that unrelenting pursuit of our goal. There is never a straight or easy path to success, but as we are committed to excellence and focused, every struggling step forward will bring us closer to that goal. Yes, we do want to reach our goal, but what is more important is the person whom we become in pursuit of that goal. Keep looking forward and always enjoy your journey through the sunshine and the rain.

Be determined and committed as is written in 1 Chronicles 22:13, “For you will be successful if you carefully obey the decrees and regulations that the Lord gave to Israel through Moses. Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or lose heart!”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 1014 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1014 – Effective Communications – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 10 Dec 2018 08:03:02 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1014 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Effective Communications – Meditation Monday

Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

When we communicate with others, we need to make sure we are clear and unambiguous. On our Meditation Monday today I want us to reflect on…

Effective Communication

A seminary student turned in his copy of a sermon he had written to his preaching professor for grading. At a later conference, the professor told the student how impressed he was with his sermon and how well it was written but that he was giving him a D. Confused the student asked, “Why a D if it’s as good as you say it is?”

“It’s because of your title,” the professor remarked. “Nobody will want to hear a sermon entitled: ‘The Pericopes of Jesus in Relationship to the Eschatology of the Apostle Paul.’ I tell you what I’ll do. You see if you can come up with a better sermon title and I’ll reconsider the grade. What you want is a title that will reach out and grab people by the heart. Imagine that title on the sign in front of a church making such an impact that if a bus stopped in front of the church and the people on the bus saw the sign, it would be so powerful it would motivate them to immediately get off the bus and run into the church.”

The student said that he would give it his best shot and returned with the title, “Your bus has a bomb on it!”

Wow…from one extreme to another. When seeking to be a witness for Jesus, the words we say (or don’t say) are very important; but of far greater importance and impact is the message that comes from our heart, which is an expression of who we are. This message speaks so much louder than what we say. “People don’t care how much we know but rather how much do we care?” Do we communicate the love of Jesus? If not, our words, no matter how eloquent, may have a boomerang effect and do more to drive people away from Jesus rather than draw them to him.

As another has wisely said, “To win some we need to be winsome.”

Effective communications are so important in all areas of life, but especially as we are working to build God’s kingdom here on earth. That reminds me of the Bible passage found in 1 Corinthians 14:8-9,“And if the bugler doesn’t sound a clear call, how will the soldiers know they are being called to battle? It’s the same for you. If you speak to people in words they don’t understand, how will they know what you are saying? You might as well be talking into empty space.”

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1013 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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!

Day 1013 – The Enneagram Type Combinations – 2&2, 2&3, 2&4 – Ask Gramps

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

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1013 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Enneagram Type Combinations – 2&2; 2&3; 2&4 – Ask Gramps

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1013 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.

Understanding ourselves and how others may interpret life through their paradigm better allows us to interact with each other with more love and compassion. This can be achieved by utilizing a profound tool called “The Enneagram.” The tool that we refer to as the Enneagram (Any-a-Gram) is a circle with nine interconnected points (Ennea refers to 9 and Gram referring to a drawing). Check out today’s or a prior week’s Wisdom Journal for a representation of it. I have also included a copy of “The Enneagram At-A-Glance,” which was compiled by Suzanne H. Eller in today’s Wisdom Journal. If you would like a PDF copy, click on the link in today’s Wisdom Journal located on our website Wisdom-Trek.com.

We have concluded our deep dive into the nine types which are “The Reformer,” “The Helper,”“The Achiever,” “The Individualist,” “The Investigator,” “The Loyalist,” “The Enthusiast,” “The Challenger,” and “The Peacemaker.” Three weeks ago, we began a series of episodes on Type Combinations, answering the question, “What are the potential relationship benefits and issues with each combination?” Covering all of the 45 different potential type combinations will take several weeks, but will be valuable in understanding each other, regardless of what type you are and what type those with whom you interact with each day are.

So the questions for the next several weeks will be…

“Hey, Gramps, why do people act and react to situations and circumstances in life differently? How can I gain wisdom to better understand myself and others so that I can love, serve, and minister to them on a deeper level?”

The Enneagram Type Combinations

Enneagram Type Two (the Helper)
with
Enneagram Type Two (the Helper)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

As with all double-type relationships, two Enneagram Twos bring many of the same qualities to each other. Therein lies both a main source of the attraction as well as one of the main pitfalls of this pair. Healthy Two couples bring a high level of warmth, affection, and sensitivity to each other. They are genuinely concerned about the welfare of their partner and of the relationship itself, and they are willing and able to put out a considerable amount of energy to make sure that all is well. A double Two pair has a high level of communication and checking in between them: two Twos would have no problem discussing how they feel, inquiring about the other’s health, how things are going at work, and so forth. They would also be delighted to help support the efforts of their partner in whatever ways they could. Both individually and as a couple, they are thoughtful, observant of people’s needs, generous, and respectful of boundaries and the need of others to be independent and to learn things on their own. Healthy Two couples can express enormous affection for others, while at the same time, letting them go appropriately. They also can find a balance between themselves as a couple and each of them as an individual.

Interestingly, since neither is used to being nurtured by someone else, they generally need to learn to allow themselves to be loved and helped by the other. If each of the Twos can take in support of the other, the relationship can become a source of deep love and abundance from which they are able to more fully move out into the world. They feel secure and are loyal to each other, knowing that their partner is there for them. At their best, this is a loving, warm-hearted couple that uses the security of their relationship to raise a family, adopt children, and make the world a richer, more loving place. They reach out to others and build a family of choice, a home that others truly want to be a part of.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

A couple in which both people are so feeling-oriented may make better friends and work associates than they do intimate partners. The reason is that both are concerned with questions of value and self-worth, identity and gaining validation from others. Their particular set of emotional needs can make this pair more prone toward secret jealousy and competition with each other about who is more loved, who is the center of attention, or who is being sought out more frequently for advice or for social events, and so forth. In some double Two couples, whether males or females, they are aware of how people respond to them physically and sexually. Different forms of charm to outright displays of sexual prowess are part of the picture although this will get in the way of a satisfactory exclusive intimate relationship.

Some Twos attempt to solve this problem by going in the opposite direction by beginning not to care about what they look like. They may not exercise and gain excessive weight, for example, or not dress or groom themselves sufficiently. A double Two may begin to find their emotional consolations elsewhere, seeking intimacy with others or, if that is not possible, with food. If this continues, they may gradually lose all physical interest in each other, and the relationship would suffer from loss of contact and physical intimacy. If health issues subsequently become a problem (due to overeating as a compensation for emotional deprivations), the physically healthier Two will inevitably feel held back by the needier partner. Or both Twos could deteriorate into a sickbed centered relationship in which their illnesses and their complaints about them are what hold the couple together. They may both develop boundary problems and get overly enmeshed with each other—or, just as likely, become repulsed by the other’s hovering. The worse this gets, ironically, the more isolated and lonely they become. Depression and blaming the other are often part of the picture.

Enneagram Type Two (the Helper)
with
Enneagram Type Three (the Achiever)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

Both Enneagram Twos and Threes are driven by their feelings and emotional needs although this is not always apparent in the case of Threes. Both are also driven by their need for attention and the desire to be loved although this is not always apparent in the case of Twos. But for these reasons, both are oriented toward people and toward activities that will place them in the spotlight. This makes the Two/Three couple one of the most interpersonally attractive and impactful pairings possible. Individually and collectively, they are outgoing, sociable, high-spirited, charming, and often physically attractive. Both know how to make a favorable impression on people and to win them over. Each type brings energy, personal and social ambition, the ability to communicate with people, and the capacity to make others feel like they are the center of attention. Both know how to get people to like them and to rally support to achieve their goals. Twos, in particular, bring a more personal, individual focus to their interactions with others. They are thoughtful and follow up exchanges with genuine kindness and compassion. Threes bring flexibility, charm, practicality, and a goal-oriented vision for ways the couple can improve. Twos like to feel proud of their loved ones, and Threes want to make their partner proud.

There is also a particular way that this pairing works as a team: Twos like to put the spotlight on others, and Threes like to be in the spotlight. Twos like to be the power behind the throne, and Threes can be happy being the point person for the couple. As long as healthy Threes appreciate the lavish attention of the Two, this arrangement can work well. In a sense, this is almost an ideal political couple—socially adept, energetic, virtually radiating charm and self-confidence, inviting others (by their manner and attractiveness) to join them in some way. Twos and Threes can be dazzling—a couple so widely admired and socially gifted that they become icons for their social sphere and time.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

A couple with such conscious star power also tends to be self-conscious—and even more conscious of each other. Twos get jealous and possessive of Threes. They can fall into an “I made you, you owe me” syndrome, feeling used and unappreciated. For all of their apparent willingness to take second place, Twos want to be recognized privately by their partners and to be made to feel that they are important. But Threes typically find it difficult to thank others for their success or to share the glory. Moreover, Threes may feel that Twos overestimate their contributions: they take credit for too much, sometimes embarrassingly, in public. As a result, Twos can start to undermine the Three’s confidence to get the Three to feel that he or she depends on the Two. Threes react quickly and strongly to perceived criticism and potential humiliation by distancing themselves—inevitably creating more anxiety and manipulation in the Two, a vicious cycle.

Part of the problem is that both have underlying feelings of shame and vulnerability and they know each other’s weak spots and can play on them when they have to. Furthermore, potential conflicts can arise because neither Twos nor Threes are particularly introspective nor are they very interested in their own underlying motives. They simply assume that they are traveling in the same direction—toward increasing success and social validation-only to realize that they have drifted apart and may actually be at loggerheads with each other. Twos fundamentally feel that Threes put work and career before them, their children and home life, primary values for Twos. They feel that Threes are too focused on success and that they are missing the really valuable things in life. Threes, on the other hand, can feel stifled by the Two’s insistence on the need to invest time together. Threes feel Twos are smothering and emotionally manipulative, making them feel guilty for working hard and making the most of themselves. Intimacy deteriorates into bickering, and what it means to have a successful relationship becomes a real question. Disdain for each other can erupt into open hostilities.

Enneagram Type Two (the Helper)
with
Enneagram Type Four (the Individualist)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

This can be a very warm, even passionate, couple when both parties continue to share their feelings openly together. Both are seeking warmth and connection, and both are willing to provide it when they are healthy. Hence, once they have gotten over the initial hurdles of intimacy, Enneagram Twos and Fours can be a safe place for each to share their hopes, fears, and insecurities. They can be good medicine for each other: Twos contribute sociability and energy, giving Fours the confidence to interact more easily with others. Twos are warm, outgoing, thoughtful and considerate, generous, and encouraging. Twos are also practical and action-oriented, willing to pitch in where needed and to do the things that need to be done–no matter how unpleasant or unglamorous.

To this mix, Fours bring creativity, a sense of humor, a willingness to laugh at human foibles, and emotional honesty. They see their own craziness and their own falseness, and they do not try to varnish the truth of their quirks from themselves or from the Two. Fours also bring a sense of beauty and of subtlety into the relationship: they care about how things impact themselves and others, and so they go out of their way to arrange their world to be more aesthetically pleasing, allowing the Two to feel more relaxed and nurtured. Fours also bring emotional depth and sensitivity to their relationships, including a sense of mystery and unpredictability, sensuality and sexual freedom. In short, Fours invite Twos to take a closer look at their deeper needs–the truth of who they are and what they actually feel. Twos appreciate the subtleties and nuances that Fours bring, and Fours thrive in this atmosphere of appreciation. They can lighten up each other with unexpected humor and appreciation of each other’s quirks. Each invites the other to mature emotionally, usually without saying so. Both help the other to stop being so concerned about what others think of them and to become more inner-directed.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

Usually, Twos and Fours make better friends and colleagues than intimates. Surprisingly, this pairing is rare in intimate relationships. One would think that they would be a natural fit with each other: the rescuer (Two) and the rescued (Four), the lost child and the parental figure. The problem is that there can be too much emotionality and unspoken demands in this pairing for their own good. Twos and Fours tend to have many emotional issues in common-which allows them to understand each other readily while also laying the groundwork for potential problems and conflicts. They both need closeness and intimacy and tend to cling to anyone who responds to them sufficiently. Over the long term, there is the tendency to become competitive for attention or for one person to feel better liked and more appreciated than the other.

Moreover, Twos tend to find Fours too moody and temperamental, led too much by their feelings and unconscious impulses. They also see Fours as hypersensitive and self-absorbed—and not interested enough in others or their welfare. Fours tend to find Twos to be too saccharine and artificially upbeat, flattering and insincere to get close to people and to feel needed. Fours see Twos as secretly emotionally needy, desperate for others to like them and seek them out. They can see the Two’s helpfulness as little more than an attempt to bribe people for love, which Fours disdain. Fours might begin to be secretly envious of the Twos social abilities, and the kinds of positive reactions Twos generally get from people. Fours can begin to feel socially inept and overshadowed by the charm and popularity of Twos. Secret shame and the feeling of worthlessness of the part of both can begin to undermine the relationship. It can founder on Fours’ feelings of abandonment if the Two becomes involved with others. It can also founder on Twos’ increasingly feeling unappreciated by the Four. Both begin to see the other as too emotionally needy—and ultimately...

Day 1012 – Get In The Car – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 06 Dec 2018 08:03:40 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1012 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Get In the Car – Humor Unplugged

This is Day 1012 of our trek, and 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.

Get In the Car

Wayne was returning home from a business trip, bags in hand, and slowly making his way to his vehicle in the very crowded airport garage. Suddenly a large dark car screeched to a stop in front of Wayne, and the driver pointed menacingly at him and shouted, “Get in! I’ll take you to your car.”

Startled and a bit afraid, Wayne took a step backward. “Ah…no thanks,” Wayne answered. “I can get there myself.”

“No!” the driver barked back as he threw open his passenger side door. “Get in!”

Wayne’s eyes now darted around the garage, hoping to find a security guard.

Just then, the driver’s face softened. “Please,” he said, “I’ve been driving up and down for two hours. I can’t find a space to park, and I want yours.”

Well, I hope that brought a smile to your face today. Our Thursday Thought for today is from 2 Timothy 4:5, “But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.”

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 1011 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player 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 1011 – The Great Wizard Meets Philip and Peter – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 05 Dec 2018 08:03:11 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1011 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Great Wizard Meets Philip and Peter – Wisdom Wednesday

Creating a Biblical worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today’s current events. To establish a Biblical worldview, you must 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.

When we think about wizards, it brings to mind some of the fantasy novels with Merlin, Dumbledore, or other well-known tales about wizards. Today’s essay will explore…

The Great Wizard Meets Philip and Peter

The book of Acts is a favorite of preachers, so you are likely familiar with the showdown in Acts 8:9-24 between Peter and Simon “The Great Wizard” or “Sorcerer.” Luke tells us that Simon had practiced his magic in a city in Samaria. Listen to Luke’s account in 8:9-11, “A man named Simon had been a sorcerer there for many years, amazing the people of Samaria and claiming to be someone great. Everyone, from the least to the greatest, often spoke of him as ‘the Great One—the Power of God.’ They listened closely to him because for a long time he had astounded them with his magic.”

Simon heard the gospel preached by Philip and became a believer in Christ, but later, after Peter’s arrival, he tried to purchase the power of the Holy Spirit from Peter. His name consequently has not been remembered for any great deeds, but the word “simony” which is the buying or selling of ecclesiastical privileges, for example, pardons or benefices. But is that all there is to the story? Hardly. Don’t look away now or you’ll miss what’s behind the magic.

Let’s look at how a first-century audience would have comprehended the episode in its Samaritan setting. That Simon was referred to by the people of the Samaritan city’ as “the Great One—the Power of God” is significant. That title comes from the Samaritan Targum—an Aramaic translation of the Samaritan Hebrew Bible, known as the Samaritan Pentateuch. In the Samaritan Targum, the Hebrew word el (“God”) is translated hela (“power”). God is then called “great” (rab). Not surprisingly, “the Great One—the Power of God,” was used in Samaritan hymns and writings as a substitute for the divine name, much in the same way orthodox Jews say ka-shem (“the Name”) instead of pronouncing the divine name Yahweh.

But how could the Samaritans speak of Simon as though he were God? Well, Simon was able to do amazing things. We aren’t told if what he was doing was something he picked up learning magical trickery or enablement from demonic power, but the effect was the same. Second, the plural of “power” (helin) was also used by Samaritans of angels. Like many Jews and Christians, Samaritans considered one particular angel—the one in whom Yahweh’s name dwelled (Exodus [23:20]-23), as the embodied Yahweh, known to us as Jesus Christ. Since this angel was viewed as a physical manifestation of the true God, “the Great One—the Power of God,” Simon’s acts of magical power had convinced many Samaritans that he, too, was a fleshly manifestation of God.

It’s easy to see how Luke, writing in full knowledge of the incarnation of God in Christ, would have sought to use this encounter. The drama is palpable. Philip had taken the message that God had become man in Jesus Christ to Samaria, where they already had their own incarnate deity, Simon “The Great Wizard,” or Sorcerer, “the Great One—the Power of God.” Incredibly, Luke records that the power of the gospel broke through to Simon, moving him to embrace the message of Philip. And when he saw the signs and miracles Philip performed, “the Great One—the Power of God.” was drained of his power. So much for all his Sorcery.

From Luke’s account, Simon must have realized very quickly that his own repertoire of tricks, however stunning they were to the masses, fell far short of what he had seen from Philip. Simon’s conversion reads quite genuine. Luke is careful to note, though, that Simon saw the powerful deeds of Philip only after he believed when he began accompanying Philip in the city as we read in Acts 8:13, “Then Simon himself believed and was baptized. He began following Philip wherever he went, and he was amazed by the signs and great miracles Philip performed.” It was not until after his conversion that he saw the true power of God.

Luke tells us that when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that the gospel had reached the Samaritans, a people hated by “pure Jews” for centuries as referenced in John 4:9 they sent Peter and John not to investigate whether it was true, but to pray for the Samaritan believers that they might receive the same Holy Spirit (Acts [8:14]-17) that had abided with them since the explosion of the gospel at Pentecost (Acts 2). This alone is a powerful message. Two Jewish men who had grown up with their own prejudices about the Samaritans didn’t doubt that the grace of God included people they had scorned. Nothing Jesus had promised was to be withheld from them.

Unfortunately, Simon had a lot to learn about the real Great Power. When Simon saw that the Samaritans upon whom Peter and John laid their hands had received the Holy Spirit, no doubt evidenced in some tangible, powerful way, he wanted to experience that power himself. That’s understandable. But where he went wrong was trying to pay for it, which would have been second nature to him. (Acts [8:18]-19). Peter rebuked him harshly, and Simon repented immediately (Acts [8:20]-24).

Nevertheless, Simon’s name lives on in infamy. Because of his on-the-spot repentance, not to mention the fact that he’d probably only been a believer for at most a couple of weeks, it seems unreasonable to vilify Simon. In Simon, we have a man who was one day hailed as the incarnate God, but the next repented at the words of a couple of fishermen. We should remember the broken heart more than the misguided gesture.

That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue in the New Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “Paul’s Lost Letters.” 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 1010 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 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 1010 – Confidence – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 04 Dec 2018 08:03:00 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1010 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Confidence –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1010 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 Robbie McLaughlin, and it is, “Confidence comes from knowing that anything you are successful at was and is made possible by the One who is far greater than human ability or understanding. Therefore, you walk boldly in your gift.”

Confidence

A portion of success does come from your ability, training, understanding, and perseverance, but ultimately all success comes from God as we utilize the skills, ability, and determination that He has granted to us. As we become less concerned about personal fame and recognition for the success that we achieve, the more successful we will become.

God ultimately grants success and also permits failure in our lives. It is up to us to recognize this and to bring honor to God’s name in all that we do, regardless of the outcome. For most of us, this is a very humbling experience because we like to take credit for our achievements and be recognized for them. We should be thankful that by God’s grace and blessings we are able to achieve success in many areas of life and that He has granted us the gifts and ability to do so. We can walk confidently, boldly, and humbly before God and others with the realization that yes, we need to do our part, but ultimately God is in control.

Go with confidence as Joshua was told 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.”

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 1009 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 1009 – True Value – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 08:03:29 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1009 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

True Value – Meditation Monday

Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

No matter how hard we try, we value different people in different ways. This is not so with God. For our Meditation Monday, I want us to reflect on…

Certainly in most parts of the world, and it even impacts us as believers, how we value a person is usually measured by two criteria: appearance and performance. Where does that leave the ugly or uneducated? What hope does that offer the unborn child? The aged? The handicapped? Not much at all. We become nameless numbers on mislaid lists.

This is man’s value system. But it is not God’s. His plan is much brighter. In God’s book, every person has a purpose and is heading somewhere. We have an amazing destiny.

We are being prepared to walk down the aisle of God’s eternal throne room and become the bride of Jesus. We are going to live with him. Share the throne with him. We do count. We are valuable.

Jesus’ love does not depend on what we do for him. If there was anything that Jesus wanted everyone to understand it was this: A person’s worth is based on the fact that we are God’s creation, simply because we are a person made to be bearers of His image. That’s why Jesus treated people the way he did.

You have value simply because you are! You are God’s masterpiece. You are a child of the king. You are worthy of your calling. You should live a life that reflects His majesty.

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 would like to listen to any of the past 1008 daily treks or read the daily 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.

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 1008 – The Enneagram Type Combinations – 1&7, 1&8, 1&9 – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 08:03:43 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1008 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Enneagram Type Combinations – 1&7; 1&8; 1&9 – Ask Gramps

Wisdom – the final frontier to true knowledge. Welcome to Wisdom-Trek where our mission is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts.

This is Day 1008 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, this is not possible. 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.

Understanding ourselves better and how others may interpret life through their paradigm will allow us to interact with each other with more love and compassion. This can be achieved by utilizing a profound tool called “The Enneagram.” The tool that we refer to as the Enneagram (Any-a-Gram) is a circle with nine interconnected points (Ennea refers to 9 and Gram refers to a drawing). Check out today’s or a prior week’s Wisdom Journal for a representation of it. I have also included a copy of “The Enneagram At-A-Glance,” which was compiled by Suzanne H Eller in today’s Wisdom Journal. If you would like a PDF copy, click on the link in today’s Wisdom Journal located on our website Wisdom-Trek.com.

We have concluded our deep dive into the nine types which are “The Reformer,” “The Helper,” “The Achiever,” “The Individualist,” “The Investigator,” “The Loyalist,” “The Enthusiast,” “The Challenger,” and “The Peacemaker.” Two weeks ago, we began a series of episodes on Type Combinations, answering the question, “What are the potential relationship benefits and issues with each combination?” Covering all of the 45 different potential type combinations will take several weeks but will be valuable in understanding each other, regardless of what type you are and what type those with whom you interact with each day.

Since we are exploring the Enneagram in detail, I would also recommend reading the Wisdom Journal for each Friday to see the diagrams presented each week. As helpful as the Enneagram is, keep in mind it is still only a tool and cannot replace or usurp the precepts that are found in God’s Word. All decisions and actions that we make in life must be in harmony with God’s precepts.

So the questions for the next several weeks will be…

The Enneagram Type Combinations

Enneagram Type One (the Reformer)
with
Enneagram Type Seven (the Enthusiast)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

Enneagram Ones and Sevens have a particular complementary and reciprocal relationship. They are opposites who can either bring something needed to the other person, thereby helping both to achieve new growth (or, as we will see) they can drive each other further apart by playing on each other’s weaknesses whether consciously or not. Ones bring conscientiousness, orderliness, good work habits, methodical attention to detail, and pleasure in maintaining excellence and high standards. Sevens bring spontaneity, high energy, curiosity, an orientation toward fun and adventure, the desire to try new things, and an ability to not get too hung up with getting everything done perfectly. Both types can be initiators and planners, future-oriented and idealistic, although Sevens tend to prefer having multiple options and to keep all plans loose enough so that they can be changed as needed. They bring freedom and spontaneity. Ones are more methodical and help Sevens stay on track—they resist getting distracted by too many options and excel at following through with their plans.

Sevens offer Ones a sense of excitement and life as a source of pleasure and enjoyment. Ones offer Sevens a sense of purpose and idealism, as well as direction and the feeling that life is noble and meaningful. Sevens keep Ones’ spirits up, refreshing their idealism while preventing the relationship from becoming too heavy. Ones help steady Sevens, keeping them working systematically and consistently toward goals. Sevens appreciate the One’s consistency and reliability and are glad to have someone who can attend to details. These two types can be highly supportive of each other as long as their ultimate values are congruent and as long as they are both working for the same fundamental things in life. This tends to be a stimulating relationship for both—they stretch each other and are fascinated and challenged by their differences.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

As stress increases, Ones become increasingly critical, judgmental, inflexible, and insistent that things be done only one way, the right way—their way. They inevitably begin to see Sevens as undisciplined and inefficient, self-centered, and childish. Ones feel that Sevens are scattered and tend to fool around too much, over-extending resources, and overbooking themselves and promising too much to too many people. Ones also often feel that Sevens are unfocused and scattered simply to annoy them and to get back at them passive-aggressively, without seeming to be hostile or petty themselves. On the other hand, Sevens tend to see lower functioning Ones as too prissy and perfectionistic, and ultimately, as someone who needs to be kicked in the pants to loosen them up a bit. Conflicts between these two types also often focus on organizational and financial matters, with Ones feeling that Sevens are profligate and wasteful while Sevens feel Ones are too tight-fisted and have no vision or pizzazz.

Sevens eventually tire of the One’s continual criticism and dissatisfaction with them. Pursuing other options in the relationship becomes more and more attractive since Sevens deeply resist feeling trapped or being in situations that continually produce unhappiness. Unfortunately, low functioning Ones continually contribute to this. If matters continue to deteriorate, Ones will lose respect for Sevens who become increasingly pushy and demanding, with a calloused, vulgar tone. Ones find this extremely embarrassing to be around and can become disillusioned and depressed, withdrawing emotional connection from Sevens. Thus, a disdainful contempt for the other can enter the picture from both sides, making reconciliation even more difficult. Ones criticize Sevens for a while, then silently give up on them until some event spells the fatal blow to the relationship.

Enneagram Type One (the Reformer)
with
Enneagram Type Eight (the Challenger)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

Enneagram Ones and Eights bring a common concern with fighting for truth and justice in their world. They both often feel (although in different ways and for different reasons) that it is up to them to stand against whatever they perceive as injustice or falseness. Both can see themselves as gallant crusaders protecting the weak, righting wrongs, and making the world a better place. In a relationship, these two types are both action-oriented, and if their attention and energy is turned toward social causes, in particular, they can have a big effect on their family and their community, perhaps even their country or the world. Both bring a certain nobility of vision and a focused purpose, practicality, and perseverance in supporting whatever they believe is right. Both are willing to sacrifice a great deal to do what they believe needs to be done. For both, fairness is centrally important. (Ones bring a sense of absolute or ideal truth and justice whereas Eights bring a more practical and immediate approach to these concepts.)

The combination can be very powerful: they accomplish things with a clear-cut sense of purpose and personal mission. Both are decisive and direct, although Eights bring a passion and gusto that counterbalances the One’s self-restraint and propriety. Ones can find Eights exciting, physical, and earthy-all the things that they restrain in themselves. Thus, there can be a strong attraction from both sides. Further, Eights recognize that Ones are as strong-willed and determined as they are: they cannot easily sway or bowl over Ones. Eights thus admire their conviction and are attracted to the challenge of getting closer to Ones. In many ways, these two types are opposites—the pirate and the schoolteacher—although both could learn a great deal from the other, if they are willing to listen to someone with such different values, reactions, and ways of doing things.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

What breaks Ones and Eights up is often the very thing that attracted them in the first place: how different they are from each other, like fire and ice. This is a relatively rare romantic pairing; it is easier for them to be friends or colleagues than to live intimately together. Both want to be in charge; both want to accomplish something significant, but they tend to disagree about the means to take. Ones tend to be self-controlled and restrained in their self-expressions and methods of doing things. They will deny themselves the pleasure of acting on their real desires and impulses if they are convinced that something they want is not right according to their moral convictions. While they may admire the brashness and roguishness of Eights and their apparent ease in going after whatever they want, Ones ultimately begin to draw a line if they see Eights going too far in the pursuit of their self-interest. Ones can begin to regard Eights as selfish, insensitive, aggressive, and morally corrupt. They may admire the outlaw’s bravado, but abhor where it leads them and how much chaos and destruction it creates in its wake. Ones can begin to see Eights as crude, untrustworthy, and violent.

On the other hand, Eights see Ones as hypocrites who preach one thing publicly while doing the opposite privately. They see Ones as rigid, self-righteous, nitpicking, and utterly unrealistic about the way the world works. Eights often want to do more outrageous things just to provoke the morally judgmental One into apoplexy: both respond with anger before they will acknowledge hurt or fear. They can both get into rigid positions and feel that they cannot back down. Violent arguments can often ensue as the relationship flies apart in personal attacks. This is one relationship that is much more difficult to fix once a certain threshold of abuse has been crossed.

Enneagram Type One (the Reformer)
with
Enneagram Type Nine (the Peacemaker)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

These types understand each other from the inside as it were, and for better or worse, can see many of their own traits in the other. On the positive side, each type brings a certain idealism and desire to change the world to make it a better place. Nines bring a more interpersonal orientation than Ones to their idealism, but both can be self-sacrificial and hard-working and willing to put their personal needs and interests aside for the welfare of others. Both are also able to delay rewards for a long-term good they seek. Ones bring clarity and rationality and the ability to articulate ideals and understandings. They strive to improve themselves and their environment, are conscientious, have high ethical and moral standards, and are fair and consistent. Nines bring a gentle, accepting quality that nurtures and supports others without as much explicit demand for self-improvement. Nines are steady, easy to get along with, feel uncritical and undemanding, and prefer harmony and smooth relations over the pleasure of being right or of having the last word in a situation.

In short, Nines tend to take a bit of the rough edge off of the criticality and seriousness of Ones, while Ones give clarity and direction to Nines. Further, Ones feel that they have a mission in life, and they are able to inspire Nines to become aware of their own purpose and to want to follow it. This can be a highly altruistic couple who balance idealism with humanity. As a couple, they are gracious company, hospitable and generous, but they also need time to be alone with each other as a couple. They have a mutual love of nature and animals that may bring them closer together, as well as their love of their children and family. Nines soothe Ones, while Ones remind Nines to strive for excellence.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

The main problem area for Ones and Nines has to do with the opposite ways that they deal with conflicts and rising stress. Ones tend to become more openly frustrated with themselves and others and with the feeling that things are not going as they should. They begin to exude a prickly anger, edginess, and dissatisfaction with everything and everyone. They become obsessed with finding who is at fault, and with legislating how things could be improved. By contrast, when conflicts and stress increase, Nines begin to shut down and withdraw. They become less effective at correcting problems and less able to speak about their feelings or discomfort. The worse things become, the more Nines attempt to tune them out while maintaining that nothing is the matter. Thus, judgments about the Nine’s judgment and competence and willingness to take responsibility taint the One’s dealings with Nines, while resistance and denial of problems (with a barely suppressed undertow of anger) infect the Nine.

It is difficult for Nines to step up to the plate and take the level of responsibility that Ones are looking for. The more Ones push Nines to respond in the way they want, the less Nines are willing and able to do so, and they retreat into more widespread passive-aggressive behavior. To Ones, this feels like willful resistance and culpable negligence. The quiet indifference of the Nine only infuriates the One all the more. In short, it is difficult for Ones to respect Nines, just as it is difficult for Nines to feel comfortable with (and able to express themselves to) Ones. Ones eventually become more self-righteous and intolerant while Nines become more uncommunicative and stubbornly unresponsive. Others find it very difficult to be around this pair because of the obvious, painful zingers pointed at the Nine by the One-and because of the aura of barely suppressed rage coming from the Nine. This couple gets frozen in their anger, with no way to melt the impasse.

That covers the third three out of 45 possible type combinations. We will continue each week to look into three additional combinations as we work our way through the numbers. Regardless of your personality type and the personality type of those whom you interact with, either in person or online, we must follow God’s Word as told to us in John 13:34-35, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

And

Day 1007 – Diving In Head First – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 29 Nov 2018 08:03:35 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1007 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Diving In Head First – Humor Unplugged

This is Day 1007 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…

Diving In Head First

John and Sam are out hunting, and as they are walking along, they came upon a huge hole in the ground. They approach with caution and are amazed at the size of it.

Sam says, “Wow, that’s some hole; I can’t even see the bottom. I wonder how deep it is?”

John turns to him and says,” I don’t know. Let’s throw something down there, listen and see how long it takes to hit bottom.”

Sam looks around and says, “Hey, there’s an old automobile transmission over there. Give me a hand, we’ll throw it in and see.”

So John and Sam pick up the heavy transmission and carry it over to the hole. They swing it back and forth a couple of times and then count, one, two, three and heave it in the hole. As they are standing there listening, looking over the edge, they suddenly hear a loud rustling behind them. They quickly turned around, and they see a goat come crashing through the underbrush, run up to the hole, and, without hesitation, jump in head first.

While they are standing there staring at each other in amazement, trying to figure out what that was all about, an old farmer saunters up. “Say there,” says the farmer, “You fellers didn’t happen to see my goat around here anywhere, did you?”

John says, “Funny you should ask, but we were just standing here a minute ago, and a goat came running out of the bushes doing about a hundred miles an hour and jumped head first into this here hole!!”

The old farmer said, “Naw, that’s impossible…I had him chained to a transmission.”

Well, I hope that brought a smile to your face today. Our Thursday Thought for today is found in Proverbs 30:29-31, “There are three things that walk with stately stride — no, four that strut about: the lion, king of animals, who won’t turn aside for anything, the strutting rooster, the male goat, a king as he leads his army.”

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 1006 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 1006 – Born Again…and Again and Again – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 08:03:41 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1006 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Born Again…and Again and Again – Wisdom Wednesday

Creating a Biblical worldview is important to have a proper perspective on today’s current events. To establish a Biblical worldview, you also have to 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.

Many religious systems believe that our souls can be reincarnated into another body, including some Christian sects. Today’s essay will explore…

Born Again…and Again and Again

Was Jesus open to the idea of reincarnation? The question may seem odd, but it is one that many people, even biblical scholars, contend has a positive answer. The idea comes from a passage you’ve likely read dozens of times. This is found in John 9:1-4, “As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. ‘Rabbi,’ his disciples asked him, ‘why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?’ ‘It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,’ Jesus answered. ‘This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work.'”

Notice the disciple’s question, “‘Rabbi,’ his disciples asked him, ‘why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?'” Many presume the question indicates that the disciples believed the man born blind really could have sinned before he was born, and that his pre-birth sins caused his congenital blindness. This presumption is followed by another: that Jesus’ answer wasn’t a categorical denial. Since Jesus doesn’t come out and say, “What a silly idea, don’t be ridiculous!” Some have argued that His response means that in this case the man born blind didn’t sin in a previous life, but perhaps that could have happened in another case. Could this interpretation be correct?

Reincarnation is the belief that the soul migrates from one body to another, different body in a long (possibly endless) succession. The idea of the “migration of the soul” cannot be found in the Bible or in other Jewish writers of antiquity, which indicates the disciples were likely presuming something different which may have been: People can do good and evil while still in the womb. Paul addresses this misconception in Romans 9:9-13 when dealing with the case of Jacob and Esau. Even if a pre-born person could sin in the womb, this does not involve the migration of a soul.

“For God had promised, ‘I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.’ This son was our ancestor Isaac. When he married Rebekah, she gave birth to twins. But before they were born, before they had done anything good or bad, she received a message from God. (This message shows that God chooses people according to his own purposes; he calls people, but not according to their good or bad works.) She was told, ‘Your older son will serve your younger son.’ In the words of the Scriptures, ‘I loved Jacob, but I rejected Esau.'”

In Matthew [16:13] there where some people who suggested that Jesus was John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the Old Testament prophets. This verse is also no help to those who want to see reincarnation in John 9:3-4 Jesus and John were contemporaries, born six months apart (Luke 1:8-36); thus, John’s soul could not have migrated into Jesus’ body. Elijah never died (2 Kgs 2:1-17), and so the migration of his soul is also not possible. If Jesus were one of the prophets who had come back to life, then the prophet would be resurrected, not the prophet’s soul in another body. There are other, more technical flaws in this interpretation of John 9, but from this examination alone, it should be apparent that the idea of Jesus approving of one being born again into another physical body is dead…again.

That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday, we will continue in the New Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “The Great Wizard Meets Philip and Peter.” 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 1005 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Podcast 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 1005 – The Human Connection – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 08:03:45 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1005 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***The Human Connection –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Today’s quote is from Paul J. Meyer, and it is, “Communication — the human connection — is the key to personal and career success.”

The Human Connection

So many of our problems in the world today are caused by a lack of true communication between one another in a face-to-face setting. It is so easy to become inflamed and spout our opinions as facts when indeed we do not have all of the facts. It is so easy to judge and malign others when we don’t really understand what another person may be going through.

If we want to be successful in all areas of our personal lives, in ministry, and in our professional lives, we must realize that all areas of our lives impact and affect each other, and there is no separation between them. We must be willing to communicate with others face to face – to seek to understand before we insist on being understood ourselves. Unless we are willing to walk in another person’s shoes and experience what they are experiencing, then we will never be able to fully understand them.

It is when we walk beside someone else, hand in hand, that we can communicate with them and understand them. Communication requires a dialog in which we listen to each other, encourage one another, and accept one another, even if we do not always fully agree with each other. It is then that we will experience success.

The human connection reminds me of Hebrews 10:23-25, “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 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 would like to listen to any of our past 1004 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 1004 – Being Teachable – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 08:03:05 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1004 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Being Teachable – Meditation Monday

Wisdom – the final frontier to true knowledge. Welcome to Wisdom-Trek where our mission is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before! Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase Wisdom and Create a Living Legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1004 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 you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

It is amazing that our ability to rationalize is so strong that even if something is proven that we still do not change our beliefs. We must be willing to learn from those who are more mature in their faith and knowledge of God’s Word. F our Meditation Monday today I want us to reflect on…

Being Teachable

Seeing is not always believing. Old beliefs, as well as old habits, die hard. For centuries people believed Aristotle’s opinion that the heavier an object, the faster it would fall to earth.

I am not an engineer, but according to a report I read, in 1589 Galileo challenged Aristotle’s teaching. He invited learned professors to the base of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Galileo went to the top of the tower and at exactly the same moment pushed off a ten-pound and a one-pound weight.

Both landed at the same instant, but the professors still wouldn’t believe what they saw. They insisted Aristotle was right.

To move ahead in life and to grow—intellectually, emotionally and spiritually—it is important that we examine all our beliefs, test them, hold to the true, and discard the false. Admittedly, this is much easier said than done, but done it must be if we are to keep learning and growing. Unless we are open to and willing to change, we get set in our ways and cease to grow.

We don’t read much about Apollos in the Bible, but he was a contemporary of the Apostle Paul. He was a very gifted and educated man “with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures.” But he only knew about John the Baptist’s baptism. So when Priscilla and Aquila heard him speak, they explained the gospel message to him more completely.

The end result was that Apollos was willing to listen, was teachable, and made the necessary changes in his beliefs and teaching. Let’s read the short narrative about Apollos that is found in Acts 18:24-28, “Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, an eloquent speaker who knew the Scriptures well, had arrived in Ephesus from Alexandria in Egypt. He had been taught the way of the Lord, and he taught others about Jesus with an enthusiastic spirit^[h] and with accuracy. However, he knew only about John’s baptism. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately. Apollos had been thinking about going to Achaia, and the brothers and sisters in Ephesus encouraged him to go. They wrote to the believers in Achaia, asking them to welcome him. When he arrived there, he proved to be of great benefit to those who, by God’s grace, had believed. He refuted the Jews with powerful arguments in public debate. Using the Scriptures, he explained to them that Jesus was the Messiah.”

If you would like to listen to any of the past 1003 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 1003 – The Enneagram Type Combinations – 1&4, 1&5, 1&6 – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 08:03:49 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1003 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Enneagram Type Combinations – 1&4; 1&5; 1&6 – Ask Gramps

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1003 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.

Understanding ourselves and how others may interpret life through their paradigm better allows us to interact with each other with more love and compassion. This can be achieved by utilizing a profound tool called “The Enneagram.” The tool that we refer to as the Enneagram (Any-a-Gram) is a circle with nine interconnected points (Ennea refers to 9 and Gram referring to a drawing). Check out today’s or a prior week’s Wisdom Journal for a representation of it. I have also included a copy of “The Enneagram At-A-Glance,” which was compiled by Suzanne H. Eller in today’s Wisdom Journal. If you would like a PDF copy, click on the link in today’s Wisdom Journal located on our website Wisdom-Trek.com.

We have concluded our deep dive into the nine types which are “The Reformer,” “The Helper,” “The Achiever,” “The Individualist,” “The Investigator,” “The Loyalist,” “The Enthusiast,” “The Challenger,” and “The Peacemaker.” Last week, we began a series of episodes on Type Combinations, answering the question, “What are the potential relationship benefits and issues with each combination?” Covering all of the 45 different potential type combinations will take several weeks, but will be valuable in understanding each other, regardless of what type you are and what type those with whom you interact with each day are.

So the questions for the next several weeks will be…

The Enneagram Type Combinations

Enneagram Type One (the Reformer)
with
Enneagram Type Four (the Individualist)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

Enneagram Ones and Fours have an intense mutual interest to bring something good and beautiful into the world. Both are idealistic and concerned with getting it right in their work and self-expressions. Both see how things could be, such as how a project could become an expression of an ideal form, if all went well. By working together, something universal and transcendent could result in their work and in their relationship itself.

Ones bring a desire for objectivity, truth, value, and reason to the relationship. They offer self-discipline, good work habits, and regularity to the relationship. Ones are conscientious and will sublimate themselves, and their personal needs for the greater good, including the shared vision and goals that they feel are at the core of the relationship itself. Ones can act as valuable sounding boards for Fours, offering advice and wisdom when Fours get confused by the multitude of their feelings or their self-doubts. Fours bring creativity, intense feelings, sensuality, spontaneity, inspiration, and the ability to tap into dreams, the unconscious, and other universal forces. Their expressiveness and emotionality can be a welcome counterbalance to the One’s typical formality and sense of order and reason.

Fours give Ones permission to explore and express the full range of the One’s feelings and passions. Ones help Fours actualize their dreams by supporting creativity with healthy self-discipline and appropriate structure. In general, Ones bring self-restraint to the relationship, which may act as a model for Fours, who tend to be more unregulated. Both types have a taste for refinement, beauty, and a cultivation of the arts, and if both appreciate what the other offers, they can make a long-lasting, productive team that helps balance the limitations of the other while bringing out qualities that each lacks—one of the primary functions of all good relationships.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

A relationship between Ones and Fours can sometimes be like mixing oil and water: they tend to separate quickly because they see things from the opposite points of view. Ones think that they are almost always sensible and objective, while Fours do not try to be “objective”—they want to see things from the subjective, personal side. While both bring a kind of idealism to the relationship, it is usually idealism applied to different things. Ones will be idealistic about social causes, morality, politics, and global issues, while Fours are idealistic, even perfectionistic, about aspects of their personal lives—their lifestyle, their mate, and their choice of work. Both can reinforce each other’s sense of superiority, leading to elitism and snobbery toward others. Both can become disdainful and condescending toward those who have less breeding, taste, or sense of refinement—and the habit of being disappointed in others can be turned against each other as well.

Both types are ironically highly aware of their impulses, their sensuality, their longings, and frustrations, but they both attempt to handle these issues in diametrically different ways. Thus, one of the biggest areas of conflict between Ones and Fours is in self-discipline versus self-indulgence, between personal and emotional impulses either being acted out (Fours) or being suppressed (Ones). Ones can begin to see Fours as hopelessly emotional, self-absorbed and self-indulgent, while Fours can begin to see Ones as insufferably rigid, judgmental, and cold. Fours can become as angry, critical, intolerant, and self-righteous as low-functioning Ones, and Ones can become as melancholy, self-pitying, alienated, and depressed as low-functioning Fours. In short, Ones and Fours may end up being disaffected with each other for being the way they are: they are not an imagined ideal. Both can be unforgiving, keeping scores and remembering long-past hurts. The relationship can deteriorate into bitter frustration with each other and end as the result of rancorous arguments.

Enneagram Type One (the Reformer)
with
Enneagram Type Five (the Investigator)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

Enneagram Ones and Fives are alike in many ways, particularly in their reticence to show their emotions directly and in their identification with their minds. Both see themselves as fact-oriented, although Fives are more purely mental while Ones like their ideas and philosophies to have practical ramifications. Both bring to their relationship a desire to be objective; they both want to avoid falling into sentimentality, or to allow their feelings to cloud their mental clarity. Ones and Fives share a rich mental life of intellectual stimulation, curiosity, and a multiplicity of mutual interests—from the opera to sports to politics to economics to history, and so forth. Ones and Fives often enjoy each other’s company and intellectual stimulation, loving to debate and admiring the intelligence and expertise exhibited by the other. Unexpectedly, they tickle each other’s funny bone—this pair loves to laugh together at life’s absurdities. Child rearing, traveling, building a house, sharing hobbies, or doing other complex activities are mutually stimulating and bonding for them.

They both are highly respectful of personal boundaries, rarely being the one to make the first move in anything regarding intimacy unless they have pretty strong signals from the other that they would be welcomed. Thus, Ones and Fives tend to bring a certain formality and courtesy to each other that can be charmingly courtly and old-fashioned. Ones add to this a concern with logic and order, with systematic thinking, attention to details, and the desire to improve the world around them. Fives bring curiosity, the willingness to be intellectually (and sexually) adventuresome, a taste for the bizarre and illogical, and the ability to relish disorder, chaos, and lack of apparent meaning. There is quiet, affectionate appreciation in this pairing. If romance develops, it develops slowly but deeply.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

As intellectual as both types tend to be, they are also opposites in important areas, and this can lead to conflicts and the eventual breakdown of their relationship. Most seriously, Ones tend to believe in the objectivity of certain truths and believe that once these are known, there is the possibility of arriving at objective certitude. Ones feel that their ideals and philosophy have given them contact with some form of ultimate truth, and therefore they are living from a viewpoint in which acquiring certainty is a moral imperative. Fives, on the other hand, feel that there is no such thing as objective truth, merely possible interpretations for what seems to be objective reality. They may come to some degree of consensus, but that does not necessarily mean that their consensus reflects anything completely objective. It just means that they choose to think the same way. Fives are thus skeptics and debunkers of certitude. They love to debate and deflate ironclad philosophies and self-righteously held positions wherever they find them. Thus, less healthy Ones can drift into various forms of fundamentalism, believing that they hold the key to truth, while Fives can become provocative nihilists, believing that there is no truth.

In a relationship, both types find it very difficult to change their basic philosophies of life—and they both find it difficult to respect anyone who believes the opposite of them. Yet both can respect the other’s boundaries to a fault, not wanting to impose their own beliefs on the other. The relationship can thus become cool and distant, impersonal and analytic, tinged with resignation and cynicism. Ones can feel that Fives are too impractical and endlessly concerned with irrelevancies; Fives can feel that Ones are too serious and rigid and that they take their opinions far too seriously. Both can become too self-contained, evolving their lives in separate spheres-perhaps only getting together for occasional meals, to sleep, or to solve pressing problems. Coldness and isolation take over and may last for years, without either of them realizing it very clearly much less feeling that either of them can do very much about it.

Enneagram Type One (the Reformer)
with
Enneagram Type Six (the Loyalist)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

Enneagram Ones and Sixes are alike in many ways, and they are often misidentified with each other. Both types are extremely hard workers, conscientious, serious-minded, and have a strong sense of duty and honor. They both care deeply about truth and commitment, and both have a desire to serve others and improve the world. Both have a guiding sense of purpose, often lead by deeply held beliefs and ideals. Of course, they also bring other qualities that are especially their own. Ones bring a sense of reason and mental clarity, the ability to think clearly under pressure and to come to firm decisions quickly. They are more sure of themselves and their opinions than Sixes tend to be, so Ones often serve as the leader in a One-Six relationship, making the final decision and taking responsibility for it. Ones also bring a concern for order and consistency, for logic and elegance that is sometimes lacking in Sixes. They may also bring a distinct idealism that has little to do with personal loyalty or hero worship (as it may in a Six).

On the other hand, Sixes bring warmth, more emotional responsiveness and availability, generosity, and playfulness that can be endearing and can make Ones think twice about their certitudes and positions. Sixes also have the ability to connect with people in a more direct and human way than Ones tend to do. These qualities are attractive to the other, and they can make this couple a dynamic and yet highly stable team, provided their fundamental beliefs are in alignment. They take responsibility in relationships, sharing burdens and chores equally. They also feel that they can count on the other: they are steadfast, loyal, and faithful to each other, wanting to build a solid foundation together. Because both can count on the other, this gives both room to relax—something they both need to do more often.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

As stress increases, Ones become more critical and judgmental of everyone including themselves and their partner. They tend to be a clear case of all work and no play, making them fairly joyless and difficult to be around even in the average Levels. Ones begin to feel that others are not trying hard enough, are not serious enough, or not mature and meticulous enough—or certainly not as much as Ones are themselves. This creates resentment and accusations and fairly constant bickering which can be extremely wearing on Sixes more than it is on Ones. As they become more stressed, Sixes become increasingly emotionally reactive, worrying and insecure, looking to their partner to be a bulwark of stability and fairness. What Sixes find instead are Ones who are critical, faultfinding, and rejecting—driving Sixes deeper into their feelings of anxiety and insecurity. This often makes Sixes begin to doubt the future of the relationship, feeling that it is likely doomed, which can often become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

If tensions continue, Sixes will be increasingly defensive and evasive; they will also tend to work harder and to stay away from home more frequently so that they can avoid spending time with the One. Sixes will also find it difficult to talk directly about their feelings or fears, and so little gets adequately aired out. As Sixes become more inconsistent and unreliable, these reactions fuel the One’s resentment and disappointment in them. Stalwart Sixes begin to not show up or do even the minimum of what is expected of them, driving Ones into fits of frustration and apoplexy. Moreover, Ones find the anxieties and defensiveness of Sixes frustrating and they begin to be angry and condescending toward them. Ones will become increasingly cold and critical until Sixes lash out at them, blaming them for their predicament. Anger, resentment, accusations, and name-calling can be part of the picture as the relationship deteriorates.

That covers the second three out of 45 possible type combinations. We will continue each week to look into three additional combinations as we work our way through the numbers. You are important in God’s Kingdom, live to your fill God-Given potential. Regardless of your personality type and the personality types of those with whom you interact in person or online, we must follow God’s Word as told to us in John 13:34-35, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

...

Day 1002 – One Fast Turkey – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 08:03:42 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1002 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

One Fast Turkey – Humor Unplugged

Our Thursday podcast provides 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…

One Fast Turkey

John, an industrious turkey farmer was always experimenting with breeding to perfect a better turkey. Every year he was able to breed bigger and juicier turkeys, and his reputation locally grew with each holiday season.

John’s family was especially fond of the huge legs for dinner, but there were never enough for everyone. After many frustrating attempts to make a really superior breed of turkey, John finally had a breakthrough. He was really excited about the possibilities this new breed would have on turkey farming. On John’s next visit to the local general store, he shared the news with friends and other local farmers. “Well, I finally did it. I bred a turkey that has 6 legs!”

Although a bit skeptical, everyone seemed to be excited about the news. Not knowing what to really say, Sam finally asked John, “Well, how did it taste?”

“I don’t know,” John replied. “I can never catch the dang gum thing!”

Well, I hope that brought a smile to your face today. Our Thursday Thought for today being Thanksgiving in the US is from 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 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 1001 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 1001 – What Walking on the Water Really Means – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 08:03:15 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1001 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

What Walking on the Water Really Means – Wisdom Wednesday

Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase Wisdom and Create a Living Legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1001 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, you must 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.

One of the most well-known Bible stories from the New Testament is about Jesus walking on water in the midst of a terrible storm. Most of us miss the underlying significance of this story.

Today’s essay will explore…

What Walking on the Water Really Means

Tales of tempests battering ships have inspired respect for the sea over the eons of time. While on the lake on their way to Capernaum, Jesus’ disciples watched these stories become a reality as the roaring wind transformed the waters around them. As they fought against the waves and wind, they witnessed a miracle as recorded in John 6:19-20, “They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified, but he called out to them, “Don’t be afraid. I am here!'”

Appearing in three of the four Gospels, this event inspires Sunday school lessons and has become ingrained in our portrait of Jesus’ life. As spectacular and unforgettable as the event is to us, however, a Jewish audience would have seen in it a profound theological meaning against the backdrop of the Old Testament.

· An Old Testament Symbol

In the Old Testament worldview, the unpredictable sea is a common symbol of cosmic disorder which are conditions contrary to God’s design for an ordered world. This symbol for cosmic anarchy is also personified as a sea monster, known as Leviathan or Rahab. The image of chaos as an untamed monster in a churning, erratic sea was common throughout the ancient world. People accustomed to land would naturally view the vast, raging ocean as uncontrollable and potentially deadly, filled with terrifying unknown creatures.

Religions across the ancient Mediterranean often depicted their important deities destroying or subduing the sea dragon, thereby calming the sea and restoring order. In the Old Testament, it is Yahweh, the God of Israel, who conquers the forces of chaos and imposes order in the cosmos (Job [26:12]-13; Psalms 89:5-14). This imagery is applied even to the exodus from Egypt (Psalms [74:12]-17), where God split the sea to deliver His people, thereby conquering the forces of evil that sought their demise.

· Final Victory

God’s ultimate victory at the end of the age is also depicted as God dominating the forces of the sea as described in Isaiah 27:1, “In that day the Lord will take his terrible, swift sword and punish Leviathan, the swiftly moving serpent, the coiling, writhing serpent. He will kill the dragon of the sea.” It is also referred to in the book of Revelations 21:1. This is why the description of the final paradise of the new heaven and new earth contains the phrase, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone.” This is a reference that there will be no more chaos.

The Prophet Daniel’s vision of the end of days and the kingdom of God includes four beasts that emerge out of a storm-tossed sea (Daniel 7:1-8). These beasts are not aquatic creatures by nature. They come from the sea because they represent chaos. God’s heavenly court sentences the beasts to death (Daniel 7:9-12), after which the “son of man” arrives immediately to receive the kingdom of God (Daniel [7:13]-14). All of this imagery informs John’s account of Jesus walking on the sea during the storm.

· Jesus Christ, Lord Over the Sea

John identifies Jesus as the Son of Man to whom the Father has given the authority to execute judgment (John [5:27]; compare Matt [26:57]-68). John also asserts repeatedly that Jesus is God incarnate. In John’s Gospel, Jesus invokes the divine name “I AM” seven times in reference to Himself (e.g., John [6:35]; 15:1). He declares oneness with the Father (John [10:30]), and He proclaims that the Father is in Him and He is in the Father (John [10:37]-38).

For John, a Jew familiar with the Old Testament, the image of Jesus walking on the sea was a dramatic portrayal that Jesus is Yahweh, the one who subdues the forces of chaos and imposes His will on the waters and everything the waters represent. The kingdom of the Son of Man had begun with Jesus ministry on earth, and all forces opposing God’s ordained order would now be defeated. Like Jesus’ disciples, we can find comfort in knowing that the one who treads upon the volatile sea can subdue whatever chaos threatens to overwhelm us.

QUICK BIT: The three accounts of Jesus walking on water are found in John [6:16]-21; Matthew [14:22]-33; and Mark [6:45]-52. These three Gospels were authored by Jewish writers. Luke doesn’t include this detail, likely because he was a Gentile writing to a Gentile friend, Theophilus (Luke 1:1-4). As a Gentile, Luke may not have had the same worldview equating the sea with chaos in the world.

That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue in the New Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “Born Again…and Again and Again?” 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 1000 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 1000 – Working Together Is Success – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 08:03:25 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1000 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Working Together Is Success –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Wisdom – the final frontier to true knowledge…Welcome to Wisdom-Trek! Our mission is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy.

Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1000 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 Henry Ford, and it is, “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”

Working Together Is Success

There is really no such thing as a self-made man or woman. Success requires support, knowledge, and wisdom from many individuals. We need to come together and get started. Then we need to stay together through difficult times as we make progress towards success. Finally, it requires that we continue working together with consistent persistence to achieve the success that is truly awesome.

Success is when everyone that is involved is successful and achieving their goals and dreams. Let us think of ways to motivate one another, to encourage one another, and to spur one another onto actions that are loving, kind and productive. It is then we will experience true success.

Working together reminds me of Hebrews 10:23-25,“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 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 would like to listen to any of our past 999 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 999 – Why Does God Permit Loneliness? – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 08:03:14 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 999 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Why Does God Permit Loneliness? – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us today for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 999 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.

If we admit it, all of us suffer bouts of loneliness either for a short period or long seasons of life. For our Meditation Monday today, I want us to reflect on…

Why Does God Permit Loneliness?

Most of us will try anything to get rid of our loneliness. We fill our lives with busy activities, entertainment, and addictions of all kinds in an attempt to mask our lonely lives. But should we? Should we be so quick to mask this loneliness or try and drop it? Could it be that loneliness is a gift? A gift from God?

We can become lonely when a friend turns away or betrays us. When a job, which we loved, suddenly ceases to be. When we just can’t seem to get our spouses to understand our perspective. When church becomes dull and routine, and we don’t really feel like going anymore.

Instead of feeling like a victim and suffering through it, give thought to the fact that possibly it is God who is removing your dependence on things and others until all you have left is God. Would God actually allow that? We may feel that God is disciplining us for something, but we cannot figure out what. Hebrews 12:6 tells us, “For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”

The real issue is that we have a skewed understanding of what discipline is. Most of us think of discipline as punishment, but it is not. It is the process by which we become true disciples of God. It is a refining process for us. Maybe God is silencing all other noise in our lives so that we can listen to Him. If He must silence every voice, he will. He wants you to discover what David discovered in Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”

Loneliness. Could it be one of God’s finest gifts? We should not fear loneliness, but realize that God may permit it to show His love to us. 1 John 4:18 says, “Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.”

If a season of solitude and loneliness is God’s way to teach you to hear His love song to you, don’t you think it’s worth it? So do I.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 998 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 998 – The Enneagram Type Combinations – 1&1, 1&2, 1&3 – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 16 Nov 2018 08:03:38 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 998 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Enneagram Type Combinations – 1&1; 1&2; 1&3 – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. This is Day 998 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 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.

Understanding ourselves and how others may interpret life through their paradigm allows us to interact with each other with more love and compassion. This can be achieved by utilizing a profound tool call “The Enneagram.” The tool that we refer to as the Enneagram (Any-a-Gram) is a circle with nine interconnected points (Ennea refers to 9 and Gram refers to a drawing). Check out today’s or prior week’s Wisdom Journal for a representation of it. I have also included a copy of “The Enneagram At-A-Glance,” which was compiled by Suzanne H. Eller, in today’s Wisdom Journal. If you would like a PDF copy, click on the link in today’s Wisdom Journal located on our website Wisdom-Trek.com.

I would also recommend the book “The Road Back to You” written by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile. It is an excellent book about an enneagram journey to self-discovery from a Christian perspective.

We have concluded our deep dive into the nine types which are “The Reformer,” “The Helper,” “The Achiever,” “The Individualist,” “The Investigator,” “The Loyalist,” “The Enthusiast,” “The Challenger,” and “The Peacemaker.” Starting this week, we begin a series of episodes on Type Combinations. What are the potential relationship benefits and issues with each combination? Covering all of the 45 different potential type combinations will take several weeks but will be valuable in understanding each other, regardless of what type you are and those with whom you interact each day.

So the questions for the next several weeks will be…

The Enneagram Type Combinations

Enneagram Type One (the Reformer)
with
Enneagram Type One (the Reformer)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

As with all double-type relationships, two Enneagram Ones bring the same general qualities to each other. Therein lies both a main source of the attraction as well as one of the main pitfalls of this pair. Two Ones will be concerned with fairness, truthfulness, keeping agreements, schedules, consistency, and treating the other with respect and dignity. Work and taking care of responsibilities will tend to come first, with play and pleasure taking a back seat for this couple. Vacations and leisure, partying and recreation will all be fitted in after the more important things are accomplished. Each will feel like (and take the role of) the adult in most situations, making for a highly competent, rational approach to life and problem-solving.

In their dealings with each other (as well as with family and friends), two Ones will want to be objective and reasonable, fair and truthful above all else—and will seek these qualities in others. They create an atmosphere of clarity and precision in which their own interactions with each other (and with friends and family) feel clean—not sticky or sentimental or loaded with unspoken ulterior motives. A double One pairing often is created and sustained by shared ideals as well as the desire to put those ideals into practice.

Both Ones are typically people who have solid convictions that they enjoy talking about, often with noteworthy articulateness and passion. They also typically have a certain strength of character and a degree of wisdom—which they both admire in the other. They could not bear being in a relationship with someone they did not respect and whose character was not sterling. Ones bring their hard-earned wisdom to others, above all, by fighting for tolerance, dignity, and rights of everyone.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

Both Ones are governed by a strong sense of right and wrong as well as a sense of responsibility, giving them a feeling of self-restraint and a tendency to feel responsible—both for themselves and for everything else in their lives, including the quality of the relationship itself. There can be a noticeable tone of formality in this combination with a reluctance to say or do anything that would be undignified or out of keeping with their sense of propriety and appropriateness. They will have little tolerance for sloppiness, error, or whatever they define as childish behavior in anyone. Irritation and condescending sarcasm are how they express anger with each other, occasionally exploding into a litany of long-standing grievances that have been loaded in their mental account books. Easily frustrated by mistakes or lapses in themselves, they are equally aware of short-comings in each other.

Average Ones can begin to make the other into a perpetual, unfinished improvement project, although two Ones may well find it too uncomfortable to treat each other this way. They may strike an unspoken deal with each other in which their main criticisms are directed toward others or toward social problems instead. They may bond with each other by becoming indignant about issues and the errors and foolishness of others. They may thus climb atop Olympus together and look down on the world from their privileged, condescending vantage point. Depending on their Level of health, double One couples tend to find few people who measure up to their high standards, with the result that there are fewer social interactions and increasing self-imposed isolation.

Some eccentricity and strange habits (both personally and as a couple) can result as they withdraw more completely from most human connections. Two Ones can begin to feel that they are all the world they need, but it can begin to be a cold, unforgiving world as they also begin to barely tolerate each other.

Enneagram Type One (the Reformer)
with
Enneagram Type Two (the Helper)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

Enneagram Ones and Twos are a complementary couple since both offer the other the example of their own qualities. Both types are highly dutiful and are attracted to service roles and occupations: both may be teachers, ministers, or health care workers who have long hours and many responsibilities. One and Two couples are often professionals whose work takes them out of the house and requires the focus of their attention to be on the needs of others, not on the relationship itself or even on themselves personally. People in this kind of relationship are often unusually mature and independent and able to obtain their emotional needs from a variety of people and connections, including their professional ones. They bring high ideals, strong ethical standards, and the desire to serve others to the relationship itself, keeping the relationship strong and in touch with solid values and practical perspectives.

The relationship is built around shared values: both are on a path of some kind together. Twos bring the nurturing and feelings that Ones do not easily allow themselves; they help Ones soften and relax. On the other hand, Ones bring integrity, conscientiousness, responsibility, and consistency. They are steady, reliable, and truthful. Ones commit strongly, which makes the Two feel secure and that they won’t be abandoned. Further, Twos bring warmth, a concern with people and a willingness to make exceptions to the rule for individuals in need. They are aware of suffering and work hard and generously to alleviate it wherever they can. Twos are more convivial and welcoming than Ones and can warm up the One’s more typically reserved exterior, which most Ones are glad to have happen.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

For as concerned about the needs of others as Ones and Twos are, ironically, they tend not to be very aware of their own needs or able to express them easily. Ones feel that life is serious business and that work must always come before play; the lower impulses of the self must be held tightly in check. Twos feel that they must take care of everyone else’s needs before they are allowed to have needs themselves. Life is about serving others and making themselves useful so that others will need them and want them in their lives.

Both Ones and Twos, therefore, find it difficult to talk about what they are actually feeling, what is actually going on in the relationship, and what they actually want. In this kind of relationship, there are often ulterior motives and unstated agendas, with no one able to admit that they are not getting what they want—much less that they might not be happy or fulfilled. For both, getting what they want feels selfish and forbidden. Ones can begin to feel disappointed by the Two’s tendency to give so much of themselves to others and to be so unregulated regarding time and attention. Twos can seem to Ones to be everywhere else, serving on yet another committee or charitable group, but in the home or at their job, fulfilling their primary responsibilities.

On the other hand, Twos can see Ones as too impersonal and unconcerned with others, not sympathetic or charitable enough. They can begin to be disappointed in the reality of the One’s idealism, thinking that Ones may love humanity but have little real compassion for real people. Ones can be uncomfortable with the Two’s effusiveness and need for contact; Twos can be uncomfortable with the One’s sarcasm and irritability. Both will simmer with anger that will slowly but inexorably, lead to escalating arguments. Both can begin to become condemnatory and critical of the other as the relationship drifts apart.

Enneagram Type One (the Reformer)
with
Enneagram Type Three (the Achiever)

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

Enneagram Ones and Threes are both competent, serious-minded, and idealistic. This is a highly task-oriented relationship, with both partners driven to hard work and intensely aware when, individually and collectively, they are not measuring up to their own expectations and high standards. Both parties can bring selflessness, self-discipline, good work habits, and the ability to put aside their personal feelings for the sake of the objective good that needs to be done. Both types are used to working so hard that they often succeed, garnering admiration from those around them and attaining places of leadership and responsibility.

The One and Three combination can be dazzlingly accomplished, high energy, extraordinarily competent, and impressive—both individually and collectively. They both strive after excellence, both as an ideal and as something to personally embody. Sometimes they succeed so well that this pairing virtually glows with self-confidence and the thrill of their own talents. They strive to make each other proud of them—someone the other can look up to and show off to his or her friends and family. They enjoy planning and organizing their lives, dividing up responsibilities after seeing who is objectively better at which tasks. Both thrive on respect and give each other personal space.

There are only two other equally goal-oriented pairings, a One with One combination and a Three with Three pairing, although since these both are same type pairings, they typically have blind spots that these combinations need to be aware of. Because the One/Three is a mixed pair, this produces a powerful coalition that is capable of dealing both with ideals and with practical matters. They will try to solve problems in the relationship by discussing the issues involved since neither likes emotionally charged bickering or unresolved issues. Ones help Threes to be more grounded and realistic; Threes help Ones stretch themselves and not be so perfectionistic. They are both industrious and persistent, efficient and concerned with excellence and with making a real difference in the world.

Potential Trouble Spots or Issues

If this relationship gets into trouble, it is often over time commitments, lack of emotional attachment to each other, and a creeping sense of competition. Further, Ones tend to find Threes too workaholic, pragmatic, and too concerned with image and their reputations rather than with principle. Ones can see Threes as tending to cut corners in ethical matters, willing to exaggerate or fudge the truth in order to achieve whatever they are after. They can also become critical of Threes if they change their goals pragmatically, dropping efforts or switching positions when something does not work for them. Ones may also have issues with Threes attempting to reinterpret ethical questions and with not owning up to their personal behavior, including their behavior regarding fidelity in the relationship itself.

On the other hand, Threes tend to find Ones too rigid and judgmental in their attitudes and inflexible in various areas. While Threes generally value Ones’ organizational ability and ability to get things done, Threes can also feel that Ones are too narrow-minded and methodical, too perfectionistic and focused on details rather than results. Threes may have issues with Ones about feeling they are being stifled or judged both for their attitudes and for their actions. Threes thrive on praise, but stressed Ones are unable to give any credit to themselves, much less to anyone else. Threes see Ones’ critiques of them as nitpicking and time-wasting. Eventually, Threes start avoiding Ones, triggering Ones’ abandonment issues and more anger and criticism. Both gradually lose respect for the other; Ones losing respect for the Three’s integrity, and Threes losing respect for Ones effectiveness. An open break can occur, but if both find the relationship useful, it can endure as a professional marriage without much passion as it is useful to both parties for their continued professional success and personal status.That covers the first three out of 45 possible type combinations. We will continue each week to look into three additional combinations as we work our way through the numbers. You are important in God’s Kingdom, live to your fill God-Given potential. Regardless of your personality type and the personality types of those with whom you interact in person or online, we must follow God’s Word as told to us in John 13:34-35, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

And also in

Day 997 – Amen Pharaoh – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 15 Nov 2018 08:03:22 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 997 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Amen Pharaoh – Humor Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 997 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.

Amen Pharaoh

A small country church had a visiting preacher who was a friend of the pastor, so he was invited to speak in place of the pastor one Sunday. The pastor introduced his friend, and he was well received prior to the service starting. It was soon evident the visiting preacher was really getting wound up in his message, and it was obvious that he was becoming very long-winded. To make matters worse, every time he would make a good point during his sermon and a member of the congregation responded with “Amen!” or “That’s right, preacher!” he would get wound up even more and launch into another lengthy discourse.

Finally, the host pastor started responding to every few sentences with “Amen, Pharaoh!” The guest minister wasn’t sure what that meant, but after several more “Amen, Pharaohs!” he finally concluded his very lengthy sermon.

After the service concluded and the congregation had left, the visiting preacher turned to his friend and asked, “What exactly did you mean when you said, ‘Amen, Pharaoh’?”

The pastor replied with a smile, “I was telling you to let my people go!”

Well, I hope that brought a smile to your face today. Our Thursday Thought is from Matthew 5:37, “Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.”

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 996 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 996 – Who Took Verse 4 Out of My Bible? – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 08:03:15 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 996 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Who Took Verse 4 Out of My Bible? – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Today is Day 996 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, you must 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.

Most of us are aware that the original and most copies of the scriptures did not have chapter and verse references because they were added much later. We have certainly come to depend on them in today’s culture to locate the passages we are interested in. But there are occasions where there are verses missing.

Today’s essay will look at one of those instances and find out…

Who Took Verse 4 Out of My Bible?

Most of us have read John 5:1-10, the story of the blind, paralyzed man at the pool of Bethesda, many times, but I’ll bet there’s something that escaped your attention. While I usually remove the verse numbers, I will leave them in the passage for today.

¹Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. ²Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda,^[a]with five covered porches. ³Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches.^[b] ⁵One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. ⁶When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?”

⁷“I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.”

⁸Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”

⁹Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath, ¹⁰so the Jewish leaders objected. They said to the man who was cured, “You can’t work on the Sabbath! The law doesn’t allow you to carry that sleeping mat!”

If you read closely, you’ll notice that verse 4 is missing! Start at verse one, and you will realize that verse four is not there.

Verse 4, which is included in some versions like the NASB, tells us, “for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted.”

The verse is not just missing in the NLT; the situation is the same in the NIV, ESV, NRSV, CEV, and the NET Bible. If you use the NASB or NCV, you will see the verse, but it’s been placed inside brackets, whereas the KJV and the NKJV contain verse 4 without any notation or demarcation. So what’s going on here? Who took John 5:4 out of certain versions of the Bible and why?

If you’re using a study Bible that doesn’t have verse 4, you will likely see a note at the end of verse 3 or the beginning of verse 5 explaining why it isn’t there. This is a textbook case of a disagreement between manuscripts of the Greek New Testament.

The reason that the last part of John 5:3 and all of verse 4 is missing in many versions is that they are not found in any of the earliest and most accurate manuscripts of the Gospel of John. Scholars who make a career of comparing manuscripts (“textual critics” and “paleographers”) have discovered that in roughly two dozen manuscripts scribes put asterisk marks at the verse to warn the next scribe who would copy the manuscript that the verse was likely not original. To top it all off, four of the last five Greek words of what would be John 5:4 aren’t found anywhere else in John’s writings. This suggests that John 5:4 does not belong in the New Testament, which explains why many modem Bible translations have omitted it.

After 1900, translators used new manuscript discoveries from the 1800s, which revealed that the verse was likely not original. This is why verse 4 is listed in the pre-1900 in the KJV “as is” without brackets (the NKJV followed the KJV in this regard). More recent Bible translations either omitted it completely or retained the verse with brackets. This gives us a clearer picture of what the original product of inspiration looked like.

Why would verse four have not been included in the original New Testament? It is not because of the angel in the story. The Bible has no problem with angels; they’re all over the place, doing all sorts of things. But, like today, there was a great deal of folklore and superstition about them. The idea that an angel stirred the waters at a given time during the year was one such superstition. John 5:7 mentions the stirring or bubbling up of the water but does not mention the angel.

It’s likely that John knew of the belief about the waters of Bethesda but chose to leave it out for a specific reason. Perhaps he does not wish to endorse that an angel was stirring the water. By excluding the popular belief about the angel, John focuses his readers on the healer who was indeed present, which was Jesus.

There are some lessons for us all in “the case of the missing verse. First, we need to train ourselves to read the Bible closely. If we missed something like the normal order of numbering in John 5, what else are we overlooking? Second, it pays to compare Bible versions. Even scholars who read Greek and Hebrew actively compare manuscript traditions. The work of another scribe (or Bible translator) can often direct our attention to something important. Third, we need to be sure the content of our preaching and teaching has a secure footing in the text. God moved people to invest their lives transmitting the biblical text; the least we can do is pay close attention.

That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue in the New Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “What Walking on the Water Really Means.” 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 995 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 995 – Character Development – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 13 Nov 2018 08:03:33 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 995 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Character Development –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 995 of our trek, and it is time for our 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. 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 Helen Keller, and it is, “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired and success achieved.”

Character Development

While all of us desire to achieve success with ease, this is not possible. Success can only be achieved through ambition, strength, and development of character. Development of that character comes through experiences which are difficult. The trials and sufferings of life should strengthen our soul, refresh our resolve, and give us the inspiration and ambition to keep moving forward.

It is through these times that we must learn the lessons that life is teaching us and also learn to enjoy our journey, regardless of how difficult it may appear at the moment. If you truly desire success, then you will be willing to accept the trials and sufferings that are part of the very path to success.

If Helen Keller, who was blind, could not hear, and was barely able to speak audibly, realized these truths then each of us must resolve to persevere toward success, regardless of the limitations that we may have personally. It is possible to achieve success if we are willing to traverse the difficult path that lies ahead of us each day.

This lesson is also taught to us in James 1:2-5, “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 need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”

If you would like to listen to any of our past 994 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Podcast 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 994 – Does God Really Care? – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 12 Nov 2018 08:03:57 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 994 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Does God Really Care? – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us today for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 994 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 you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

Life is difficult at times, and we feel that pressure is so much that we are unable to continue. We may question ourselves, our relationships, and even our God. Jesus came to dwell among us – to be one of us, His creation. Jesus also understands us fully, especially when we are too weak to carry on under our own power. In our Meditation Monday today, I want us to reflect on…

Does God Really Care?

I bet all of us have wondered whether God really cares for us. Does He understand what we are going through? How could He? That is one reason that God sent His one and only son, Jesus, to become one of us. Hebrews 4:15 tells us, “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.” He also became one of us to bring us salvation and freedom from eternal death.

Does this promise matter? If you ever wonder if God understands you, it does. If you ever wonder if God listens, it does. If you ever wonder if the Uncreated Creator can, in a million years, comprehend the challenges you face, then ponder long and hard the promise of the incarnation. Jesus is “able to understand our weaknesses.” How can He? “Because He faced all of the same trials as we do.”

The One who hears your prayers understands your pain. He never shrugs or scoffs or dismisses spiritual, emotional, and physical struggles. He had a human body. He had a human mind. He was intimately spiritual.

Are you troubled in spirit? Jesus was too. John 12:27 reads, “Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour?’ But this is the very reason I came!”

Are you so anxious you could die? Jesus was too as he shared with his closest friends in Matthew 26:38, “He told them, ‘My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.'”

Have you ever prayed with loud cries and tears? Jesus did too. Hebrews 5:7 says, “While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God.”

God knows what you are going through. God grieves with you. When you are at the bottom, look up to Jesus “for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.” Call out to Him and allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen and encourage you. God knows, understands, and provides. Trust in Him.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 993 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 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 993 – The Enneagram System – Type Number Nine – The Peacemaker – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 08:03:06 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 993 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Enneagram System – Type Number Nine

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. This is Day 993 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.

Today is the sixteenth episode in our series delving into what makes each of us respond differently to life situations and circumstances. Understanding ourselves and how others may interpret life through their paradigm will allow us to interact with each other with more love and compassion. This empathy can be achieved by utilizing a profound tool called “The Enneagram.” If you have missed any of our past thirteen Friday series, I would recommend going back and listening to them or reading the Wisdom Journals.

As a review, the tool that we refer to as the Enneagram (Any-a-Gram) is a circle with nine interconnected points (Ennea refers to 9, and Gram refers to a drawing). Check out today’s or a prior week’s Wisdom Journal for a representation of it. I have also included a copy of “The Enneagram At-A-Glance,” which was compiled by Suzanne H. Eller in today’s Wisdom Journal. If you would like a PDF copy, click on the link in today’s Wisdom Journal located on our website Wisdom-Trek.com.

I would also recommend the book The Road Back to You written by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile. It is an excellent book about an enneagram journey to self-discovery from a Christian perspective.

In the first seven episodes, we explored how The Enneagram System works and then presented an overview of all nine personality types. So far we have taken a deep dive into “The Reformer,” “The Helper,” “The Achiever,” “The Individualist,” “The Investigator,” “The Loyalist,” “The Enthusiast,” and “The Challenger.” This week we will explore the final type Number Nine “The Peacemaker.” Next week we begin a series of episodes on Type Combinations and what the potential relationship benefits and issues are with each combination.

Since we are exploring the Enneagram in detail, I would also recommend reading the Wisdom Journal for each Friday to see the diagrams presented each week. As helpful as the Enneagram is, keep in mind, it is still only a tool, and cannot replace or usurp the precepts that are found in God’s Word. All decisions and actions that we make in life must be in harmony with God’s precepts.

So the questions for the next several months will be…

The Enneagram System – Type Number Nine – The Peacemaker

9 – THE PEACEMAKER
Enneagram Type Nine

The Easygoing, Self-Effacing Type: Receptive, Reassuring Agreeable, and Complacent

· Type Nine in Brief

Nines are accepting, trusting, and stable. They are usually creative, optimistic, and supportive, but can also be too willing to go along with others to keep the peace. They want everything to go smoothly and be without conflict, but they can also tend to be complacent, simplifying problems and minimizing anything upsetting. They typically have problems with inertia and stubbornness.

At their Best: indomitable and all-embracing, they are able to bring people together and heal conflicts.

Basic Fear: Of loss and separation

Basic Desire: To have inner stability “peace of mind”

Enneagram Nine with an Eight-Wing: “The Referee”

Enneagram Nine with a One-Wing: “The Dreamer”

Key Motivations: Want to create harmony in their environment, to avoid conflicts and tension, to preserve things as they are, to resist whatever would upset or disturb them.

The Meaning of the Arrows (in brief)

When moving in their Direction of Disintegration (stress), complacent Nines suddenly become anxious and worried like unhealthy Sixes. However, when moving in their Direction of Integration (growth), slothful, self-neglecting Nines become more self-developing and energetic, like healthy Threes.

· Type Nine Overview

We have called personality type Nine “The Peacemaker” because no type is more devoted to the quest for internal and external peace for themselves and others. They are typically “spiritual seekers” who have a great yearning for connection with the cosmos, as well as with other people. They work to maintain their peace of mind just as they work to establish peace and harmony in their world. The issues encountered in the Nine are fundamental to all psychological and spiritual work—being awake versus falling asleep to our true nature; presence versus entrancement, openness versus blockage, tension versus relaxation, peace versus pain, union versus separation…

Ironically, for a type so oriented to the spiritual world, Nine is the center of the Instinctive Center and is the type that is potentially most grounded in the physical world and in their own bodies. The contradiction is resolved when we realize that Nines are either in touch with their instinctive qualities and have tremendous elemental power and personal magnetism, or they are cut off from their instinctual strengths and can be disengaged and remote, even lightweight.

To compensate for being out of touch with their instinctual energies, Nines also retreat into their minds and their emotional fantasies. (This is why Nines can sometimes misidentify themselves as Fives and Sevens, “head types,” or as Twos and Fours, “feeling types.”) Furthermore, when their instinctive energies are out of balance, Nines use these very energies against themselves, damming up their own power so that everything in their psyches becomes static and inert. When their energy is not used, it stagnates like a spring-fed lake that becomes so full that its own weight dams up the springs that feed it. When Nines are in balance with their Instinctive Center and its energy, however, they are like a great river, carrying everything along with it effortlessly.

We have sometimes called the Nine the crown of the Enneagram because it is at the top of the symbol and because it seems to include the whole of it. Nines can have the strength of Eights, the sense of fun and adventure of Sevens, the dutifulness of Sixes, the intellectualism of Fives, the creativity of Fours, the attractiveness of Threes, the generosity of Twos, and the idealism of Ones. However, what they generally do not have is a sense of really inhabiting themselves—a strong sense of their own identity.

Ironically, therefore, the only type the Nine is not like is the Nine itself. Being a separate self, an individual who must assert herself against others, is terrifying to Nines. They would rather melt into someone else or quietly follow their idyllic daydreams.

Reed, a nationally known business consultant, comments on this tendency.

“I am aware of focusing on other people, wondering what they are like, how and where they live, etc. In a relationship with others, I often give up my own agenda in favor of the other person’s. I have to be on guard about giving in to other’s demands and discounting my own legitimate needs.”

Nines demonstrate the universal temptation to ignore the disturbing aspects of life and to seek some degree of peace and comfort by “numbing out.” They respond to pain and suffering by attempting to live in a state of premature peacefulness, whether it is in a state of false spiritual attainment or in more gross denial. More than any other type, Nines demonstrate the tendency to run away from the paradoxes and tensions of life by attempting to transcend them or by seeking to find simple and painless solutions to their problems.

To emphasize the pleasant in life is not a bad thing, of course—it is simply a limited and limiting approach to life. If Nines see the silver lining in every cloud as a way of protecting themselves from the cold and rain, other types have their distorting viewpoints, too. For example, Fours focus on their own wounded-ness and victimization, Ones on what is wrong with how things are, and so forth. By contrast, Nines tend to focus on the “bright side of life” so that their peace of mind will not be shaken. But rather than deny the dark side of life, what Nines must understand is that all of the perspectives presented by the other types are true, too. Nines must resist the urge to escape into “premature Buddhahood” or the “white light” of the Divine and away from the mundane world. They must remember that “the only way out is through.”

· Type Nine —Levels of Development

Healthy Levels

Level 1 (At Their Best): Become self-possessed, feeling autonomous and fulfilled: have great equanimity and contentment because they are present to themselves. Paradoxically, at one with self, and thus able to form more profound relationships. Intensely alive, fully connected to self and others.

Level 2: Deeply receptive, accepting, unselfconscious, emotionally stable, and serene. Trusting of self and others, at ease with self and life, innocent and simple. Patient, unpretentious, good-natured, genuinely nice people.

Level 3: Optimistic, reassuring, and supportive: have a healing and calming influence—harmonizing groups, bringing people together: a good mediator, synthesizer, and communicator.

Average Levels

Level 4: Fear conflicts, so become self-effacing and accommodating, idealizing others and “going along” with their wishes, saying “yes” to things they do not really want to do. Fall into conventional roles and expectations. Use philosophies and stock sayings to deflect others.

Level 5: Active, but disengaged, unreflective, and inattentive. Do not want to be affected, so become unresponsive and complacent, walking away from problems, and “sweeping them under the rug.” Thinking becomes hazy and ruminative, mostly comforting fantasies, as they begin to “tune out” reality, becoming oblivious. Emotionally indolent, unwillingness to exert self or to focus on problems: indifference.

Level 6: Begin to minimize problems, to appease others and to have “peace at any price.” Stubborn, fatalistic, and resigned, as if nothing could be done to change anything. Into wishful thinking, and magical solutions. Others are frustrated and angry by their procrastination and unresponsiveness.

Unhealthy Levels

Level 7: Can be highly repressed, undeveloped, and ineffectual. Feel incapable of facing problems: become obstinate, dissociating self from all conflicts. Neglectful and dangerous to others.

Level 8: Wanting to block out of awareness anything that could affect them, they dissociate so much that they eventually cannot function: numb, depersonalized.

Level 9: They finally become severely disoriented and catatonic, abandoning themselves, turning into shattered shells. Multiple personalities are possible. Generally corresponds to the Schizoid and Dependent personality disorders.

Personal Growth Recommendations for Enneagram Type Nine

It is worth examining your type’s tendency to go along with others, doing what they want to keep the peace and be nice. Will constantly acquiescing to the wishes of others provide the kind of relationships that will really satisfy you? Remember, it is impossible to love others if you are not truly present to them. This means that you have to be yourself, which you (paradoxically) have to be independent so that you can really be there for others when they need you.
Exert yourself. Force yourself to pay attention to what is going on. Do not drift off or tune people out or daydream. Work on focusing your attention to become an active participant in the world around you. Try to become more mentally and emotionally engaged.
Recognize that you also have aggressions, anxieties, and other feelings that you must deal with. Negative feelings and impulses are a part of you, and they affect you emotionally and physically whether or not you acknowledge them. Furthermore, your negative emotions are often expressed inadvertently and get in the way of the peace and harmony you want in your relationships. It is best to get things out in the open first, at least by allowing yourself to become aware of your feelings.
Although this will be very painful for you, if your marriage has ended in divorce or if you are having problems with your children, you must honestly examine how you have contributed to these problems. Examining troubled relationships will be extremely difficult because the people involved have been close to your heart. The feelings you have for others endow you with much of your identity and self-esteem. But if you really love others, you can do no less than examine the role you have played in whatever conflicts that have arisen. In the last analysis, the choice is simple: you must sacrifice your peace of mind (in the short run) for the satisfaction of genuine relationships (in the long run).
Exercise frequently to become more aware of your body and emotions. (Some Nines run around doing errands and think that they are getting enough exercise.) Regular exercise is a healthy form of self-discipline and will increase your awareness of your feelings and other sensations. Developing body-awareness will help teach you to concentrate and focus your attention in other areas of your life as well. Exercise is also a good way to get in touch with and express some aggressions.

That will conclude our focus on personality type number Nine – The Peacemaker. You are important in God’s Kingdom; live to your fill God-Given potential. A word of encouragement from God’s Word for those of you who are Enneagram type number Nine is found in 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.”

Join us again next Friday as we further explore the Enneagram on our Ask Gramps episode. We will begin exploring type combinations and how best to maintain meaningful and productive relationships with each other. The information that we explore will allow you to unlock who you are as we travel on our trek of life and discover more about yourself and others as you impact God’s kingdom. 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.

Day 992 – Gramps’ Wisdom – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 08:03:55 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 992 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Gramps’ Wisdom – Humor Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 992 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.

Gramps’ Wisdom

Little Susie was sitting on Gramps’ lap as he read her a bedtime story from the Bible about God’s creation. From time to time, she would take her eyes off the book and reach up to touch his wrinkled cheek. At the same time, she would stroke her own cheek. Gramps loved little Susie and enjoyed their time together. Finally, Susie spoke up, “Gramps, did God make you?”

“Yes, sweetheart,” he answered, “God made me a long time ago.”

“Oh,” she paused, “Gramps, did God make me too?”

“Yes, indeed, honey,” he said, “God made you just a little while ago.”

Feeling their respective faces again, she observed, “God’s getting better at his creation isn’t he?”

Well, I hope that brought a smile to your face today. Our Thursday Thought is from Romans 8:20-22,“Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.”

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 991 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 991 – The Healing Serpent – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 08:03:59 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 991 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Healing Serpent – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Today is Day 991 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, you must 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.

Just like the modern day medical symbol with snakes wrapped around the pole, both Greek Mythology and Old Testament references are tied to this symbol.

Today’s essay will explore…

The Healing Serpent

Many people can recite John 3:16, but how many know what John 3:14-15 says? Jesus words in these two verses have generated confusion and controversy. Here is what is written, “And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life. ‘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.'”

John [3:15] presents no problem; it declares the gospel—that Jesus, the “Son of Man” in this passage, is the true object of faith for all who would have eternal life. The difficulty lies in verse 14, where Jesus compares His destiny on the cross to a serpent “lifted up” in the wilderness.

In this analogy, Jesus draws on Numbers 21:4-9, one of many incidents in which the Israelites complained about their circumstances on their journey to the Promised Land. God punished their impatience and lack of faith by sending venomous “poisonous snakes” into the camp. After many fatalities, the people begged Moses to intercede with God on their behalf. God relented and instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. Anyone bitten by a serpent would be healed by gazing at the bronze serpent.

Although the parallel between the serpent on the pole and Jesus on the cross is apparent, the incident raises questions. Why didn’t God heal the people directly? Was the bronze serpent an idol, and thus a violation of the second commandment? Wouldn’t the Israelites have recoiled at the association of healing with a serpent?

· Not Out of Eden

We might incorrectly link the serpent on the pole in Numbers 21 and the serpent found in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3), but the only similarity between these two passages is the word “serpent,” Hebrew word nachash. The nachash of Genesis 3 is a figure acting independently of—and in opposition to—the will of God. In Numbers 21 the biting serpents are God’s instrument of judgment for sin, and the nachash on the pole is God’s instrument of healing for those punished for sin.

· Maybe Magic

In part the answer to “why a serpent?” is found in the ancient practice of sympathetic magic, the idea that a person afflicted by an object can be cured or delivered by an image of that same object. In the absence of sophisticated medical knowledge, ancient cultures sought cures for physical ailments or perceived curses by such means. We can find several examples of this ancient medical approach in other places in the Old Testament.

For example, the Philistines fashioned five golden objects that corresponded to an affliction Yahweh sent upon their cities (1 Samuel 6:5-18). Both Moses and Elisha purified drinking water by using elements that would otherwise taint it—wood in Exodus [15:25] and salt in 2 Kings [2:21]. Elisha received no instruction from God to proceed as he did, and so he apparently believed God would empower the gesture. In Numbers 21, God makes use of this familiar cultural idea to communicate an offer of divine deliverance to the Israelites.

· Also Symbolism

God’s use of serpent symbolism for healing was appropriate for other reasons. Israelites, like other Semitic peoples, associated serpents with life and healing. Snakes were thought to have regenerative healing powers because they shed their skin. Serpent images were a common motif in ancient Near Eastern art. Storage jars often included serpent imagery—perhaps to ward off theft or spoilage. The Greek god of healing, Asclepius, was depicted as a snake. The rod of Asclepius, a staff entwined by a snake, is still a symbol for medicine and healing today. Here, Yahweh uses this imagery to proclaim His sovereignty over other gods.

Aside from their association with healing, serpents were familiar symbols of protection. Consider ancient Egypt, where the snake is an ever-present symbol. The uraeus serpent on the crown of the pharaoh was thought to render him immune from harm and enable him to heal. Other serpent icons served as divine guardians. The confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh, in which the serpent of God devoured the Egyptians’ serpents, sent a powerful theological message about the superiority of Yahweh found in Exodus 7:8-13. Yahweh, not Pharaoh, had power over the natural and divine worlds and the authority to dispense or withhold judgment or mercy. He was truly God: Pharaoh was an amateur magician.

Some of these messages are conveyed in both Numbers 21 and John [3:14]-15. First, Yahweh was not a God with which to trifle. He could punish faithlessness by commanding the forces of nature, sending poisonous snakes against the Israelites. He also had the power to reverse the effects, offering His divine healing through a bronze serpent. Healing came with one condition: the Israelites had to exercise faith in the offer.

Jesus’ use of this test of the “obedience of faith” creates a fitting analog to His own destiny. Death, the natural world’s most consuming force, would be reversed for all who looked to Jesus, raised up on the pole of the cross, if only the afflicted would believe.

That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue in the New Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “Who Took Verse 4 Out of My Bible?” 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 990 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 990 – Building a Successful Life – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 08:03:34 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 990 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Building a Successful Life –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 990 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. 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 Guy Kawasaki, and it is, “Building a successful business is a marathon, not a sprint, but even a marathon begins with a few steps.”

Building a Successful Life

In order to be successful in any area of life – whether it be in business, family, ministry, or your personal life – you must understand that success is achieved with taking small incremental steps towards that success. You can never prepare for, or run in a marathon, without taking those first crucial steps. As in a marathon, you have to slowly and gradually prepare for each race by first walking and then running much shorter distances. Once you have achieved those small milestones, then you will add to that each week and month until you are able to reach the finish line of success.

If you push too hard at that beginning, you will never prepare properly to finish the race completely. With every decision that you make each day, if you make it wisely, you will lay a solid path from which you can advance. You are responsible for each decision that you make and the lessons that you learn as a result of those decisions.

While we can and should learn from our past, we must not dwell there, but continue on toward that finish line of success in that endeavor or season of life. Press on one step at a time. Make it a habit of making wise decisions which are based on the precepts that are found in God’s Word, and then you will achieve success in business, family, ministry, and indeed all areas of life. Realize, though, that as we achieve success in an area of life, or for a season of life, ultimately our race is not over until we cross that finish line to invest eternity with God.

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.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 989 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 989 – The Lord Is My Shepherd – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 08:03:18 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 989 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Lord Is My Shepherd – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us today for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 989 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 you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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 all have a tendency to wander away, either in our minds avoiding important obligations, or with our lives physically wandering away from our God-given responsibilities. Like sheep, we need a faithful shepherd to keep us in the fold. In our Meditation Monday today I want us to reflect on…

The Lord Is My Shepherd

We must realize and understand that sheep aren’t smart. They tend to wander into running creeks for water, then their wool grows heavy, and they drown. They have no sense of direction. They need a shepherd to lead them to calm water. So do we! We, like sheep, tend to be swept away by waters we should have avoided. We have no defense against the evil lion who prowls about seeking whom he might devour. Peter warns us in 1 Peter 5:8, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”

Also, we are reminded in Isaiah 53:6, “All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.”

We need a shepherd to care for us and to guide us. Jesus is that Good Shepherd. The Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. The Shepherd who protects, provides, and possesses his sheep. The Good Shepherd is described in…

Psalm 23

A Psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.

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 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.

The imagery is carried over to the New Testament as Jesus is called the good shepherd of the sheep in John 10:14-15, “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.”

Each day, let us listen for the shepherd’s voice and follow Him. He will take care of us and protect us.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 988 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast and Google Podcast 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 988 – The Enneagram System – Type Number Eight – The Challenger – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 07:03:46 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 988 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Enneagram System – Type Number Eight – The Challenger – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. This is Day 988 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.

Today is the fifteenth episode in our series delving into what makes each of us respond differently to life situations and circumstances. Understanding ourselves and how others may interpret life through their paradigm will allow us to interact with each other with more love and compassion. This empathy can be achieved by utilizing a profound tool called “The Enneagram.” If you have missed any of our past thirteen Friday series, I would recommend going back and listening to them or reading the Wisdom Journals.

In the first seven episodes, we explored how The Enneagram System works and then presented an overview of all nine personality types. So far we have taken a deep dive into “The Reformer,” “The Helper,” “The Achiever,” “The Individualist,” “The Investigator,” “The Loyalist,” and “The Enthusiast.” This week we will explore type Number Eight “The Challenger.” Next week we will focus on the final type number Nine “The Peacemaker.”

Since we are exploring the Enneagram in detail, I would also recommend reading the Wisdom Journal for each Friday to see the diagrams presented each week. As helpful as the Enneagram is, keep in mind, it is still only a tool, and cannot replace or usurp the precepts that are found in God’s Word. All decisions and actions that we make in life must be in harmony with God’s precepts.

So the questions for the next several months will be…

The Enneagram System – Type Number Eight – The Challenger

8 – THE CHALLENGER
Enneagram Type Eight

The Powerful, Dominating Type: Self-Confident, Decisive, Willful, and Confrontational

· Type Eight in Brief

Eights are self-confident, strong, and assertive. Protective, resourceful, straight-talking, and decisive, but can also be ego-centric and domineering. Eights feel they must control their environment, especially people, sometimes becoming confrontational and intimidating. Eights typically have problems with their tempers and with allowing themselves to be vulnerable. At their best: self-mastering, they use their strength to improve others’ lives, becoming heroic, magnanimous, and inspiring.

Basic Fear: Of being harmed or controlled by others

Basic Desire: To protect themselves (to be in control of their own life and destiny)

Enneagram Eight with a Seven-Wing: “The Maverick”

Enneagram Eight with a Nine-Wing: “The Bear”

Key Motivations: Want to be self-reliant, to prove their strength and resist weakness, to be important in their world, to dominate the environment, and to stay in control of their situation.

The Meaning of the Arrows (in brief)

When moving in their Direction of Disintegration (stress), self-confident Eights suddenly become secretive and fearful like an unhealthy Five. However, when moving in their Direction of Integration (growth), lustful, controlling Eights become more open-hearted and caring, like healthy Twos.

· Type Eight Overview

We have named personality type Eight “The Challenger” because of all the types, Eights enjoy taking on challenges themselves as well as giving others opportunities that challenge them to exceed themselves in some way. Eights are charismatic and have the physical and psychological capacities to persuade others to follow them into all kinds of endeavors—from starting a company to rebuilding a city, to running a household, to waging war, to making peace.

Eights have enormous willpower and vitality, and they feel most alive when they are exercising these capacities in the world. They use their abundant energy to effect changes in their environment—to “leave their mark” on it—but also to keep the environment, and especially other people, from hurting them and those they care about. At an early age, Eights understand that this requires strength, will, persistence, and endurance—qualities that they develop in themselves and that they look for in others.

Here is our first example. Thayer is a stockbroker who has worked intensively on understanding her type Eight personality. She recounts a childhood incident in which she could clearly see the development of this pattern.

“Much of my tenacity and toughness comes from my Dad. He always told me not to ‘let anybody push you around.’ It was not okay to cry. I learned to master my weaker side early on. At the tender age of eight, a huge horse ran away with me. When an adult caught the horse, I resolutely dismounted without a tear. I could tell my father was proud.”

Eights do not want to be controlled or to allow others to have power over them (their Basic Fear), whether the power is psychological, sexual, social, or financial. Much of their behavior is involved with making sure that they retain and increase whatever power they have for as long as possible. An Eight may be a general or a gardener, a small businessman or a mogul, the mother of a family or the superior of a religious community. No matter, being “in charge” and leaving their imprint on their sphere is uniquely characteristic of them.

Eights are the true “rugged individualists” of the Enneagram. More than any other type, they stand alone. They want to be independent and resist being indebted to anyone. They often refuse to “give in” to social convention, and they can defy fear, shame, and concern about the consequences of their actions. Although they are usually aware of what people think of them, they do not let the opinions of others sway them. They go about their business with a steely determination that can be awe-inspiring, even intimidating to others.

Although, to some extent, Eights fear physical harm, far more important is their fear of being disempowered or controlled in some way. Eights are extraordinarily tough and can absorb a great deal of physical punishment without complaint—a double-edged blessing since they often take their health and stamina for granted and overlook the health and well-being of others as well. Yet they are desperately afraid of being hurt emotionally and will use their physical strength to protect their feelings and keep others at a safe emotional distance. Beneath the tough façade is a vulnerability, although it has been covered over by a layer of emotional armor.

Thus, Eights are often extremely industrious, but at the price of losing emotional contact with many of the people in their lives. Those close to them may become increasingly dissatisfied with this state of affairs, which confounds Eights. A common example for Eights would sound like this…“I don’t understand what my family is complaining about. I bust my hump to provide for them. Why are they disappointed with me?”

When this happens, Eights feel misunderstood and may distance themselves further. In fact, beneath their imposing exterior, Eights often feel hurt and rejected, although this is something they seldom talk about because they have trouble admitting their vulnerability to themselves, let alone to anyone else. Because they fear that they will be rejected (i.e., divorced, humiliated, criticized, fired, or harmed in some way), Eights attempt to defend themselves by rejecting others first. The result is that average Eights become blocked in their ability to connect with people or to love since love gives the other power over them, reawakening their Basic Fear.

The more Eights build up their egos in order to protect themselves, the more sensitive they become to any real or imaginary slight to their self-respect, authority, or preeminence. The more they attempt to make themselves impervious to hurt or pain (whether physical or emotional), the more they “shut down” emotionally to become hardened and rock-like.

When Eights are emotionally healthy, however, they have a resourceful, “can-do” attitude as well as a steady inner drive. They take the initiative and make things happen with a great passion for life. They are honorable and authoritative—natural leaders who have a solid, commanding presence. Their grounded-ness gives them abundant “common sense” as well as the ability to be decisive. Eights are willing to “take the heat,” knowing that any decision cannot please everyone. But as much as possible, they want to look after the interests of the people in their charge without playing favorites. They use their talents and fortitude to construct a better world for everyone in their lives.

· Type Eight —Levels of Development

Healthy Levels

Level 1 (At Their Best): Assimilate experiences in depth, making them deeply grateful and appreciative for what they have. Become awed by the simple wonders of life: joyous and ecstatic. Intimations of spiritual reality, of the boundless goodness of life.

Level 2: Highly responsive, excitable, and enthusiastic about sensation and experience. Most extroverted type: stimuli bring immediate responses—they find everything invigorating. Lively, vivacious, eager, spontaneous, resilient, cheerful.

Level 3: Easily become accomplished achievers, generalists who do many different things well: multi-talented. Practical, productive, usually prolific, cross-fertilizing areas of interest.

Average Levels

Level 4: As restlessness increases, want to have more options and choices available to them. Become adventurous and “worldly wise,” but less focused, constantly seeking new things and experiences: the sophisticated, connoisseur, and consumer. Money, variety, keeping up with the latest trends…are important.

Level 5: Unable to discriminate what they really need, become hyperactive, unable to say “no” to themselves, throwing self into constant activity. Uninhibited, doing and saying whatever comes to mind: storytelling, flamboyant exaggerations, witty wise-cracking, performing…Fear being bored: in perpetual motion, but do too many things—many ideas but little follow through.

Level 6: Get into conspicuous consumption and all forms of excess. Self-centered, materialistic, and greedy, never feeling that they have enough. Demanding and pushy, yet unsatisfied and jaded. Addictive, hardened, and insensitive.

Unhealthy Levels

Level 7: Desperate to quell their anxieties, can be impulsive and infantile: do not know when to stop. Addictions and excess take their toll: debauched, depraved, dissipated escapists, offensive and abusive.

Level 8: In flight from self, acting out impulses rather than dealing with anxiety or frustrations: go out of control into erratic mood swings and compulsive actions (manias).

Level 9: Finally, their energy and health are completely expended: become claustrophobic and panic-stricken. Often give up on themselves and life: deep depression and despair, self-destructive overdoses, impulsive suicide. Generally corresponds to Bipolar disorder and Histrionic personality disorder.

Personal Growth Recommendations for Enneagram Type Eight

It goes against the grain, but act with self-restraint. You show true power when you forbear from asserting your will with others, even when you could. Your real power lies in your ability to inspire and uplift people. You are at your best when you take charge and help everyone through a crisis. Few will take advantage of you when you are caring, and you will do more to secure the loyalty and devotion of others by showing the greatness of your heart than you ever could by displays of raw power.
It is difficult for Eights, but learn to yield to others, at least occasionally. Often, little is really at stake, and you can allow others to have their way without fear of sacrificing your power, or your real needs. The desire to dominate everyone all the time is a sign that your ego is beginning to inflate—a danger signal that more serious conflicts with others are inevitable.
Remember that the world is not against you. Many people in your life care about you and look up to you, but when you are in your fixation, you do not make this easy for them. Let in the affection that is available. Doing this will not make you weak, but will confirm the strength and support in yourself and your life. Also remember that by believing that others are against you and reacting against them, you tend to alienate them and confirm your own fears. Take stock of the people who truly are on your side, and let them know how important they are to you.
Eights typically want to be self-reliant and depend on no one. But, ironically, they depend on many people. For example, you may think that you are not dependent on your employees because they depend on you for their jobs. You could dismiss them at any time and hire other workers. Everyone is expendable in your little kingdom—except you. But the fact is that you are dependent on others to do their jobs too, especially if your business concerns grow beyond what you can manage alone. But if you alienate everyone associated with you, you will eventually be forced to employ the most obsequious and untrustworthy operatives. When you do, you will have reason to question their loyalty and to fear losing your position. The fact is that whether in your business world or your domestic life, your self-sufficiency is largely an illusion.

That will conclude our focus on personality type number Eight – The Challenger. A word of encouragement from God’s Word for those of you who are Enneagram type number Eight is found in

Day 987 – A Wise Suggestion – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 07:03:13 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 987 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

A Wise Suggestion – Humor Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 987 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.

A Wise Suggestion

Frank was driving through the Sahara desert by himself when out in the middle of nowhere his jeep broke down. Thinking that he would not be out for long, he failed to bring any water. As the noon-day sun became increasingly intense, Frank became desperate for water. He started out on foot toward what he thought might be a good direction. After walking a couple of miles when he saw something, far off in the distance. Hoping to find water, he walked toward the image, which now appeared to be a tent. When he reached the tent, he found a little old lady sitting at a card table with a bunch of neckties laid out on it.

Desperately Frank begged, “Please, I’m dying of thirst, can I have some water?”

The woman replied “I don’t have any water, but why don’t you buy a tie? Here’s one that goes nicely with your outfit.”

Frank shouted, “I don’t want a tie lady. I need water!”

Calmly she replied, “Okay, don’t buy a tie. But to show you what a nice person I am, I’ll tell you that over that hill there, about four miles, is a nice restaurant. Walk that way, they’ll give you all the water you want.”

The dehydrated Frank thanked the woman and walked away toward the hill and eventually disappeared.

Three hours later he returned crawling back to the tent where the old lady was still sitting behind her card table full of beautiful ties.

The lady asked, “I told you, about four miles over that hill. Couldn’t you find it?”

Frank rasped from his parched throat, “I found it all right. They wouldn’t let me in without a tie.”

Well, I hope that brought a smile to your face today. Our Thursday Thought is from Psalms 107:8-9, “Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”

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 986 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.

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 986 – Satan Falls Like Lightning – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 07:03:11 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 986 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Satan Falls Like Lightning – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Today is Day 986 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.

Lightning can be beautiful to watch, and yet it is quite destructive and dangerous. In the New Testament, there is another entity that falls like lightning, which may seem beautiful but desires to destroy us.

Today’s essay will explore…

Satan Falls Like Lightning

In one of the more mysterious verses in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells His disciples in Luke 10:18, “’Yes,’ he told them, ‘I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning!'”

The question isn’t about the “what” of Jesus’ statement. It’s clear that Satan is under judgment. Rather, the confusion is over the “when” of the statement. It might sound like a reference to when Satan became Satan, before the Garden of Eden, abandoning his status among God s heavenly host, but that conclusion would be too hasty.

We basically have three options when it comes to figuring out the timing of Satan’s fall: before, during, or after Jesus own time. Many people have offered opinions. Perhaps the most common interpretation is that Jesus is seeing or remembering the original fall of Satan. This option makes little sense in context. Prior to the statement, Jesus had sent out the disciples to heal and preach that the kingdom of God had drawn near to them (Luke 10:1-9). They return amazed and excited by the fact that demons were subject to them in the name of Jesus. Luke 10:17 says, “When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, ‘Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!’” Jesus replied to their proclamation, “’Yes,’ he told them, ‘I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning!'”

There is a connection between the kingdom, the defeat of demons, and Satan. But if Satan’s fall in Luke [10:18] speaks of an event in the remote past, why wasn’t the kingdom established then? Why was Satan still powerful when Jesus showed up on the scene? Even with the kingdom of Israel under David and the presence of God in the temple, the power and influence of Satan is evident on nearly every page of Old Testament history.

The view that Jesus was referring to Satan’s fall during his own ministry is better, but it is not without problem. We don’t read anywhere in the Bible of anyone casting out demons prior to Jesus ministry. That display of power, as well as the announcements of the kingdom and the ruling authority of God on earth, is unmistakable. This is consistent with what Luke writes in the next chapter.

This is where Luke identifies Jesus as the one who handles the ”strong man.” It is Jesus who binds Satan. With Jesus having bound the strong man (Satan), He and His disciples can plunder Satan’s realm. This seems to tie in with what Jesus says after His statement about Satan where He grants the disciples power over the forces of evil. Luke 10:19-20 says, “Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.”

But these verses also produce difficulties. Why do we read later in the same gospel and other parts of the New Testament that the disciples weren’t immune from Satan’s power (Luke [22:31]-61; 2 Corinthians 12:7; 1 Thessalonians [2:18])?

This brings us to the third option: Jesus statement refers to a time subsequent to His own. Since Satan was (and is) still alive and well, with respect to his ongoing opposition to the Church everywhere. It makes sense to see Satan’s fall, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning,” as a future event.

The wording used by Luke “I saw” was quite common in the Old Testament for introducing prophetic visions, especially in multiple passages in the book of Daniel.

My own view is a combination of the second and third view. It seems quite clear that the rule of God began at the ministry of Jesus, but it is a rule in progress that will reach a final culmination at a future time. As the Old Testament repeatedly reminds us, and as Jesus affirmed in Luke [10:18]. On that day the defeat of our cosmic enemy will be swift and final.

That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue in the New Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “The Healing Serpent.” 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 985 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Podcast 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 985 – Belief in Oneself – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 07:03:35 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 985 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Belief in Oneself –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 985 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. 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 Lynda M. Child, and it is, “Belief in oneself is one of the most important bricks in building any successful venture.”

Belief in Oneself

If you don’t or can’t believe in yourself, how can you ever expect others to believe in you? No person is self-made, and in order to be a success, you need the support and resources of others. Since that is the case, others will find it very difficult to support you and provide you with the resources needed to be successful unless you first believe that you can and will succeed.

Belief in yourself is the very foundation stones of success in any area of life. If you do not believe in yourself, then any success that may be achieved will soon crumble because the very bedrock, those foundation stones, will crumble and your success will come crashing down. In the same manner, if you do not love and believe in yourself, it is impossible to love and believe in anyone else.

Our love and belief for others will only be as strong as the love and belief we have in ourselves and in our God-given abilities. God created you to be a bearer of His image and God is successful and true in all that He does. Should we expect anything less for His precious children who are designed to be a bearer of His image? I think not.

2 Peter 1:3 – 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.

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. Just as you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, 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 984 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.

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 984 – Learning a Little Each Day – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 07:03:12 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 984 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Learning a Little Each Day – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us today for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 984 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 you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

You may wonder how you can gain additional knowledge of God’s word and what precepts we must follow to grow in Him. Romans 11:33 tells us, “Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!” In our Meditation Monday today, I want us to reflect on…

Learning a Little Each Day

Will I learn what God intends? If I listen, I will. Little Suzy returned from her first day at school. Her mom asked, “Did you learn anything?”

“I guess not,” Suzy responded. “I have to go back tomorrow and the next day and the next day…”

Such is the case with learning. And such is the case with Bible study.

Understanding comes a little at a time over a lifetime. The Bible tells us in James 1:25, “But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.”

The Bible is not like reading a newspaper or skimming a light book, but rather it is like digging for gold in a mine. Proverbs 2:4 says to gain wisdom, insight, and understanding, we are to “search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.”God has given us a blueprint for growing step by step in our faith in 2 Peter 1:3-8.

The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We need to follow this blueprint today, and the next day, and the next… until we are in His presence in heaven.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 983 daily treks or read the daily 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.

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 983 – The Enneagram System – Type Number Seven – The Enthusiast – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 07:03:24 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 983 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Enneagram System – Type Number Seven – The Enthusiast – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. This is Day 983 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.

Today is the fourteenth episode in our series delving into what makes each of us respond differently to life situations and circumstances. Understanding ourselves and how others may interpret life through their paradigm will allow us to interact with each other with more love and compassion. This empathy can be achieved by utilizing a profound tool called “The Enneagram.” If you have missed any of our past thirteen Friday series, I would recommend going back and listening to them or reading the Wisdom Journals.

In the first seven episodes, we explored how The Enneagram System works and then presented an overview of all nine personality types. So far we have taken a deep dive into “The Reformer,” “The Helper,” “The Achiever,” “The Individualist,”“The Investigator,” and “The Loyalist.” This week we will explore type Number Seven “The Enthusiast.” Next week we will focus on type number eight “The Challenger.”

Since we are exploring the Enneagram in detail, I would also recommend reading the Wisdom Journal for each Friday to see the diagrams presented each week. As helpful as the Enneagram is, keep in mind, it is still only a tool, and cannot replace or usurp the precepts that are found in God’s Word. All decisions and actions that we make in life must be in harmony with God’s precepts.

So the questions for the next several months will be…

The Enneagram System – Type Number Seven – The Enthusiast

7 – THE ENTHUSIAST
Enneagram Type Seven

The Busy, Variety-Seeking Type: Spontaneous, Versatile, Acquisitive, and Scattered

· Type Seven in Brief

Sevens are extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous. Playful, high-spirited, and practical, they can also misapply their many talents, becoming over-extended, scattered, and undisciplined. They constantly seek new and exciting experiences, but can become distracted and exhausted by staying on the go. They typically have problems with impatience and impulsiveness. At their best, they focus their talents on worthwhile goals, becoming appreciative, joyous, and satisfied.

Basic Fear: Of being deprived and in pain.

Basic Desire: To be satisfied and content—to have their needs fulfilled.

Enneagram Seven with a Six-Wing: “The Entertainer”

Enneagram Seven with an Eight-Wing: “The Realist”

Key Motivations: Want to maintain their freedom and happiness, to avoid missing out on worthwhile experiences, to keep themselves excited and occupied, to avoid and discharge pain.

The Meaning of the Arrows (in brief)

When moving in their Direction of Disintegration (stress), scattered Sevens suddenly become perfectionistic and critical like an Unhealthy One. However, when moving in their Direction of Integration (growth), even gluttonous, scattered Sevens become more focused and fascinated by life, like Healthy Fives.

· Type Seven Overview

We have named this personality type “The Enthusiast” because Sevens are enthusiastic about almost everything that catches their attention. They approach life with curiosity, optimism, and a sense of adventure, like “kids in a candy store” who look at the world in wide-eyed, rapt anticipation of all the good things they are about to experience. They are bold and vivacious, pursuing what they want in life with a cheerful determination. They have a quality best described by the Yiddish word “chutzpah”—a kind of brash “nerviness.”

Although Sevens are in the Thinking Center, this is not immediately apparent because they tend to be extremely practical and engaged in a multitude of projects at any given time. Their thinking is anticipatory: they foresee events and generate ideas “on the fly,” favoring activities that stimulate their minds—which in turn generate more things to do and think about. Sevens are not necessarily intellectual or studious by any standard definition although they are often intelligent and can be widely read and highly verbal. Their minds move rapidly from one idea to the next, making Sevens gifted at brainstorming and synthesizing information. Sevens are exhilarated by the rush of ideas and by the pleasure of being spontaneous, preferring broad overviews and the excitement of the initial stages of the creative process to probing a single topic in depth.

As an example, Devon, a successful businesswoman, shares with us some of the inner workings of her Seven mindset.

“I am definitely a list person. It’s not really for memory since I have a great memory. It’s more for downloading information so that my mind won’t spin on it. For example, I was at a concert where the tickets were hard to get and very expensive. I couldn’t sit through it. My mind was torturing me with the things I needed to do. Finally, I had to get up and leave. This was very upsetting to the person I went with, and I missed a good show.”

Sevens are frequently endowed with quick, agile minds, and can be exceptionally fast learners. This is true both of their ability to absorb information (language, facts, and procedures) and their ability to learn new manual skills—they tend to have excellent mind-body coordination, and manual dexterity (typewriting, piano playing, and tennis). All of this can combine to make a Seven into the quintessential “Renaissance person.”

Ironically, Sevens’ wide-ranging curiosity and ability to learn quickly can also create problems for them. Because they are able to pick up many different skills with relative ease, it becomes more difficult for them to decide what to do with themselves. As a result, they also do not always value their abilities as they would if they had to struggle to gain them. When Sevens are more balanced, however, their versatility, curiosity, and ability to learn can lead them to extraordinary achievement.

The root of their problem is common to all of the types of the Thinking Center: they are out of touch with the inner guidance and support of their Essential nature. As with Fives and Sixes, this creates deep anxiety in Sevens. They do not feel that they know what to do or how to make choices that will be beneficial to themselves and others. Sevens cope with this anxiety in two ways. First, they try to keep their minds busy all of the time. As long as Sevens can keep their minds occupied, especially with projects and positive ideas for the future, they can, to some extent, keep anxiety and negative feelings out of conscious awareness. Likewise, since their thinking is stimulated by activity, Sevens are compelled to stay on the go, moving from one experience to the next, searching for more stimulation. This is not to say that Sevens are “spinning their wheels.” They generally enjoy being practical and getting things done.

Here is another example. Frances, a successful business consultant, sounds more energetic than is humanly possible—and yet, he is a typical Seven.

“I am highly, highly productive. At the office, I am joyful, and my mind is running at its best. I might create several marketing campaigns for a client, work on the outline for an upcoming seminar, talk out a difficult problem with a client on the telephone, close two deals, make a project list, dictate a few letters and look up to see that it’s 9:30 a.m. and my assistant is coming in to start our work for the day.”

Second, Sevens cope with the loss of Essential guidance by using the “trial and error” method: they try everything to make sure they know what is best. On a very deep level, Sevens do not feel that they can find what they really want in life. They, therefore, tend to try everything—and ultimately may even resort to anything as a substitute for what they are really looking for. (“If I can’t have what will really satisfy me, I’ll enjoy myself anyway. I’ll have all kinds of experiences—that way I will not feel bad about not getting what I really want.”)

We can see this in action even in the most trivial areas of their daily lives. Unable to decide whether he wants vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry ice cream, a Seven will want all three flavors—just to be sure that he does not miss out on the “right” choice. Having two weeks for a vacation and a desire to visit Europe brings a similar quandary. Which countries and cities to visit? Which sites to see? The Seven’s way of dealing with this will be to cram as many different countries, cities, and attractions into his vacation as possible. While they are scrambling after exciting experiences, the real object of their heart’s desire (their personal Rosebud, as it were) may be so deeply buried in their unconscious that they are never really aware of precisely what it is.

Furthermore, as Sevens speed up their pursuit of whatever seems to offer freedom and satisfaction, they tend to make worse choices, and they are less able to be satisfied because everything is experienced indirectly, through the dense filter of their fast-paced mental activity. The result is that Sevens end up anxious, frustrated, and enraged, with fewer resources available to them physically, emotionally, and financially. They may end up ruining their health, their relationships, and their finances in their search for happiness.

On the positive side, however, Sevens are extremely optimistic people—exuberant and upbeat. They are endowed with abundant vitality and a desire to fully participate in their lives each day. They are naturally cheerful and good-humored, not taking themselves too seriously, or anything else for that matter. As we have seen, the Basic Desire of Sevens is to be satisfied, happy, and fulfilled, and when they are balanced within themselves, their joy and enthusiasm for life naturally affect everyone around them. They remind us of the pure pleasure of existence—the greatest gift of all.

· Type Seven —Levels of Development

Healthy Levels

Level 3: Easily become accomplished achievers, generalists who do many different things well: multi-talented. Practical, productive, usually prolific, cross-fertilizing areas of interest.

Average Levels

Unhealthy Levels

Level 8: In flight from self, acting out impulses rather than dealing with anxiety or frustrations: go out of control, into erratic mood swings, and compulsive actions (manias).

Personal Growth Recommendations for Enneagram Type Seven

Recognize your impulsiveness, and get in the habit of observing your impulses rather than giving in to them. This means letting most of your impulses pass and becoming a better judge of which ones are worth acting on. The more you can resist acting out your impulses, the more you will be able to focus on what is really good for you.
Learn to listen to other people. They are often interesting, and you may learn things that will open new doors for you. Also, learn to appreciate silence and solitude: you do not have to distract yourself (and protect yourself from anxiety) with constant noise from the television or the stereo. By learning to live with less external stimulation, you will learn to trust yourself. You will be happier than you expect because you will be satisfied with whatever you do, even if it is less than you have been doing.
You do not have to have everything this very moment. That tempting new acquisition will most likely still be available tomorrow (this is certainly true of food, alcohol,...

Day 982 – Broken Bones – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 07:03:19 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 982 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Broken Bones – Humor Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 982 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…

Broken Bones

One of the local schools took their kindergarten students on a special tour through our hospital so they would be familiar with the fine medical services that are available. They went through the various areas, and all the kids seemed mesmerized by the doctors, nurses, and various pieces of equipment.

When they came to the x-ray department. Little Suzy seemed extra interested in the x-ray machine. She was asking many questions and then Karen, one of the x-ray technicians, asked her, “Suzy have you ever broken a bone?”

“Why yes I have,” said little Suzy.

“Did it hurt?” asked Karen.

“Well, no, not really,” was Suzy’s reply.

Karen, surprised by her answer asked, “Really? Which bone did you break?”

Looking down a bit, Suzy said quietly, “My sister Mary’s arm.”

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

For our Thursday thought, remember we have a great God who heals us as we read in Psalm 147:3, “He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.”

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 981 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.

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 981 – New Testament Misquotes – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 24 Oct 2018 07:03:17 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 981 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

New Testament Misquotes – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Today is Day 981 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.

Sometimes when a New Testament writer quotes the Old Testament, the two passages do not match precisely. Is the New Testament writer misquoting the Old Testament? Or is there another explanation?

Today’s essay will explore…

New Testament Misquotes

Luke records that when Jesus began His ministry, He went to the synagogue in Nazareth on the Sabbath Day. When He stood up to read the Scriptures as recorded in Luke 4:17, he said, “The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written.”

Jesus read the description of a climactic arrival of the anointed one from Isaiah 61:1-2, excluding the last half of verse two. That omission is understandable, but if you look at Luke 4:18-19 and Isaiah 61:1-2 side by side, several dissimilarities in what Jesus read are readily apparent.

In the original Old Testament passage, there is no reference to making the blind see. Conversely, Isaiah speaks of “binding up the brokenhearted,” a phrase absent in Luke. Since Luke is clear that Jesus was reading from a scroll, the divergence is not due to Luke (or Jesus) quoting from memory and messing up the passage! What’s going on here? Let me read both passages from the New Living Translation.

Luke [4:18]-19

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,
that the blind will see,
that the oppressed will be set free,
and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.

Isaiah 61:1-2

Most of the time when a divergence occurs between a New Testament quotation and the Old Testament, the answer is the Septuagint, the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. It often does not match the Hebrew text from which most Old Testaments were translated. Jesus apparently either read from a Hebrew text that reflected the Septuagint, or Luke fills in the quoted passage with the Septuagint. (And since Luke was not Jewish and spoke Greek, the Septuagint would have been his Bible.)

The Septuagint version of Isaiah 61:1-2 reads in a literal English translation would read, “The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me: he has sent me to bring good news to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim the release of the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to summon the acceptable year of the Lord (nets). Jesus (or Luke) gets the “recovery of sight to the blind” line from the Septuagint. The Septuagint also contains a line from the traditional Old Testament that isn’t in Luke’s record!

This example shows that it’s worth our time to check cross-references, especially in quotations. Do it yourself by comparing New Testament quotations both to translations of the traditional Hebrew text, like the NASB or ESV, and an up-to-date English translation of the Septuagint such as the NLT.

We often don’t realize that even biblical writers depended on translations that they considered the Word of God. In the same manner, we can consider our own translations the Word of God. There are many reliable and sound English translations that we can be confident hold true to the original manuscripts.

That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue in the New Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “Satan Falls Like Lighting.” 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 980 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Podcast 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 980 – Concentrate on Success – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 23 Oct 2018 07:03:30 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 980 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Concentrate on Success –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 980 of our trek, and it is time for our 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. 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 Terry Bradshaw, and it is, “Being gifted intellectually is only a small part of the equation of success. Concentrate on the factors you have more control over: persistence, self-discipline, confidence. Far more failures are due to lack of will than lack of ability.”

Concentrate on Success

While natural abilities and talents have an impact on whether a person is successful in various areas of life, it is a much smaller impact than most of us realize. I have known far too many people who have the ability to succeed but lack the desire to succeed. All success requires persistence, self-discipline, and confidence. All three of these traits you have complete control over.

If you desire to succeed, then you must be willing to exchange the easy path of today for the rewarding path of the long term. No success can ever be achieved by talent alone, but by using your abilities, regardless of how limited they are, and coupling those abilities with the confidence that you can succeed.

In addition to that confidence, you need the self-discipline to work through the difficult times, and the persistence to keep moving forward, even when you are weak and tired and feel like giving up. Nothing is ever gained in our lives without an equal and offsetting amount of effort, that is except for our salvation through Christ.

Proverbs 13:4 – Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.

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. Just 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 979 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 979 – Leading in God’s Kingdom – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 07:03:59 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 979 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Leading in God’s Kingdom – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us today for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 979 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 you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

What qualifications are required to be a good leader in God’s Kingdom? In our Meditation Monday today I want us to reflect on…

Leading in God’s Kingdom

On an occasion, following a great victory, Napoleon was asked how he made his army cross the Alps, and he replied, “One does not make an army cross the Alps; one leads it across.”

Whether a boss, a parent, a teacher, or a friend, the most effective way to lead others, to teach others, to motivate others, to train our children, and/or to influence others is by example –that is, by who we are, by what we do, and most of all by how much we care about them. In other words, we need to model what we want others to learn and do. We need to lead the way, not by being demanding or controlling, but by showing through both our caring and our doing—by example not by telling.

Furthermore, “People don’t care how much we know until they know how much we care,” and as Carl Jung stated, “Where love rules, there is no will to power, and where power predominates, love is lacking. The one is the shadow of the other.”

Jesus gives us the ground rules for leading in God’s Kingdom in Matthew 20:26-27,“But among you, it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave.”

The Apostle Paul in his letter to his protégé Timothy specifies the qualities that a leader should have within the church, which is God’s platform for building His Kingdom on earth. 1 Timothy 3:2-5 instructs, “So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?”

If you would like to listen to any of the past 978 daily treks or read the daily 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.

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 978 – The Enneagram System – Type Number Six – The Loyalist – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 07:03:55 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 978 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Enneagram System – Type Number Six – The Loyalist – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. This is Day 978 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 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.

Today is the thirteenth episode in our series delving into what makes each of us respond differently to life situations and circumstances. Understanding ourselves and how others may interpret life through their paradigm will allow us to interact with each other with more love and compassion. This empathy can be achieved by utilizing a profound tool called “The Enneagram.”

If you have missed any of our past twelve Friday series, I would recommend going back and listen to them or read the Wisdom Journals. As a review, the tool that we refer to as the Enneagram (Any-a-Gram) is a circle with nine interconnected points (Ennea refers to 9, and Gram refers to a drawing).

Check out today’s or a prior week’s Wisdom Journal for a representation of it. I have also included a copy of “The Enneagram At-A-Glance,” which was compiled by Suzanne H. Eller in today’s Wisdom Journal. If you would like a PDF copy, click on the link in today’s Wisdom Journal located on our website Wisdom-Trek.com.

In the first seven episodes, we explored how the Enneagram system works and then presented an overview of all nine personality types. So far we took a deep dive into “The Reformer,” “The Helper,” “The Achiever,” “The Individualist,” and “The Investigator.” This week we will explore type Number Six “The Loyalist.” Next week we will focus on type number seven “The Enthusiast.”

So the questions for the next several months will be…

The Enneagram System – Type Number Six – The Loyalist

6 – THE LOYALIST
Enneagram Type Six

The Committed, Security-Oriented Type: Engaging, Responsible, Anxious, and Suspicious

· Type Six in Brief

The committed, security-oriented type. Sixes are reliable, hard-working, responsible, and trustworthy. Excellent “troubleshooters,” they foresee problems and foster cooperation, but can also become defensive, evasive, and anxious—running on stress while complaining about it. They can be cautious and indecisive, but also reactive, defiant and rebellious. They typically have problems with self-doubt and suspicion.

At their Best: internally stable and self-reliant, courageously championing themselves and others.

Basic Fear: Of being without support and guidance

Basic Desire: To have security and support

Enneagram Six with a Five-Wing: “The Defender”

Enneagram Six with a Seven-Wing: “The Buddy”

Key Motivations: Want to have security, to feel supported by others, to have certitude and reassurance, to test the attitudes of others toward them, to fight against anxiety and insecurity.

· The Meaning of the Arrows (in brief)

When moving in their Direction of Disintegration (stress), dutiful Sixes suddenly become competitive and arrogant like an unhealthy Three. However, when moving in their Direction of Integration (growth), fearful, pessimistic Sixes become more relaxed and optimistic, like a healthy Nine.

· Type Six Overview

We have named personality type Six “The Loyalist” because of all the personality types, Sixes are the most loyal to their friends and to their beliefs. They will “go down with the ship” and hang on to relationships of all kinds far longer than most other types. Sixes are also loyal to ideas, systems, and beliefs—even to the belief that all ideas or authorities should be questioned or defied.

Indeed, not all Sixes go along with the “status quo”—their beliefs may be rebellious and anti-authoritarian, even revolutionary. In any case, they will typically fight for their beliefs more fiercely than they will fight for themselves, and they will defend their community or family more tenaciously than they will defend themselves.

The reason Sixes are so loyal to others is that they do not want to be abandoned and left without support—their Basic Fear. Thus, the central issue for type Six is a failure of self-confidence. Sixes come to believe that they do not possess the internal resources to handle life’s challenges and vagaries alone, and so increasingly rely on structures, allies, beliefs, and supports outside themselves for guidance to survive. If suitable structures do not exist, they will help create and maintain them.

Sixes are the primary type in the Thinking Center, meaning that they have the most trouble contacting their own inner guidance. As a result, they do not have confidence in their own minds and judgments.

This does not mean that they do not think. On the contrary, they think—and worry—a lot! They also tend to fear making important decisions, although, at the same time, they resist having anyone else make decisions for them. They want to avoid being controlled, but are also afraid of taking responsibility in a way that might put them “in the line of fire.” (The old Japanese adage that says, “The blade of grass that grows too high gets chopped off” relates to this idea.)

Sixes are always aware of their anxieties and are always looking for ways to construct “social security” bulwarks against them. If Sixes feel that they have sufficient backup, they can move forward with some degree of confidence. But if that crumbles, they become anxious and self-doubting, reawakening their Basic Fear, “I’m on my own! What am I going to do now?” A good question for Sixes might, therefore, be, “When will I know that I have enough security?” Or, to get right to the heart of it, “What is security?” Without essential inner guidance and the deep sense of support that it brings, Sixes are constantly struggling to find firm ground.

Sixes attempt to build a network of trust over a background of unsteadiness and fear. They are often filled with a nameless anxiety and then try to find or create reasons why. Wanting to feel that there is something solid and clear-cut in their lives, they can become attached to explanations or positions that seem to explain their situation. Because “belief” (trust, faith, convictions, and positions) is difficult for Sixes to achieve, and because it is so important to their sense of stability, once they establish a trustworthy belief, they do not easily question it, nor do they want others to do so.

The same is true for individuals in a Six’s life. Once Sixes feel they can trust someone, they go to great lengths to maintain connections with the person who acts as a sounding board, a mentor, or a regulator for the Six’s emotional reactions and behavior. They, therefore, do everything in their power to keep their affiliations going…“If I don’t trust myself, then I have to find something in this world I can trust.”

Here is an example. Although intelligent and accomplished, Connie still has to wrestle with the self-doubt of her type.

“As my anxiety has come under control, so has my need to ‘check out’ everything with my friends. I used to have to get the nod of approval from several hundred (just joking!) ‘authorities.’ About nearly every decision would involve a council of my friends. I usually would do this one on one. ‘What do you think, Mary? If I do this, then that might happen.’ Please make up my mind for me!’…Recently, I’ve narrowed my authorities to just one or two trusted friends, and on occasion, I’ve actually made up my own mind!”

Until they can get in touch with their own inner guidance, Sixes are like a ping-pong ball that is constantly shuttling back and forth between whatever influence is hitting the hardest in any given moment. Because of this reactivity, no matter what we say about Sixes, the opposite is often also as true. They are both strong and weak, fearful and courageous, trusting and distrusting, defenders and provokers, sweet and sour, aggressive and passive, bullies and weaklings, on the defensive and on the offensive, thinkers and doers, group people and soloists, believers and doubters, cooperatives and obstructionists, tender and mean, generous and petty—and on and on. It is the contradictory picture that is the characteristic “fingerprint” of Sixes, the fact that they are a bundle of opposites.

The biggest problem for Sixes is that they try to build safety in the environment without resolving their own emotional insecurities. When they learn to face their anxieties, however, Sixes understand that although the world is always changing and is by nature uncertain, they can be serene and courageous in any circumstance. And they can attain the greatest gift of all, a sense of peace with themselves despite the uncertainties of life.

· Type Six —Levels of Development

Healthy Levels

Level 1 (At Their Best): Become self-affirming, trusting of self and others, independent yet symbiotically interdependent and cooperative as an equal. Belief in self leads to true courage, positive thinking, leadership, and rich self-expression.

Level 2: Able to elicit strong emotional responses from others: very appealing, endearing, lovable, and affectionate. Trust important: bonding with others, forming permanent relationships and alliances.

Level 3: Dedicated to individuals and movements in which they deeply believe. Community builders: responsible, reliable, and trustworthy. Hard-working and persevering, sacrificing for others; they create stability and security in their world, bringing a cooperative spirit.

Average Levels

Level 4: Start investing their time and energy into whatever they believe will be safe and stable. Organizing and structuring, they look to alliances and authorities for security and continuity. Constantly vigilant, anticipating problems.

Level 5: To resist having more demands made on them, they react against others passive-aggressively. Become evasive, indecisive, cautious, procrastinating, and ambivalent. Are highly reactive, anxious, and negative, giving contradictory “mixed signals.” Internal confusion makes them react unpredictably.

Level 6: To compensate for insecurities, they become sarcastic and belligerent, blaming others for their problems, taking a tough stance toward “outsiders.” Highly reactive and defensive, dividing people into friends and enemies, while looking for threats to their own security. Authoritarian while fearful of authority, highly suspicious, yet conspiratorial and fear-instilling to silence their own fears.

Unhealthy Levels

Level 7: Fearing that they have ruined their security, they become panicky, volatile, and self-disparaging with acute inferiority feelings. Seeing themselves as defenseless, they seek out a stronger authority or belief to resolve all problems. Highly divisive, disparaging, and berating others.

Level 8: Feeling persecuted that others are “out to get them,” they lash-out and act irrationally, bringing about what they fear. Fanaticism, violence.

Level 9: Hysterical, and seeking to escape punishment, they become self-destructive and suicidal. Alcoholism, drug overdoses, “skid row,” self-abasing behavior. Generally corresponds to the Passive-Aggressive and Paranoid personality disorders.

Personal Growth Recommendations for Enneagram Type Six

Remember that there is nothing unusual about being anxious since everyone is anxious and much more often than you might think. Learn to be more present to your anxiety, to explore it, and to come to terms with it. Work creatively with your tensions without turning to excessive amounts of alcohol (or other drugs) to allay them. In fact, if you are present and breathing fully, anxiety can be energizing, a kind of tonic that can help make you more productive and aware of what you are doing.
You tend to get edgy and testy when you are upset or angry, and can even turn on others and blame them for things you have done or brought on yourself. Be aware of your pessimism. It causes your dark moods and negative thought patterns that you tend to project on reality. When you succumb to this self-doubt, you can become your own worst enemy and may harm yourself more than anyone else does.
Sixes tend to overreact when they are under stress and feeling anxious. Learn to identify what makes you overreact. Also, realize that almost none of the things you have feared so much has actually come true. Even if things are as bad as you think, your fearful thoughts weaken you and your ability to change things for the better. You cannot always manage external events, but you can manage your own thoughts.
Work on becoming more trusting. There are doubtless several people in your life you can turn to who care about you and who are trustworthy. If not, go out of your way to find someone trustworthy, and allow yourself to get close to that person. This will mean risking rejection and stirring up some of your deepest fears, but the risk is worth taking. You have a gift for getting people to like you, but you are unsure of yourself and may be afraid of making a commitment to them. Therefore, come down clearly on one side or the other of the fence in your relationships. Let people know how you feel about them.
Others probably think better of you than you realize, and few people are really out to get you. In fact, your fears tell you more about your attitudes toward others than they indicate about others’ attitudes toward you.

That will conclude our focus on personality type number Six –...

Day 977 – Luggage Travels – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 07:03:39 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 977 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Luggage Travels – Humor Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 977 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.

Luggage Travels

A traveler got to the airline counter and presented her ticket to New York. As she gave the agent her luggage, she asked, “I’d like you to send my green suitcase to Hawaii and my red suitcase to London.”

The confused agent said, “I’m sorry, we can’t do that.”

“Really? I am so relieved to hear you say that because, that’s exactly what you did to my luggage last year!”

If you have ever traveled extensively, you may be able to relate to this story, and I hope that it brought a smile to you today.

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

For our Thursday thought, remember we never need to be concerned about being lost for eternity. Jesus told us this in Luke 19:9-10, “Jesus responded, ‘Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.'”

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 976 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.

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 976 – My Guardian Angel – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 17 Oct 2018 07:03:10 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 976 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

My Guardian Angel – Wisdom Wednesday

Today is Day 976 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, you must also have a proper understanding of God’s word.

Do we really have personal guardian angels? What does the Bible have to say? Today’s essay will explore…

My Guardian Angel

“Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.”

These are familiar and fondly remembered words for those of us who make a holiday tradition of watching the classic film It’s a Wonderful Life. The angel Clarence helps George Bailey discover the unseen but tremendous significance his mundane life played in the lives of others. It’s a heartwarming story, full of hope and encouragement. But what about its theology? Are guardian angels—like Clarence—really biblical?

Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:10 suggest the answer is yes, “Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.” The passage affirms that children have angels who represent them before God. Where did Matthew get such an idea?

In Job 5:1, angels are presented as mediators between God and people. Job’s friend Eliphaz challenges him, “Cry for help, but will anyone answer you? Which of the angels will help you?” Eliphaz presumes that angels would act as mediators between God and Job.

This understanding was common in the biblical world. Ancient Mesopotamians, for example, believed that humans had “personal gods” who could appeal for them before the assembly of gods. We no longer need a mediator. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus now intercedes on our behalf before God as found in 1 Timothy 2:5, “There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus.” But the New Testament still describes angels as having an immediate ministry to believers, as demonstrated by Hebrews 1:14, “Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.”

Also, the narrative in Acts 12 shows us a continued connection between angels and people. After an angel frees Peter from prison and execution, Peter goes to the house of his fellow believers (Acts 12:6- 10). Those inside don’t believe the servant girl’s report that he is at the door. They reply in Acts 12:15, “‘You’re out of your mind!’ they said. When she insisted, they decided, ‘It must be his angel.'”

This statement testifies to the early Christian belief that humans had angels who acted as a kind of celestial double, attached to a person for their welfare.

The concept of angelic guardianship and activity in our lives is something we have often left to the imagination. Apparently, Hollywood gets some biblical things right. God’s agents are commissioned to act on our behalf, at His direction.

That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue in the New Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “New Testament Misquotes.” 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 975 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Podcast 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 975 – Behind Every Success – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 07:03:04 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 975 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Behind Every Success –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 975 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. 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 Rick Beneteau, and it is, “Behind every success is a succession of failures.”

Behind Every Success

When we observe the success that some people have achieved, we do not see the entire picture. It appears that successful people are just in the right place at the right time. While there is a timing factor involved, success is primarily based on the fact that a person has prepared over many years and persevered through many failures. This allows them to be ready and take advantage of opportunities when they became available.

I do not know of any person who has achieved success in any area of life without going through many obstacles and failures from which they have learned and applied that knowledge to. If you desire to be successful in life, then you must be willing to have failures, hardships, and obstacles in order to achieve a level of success. If you are not willing to persevere during the difficult times, then don’t expect success in your life. Plan, prepare, and persevere through the hard times, and when the opportunity comes, you will be in the right place at the right time.

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 our past 974 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.

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 974 – The Power of a Touch – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 07:03:17 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 974 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Power of a Touch – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us today for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 974 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 you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You may utilize structured meditation practices.

We have all experienced times in our lives where someone has come along beside us, and with a few words or small act of kindness been able to encourage and touch our lives in a meaningful way. In our Meditation Monday today I want us to reflect on…

The Power of a Touch

The power of a Godly touch…Have you known it? The doctor who treated you, or the teacher who dried your tears? Was there a hand holding yours at a funeral?

Haven’t we known the power of a godly touch? Can’t we offer the same?

Some of you use your hands to pray for the sick. If you aren’t touching them personally, you’re writing notes, calling, baking pies…You’ve learned the power of a touch.

But others tend to forget. Our hearts are good; it’s just that our memories are bad. We forget how significant one touch can be.

We fear saying the wrong thing, or using the wrong tone or acting the wrong way. So rather than do it incorrectly, we do nothing at all.

James 2:17-18 – So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. 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.”

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 973 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 973 – The Enneagram System – Type Number Five – The Investigator – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 07:03:30 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 973 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Enneagram System – Type Number Five – The Investigator – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. This is Day 973 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.

Today is the twelfth episode in our series delving into what makes each of us respond differently to life situations and circumstances. Understanding ourselves and how others may interpret life through their paradigm will allow us to interact with each other with more love and compassion. This empathy can be achieved by utilizing a profound tool called “The Enneagram.”

If you have missed any of our past eleven Friday series, I would recommend going back and listening to them or reading the Wisdom Journals. As a review, the tool that we refer to as the Enneagram (Any-a-Gram) is a circle with nine interconnected points (Ennea refers to 9 and Gram refers to a drawing). Check out today’s or a prior week’s Wisdom Journal for a representation of it.

I have also included a copy of “The Enneagram At-A-Glance,” which was compiled by Suzanne H. Eller in today’s Wisdom Journal. If you would like a PDF copy, click on the link in today’s Wisdom Journal located on our website Wisdom-Trek.com.

Since we are exploring the Enneagram in detail, I would also recommend reading the Wisdom Journal for each Friday to see the diagrams presented each week. As helpful as the Enneagram is, keep in mind, it is still only a tool and cannot replace or usurp the precepts that are found in God’s word. All decisions and actions that we make in life must be in harmony with God’s precepts.

So the questions for the next several months will be…

The Enneagram System – Type Number Five – The Investigator

5 – THE INVESTIGATOR
Enneagram Type Five

The Intense, Cerebral Type: Perceptive, Innovative, Secretive, and Isolated

· Type Five in Brief

Fives are alert, insightful, and curious. They are able to concentrate and focus on developing complex ideas and skills. Independent, innovative, and inventive, they can also become preoccupied with their thoughts and imaginary constructs. They become detached, yet high-strung and intense. They typically have problems with eccentricity, nihilism, and isolation. At their best: visionary pioneers, often ahead of their time, and able to see the world in an entirely new way.

Basic Fear: Being useless, helpless, or incapable

Basic Desire: To be capable and competent

Enneagram Five with a Four-Wing: “The Iconoclast”

Enneagram Five with a Six-Wing: “The Problem Solver”

Key Motivations: Want to possess knowledge, to understand the environment, to have everything figured out as a way of defending the self from threats from the environment.

The Meaning of the Arrows (in brief)

When moving in their Direction of Disintegration (stress), detached Fives suddenly become hyperactive and scattered like an unhealthy Seven. However, when moving in their Direction of Integration (growth), the avaricious, detached Fives become more self-confident and decisive, like healthy Eights.

· Type Five Overview

We have named personality type Five The Investigator because, more than any other type, Fives want to find out why things are the way they are. They want to understand how the world works, whether it is the cosmos, the microscopic world, the animal, vegetable, or mineral kingdoms—or the inner world of their imaginations. They are always searching, asking questions, and delving into things in depth. They do not accept received opinions and doctrines, feeling a strong need to test the truth of most assumptions for themselves.

As an example, John, a graphic artist, describes this approach to life.

“Being a Five means always needing to learn, to take in information about the world. A day without learning is like a day without ‘sunshine.’ As a Five, I want to have an understanding of life. I like having a theoretical explanation about why things happen as they do. This understanding makes me feel in charge and in control. I most often learn from a distance as an observer and not a participant. Sometimes, it seems that understanding life is as good as living it. It is a difficult journey to learn that life must be lived and not just studied.”

Behind Fives’ relentless pursuit of knowledge are deep insecurities about their ability to function successfully in the world. Fives feel that they do not have an ability to do things as well as others. But rather than engage directly with activities that might bolster their confidence, Fives “take a step back” into their minds where they feel more capable. Their belief is that from the safety of their minds they will eventually figure out how to do things—and one day rejoin the world.

Fives invest a lot of time observing and contemplating—listening to the sounds of wind or of a synthesizer or taking notes on the activities in an anthill in their backyard. As they immerse themselves in their observations, they begin to internalize their knowledge and gain a feeling of self-confidence. They can then go out and play a piece on the synthesizer or tell people what they know about ants. They may also stumble across exciting new information or make new creative combinations (playing a piece of music based on recordings of wind and water). When they get verification of their observations and hypotheses or see that others understand their work, it is a confirmation of their competency, and this fulfills their Basic Desire. (“You know what you are talking about.”)

Knowledge, understanding, and insight are thus highly valued by Fives because their identities are built around “having ideas” and being people who have something unusual and insightful to say. For this reason, Fives are not interested in exploring what is already familiar and well-established; rather, their attention is drawn to the unusual, the overlooked, the secret, the occult, the bizarre, the fantastic, the “unthinkable.” Investigating “unknown territory”—knowing something that others do not know or creating something that no one has ever experienced—allows Fives to have a niche for themselves that no one else occupies. They believe that developing this niche is the best way that they can attain independence and confidence.

Thus, for their own security and self-esteem, Fives need to have at least one area in which they have a degree of expertise that will allow them to feel capable and connected with the world. Fives think, “I am going to find something that I can do really well, and then I will be able to meet the challenges of life. But I can’t have other things distracting me or getting in the way.”

They, therefore, develop an intense focus on whatever they can master and feel secure about. It may be the world of mathematics, or the world of rock and roll, or classical music, or car mechanics, or horror and science fiction, or a world entirely created in their imagination. Not all Fives are scholars or Ph.Ds. But, depending on their intelligence and the resources available to them, they focus intensely on mastering something that has captured their interest.

For better or worse, the areas that Fives explore do not depend on social validation; indeed, if others agree with their ideas too readily, Fives tend to fear that their ideas might be too conventional. History is full of famous Fives who overturned accepted ways of understanding or doing things (Darwin, Einstein, Nietzsche). Many more Fives, however, have become lost in the byzantine complexities of their own thought processes, becoming merely eccentric and socially isolated.

The intense focus of Fives can thus lead to remarkable discoveries and innovations, but when the personality is more fixated, it can also create self-defeating problems. This is because their focus of attention unwittingly serves to distract them from their most pressing practical problems. Whatever the sources of their anxieties may be—relationships, lack of physical strength, inability to gain employment, and so forth—average Fives tend not to deal with these issues.

Rather, they find something else to do that will make them feel more competent. The irony is that no matter what degree of mastery they develop in their area of expertise, this cannot solve their more basic insecurities about functioning in the world. For example, as a marine biologist, a Five could learn everything there is to know about a type of shellfish, but if her fear is that she is never going to be able to run her own household adequately, she will not have solved her underlying anxiety.

Dealing directly with physical matters can feel extremely daunting for Fives.

Here is another example. Henry is a life scientist working in a major medical research lab.

“Since I was a child, I have shied away from sports and strenuous physical activity whenever possible. I was never able to climb the ropes in gym class, stopped participating in sports as soon as it was feasible, and the smell of a gymnasium still makes me uncomfortable. At the same time, I have always had a very active mental life. I learned to read at the age of three, and in school, I was always one of the smartest kids in academic subjects.”

Thus, much of their time gets invested “collecting” and developing ideas and skills they believe will make them feel confident and prepared. They want to retain everything that they have learned and “carry it around in their heads.” The problem is that while they are engrossed in this process, they are not interacting with others or even increasing many other practical and social skills. They devote more and more time to collecting and attending to their collections, less to anything related to their real needs.

Thus, the challenge to Fives is to understand that they can pursue whatever questions or problems spark their imaginations and maintain relationships, take proper care of themselves, and do all of the things that are the hallmarks of a healthy life.

· Type Five —Levels of Development

Healthy Levels

Level 1 (At Their Best): Become visionaries, broadly comprehending the world while penetrating it profoundly. Open-minded, take things in whole, in their true context. Make pioneering discoveries and find entirely new ways of doing and perceiving things.

Level 2: Observe everything with extraordinary perceptiveness and insight. Most mentally alert, curious, searching intelligence: nothing escapes their notice. Foresight and prediction. Able to concentrate: become engrossed in what has caught their attention.

Level 3: Attain skillful mastery of whatever interests them. Excited by knowledge: often become expert in some field. Innovative and inventive, producing extremely valuable, original works. Highly independent, idiosyncratic, and whimsical.

Average Levels

Level 4: Begin conceptualizing and fine-tuning everything before acting—working things out in their minds: model building, preparing, practicing, and gathering more resources. Studious, acquiring technique. Become specialized, and often “intellectual,” often challenging accepted ways of doing things.

Level 5: Increasingly detached as they become involved with complicated ideas or imaginary worlds. Become preoccupied with their visions and interpretations rather than reality. Are fascinated by off-beat, esoteric subjects, even those involving dark and disturbing elements. Detached from the practical world, a “disembodied mind,” although high-strung and intense.

Level 6: Begin to take an antagonistic stance toward anything which would interfere with their inner world and personal vision. Become provocative and abrasive, with intentionally extreme and radical views. Cynical and argumentative.

Unhealthy Levels

Level 7: Become reclusive and isolated from reality, eccentric and nihilistic. Highly unstable and fearful of aggressions: they reject and repulse others and all social attachments.

Level 8: Get obsessed yet frightened by their threatening ideas, becoming horrified, delirious, and prey to gross distortions and phobias.

Level 9: Seeking oblivion, they may commit suicide or have a psychotic break with reality. Deranged, explosively self-destructive, with schizophrenic overtones. Generally corresponds to the Schizoid Avoidant and Schizotypal personality disorders.

Personal Growth Recommendations for Enneagram Type Fives

Learn to notice when you’re thinking and speculating takes you out of the immediacy of your experience. Your mental capacities can be an extraordinary gift, but only can also be a trap when you use them to retreat from contact with yourself and others. Stay connected with your physicality.
You tend to be extremely intense and so high-strung that you find it difficult to relax and unwind. Make an effort to learn to calm down in a healthy way, without drugs or alcohol. Exercising or using biofeedback techniques will help channel some of your tremendous nervous energy. Meditation, jogging, yoga, and dancing are especially helpful for your type.
You see many possibilities but often do not know how to choose among them or judge which is more or less important. When you are caught in your fixation, a sense of perspective can be missing, and with it the ability to make accurate assessments. At such time, it can be helpful to get the advice of someone whose judgment you trust while you are gaining perspective on your situation. Doing this can also help you trust someone else, a difficulty for your type.
Notice when you are getting intensely involved in projects that do not necessarily support your self-esteem, confidence, or life situation. It is possible to...

Day 972 – Customer Service – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 07:03:30 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 972 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Customer Service – Humor Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 972 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.

Customer Service

John enters the department store in search of some new clothing. After browsing for nearly 30 minutes without anyone even offering to assist him, John located Sam, the manager and asked, “Excuse me, sir, but are you looking to hire any help at present?”

Sam, a bit annoyed at the unsolicited request promptly replied, “No, we already have all the staff we need.”

To which John countered, “Then would you mind getting someone to assist me?” I think we can all relate to this experience, and I hope that it brought a smile to you today.

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

For our Thursday Thought, remember to always be ready to help those who in need as Acts 20:35 reminds, “And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”

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 971 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 971 – Jesus Declares War – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 07:03:02 -0500

Read Full Transcript

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 971 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Jesus Declares War – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Today is Day 971 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, you must 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.

While reading or listening to most news today, you would think that the world is going to hell in a handbasket. Too many of us forget that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies is prevailing, even today. Today’s essay will explore…

Jesus Declares War

We’ll start our essay with familiar verses for both Protestants and Catholics, but we will dig much deeper into the cosmic meaning behind this verse. Matthew 16:17-18 says, “Jesus replied, ‘You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. 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.'”

The “powers of hell”? Why did Jesus respond to Peter’s confession in Matthew 16:16, “Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.'”

· The Powers of Hell in Cosmic Geography

When we read “hell,” we naturally think of the realm of the unbelieving dead. But the Greek word translated “hell” (hades) is also the name for the Underworld—Hades, the realm of all the dead, not just unbelievers. The Hebrew equivalent to Hades is Sheol—the place “under the earth” where all went after this life ended.

Sheol is a place of no return (Job 17:16) in which “ropes trap its inhabitants” (2 Samuel 22:5-6), preventing any escape (Job 7:9). Both the righteous and the unrighteous went to Sheol. The righteous believer, however, could hope for deliverance and eternity with God as Psalms 40:15 reads, “But as for me, God will redeem my life. He will snatch me from the power of the grave.”

While the imagery associated with the Underworld would have unnerved the disciples, Jesus’s reference to the gates (powers) of Hades would have jolted them for another reason. If they knew their Old Testament well, they understood that they were standing before those very gates or powers as Jesus spoke.

· The Gates (Powers) of Hell in Terrestrial Geography

Matthew 16 takes place in Caesarea Philippi, situated near a mountainous region containing Mount Hermon. In the Old Testament, this region was known as Bashan, a place with a sinister reputation.

According to the Old Testament, Bashan was controlled by two kings; Sihon and Og, who were associated with the ancient giant clans: the Rephaim and the Anakim as described in Deuteronomy [2:10]-12 and Joshua 12:1-5. The two main cities of their kingdom were Ashtaroth and Edrei, home to the Rephaim (Deuteronomy 3:1, 10-11: Joshua 12:4-5).

These cities and their Rephaim inhabitants are mentioned by name in Canaanite (Ugaritic) cuneiform tablets. The people of Ugarit believed the Rephaim were the spirits of dead warrior-kings. They also believed that the cities of Ashtaroth and Edrei were the entryway to the Underworld or the Gates of Sheol. Also, during Israel’s divided kingdom period, Jereboam built a pagan religious center at Pan, just south of Mount Hermon—where the Israelites worshiped Baal instead of Yahweh.

For the disciples. Bashan was an evil, otherworldly domain. But they had two other reasons to feel queasy about where they were standing. According to Jewish tradition, Mount Hermon was the location where the divine sons of God had descended from heaven, ultimately corrupting humankind via their offspring with human women (Genesis 6:1-4). These offspring were known as Nephilim, ancestors of the Anakim and the Rephaim (Number [13:30]-33). In Jewish theology, the spirits of these giants were demons as described in the 2 Temple Jewish book (1 Enoch 15:1-12).

To make the region even spookier, Caesarea Philippi had been built and dedicated to Zeus. This pagan god was worshiped at a religious center built a short distance from the more ancient one in Dan, at the foot of Mount Hermon. Aside from the brief interlude during the time of Joshua through Solomon, the gates of hell were continually open for business.

· Jesus Declares War

The rock which Jesus referred to in this passage was neither Peter nor Himself; it was the physical rock on which they were standing, the foot of Mount Hermon, the demonic headquarters of the Old Testament and the Greek world.

We often presume that the phrase “all the powers of hell will not conquer it” describes a Church taking on the onslaught of evil. It is describing the Church that sees Jesus as the conqueror. Jesus was declaring war on evil and death. Jesus would build His Church atop the gates (powers) of hell. He is in the process through the building of His Kingdom on earth of completely annihilating the powers of hell.

That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue in the New Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “My Guardian Angel.” 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 970 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Podcast 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 970 – Growing Yourself and Growing Others – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 07:03:32 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 970 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Growing Yourself and Growing Others –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 970 of our trek, and it is time for our 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. 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 Jack Welch,and it is, “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.”

Growing Yourself and Growing Others

If you desire to be a leader and successful, then you must first work on growing and improving yourself. Once you have gained the wisdom, insight, and maturity by growing yourself, then you start to become a type of person who can lead others. Once you are in a place of leadership, in order to continue to be successful and have others follow, you must assist others in their growth.

With this realization, as you foster growth in others, you will continue on your path of overall success in your life by helping others become successful also. Don’t pursue honor and recognition for yourself, but for those whom you are leading. When they receive honor and recognition, then it will also reflect on you through them.

Romans 15:1-2 – We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 969 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.

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 969 – Facing Your Lions! – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 08 Oct 2018 07:03:34 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 969 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Facing Your Lions! – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us today for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 969 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 you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

When trials and persecutions face you, do you fight them and try to avoid them? Although none of us like to go through difficult times, just as Daniel did, we need to trust that while God may not take them away, he will help us persevere through them. In our Meditation Monday today I want us to reflect on…

Facing Your Lions!

So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, “May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.” Daniel [6:16]

Most of us are familiar with the story of how Daniel, supposedly because of his religious beliefs, was thrown into a den of hungry lions. No question, Daniel got a dirty deal. He was set up by jealous, lesser men who wanted him out of the way. It seemed as if they were about to succeed except for one thing…they overlooked Daniel’s trust in God.

The interesting thing, however, about Daniel being thrown into the den of lions is that God didn’t deliver him out of the den before Daniel first found deliverance in it.

Imagine if Daniel had fought against being thrown into the den (which he would have been justified in doing), and gone into the den fighting against it every inch of the way. Chances are the lions would have torn him to pieces before he hit the floor of the den. But Daniel didn’t struggle. He accepted his lot, and trusted his life to God who shut the lion’s mouths.

On more than one occasion when in a very frustrating situation, I have asked God that if I am not going to be delivered out of my “lion’s den,” would he please help me find deliverance in it.

Sometimes God has a lesson for us to learn through a difficult situation, and before he delivers us out of it, like Daniel, he delivers us in it. It is also important not to base our beliefs and actions on the way we feel. Keep in mind that it is the Word of God, the Bible, which is our final voice of authority—not the way that we feel. We need to find deliverance in it. The good news is that once we learn the needed lesson, we don’t have to go through the same experience again.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 968 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast and Google Podcast 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 968 – The Enneagram System – Type Number Four – The Individualist – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 07:03:13 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 968 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Enneagram System – Type Number Four – The Individualist – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. This is Day 968 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 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.

Today is the eleventh episode in our series delving into what makes each of us respond differently to life situations and circumstances. Understanding ourselves and how others may interpret life through their paradigm will allow us to interact with each other with more love and compassion. This empathy can be achieved by utilizing a profound tool called “The Enneagram.” If you have missed any of our past ten Friday series, I would recommend going back and listening to them or reading the Wisdom Journals.

As a review, the tool that we refer to as the Enneagram (Any-a-Gram) is a circle with nine interconnected points (Ennea refers to 9 and Gram refers to a drawing). Check out today’s or a prior week’s Wisdom Journal for a representation of it. I have also included a copy of “The Enneagram At-A-Glance,” which was compiled by Suzanne H. Eller in today’s Wisdom Journal. If you would like a PDF copy, click on the link in today’s Wisdom Journal located on our website Wisdom-Trek.com.

I would also recommend the book The Road Back to You written by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile. It is an excellent book about an enneagram journey to self-discovery from a Christian perspective.

In the first seven episodes, we explored how The Enneagram System works and then presented an overview of all nine personality types. So far we took a deep dive into “The Reformer,” “The Helper,” and “The Achiever.” This week we will explore type Number Four “The Individualist.” Next week we will focus on type number five “The Investigator.”

So the questions for the next several months will be…

The Enneagram System – Type Number Four – The Individualist

4 – THE INDIVIDUALIST
Enneagram Type Four

The Sensitive, Introspective Type: Expressive, Dramatic, Self-Absorbed, and Temperamental

· Type Four in Brief

Fours are self-aware, sensitive, and reserved. They are emotionally honest, creative, and personal, but can also be moody and self-conscious. Withholding themselves from others due to feeling vulnerable and defective, they can also feel disdainful and exempt from ordinary ways of living. They typically have problems with melancholy, self-indulgence, and self-pity. At their Best: inspired and highly creative, they are able to renew themselves and transform their experiences.

Basic Fear: That they have no identity or personal significance

Basic Desire: To find themselves and their significance (to create an identity)

Enneagram Four with a Three-Wing: “The Aristocrat”

Enneagram Four with a Five-Wing: “The Bohemian”

Key Motivations: Want to express themselves and their individuality, to create and surround themselves with beauty, to maintain certain moods and feelings, to withdraw to protect their self-image, to take care of emotional needs before attending to anything else, to attract a “rescuer.”
The Meaning of the Arrows (in brief)
When moving in their Direction of Disintegration (stress), aloof Fours suddenly become over-involved and clingy like an unhealthy Two. However, when moving in their Direction of Integration (growth), envious, emotionally turbulent Fours become more objective and principled, like healthy Ones.

· Type Four Overview

We have named this type The Individualist because Fours maintain their identity by seeing themselves as fundamentally different from others. Fours feel that they are unlike other human beings, and consequently, that no one can understand them or love them adequately. They often see themselves as uniquely talented, possessing special, one-of-a-kind gifts, but also as uniquely disadvantaged or flawed. More than any other type, Fours are acutely aware of and focused on their personal differences and deficiencies.

Healthy Fours are honest with themselves: they own all of their feelings and can look at their motives, contradictions, and emotional conflicts without denying or whitewashing them. They may not necessarily like what they discover, but they do not try to rationalize their states, nor do they try to hide them from themselves or others. They are not afraid to see themselves “warts and all.” Healthy Fours are willing to reveal highly personal and potentially shameful things about themselves because they are determined to understand the truth of their experience—so that they can discover who they are and come to terms with their emotional history. This ability also enables Fours to endure suffering with a quiet strength. Their familiarity with their own darker nature makes it easier for them to process painful experiences that might overwhelm other types.

Nevertheless, Fours often report that they feel they are missing something in themselves, although they may have difficulty identifying exactly what that “something” is. Is it will power? Social ease? Self-confidence? Emotional tranquility?—all of which they see in others, seemingly in abundance. Given time and sufficient perspective, Fours generally recognize that they are unsure about aspects of their self-image—their personality or ego-structure itself. They feel that they lack a clear and stable identity, particularly a social persona that they feel comfortable with.

While it is true that Fours often feel different from others, they do not really want to be alone. They may feel socially awkward or self-conscious, but they deeply wish to connect with people who understand them and their feelings. The “romantics” of the Enneagram, they long for someone to come into their lives and appreciate the secret self that they have privately nurtured and hidden from the world. If over time, such validation remains out of reach, Fours begin to build their identity around how unlike everyone else they are. The outsider, therefore, comforts herself by becoming an insistent individualist: everything must be done on her own, in her own way, on her own terms. Fours’ mantra becomes “I am myself. Nobody understands me. I am different and special,” while they secretly wish they could enjoy the easiness and confidence that others seem to enjoy.

Fours typically have problems with a negative self-image and chronically low self-esteem. They attempt to compensate for this by cultivating a Fantasy Self—an idealized self-image which is built up primarily in their imaginations. A Four we know shared with us that he invested most of his spare time listening to classical music while fantasizing about being a great concert pianist, such as Vladimir Horowitz. Unfortunately, his commitment to practicing fell far short of his fantasized self-image, and he was often embarrassed when people asked him to play for them. His actual abilities, while not poor, became sources of shame.

In the course of their lives, Fours may try several different identities on for size, basing them on styles, preferences, or qualities they find attractive in others. But underneath the surface, they still feel uncertain about who they really are. The problem is that they base their identity largely on their feelings. When Fours look inward, they see a kaleidoscopic, ever-shifting pattern of emotional reactions. Indeed, Fours accurately perceive a truth about human nature—that it is dynamic and ever-changing. But because they want to create a stable, reliable identity from their emotions, they attempt to cultivate only certain feelings while rejecting others. Some feelings are seen as “me,” while others are “not me.” By attempting to hold on to specific moods and express others, Fours believe that they are being true to themselves.

One of the biggest challenges Fours face is learning to let go of feelings from the past; they tend to nurse wounds and hold onto negative feelings about those who have hurt them. Indeed, Fours can become so attached to longing and disappointment that they are unable to recognize the many treasures in their lives.

Leigh is a working mother who has struggled with these difficult feelings for many years. Here is how she describes it.

“I collapse when I am out in the world. I have had a trail of relationship disasters. I have hated my sister’s goodness—and hated goodness in general. I went years without joy in my life, just pretending to smile because real smiles would not come to me. I have had a constant longing for whatever I cannot have. My longings can never become fulfilled because I now realize that I am attached to ‘the longing’ and not to any specific end result.”

Here is a story from a man named Sufi that relates to this feeling about an old dog that had been badly abused and was near starvation. “One day, the dog found a bone, carried it to a safe spot, and started gnawing away. The dog was so hungry that it chewed on the bone for a long time and got every last bit of nourishment that it could get out of it. After some time, a kind old man noticed the dog and its pathetic scrap and began quietly setting food out for it. But the poor hound was so attached to its bone that it refused to let go of it and soon starved to death.”

Fours are in the same predicament. As long as they believe that there is something fundamentally wrong with them, they cannot allow themselves to experience or enjoy their many good qualities. To acknowledge their good qualities would be to lose their sense of identity (as a suffering victim) and to be without a relatively consistent personal identity (their Basic Fear). Fours grow by learning to see that much of their story is not true—or at least it is not true anymore. The old feelings begin to fall away once they stop telling themselves their old tale: it is irrelevant to who they are right now.

· Type Four —Levels of Development

Healthy Levels

Level 1 (At Their Best): Profoundly creative, expressing the personal and the universal, possibly in a work of art. Inspired, self-renewing and regenerating; able to transform all their experiences into something valuable; self-creative.

Level 2: Self-aware, introspective, on the “search for self,” aware of feelings and inner impulses. Sensitive and intuitive both to self and others; gentle, tactful, compassionate.

Level 3: Highly personal, individualistic, “true to self.” Self-revealing, emotionally honest, humane. An ironic view of self and life; can be serious and funny, vulnerable and emotionally strong.

Average Levels

Level 4: Take an artistic, romantic orientation to life, creating a beautiful, aesthetic environment to cultivate and prolong personal feelings. Heighten reality through fantasy, passionate feelings, and the imagination.

Level 5: To stay in touch with feelings, they interiorize everything, taking everything personally, but become self-absorbed and introverted, moody and hypersensitive, shy and self-conscious, unable to be spontaneous or to “get out of themselves.” Stay withdrawn to protect their self-image and to buy time to sort out feelings.

Level 6: Gradually think that they are different from others, and feel that they are exempt from living as everyone else does. They become melancholy dreamers, disdainful, decadent, and sensual, living in a fantasy world. Self-pity and envy of others lead to self-indulgence, and to becoming increasingly impractical, unproductive, effete, and precious.

Unhealthy Levels

Level 7: When dreams fail, become self-inhibiting and angry at self, depressed and alienated from self and others, blocked and emotionally paralyzed. Ashamed of self, fatigued and unable to function.

Level 8: Tormented by delusional self-contempt, self-reproach, self-hatred, and morbid thoughts; everything is a source of torment. Blaming others, they drive away anyone who tries to help them.

Level 9: Despairing, feel hopeless and become self-destructive, possibly abusing alcohol or drugs to escape. In the extreme, emotional breakdown or suicide is likely. Generally corresponds to the Avoidant, Depressive, and Narcissistic personality disorders.

Personal Growth Recommendations for Enneagram Type Fours

Do not pay so much attention to your feelings; they are not a true source of support for you, as you probably already know. Remember this advice, “From our present perspective, we can also see that one of the most serious mistakes Fours make is to equate themselves with their feelings. The fallacy is that to understand themselves they must understand their feelings, particularly their negative ones, before acting. Fours do not see that the self is not the same as its feelings or that the presence of negative feelings does not preclude the presence of good in themselves.” Always remember that your feelings are telling you something about yourself as you are at this particular moment, not necessarily more than that.
Avoid putting off things until you are “in the right mood.” Commit yourself to productive, meaningful work that will contribute to your good and that of others, no matter how small the contribution may be. Working consistently in the real world will create a context in which you can discover yourself and your talents. (Actually, you are happiest when you are working—that is, activating your potentials and realizing yourself. You will not “find yourself” in a vacuum or while waiting for inspiration to strike, so connect—and stay connected—with the real world.
Self-esteem and self-confidence will develop only from having positive experiences, whether or not you believe that you are ready to have them. Therefore, put yourself in the way of good. You may never feel that you are ready to take on a challenge of some sort, that you...

Day 967 – Mom’s List– Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 04 Oct 2018 07:03:26 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 967 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Mom’s List – Humor Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 967 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.

Mom’s List

MOM’S LIST OF THINGS SHE DOES NOT WANT TO HEAR

1. I swallowed the goldfish.

2. Your lipstick works better than crayons.

3. Does grape juice leave a stain?

4. The principal called…

5. But DAD says that word all the time!

6. What’s it cost to fix a window?

7. Has anyone seen my pet snakes?

8. Look, I painted your shoes pretty!

9. The dog doesn’t like dressing up in your underwear.

10. I’m running away from home. (Well, maybe some days…)

If you’re a mom or dad, I hope that brought a smile to your face today.

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

As a father of five kids and seven grandkids, I know that sometimes parenting certainly has its challenges, but take heart as we are told in Proverbs 22:6, “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.”

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 966 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 966 – Answers From The Dead Sea Scrolls – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 07:03:52 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 966 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Answers From The Dead Sea Scrolls – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Today is Day 966 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, you must 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.”

While there were many fragments of manuscripts available from the Old Testament previously, newly found manuscripts last century opens our understanding more fully of the ancient times. Today’s essay will explore…

Answers From The Dead Sea Scrolls

The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered between 1947 and 1956, transformed biblical studies. Found in a series of caves near an archaeological site on the northwestern shore of the Dead Sea known as Qumran, they contributed to research on ancient scribal practices and the history of the Hebrew language. But beyond this research, the scrolls also directly affected an issue that has long been debated—the Old Testament canon. Did this find solidify what should or should not be included in our Bibles?

The word “canon” refers to the collection of books considered sacred and authoritative by a religious community—in this case, Judaism and Christianity. Historical evidence reveals that within the Jewish community, there was still uncertainty about some books such as Esther and the Song of Solomon, or portions of books, specifically Ezekiel 40-48 after AD 100. The question of whether Jewish leaders of earlier centuries had similar doubts—or different ones—was shrouded in mystery before the discoveries at Qumran.

Fragments of all the Old Testament books in the current Protestant evangelical canon have been found among the scrolls—all except the book of Esther. However, its omission by the Jewish community at Qumran does not indicate much about its canonical position today.

The omission of the book tells us nothing about how the Qumran community actually felt about Esther. The Dead Sea Scrolls discovered in modern times are only a fraction of the material originally stored at Qumran. The ravages of time have left us an incomplete picture, nullifying such a definitive conclusion.

In addition, the Jews at Qumran were one sect of Judaism among several. Even if there was evidence that they had rejected Esther, that position would have represented only a segment of opinion. Even today, major segments of modern Christendom do not agree on the canon. That certain books meet approval or disapproval provides no guidance as to which opinion is correct.

Beyond this, Qumran scribes often indicated a book’s sacred status by citing the book as authoritative for some point of belief or practice in their community documents. They also indicated a book’s sacred status through produced commentaries. However, not every biblical book of today’s Old Testament canon meets this criterion. For example, Judges, Jeremiah, and Job are never cited in community documents; they have not been the focus of a commentary. The incomplete nature of the discovery makes this no surprise.

Conversely, the scribes at Qumran considered some books canonical that were not included later in the Old Testament canon by either the Jewish or Christian communities. Examples include the books later known as 1 Enoch and Jubilees. Although the Dead Sea Scrolls provide fascinating insights into how one group of Jews thought about their canon, ultimately they offer no definitive conclusion to the broader modern discussion.

QUICK BIT: Originally, no fragments of Nehemiah were found among the Qumran scrolls. Since Ezra and Nehemiah were originally combined in the ancient Jewish canon—and fragments of Ezra were found at Qumran—Esther was considered the only omission. But in the spring of 2012, scholars discovered the first Nehemiah fragment among the scrolls that were found in Qumran Cave 4.

Additional discoveries in the future may shed additional light on the Scriptures, but we can be sure that God’s Word is true and will never pass away. As Matthew 24:35 reminds, “Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.”

That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday we will begin in the New Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “Burying Hell.” 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 965 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 965 – Before Success… – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 07:03:11 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 965 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Before Success… –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 965 of our trek, and it is time for our 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. 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 Napoleon Hill, and it is, “Before success comes in any person’s life, they are sure to meet with much temporary defeat and, perhaps, some failures. When defeat overtakes a person, the easiest and the most logical thing to do is to quit. That’s exactly what the majority of people do.”

Before Success…

The true measure of success for a person is based on the levels and magnitude of obstacles, setbacks, temporary defeats, and even outright failures that they face in their pursuit of success. Any time we have a setback or failure, the natural inclination for all of us is to quit and give up. While that indeed may be the easiest course of action, and we can even justify or rationalize that it is most logical, those who choose this path will not succeed in much of life.

Unfortunately, this is the choice of the majority of people. None of us should be satisfied or desire to be average or below average but to become all that God created us to be. We need to use our God-given talents and abilities to serve Him and to build His kingdom. If we commit our actions to God, and continue on through setbacks and failures, ultimately we will succeed in our endeavors for Him.

Proverbs 16:3 – Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 964 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 964 – Facing Your Giants! – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 07:03:19 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 964 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Facing Your Giants! – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us today for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 964 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 you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

There are many giant obstacles and problems that come into our lives. It is our natural inclination to turn and run, to avoid the problems. While it may be advisable to pause and prepare, most obstacles do not go away if we ignore them. In our Meditation Monday today, I want us to reflect on…

Facing Your Giants!

David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel!” 1 Samuel [17:45]-46

David sees what others don’t and refuses to see what others do. All eyes, except David’s, fall on the brutal, hate-breathing hulk. All eyes, except David’s, are set on the Giant of the Philistines. All journals, but David’s, describe day after day in the land of the Neanderthal. The people know his taunts, demands, size, and strut. They have focused solely on Goliath.

David sees the armies of God. And because he does, David hurries and runs toward the army to meet the Philistine as found 1 Samuel 17:48, “As Goliath moved closer to attack, David quickly ran out to meet him.”

You might say that David knew how to get ahead of his giant.

When was the last time you did the same? How long since you ran toward your challenge? We tend to retreat, duck behind a desk of work, or crawl into a nightclub of distraction or a bed of forbidden love. For a moment, a day, or a year, we feel safe, insulated, anesthetized, but then the work runs out, the liquor wears off, or the lover leaves, we hear Goliath again. Booming. Bombastic.

Try a different approach. Rush your giant with a God-saturated soul. Giant of divorce? You aren’t entering my home! Giant of depression? It may take a lifetime, but you won’t conquer me! Giant of alcohol, bigotry, child abuse, insecurity…You’re going down! How long since you loaded your sling and took a swing at your giant?

Too long, you say? Then David is your model. God called him as is mentioned in Acts 13:22, “But God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.” He gave this designation to no one else, not Abraham or Moses or Joseph. He called Paul an apostle, John his beloved, but neither was tagged a man after God’s own heart.

One might read David’s story and wonder what God saw in him. The fellow fell as often as he stood, stumbled as often as he conquered. He stared down Goliath, yet ogled at Bathsheba; defied God-mockers in the valley, yet joined them in the wilderness. An Eagle Scout one day and humming with the Mafia the next, he could lead armies but couldn’t manage a family. Raging David. Weeping David. Bloodthirsty. God-hungry. Eight wives. One God.

A man after God’s own heart? The fact that God saw him as such gives hope to us all. David’s life has little to offer the unstained saint. Straight-A souls find David’s story disappointing. The rest of us find it reassuring. We ride the same roller coaster. We alternate between swan dives and belly flops, soufflés and burnt toast.

Giants. We must face them. Yet we need not face them alone. Focus first, and most, on God. The times David did, giants fell. The days he didn’t, David fell.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 963 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 963 – The Enneagram System – Type Number Three – The Achiever – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 07:00:04 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 963 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Enneagram System – Type Number Three – The Achiever – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. This is Day 963 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, this is not possible. 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.

Today is the tenth episode in our series delving into what makes each of us respond differently to life situations and circumstances. Understanding ourselves and how others may interpret life through their paradigm will allow us to interact with each other with more love and compassion. This empathy can be achieved by utilizing a profound tool called “The Enneagram.”

If you have missed any of our past nine Friday series, I would recommend going back and listening to them or read the Wisdom Journals. As a review, the tool that we refer to as the Enneagram (Any-a-Gram) is a circle with nine interconnected points (Ennea refers to 9, and Gram refers to a drawing). Check out today’s or a prior week’s Wisdom Journal for a representation of it. I have also included a copy of “The Enneagram At-A-Glance,” which was compiled by Suzanne H. Eller in today’s Wisdom Journal. If you would like a PDF copy, click on the link in today’s Wisdom Journal on our website Wisdom-Trek.com.

In the first seven episodes, we explored how The Enneagram System works and then presented an overview of all nine personality types. The past two weeks we took a deep dive into type number One and Two, which is referred to as “The Reformer” or “The Perfectionist,” and type number two “The Helper.” This week we will explore type Number three “The Achiever.” Next week we will focus on type number four “The Individualist.”

Since we are exploring the Enneagram in detail, and I would also recommend reading the Wisdom Journal for each Friday to see the diagrams presented each week. As helpful as the Enneagram is, keep in mind, it is still only a tool, and cannot replace or usurp the precepts that are found in God’s Word. All decisions and actions that we make in life must be in harmony with God’s precepts.

So the questions for the next several months will be:

The Enneagram System – Type Number Three – The Achiever

1 – THE ACHIEVER
Enneagram Type Three

The Success-Oriented, Pragmatic Type:
Adaptable, Excelling, Driven, and Image-Conscious

· Type Three in Brief

Threes are self-assured, attractive, and charming. Ambitious, competent, and energetic, they can also be status-conscious and highly driven for advancement. They are diplomatic and poised, but can also be overly concerned with their image and what others think of them. They typically have problems with workaholism and competitiveness.

At their Best: self-accepting, authentic, everything they seem to be—role models who inspire others.

Basic Fear: Of being worthless

Basic Desire: To feel valuable and worthwhile

Enneagram Three with a Two-Wing: “The Charmer”

Enneagram Three with a Four-Wing: “The Professional”

Key Motivations: Want to be affirmed, to distinguish themselves from others, to have attention, to be admired, and to impress others.
The Meaning of the Arrows (in brief)When moving in their Direction of Disintegration (stress), driven Threes suddenly become disengaged and apathetic similar to an unhealthy Nine. However, when moving in their Direction of Integration (growth), usual vain, deceitful Threes become more cooperative and committed to others, like healthy Sixes.

· Type Three Overview

We have named personality type Three The Achiever because when they are healthy, Threes really can and do achieve great things in the world. They are the “stars” of human nature, and people often look up to them because of their graciousness and personal accomplishments. Healthy Threes know how good it feels to develop themselves and contribute their abilities to the world and also enjoy motivating others to greater personal achievements than others thought they were capable of. They are usually well regarded and popular among their peers, the type of person who is frequently voted “class president” or “homecoming queen” because people feel they want to be associated with this kind of person who acts as a stand-in for them. Healthy Threes embody the best in a culture, and others are able to see their hopes and dreams mirrored in them.

Threes are often successful and well-liked because, of all the types, they most believe in themselves and in developing their talents and capacities. Threes act as living “role models” and paragons because of their extraordinary embodiment of socially valued qualities. Healthy Threes know that they are worth the effort it takes to be “the best that they can be.” Their success at doing so inspires others to invest in their own self-development.

Threes want to make sure their lives are a success. However, that is defined by their family, their culture, and their social sphere. In some families, success means having a lot of money, a grand house, a new, expensive car, and other status symbols. Others value ideas, and success to them means distinguishing oneself in academic or scientific worlds. Success in other circles might mean becoming famous as an actor, or model, or writer, or as a public figure of some kind, perhaps as a politician. A religious family might encourage a child to become a minister, priest, or rabbi since these professions have status in their community and in the eyes of the family. No matter how success is defined, Threes will try to become somebody noteworthy in their family and their community. They will not be a “nobody.”

To this end, Threes learn to perform in ways that will garner them praise and positive attention. As children, they learned to recognize the activities that were valued by their parents or peers, and put their energies into excelling in those activities. Threes also learned how to cultivate and develop whatever about them is attractive or potentially impressive.

Here is an example of a lady named Eve who is a successful business-woman:

“My mother trained me to perform. I was about three when I performed my first solo in front of the church congregation. I got a lot of positive strokes for that and went on to perform in front of audiences throughout high school, either through music or debate. To this day, something mystical happens to me when I get in front of an audience. I ‘turn it on.’ I am called on frequently as a public speaker, and some of my professional colleagues say that they hate following me on the program because I am such a hard act to follow!”

Everyone needs attention, encouragement, and the affirmation of their value in order to thrive, and Threes are the type which most exemplifies this universal human need. Threes want success not so much for the things that success will buy (like Sevens), or for the power and feeling of independence that it will bring (like Eights). They want success because they are afraid of disappearing into a chasm of emptiness and worthlessness; without the increased attention and feeling of accomplishment which success usually brings, Unhealthy Threes fear that they are nobody and have no value.

The problem is that, in the headlong rush to achieve whatever they believe will make them more valuable, Threes can become so alienated from themselves that they no longer know what they truly want, or what their real feelings or interests are. In this state, they are easy prey to self–deception, deceit, and falseness of all kinds. Thus, the deeper problem is that their search for a way to be of value increasingly takes them further away from their own Essential Self with its core of real value. From their earliest years, as Threes become dependent on receiving attention from others and in pursuing the values that others reward, they gradually lose touch with themselves. Step by step, their own inner core, their “heart’s desire,” is left behind until they no longer recognize it.

Thus, while they are the primary type in the Feeling Center, Threes, interestingly, are not known as “feeling” people; rather, they are people of action and achievement. It is as if they “put their feelings in a box” so that they can get ahead with what they want to achieve. Threes have come to believe that emotions get in the way of their performance, so they substitute thinking and practical action for feelings.

Here is another example from Jarvis who is a well-educated and accomplished business professional; he sees that this pattern developed in him at an early age.

“I had no conscious awareness of this at the time, but when I was a child, I wasn’t allowed to have my feelings at all. They counted for nothing in the framework of my stepfather’s concept of what it took to be successful. I developed the habit of denying my feelings and instead focused on performing and getting good marks in school.”

Threes report that when they realize to what extent they have adapted their lives to the expectations of others, the question arises, “Well, then, what do I want?” They often simply did not know; it was not a question that had ever come up before. Thus, the fundamental dilemma of Threes is that they have not been allowed to be who they really are and to manifest their own authentic qualities. At a young age, they got the message that they were not allowed to have feelings and be themselves: they must, in effect, be someone else to be accepted. To some degree, all of the personality types have been sent the same message, but because of their particular background and makeup, Threes not only heard it, they began to live by it. The attention they received by performing in a certain way was their oxygen, and they needed it to breathe. Unfortunately, it came at a high price.

Marie, a skilled therapist, describes the contradiction—and the pressure—of this orientation.

“For most of my life, people always noticed when I was involved in any kind of activity, and they have usually looked to me for some sort of direction. This has been a two-edged sword because while I wanted to be noticed and approved, the burden was that I had to be perfect—and that was tough.”

· Type Three—Levels of Development

Healthy Levels

Level 1 (At Their Best): Self-accepting, inner-directed, and authentic, everything they seem to be. Modest and charitable, self-deprecatory humor and a fullness of heart emerge. Gentle and benevolent.

Level 2: Self-assured, energetic, and competent with high self-esteem: they believe in themselves and their own value. Adaptable, desirable, charming, and gracious.

Level 3: Ambitious to improve themselves, to be “the best they can be”—often become outstanding, a human ideal, embodying widely admired cultural qualities. Highly effective: others are motivated to be like them in some positive way.

Average Levels

Level 4: Highly concerned with their performance, doing their job well, constantly driving self to achieve goals as if self-worth depends on it. Terrified of failure. Compare self with others in the search for status and success. Become careerists, social climbers, invested in exclusivity and being the “best.”

Level 5: Become image-conscious, highly concerned with how they are perceived. Begin to package themselves according to the expectations of others and what they need to do to be successful. Pragmatic and efficient, but also premeditated, losing touch with their own feelings beneath a smooth facade. Problems with intimacy, credibility, and “phoniness” emerge.

Level 6: Want to impress others with their superiority: constantly promoting themselves, making themselves sound better than they really are. Narcissistic, with grandiose, inflated notions about themselves and their talents. Exhibitionistic and seductive, as if saying “Look at me!” Arrogance and contempt for others is a defense against feeling jealous of others and their success.

Unhealthy Levels

Level 7: Fearing failure and humiliation, they can be exploitative and opportunistic, covetous of the success of others, and willing to do “whatever it takes” to preserve the illusion of their superiority.

Level 8: Devious and deceptive so that their mistakes and wrongdoings will not be exposed. Untrustworthy, maliciously betraying or sabotaging people to triumph over them. Delusionally jealous of others.

Level 9: Become vindictive, attempting to ruin others’ happiness. Relentless, obsessive about destroying whatever reminds them of their own shortcomings and failures. Psychopathic behavior. Generally corresponds to the Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

Personal Growth Recommendations for Enneagram Type Threes

For our real development, it is essential to be truthful. Be honest with yourself and others about your genuine feelings and needs. Likewise, resist the temptation to impress others or inflate your importance. You will impress people more deeply by being authentic than by bragging about your successes or exaggerating your accomplishments.
Develop charity and cooperation in your relationships. You can do this by taking time to pause in a busy day to really connect with someone you care about. Nothing spectacular is required—simply a few moments of quiet appreciation. When you do so, you will become a more loving person, a more faithful friend—and a much more desirable individual. You will feel better about yourself.
Take breaks. You can drive yourself and others to exhaustion with your relentless pursuit of your goals. Ambition and self-development are good qualities, but temper them with rest periods in which you reconnect more deeply with yourself. Sometimes taking three to five deep breaths is enough to recharge your battery and improve your outlook.

That will conclude our focus on personality type number Three – The Achiever. A word of encouragement for those of you who are Enneagram type number Three from God’s word in Romans 12:3,Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 962 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Chocolate Exchange – Humor Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 962 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.

Chocolate Exchange

Sally was driving home from one of her business trips in northern Arizona when she saw an elderly Navajo woman walking on the side of the road. As the trip was a long and quiet one, she stopped the car and asked the woman if she would like a ride. With a silent nod of thanks, the woman got into the car.

Resuming the journey, Sally tried in vain to make a bit of small talk with the Navajo woman. The old woman just sat silently, looking at everything she saw, studying every little detail, until she noticed a white bag on the seat next to Sally.

“What’s in the bag?” asked the old woman.

Sally looked down at the bag and, smiling, said, “It’s a box of chocolates. I got it for my husband.”

The Navajo woman was silent for another moment or two. Then speaking with the quiet wisdom of an elder, she said, “Good trade.”

I trust that brought a bit of cheer to your day…Husbands, treat your wives well so that you are worth far more than a box of chocolates.

For today’s Thursday Thought, husbands love your wives.

Ephesians 5:28 – 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.

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 961 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 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 961 – Bizarre Visions for the Worst of Times – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 26 Sep 2018 07:03:40 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 961 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Bizarre Visions for the Worst of Times – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Today is Day 961 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,you must 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.

If we are not studying God’s Word regularly and living by His precepts, we may have a very tainted perspective of God from some of the Old Testament passages. Today’s essay will explore:

Bizarre Visions for the Worst of Times

We are prone to make assumptions about God and His favor towards us when life has us down due to sin, mistakes, or incomprehensible circumstances. Of all the Scripture passages we might turn to during these times, the bizarre vision that opens the book of Ezekiel would not register high on our list. However, reading this passage with its original ancient context in mind reveals a powerful message
for its original recipients and for every believer.

· The Babylonian Context

If you have never read the visions contained within the book of Ezekiel, it is an unusual and fascinating read. Ezekiel had his vision in Babylon as one of the captive exiles (Ezekiel 1:1-3). Comparing his vision to Babylonian iconography reveals that Ezekiel saw a divine ‘”throne-chariot” of the heavens, widely described in the ancient biblical world. Just as human kings had chariots, so did deities. It is said that a deity would traverse the heavens in his chariot throne, inspecting his domain and exercising authority over it. In Ezekiel‘s vision, this throne sits above the surface or expanse in Ezekiel [1:26] which is the same word used in Genesis 1:6-8 for the heavens. Psalms [29:10] and Psalms 150:1 also gives us a snapshot of God’s abode.

Back to the divine throne, wheels supported the chariot throne, along with four unusual creatures identified as cherubim in Ezekiel 10:4. Each creature had four faces: human, lion, eagle, and ox (Ezekiel [1:10]). Next to each cherub were four gleaming wheels in Ezekiel [1:15]-16. These wheels were set on edge, since they are described as “tall” in Ezekiel [1:18]. They had wheels within them—that is, each one had at least one concentric circle within it. The vision describes the outer edge, or “rim,” of each wheel as having “eyes,” which is translated from the Hebrew word “Ayin.” The prophet Daniel, who was also in Babylon, described the very same blazing throne with wheels Dan 7:9.

· The Vision in Context

The four faces of the four animals or cherubim correspond to the iconography of the Babylonian zodiac. Each represents a seasonal constellation in Babylonian astrology, and each face or constellation also represented one of the four directions, North, South, East, and West. This is also referred to as the quadrants of the sky. Babylonians knew that the heavens were connected to what happened on earth such as times, seasons, crops, and weather. The Babylonians believed their gods controlled those functions. Information about the stars was laid out on Mesopotamian astrolabes, which were clay tablets whose concentric circles could well correspond to the “wheels within wheels” imagery.

English translations of Ezekiel’s vision often break down at the point where the prophet describes “eyes” on the rims of the wheels. The Hebrew word “Ayin” occurs a number of places throughout Ezekiel’s vision, but it is not always translated the same. At times it is translated as eyes. Taking the NLT as an example, “ayin” occurs six times in chapter 1 in verses 4, 7, 16, 18, 22, 27, but only translated as “eyes” in verse 18. In the vision’s description of the wheels and several other verses, the word “ayin” is translated as “sparkled” such as Ezekiel 10:9. Since ancient astronomical texts commonly describe shining stars as “eyes,” the Hebrew word “ayin” can refer to stars or their sparkling appearance. Many translators miss this possibility, failing to consider the astronomical context portrayed by the four faces.

· The Meaning of the Vision

During their time of exile, the Jewish captives might have easily believed Yahweh had abandoned them forever. Likewise, the Babylonians could have simply assumed their gods had defeated Yahweh and ruled the heavens and the earth unchallenged. But Ezekiel s imagery sends a message to the Jews in exile, and to their Babylonian captors: Both assumptions are flawed. Yahweh has not been defeated, nor has He turned away from His people, Israel. He remains seated in His chariot throne at the center of His domain, which is the entire cosmos. When we read Ezekiel 1 through ancient eyes, we can feel the same hope today. Even in the midst of difficult circumstances, we can know that an all-powerful God is active and present in our lives.

There is so much imagery in Ezekiel it is overwhelming trying just to picture it, let alone grasp its meaning. I encourage you to invest time considering the great God who reigns from His throne-chariot. Ezekiel 1:26-29 is just a glimpse of His splendor, “Above this surface was something that looked like a throne made of blue lapis lazuli. And on this throne high above was a figure whose appearance resembled a man. From what appeared to be his waist up, he looked like gleaming amber, flickering like a fire. And from his waist down, he looked like a burning flame, shining with splendor. All around him was a glowing halo, like a rainbow shining in the clouds on a rainy day. This is what the glory of the Lord looked like to me. When I saw it, I fell face down on the ground, and I heard someone’s voice speaking to me.”

That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue with the Old Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “Answers from the Dead Sea Scrolls.” 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 960 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Podcast 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 960 – Be of Good Cheer – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 10:06:29 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 960 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Be of Good Cheer –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 960 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. 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 Helen Keller, and it is, “Be of good cheer. Do not think of today’s failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourselves a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere, and you will find joy in overcoming obstacles. Remember, no effort that we make to attain something beautiful is ever lost.”

Be of Good Cheer

There are few people in this world that have contributed so much to the good of the human race than Helen Keller. Yet she was significantly handicapped by not being able to see, speak, or hear. Helen Keller was able to overcome what seems like insurmountable obstacles in her life and achieved success that few have ever achieved.

First, she was of good cheer. She chose to look at life positively in spite of her difficulties. She overcame those obstacles and what some may consider failures to bring to the world much that is good. In fact, she found joy in overcoming the obstacles in life. She realized that through her effort she was able to bring beauty into her world although she could not see it with her eyes, hear it with her ears, or utter the praises that the joy brought her.

We need to practice the same. In our pursuit of success in all areas of life, we need to be of good cheer, regardless of our obstacles because no effort that we make to attain something beautiful is ever lost.

Jesus taught 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 would like to listen to any of our past 959 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 959 – Blessed Assurance! – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 24 Sep 2018 07:03:36 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 959 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Blessed Assurance! – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us today for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 959 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 you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

Although we look forward to the time when Jesus Christ will return to earth to reign as our King, we have the assurance and strength every day to live according to God’s precepts. In our Meditation Monday today I want us to reflect on…

Blessed Assurance!

Blessed Assurance is not only a loved hymn, but it is also our seal of redemption through God’s Spirit. All creation waits on tiptoe for the day Jesus returns and brings us home to the Father. On that day, we will experience “the total redemption of our bodies that comes when our adoption as children of God is complete. However, we realize that not only is the Holy Spirit our “guarantee, a down payment of the things to come,” but He is also God’s sustaining power and presence in our lives and will help us in many ways. Here are three truths we will find in the verses today:

The Spirit intercedes for you when you pray and even “steps in and articulates your…with groaning too profound for words” when you can’t find the words to pray.
The Spirit’s presence is a constant reminder that because of Christ’s presence at the Father’s side, nothing can ever separate you from the His love.
The Spirit whose power raised Jesus from the dead is your assurance of ultimate victory just as Jesus was victorious over sin, death, and hell.

Treasure these assurances. Trust in the Spirit’s presence. Glory awaits!

· Verses to Live

There are so many good things that await us. Even though we cannot see them now, we yearn for them. That is why Jesus promised that He would not leave you alone, but that I would send the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to be with you and to help you until He comes back for you (Acts 2:32-33; Titus 3:3-7; John 14:18-26). So today, the verses come from things that Paul wrote to the Romans about blessings that the Spirit brings to Christians, including you. As I read them to you, find a few especially meaningful sentences to memorize. Then when times are tough, let the Holy Spirit remind you of these truths and fill your heart with the assurance that you are the Father’s child, Christ’s beloved co-heir of the kingdom of God, and a person in whom the Spirit of the Almighty God lives. Absorb the truths that are in Romans [8:18]-39.

The Future Glory

Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. 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. 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.

Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Love

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?(As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

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.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 958 daily treks or read the daily 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 958 – The Enneagram System – Type Number Two – The Helper – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 21 Sep 2018 07:03:15 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 958 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Enneagram System – Type Number Two – The Helper – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week, wisdom and legacy building podcast. We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. This is Day 958 of our trek and 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, this is not possible. 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.

So the questions for the next several months will be:

The Enneagram System – Type Number Two – The Helper

3 – THE HELPER
Enneagram Type Two

The Caring, Interpersonal Type:
Generous, Demonstrative, People-Pleasing, and Possessive

· Type Two in Brief

Twos are empathetic, sincere, and warm-hearted. They are friendly, generous, and self-sacrificing, but can also be sentimental, flattering, and people-pleasing. They are well-meaning and driven to be close to others, but can slip into doing things for others in order to be needed. They typically have problems with possessiveness and with acknowledging their own needs. At their Best: unselfish and altruistic, they have unconditional love for others.

Basic Fear: Of being unwanted, unworthy of being loved

Basic Desire: To feel loved

Enneagram Two with a One-Wing: “Servant”

Enneagram Two with a Three-Wing: “The Host/Hostess”

Key Motivations: Want to be loved, to express their feelings for others, to be needed and appreciated, to get others to respond to them, to vindicate their claims about themselves.

The Meaning of the Arrows (in brief)

When moving in their Direction of Disintegration (stress), needy Twos suddenly become aggressive and dominating like an unhealthy Eight. However, when moving in their Direction of Integration (growth), prideful, self-deceptive Twos become more self-nurturing and emotionally aware, like healthy Fours.

· Type Two Overview

We have named personality type Two “The Helper” because people of this type are either the most genuinely helpful to other people or, when they are less healthy they are the most highly invested in seeing themselves as helpful. Being generous and going out of their way for others makes Twos feel that theirs is the richest, most meaningful way to live. The love and concern they feel—and the genuine good they do—warms their hearts and makes them feel worthwhile. Twos are most interested in what they feel to be the “really, really good” things in life—love, closeness, sharing, family, and friendship.

Louise is a minister who shares the joy she finds in being a Two.

“I cannot imagine being another type, and I would not want to be another type. I like being involved in peoples’ lives. I like feeling compassionate, caring, and nurturing. I like cooking and homemaking. I like having the confidence that anyone can tell me anything about themselves and I will be able to love them….I am really proud of myself and love myself for being able to be with people where they are. I really can, and do, love people, pets, and things. And I am a great cook!”

When Twos are healthy, and in balance, they really are loving, helpful, generous, and considerate. People are drawn to them like bees to honey. Healthy Twos warm others in the glow of their hearts. They enliven others with their appreciation and attention, helping people to see positive qualities in themselves that they had not previously recognized. In short, healthy Twos are the embodiment of “the good parent” that everyone wishes they had: someone who sees them as they are, understands them with immense compassion, helps and encourages with infinite patience, and is always willing to lend a hand—while knowing precisely how and when to let go. Healthy Twos open our hearts because theirs are already so open and they show us the way to be more deeply and richly human.

Louise continues:

“All of my jobs revolved around helping people. I was a teacher who wanted to be sensitive to children and help them get off to a good start. I was a religious education director in a number of parishes. I thought that if people learned about the spiritual life, they’d be happier…The most important part of my life is my spiritual life. I was in a religious community for ten years. I married a former priest, and we both have our spirituality as the basis of our life together.”

However, Twos’ inner development may be limited by their “shadow side”—pride, self-deception, the tendency to become over-involved in the lives of others, and the tendency to manipulate others to get their own emotional needs met. Transformational work entails going into dark places in ourselves, and this very much goes against the grain of the Two’s personality structure, which prefers to see itself in only the most positive, glowing terms.

Perhaps the biggest obstacle facing Twos, Threes, and Fours in their inner work is having to face their underlying Center, the fear of worthlessness. Beneath the surface, all three types fear that they are without value in themselves, and so they must be or do something extraordinary in order to win love and acceptance from others. In the average to unhealthy Levels, Twos present a false image of being completely generous and unselfish and of not wanting any kind of pay-off for themselves, when in fact, they can have enormous expectations and unacknowledged emotional needs.

Average to unhealthy Twos seek validation of their worth by obeying their superego’s demands to sacrifice themselves for others. They believe they must always put others first and be loving and unselfish if they want to get love. The problem is that “putting others first” makes Twos secretly angry and resentful, feelings they work hard to repress or deny. Nevertheless, they eventually erupt in various ways, disrupting Twos’ relationships and revealing the inauthenticity of many of the average to unhealthy Two’s claims about themselves and the depth of their “love.”

But in the healthy range, the picture is completely different. As an example, Don Riso, who much of this work comes from puts it this way: “My own maternal grandmother was an archetypal Two. During World War II, she was “Moms” to what seemed like half of Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, feeding the boys, allowing her home to be used as a “home away from home,” giving advice and consolation to anyone lonely or fearful about going to war. Although she and her husband were not wealthy and had two teenage children of their own, she cooked extra meals for the servicemen, put them up at night, and saw to it that their uniforms had all of their buttons and were well pressed. She lived until her 80’s, remembering those years as the happiest and most fulfilling of her life—probably because her healthy Two capacities were so fully and richly engaged.”

· Type Two—Levels of Development

Healthy Levels

Level 1 (At Their Best): Become deeply unselfish, humble, and altruistic: giving unconditional love to self and others. Feel it is a privilege to be in the lives of others.

Level 2: Empathetic, compassionate, feeling for others. Caring and concerned about their needs. Thoughtful, warm-hearted, forgiving and sincere.

Level 3: Encouraging and appreciative, able to see the good in others. Service is important, but takes care of self too: they are nurturing, generous, and giving—a truly loving person.

Average Levels

Level 4: Want to be closer to others, so start “people pleasing,” becoming overly friendly, emotionally demonstrative, and full of “good intentions” about everything. Give seductive attention: approval, “strokes,” flattery. Love is their supreme value, and they talk about it constantly.

Level 5: Become overly intimate and intrusive: they need to be needed, so they hover, meddle, and control in the name of love. Want others to depend on them: give, but expect a return: send double messages. Enveloping and possessive: the codependent, self-sacrificial person who cannot do enough for others—wearing themselves out for everyone, creating needs for themselves to fulfill.

Level 6: Increasingly self-important and self-satisfied, feel they are indispensable, although they overrate their efforts in others’ behalf. Hypochondria, becoming a “martyr” for others. Overbearing, patronizing, presumptuous.

Unhealthy Levels

Level 7: Can be manipulative and self-serving, instilling guilt by telling others how much they owe them and make them suffer. Abuse food and medication to “stuff feelings” and get sympathy. Undermine people, making belittling, disparaging remarks. Extremely self-deceptive about their motives and how aggressive and/or selfish their behavior is.

Level 8: Domineering and coercive: feel entitled to get anything they want from others: the repayment of old debts, money, sexual favors.

Level 9: Able to excuse and rationalize what they do since they feel abused and victimized by others and are bitterly resentful and angry. Somatization of their aggressions results in chronic health problems as they vindicate themselves by “falling apart” and burdening others. Generally corresponds to the Histrionic Personality Disorder and Factitious Disorder.

Personal Growth Recommendations for Enneagram Type Twos

First and foremost, remember that if you are not addressing your own needs, it is highly unlikely that you will be able to meet anyone else’s needs without problems, underlying resentments, and continual frustration. Further, you will be less able to respond to people in a balanced way if you have not gotten adequate rest, and taken care of yourself properly. It is not selfish to make sure that you are okay before attending to others’ needs—it is simply common sense.
Try to become more conscious of your own motives when you decide to help someone. While doing good things for people is certainly an admirable trait, when you do so because you expect the other person to appreciate you or do something nice for you in return, you are setting yourself up for disappointments. Your type has a real danger of falling into unconscious codependent patterns with loved ones, and they almost never bring you what you really want.
While there are many things you might want to do for people, it is often better to ask them what they really need first. You are gifted at accurately intuiting others’ feelings and needs, but that does not necessarily mean that they want those needs remedied by you in the way you have in mind. Communicate your intentions, and be willing to accept a “no thank you.” Someone deciding that they do not want your particular offer of help does not mean that they dislike you or are rejecting you.
Resist the temptation to call attention to yourself and your good works. After you have done something for others, do not remind them about it. Let it be: either they will remember your kindness themselves and thank you in their own way or they will not. Your calling attention to what you have done for them only puts people on the spot and makes them feel uneasy. It will not satisfy anyone or improve your relationships.

That will conclude our focus on personality type number Two – The Helper. A word of encouragement for those of you who are Enneagram type number Two from God’s word. Your heart of service must stem from a heart of love, both for yourself, and for others.

Mark 12:30-31 – 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.

Join us again next Friday as we further explore the Enneagram on our “Ask Gramps” episode. We will specifically explore the Enneagram Number Four – The Individualist in depth. The information that we explore will allow you to unlock who you are as we travel on our trek of life and discover more about yourself and others as you impact God’s kingdom. 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

Day 957 – Appearances Can Be Deceiving – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 07:03:57 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 957 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Appearances Can Be Deceiving – Humor Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 957 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.

Appearances Can Be Deceiving

A man was flying from Seattle to San Francisco. The plane had to make an unexpected stop in Sacramento along the way. The flight attendant explained that there would be a delay, and if the passengers wanted to get off the aircraft, the plane would re-board in 50 minutes.

Everybody got off the plane except one gentleman who was blind. The flight attendant had noticed him when he boarded and could tell the gentleman was blind because his seeing-eye dog lay quietly underneath the seats in front of him throughout the entire flight.

The flight attendant realized this man must have flown this very flight before because the pilot approached him, and calling him by name, said, “Bill, we’re in Sacramento for almost an hour. Would you like to get off and stretch your legs?”

The blind man replied, “No thanks, but maybe my dog would like to stretch his legs.” The pilot said, sure I will gladly take him for a walk.

Picture this: All the people in the gate area came to a complete standstill when they looked up and saw the pilot walk off the plane with a seeing-eye dog. The pilot was even wearing sunglasses. People scattered. They not only tried to change planes, but they were trying to change airlines!

Remember…things aren’t always as they appear.

For today’s Thursday Thought, remember we need to be very wise when judging others. Luke 6:37 says, “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.”

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 956 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 Podcast 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 956 – He, Him, Me, Myself, and I – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 07:03:01 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 956 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

He, Him, Me, Myself, and I – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Today is Day 956 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.

Have you ever wondered what about some of the odd grammar structures in the Bible? Today’s essay will explore the important question of:

He, Him, Me, Myself, and I

How strange would it sound if a friend described what they did this morning like this? “After she got out of bed, she took a shower and then made a quick breakfast for herself—just some coffee and a bagel. I was in such a hurry that I didn’t even finish my bagel and just took the coffee with me!”

Be honest. You would probably wonder if your friend needed medication. Although your friend was describing what she did this morning, the first few details sounded like she was talking about someone else. If the information was about her and spoken by her, why not use “I” and “my”—what we call “first-person pronouns” in grammar? Why would she refer to herself in the third person? We just don’t talk or write like that.

Neither would the biblical writers, but that is exactly what we read in many biblical passages. Consider this example in Ezekiel 1:1-4, “On July 31 of my thirtieth year, while I was with the Judean exiles beside the Kebar River in Babylon, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God. This happened during the fifth year of King Jehoiachin’s captivity. (The Lord gave this message to Ezekiel son of Buzi, a priest, beside the Kebar River in the land of the Babylonians, and he felt the hand of the Lord take hold of him.) As I looked, I saw a great storm coming from the north, driving before it a huge cloud that flashed with lightning and shone with brilliant light. There was fire inside the cloud, and in the middle of the fire glowed something like gleaming amber.”

The first two verses use the first person (“I”), which leads us to believe that Ezekiel himself is writing. But then there is a switch to the third person in verse three, as though the writer was not the famous prophet (“to Ezekiel”: “him”). Then it’s back to the first person (“I”) again in verse four. What’s going on? Can’t Ezekiel decide if he’s writing or not?

There’s no multiple personality disorder here. The switch between grammatical persons is simply the tell-tale sign of an editor. Someone other than Ezekiel inserted verse three to make it clear that the prophet wasn’t crazy. Rather, the prophet saw God and was led by the Spirit to describe what follows in the book.

Who had the authority to edit the Bible like this? The short answer is whomever God moved to do so under inspiration. The longer answer is that, in the case of the prophetic writings, someone accepted by the believing community of Israel to be a member of the prophetic class or tradition served as editor of the preaching and teaching of the prophets.

A picture of a prophetic class emerges during the time of Elijah and Elisha. The prophets lived together in an organized community. The group was known as “the sons of the prophets” (2 Kings 2:3, 5, 7, 15) and included married couples (2 Kings 4:1). Such communities began at least as early as the time of Samuel (1 Samuel 10).

The prophetic community in Elijah and Elisha’s era was large. During the time of Elijah, there were at least 100 prophets hidden by Obadiah from Ahab and Jezebel (1 Kings 18:4). During Elisha’s period, 50 “sons of the prophets” which isn’t even the whole group, are mentioned (2 Kings 2:7).

The “sons of the prophets” served God under the leadership of a main prophet, who did most of the public speaking. We have several specific examples of this: Baruch (Jeremiah 36), Gehazi (2 Kings [5:20]), and Elisha (2 Kings 2:5). Any of the unnamed prophets within the community could have been tasked with gathering the written words of their teacher, the main prophet, and putting them into a scroll or book.

Writing down, organizing, and editing the prophet’s words could have taken place entirely after the death of a leading prophet, under the guidance of the Spirit. This process is similar to the way the Gospels were produced. We don’t know for sure how it worked, but we do know that more than one hand was responsible for what we have today. That these people served God in this way, without recognition, is a lesson to us all.

That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue with the Old Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “Bizarre Visions for the Worst of Times.” 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 955 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Podcast 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 955 – Appreciation Creates Success – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 18 Sep 2018 07:03:25 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 955 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***Appreciation Creates Success –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 955 of our trek, and it is time for our 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. 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 Shaka Smart, and it is, “Appreciation is the currency of success.”

Appreciation Creates Success

Success is a result of bringing value to the lives of other people and appreciating those who help you. If you do not show appreciation for what others do for you, then you will soon find that others will not assist you. We all need others to help us along our trek of life to provide encouragement and support.

In the same manner, we need to be ready and willing to assist others that may need our help. Appreciation is the currency of success in all aspects of life. The more appreciation you show to others the more assistance you will receive from others in order to bring about the success that you desire. Always maintain the attitude of gratitude for everything that happens in your life. Even if your current situation is not pleasant, none of us know what blessings will come from them.

Show appreciation at all times to everyone then you will see success flow to you.

1 Corinthians 16:18 – They have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as they have been to you. You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well.

If you would like to listen to any of our past 954 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Podcast 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 954 – Everyone Needs Grace – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 07:03:15 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 954 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Everyone Needs Grace – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us today for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 954 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 you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You may utilize structured meditation practices.

Even the most moral and ethically upright person cannot live up to God’s standard of righteousness. Because of this, we need a substitute to take our place. In our Meditation Monday today I want us to reflect on…

Everyone Needs Grace

Unfortunately, much of the world has repeatedly given up honoring the Creator. Most in the world have chased after worthless and depraved things. In addition, even those who seek to honor the Creator have also sinned. However, some of these religious people think that their religious knowledge and rules will save them. Many of the Jews in Paul’s day had this belief. Unfortunately, some religious people in your day also have this belief. They think because they have made a religious confession, have read God’s Word, and have gone to religious meetings that they are somehow better. They forget Jesus’s words:

“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually 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.'” Matthew [7:21]-23 NLT

Paul wrote the parts of Romans that are now chapters 2, 3 and 7 to remind all people — religious and non-religious, Jews and non-Jews — that their deeds, their rules, their book, their religious pedigree, and their church attendance will not bring them God’s grace. Salvation is by the Father’s grace (Romans 3, Romans 5). This grace is received through faith (Romans 4). You share in this grace by participating in Jesus’s death, burial, and resurrection, which is represented through baptism (Romans 6). This grace is empowered by the Holy Spirit, Who brings the Father’s will to life in you (Romans 8).

So the collection of verses today is a reminder of what Paul said in Romans chapters 2 and 3. He was emphatic: nothing and no one except faith in Jesus can make you right — not law, not Scripture, not race, not religious pedigree. Ultimately, all of these things have failed to enable people to live up to the God’s perfect standard of holiness. When you fail in one part of law-keeping, you are guilty of all (James [2:10]). If you break one law, you are a lawbreaker.

Paul wanted the Roman believers and other believers who came after them to understand that no one can be saved without the Father’s gift of grace purchased by Jesus’s death on the cross and empowered by the Holy Spirit. By their failure, all people stand condemned to live righteously without flaw and have missed God’s holy standard. Jews have failed to live up to the full standards demanded by the Mosaic law. Gentiles have failed to live up to the righteous standards of holiness. Everyone needs a Savior. No one can claim religious superiority. Everyone needs Jesus’s grace!

· Verses to Live

In today’s verses, you will be reminded that without grace, no one can stand justified before the Father. All people need Jesus. He is the only true Savior, who can bring God’s grace to anyone, including you.

“So you can see there are no excuses for any of us. If your eyes shift their focus from yourselves to others — to judge how they are doing — you have already condemned yourselves! You don’t realize that you are pointing your fingers at others for the exact things you do as well. There’s no doubt that the judgment of God will justly fall upon hypocrites who practice such things. Here’s what is happening: you attack and criticize others and then turn around to commit the same offenses yourselves! Do you think you will somehow dodge God’s judgment? Do you take the kindness of God for granted? Do you see His patience and tolerance as signs that He is a pushover when it comes to sin? How could you not know that His kindness is guiding our hearts to turn away from distractions and habitual sin to walk a new path? But because your heart is obstinate and shameless, you’re storing up wrath that will count against you. On the day of His choosing, God’s wrath and judgment will be unleashed to make things right. As it goes, everyone will receive what his actions in life have cultivated.” Romans 2:1-6

“Here’s my point: just because a person hears the law read or recited does not mean he is right before the one True God; it is following the law that makes one right, not just hearing it.” Romans [2:13]

“Listen, if you claim to be a Jew, count on the law, and boast in your relationship with God; if you know His will and can determine what is essential (because you have been instructed in the law); and if you stand convinced that you are chosen to be a guide to the blind, a light to those who live in darkness, a teacher of foolish wanderers and children, and have in the law what is essentially the form of knowledge and truth — then tell me, why don’t you practice what you preach?” Romans [2:17]-21

“So what then? Are we Jews better off? Not at all. We have made it clear that people everywhere, Jews and non-Jews, are living under the power of sin. Here’s what Scripture says: No one is righteous — not even one. There is no one who understands the truth; no one is seeking after the one True God. All have turned away; together they’ve become worthless.” Romans 3:9-12

“We want to be clear that whatever the law says, it says to everyone who is under its authority. Its purpose is to muzzle every mouth, to silence idle talk, and to bring the whole world under the standard of God’s justice. Therefore, doing what the law prescribes will not make anyone right in the eyes of God — that’s not its purpose — but the law is capable of exposing the true nature of sin.”Romans [3:19]-20

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 953 daily treks or read the daily journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast and Google Podcast 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 953 – The Enneagram System – Type Number One – The Reformer – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 07:03:19 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 953 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Enneagram System – Type Number One – The Reformer – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. This is Day 953 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 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.

Today is the eighth episode in our series delving into what makes each of us respond to life situations and circumstances the way we do. Understanding ourselves and how others may interpret life through their paradigm will allow us to interact with each other with more love and compassion. This empathy can be achieved by utilizing a profound tool call “The Enneagram.” If you have missed any of our past seven Friday series, I would recommend going back and listening to them or reading the Wisdom Journals.

As a review, the tool that we refer to as the Enneagram (Any-a-Gram) is a circle with nine interconnected points (Ennea refers to 9 and Gram refers to a drawing). Check out today’s and the prior weeks’ Wisdom Journals for a representation of it. I have also included a copy of “The Enneagram At-A-Glance,” which was compiled by Suzanne H. Eller, in today’s Wisdom Journal. If you would like a PDF copy, click on the link in today’s Wisdom Journal located on our website Wisdom-Trek.com.

In the first seven episodes, we explored how The Enneagram System works and then presented an overview of all nine personality types. On today’s trek, we will take a deep dive into type number One, which is referred to as “The Reformer.” Next week we will continue with type number Two, “The Helper.”

Since we are exploring this tool in detail, I would also recommend reading the Wisdom Journal for each Friday to see the diagrams presented each week. As helpful as the Enneagram is, keep in mind, though, it is still only a tool, and cannot replace or usurp the precepts that are found in God’s Word. All decisions and actions that we make in life must be in harmony with God’s precepts.

So the questions for the next several months will be…

The Enneagram System – Type Number One – The Reformer

1 – THE REFORMER
Enneagram Type One

The Rational, Idealistic Type:
Principled, Purposeful, Self-controlled, and Perfectionistic

· Type One in Brief

Ones are conscientious and ethical, with a strong sense of right and wrong. They are teachers, crusaders, and advocates for change: always striving to improve things, but afraid of making a mistake. Well-organized, orderly, and fastidious, they try to maintain high standards, but can slip into being critical of themselves and others and are perfectionistic. They typically have problems with resentment and impatience. At their best: wise, discerning, realistic, and noble. Can be morally heroic.

Basic Fear: Of being corrupt/evil, defective
Basic Desire: To be good, to have integrity, to be balanced
Enneagram One with a Nine-Wing: “The Idealist”
Enneagram One with a Two-Wing: “The Advocate”

Key Motivations: Want to be right, to strive higher and improve everything, to be consistent with their ideals, to justify themselves, to be beyond criticism so as not to be condemned by anyone.

The Meaning of the Arrows (in brief)

When moving in their Direction of Disintegration (stress), methodical Ones suddenly become moody and irrational at Four. However, when moving in their Direction of Integration (growth), angry and critical Ones become more spontaneous and joyful, like healthy Sevens.

· Type One Overview

We have named personality type One The Reformer because Ones have a “sense of mission” that leads them to want to improve the world in various ways, using whatever degree of influence they have. They strive to overcome adversity—particularly moral adversity—so that the human spirit can shine through and make a difference. They strive after “higher values,” even at the cost of great personal sacrifice.

History is full of Ones who have left comfortable lives to do something extraordinary because they felt that something higher was calling them. During the Second World War, Raoul Wallenburg left a comfortable middle-class life to work for the protection of thousands of European Jews from invading Nazis. In India, Gandhi left behind his wife and family and life as a successful lawyer to become an itinerant advocate of Indian independence and non-violent social changes. Joan of Arc left her village in France to restore the throne to the Dauphin and to expel the English from the country. The idealism of each of these Ones has inspired millions.

Ones are people of practical action—they wish to be useful in the best sense of the word. On some level of consciousness, they feel that they “have a mission” to fulfill in life, if only to try their best to reduce the disorder they see in their environment.

Although Ones have a strong sense of purpose, they also typically feel that they have to justify their actions to themselves, and often to others as well. This orientation causes Ones to invest a lot of time thinking about the consequences of their actions, as well as about how to keep from acting contrary to their convictions. Because of this, Ones often persuade themselves that they are “head” types, rationalists who proceed only on logic and objective truth. But, the real picture is somewhat different. Ones are actually activists who are searching for an acceptable rationale for what they feel they must do. They are people of instinct and passion who use convictions and judgments to control and direct themselves and their actions.

In the effort to stay true to their principles, Ones resist being affected by their instinctual drives, consciously not giving in to them or expressing them too freely. The result is a personality type that has problems with repression, resistance, and aggression. They are usually seen by others as highly self- controlled, even rigid, although this is not how Ones experience themselves. It seems to them that they are sitting on a cauldron of passions and desires, and they had better “keep the lid on” lest they and everyone else around them regret it.

Cassandra is a therapist in a private practice who recalls the difficulty this caused her in her youth.

“I remember in high school getting feedback that I had no feelings. Inside, I felt my feelings intensely, and yet I just couldn’t let them out as intensely as I felt them. Even now, if I have a conflict with a friend and need to address an issue, I rehearse ahead of time how to express clearly what I want, need, and observe, and yet not be harsh or blaming in my anger which is often scathing.”

Ones believe that being strict with themselves (and eventually becoming “perfect”) will justify them in their own eyes and in the eyes of others. But by attempting to create their own brand of perfection, they often create their own personal hell. Instead of agreeing with the statement in Genesis that God saw what He had created, “and it was good,” Ones intensely feel that “It wasn’t—there obviously have been some mistakes here!”

This orientation makes it difficult for them to trust their inner guidance—indeed, to trust life—so Ones come to rely heavily on their superego, a learned voice from their childhood, to guide them toward “the greater good,” which they so passionately seek. When Ones have gotten completely entranced in their personality, there is little distinction between them and this severe, unforgiving voice. Separating from it and seeing its genuine strengths and limitations is what growth for Ones is about.

· Type One—Levels of Development

Healthy Levels

Level 1 (At Their Best): Become extraordinarily wise and discerning. By accepting what is, they become transcendentally realistic, knowing the best action to take in each moment. Humane, inspiring, and hopeful: the truth will be heard.

Level 2: Conscientious with strong personal convictions; they have an intense sense of right and wrong, personal religious and moral values. Wish to be rational, reasonable, self-disciplined, mature, moderate in all things.

Level 3: Extremely principled, always want to be fair, objective, and ethical: truth and primary justice values. The sense of responsibility, personal integrity, and of having a higher purpose often make them teachers and witnesses to the truth.

Average Levels

Level 4: Dissatisfied with reality, they become high-minded idealists, feeling that it is up to them to improve everything: crusaders, advocates, critics. Into “causes” and explaining to others how things “ought” to be.

Level 5: Afraid of making a mistake: everything must be consistent with their ideals. Become orderly and well-organized, but impersonal, puritanical, emotionally constricted, rigidly keeping their feelings and impulses in check. Often workaholics—”anal-compulsive,” punctual, pedantic, and fastidious.

Level 6: Highly critical both of self and others: picky, judgmental, perfectionistic. Very opinionated about everything: correcting people and badgering them to “do the right thing”—as they see it. Impatient, never satisfied with anything unless it is done according to their prescriptions. Moralizing, scolding, abrasive, and indignantly angry.

Unhealthy Levels

Level 7: Can be highly dogmatic, self-righteous, intolerant, and inflexible. Begin dealing in absolutes: they alone know “The Truth.” Everyone else is wrong: very severe in judgments, while rationalizing own actions.

Level 8: Become obsessive about imperfection and the wrongdoing of others, although they may fall into contradictory actions, hypocritically doing the opposite of what they preach.

Level 9: Become condemnatory toward others, punitive and cruel to rid themselves of wrongdoers. Severe depressions, nervous breakdowns, and suicide attempts are likely. Generally corresponds to the Obsessive-Compulsive and Depressive personality disorders.

· Personal Growth Recommendations for Enneagram Type Ones

Learn to relax. Take some time for yourself, without feeling that everything is up to you or that what you do not accomplish will result in chaos and disaster. Mercifully, the salvation of the world does not depend on you alone, even though you may sometimes feel it does.
You have a lot to teach others and are probably a good teacher, but do not expect others to change immediately. What is obvious to you may not be as obvious to them, especially if they are not used to being as self-disciplined and objective about themselves as you are about yourself. Many people may also want to do what is right and may agree with you in principle but for various reasons simply cannot change right away. The fact that others do not change immediately according to your prescriptions does not mean that they will not change sometime in the future. Your words and above all, your example may do more good than you realize, although they may take longer than you expect. So have patience.
It is easy for you to work yourself up into a lather about the wrongdoings of others. And it may sometimes be true that they are wrong. But what is it to you? Your irritation with them will do nothing to help them see another way of being. Similarly, beware of your constant irritation with your own “shortcomings.” Does your own harsh self-criticism really help you to improve? Or does it simply make you tense, nervous, and self-doubting? Learn to recognize the attacks of your superego and how they undermine rather than help you.
It is important for you to get in touch with your feelings, particularly your unconscious impulses. You may find that you are uneasy with your emotions and your sexual and aggressive impulses—in short, with the messy human things that make us human. It might be beneficial to keep a journal or to get into some kind of group therapy or other group work both to develop your emotions and to see that others will not condemn you for having human needs and limitations.
Your Achilles’ heel is your self-righteous anger. You get angry easily and are offended by what seems to you to be the perverse refusal of others to do the right thing—as you have defined it. Try to step back and see that your anger alienates people so that they cannot hear many of the good things you have to say. Further, your own repressed anger may well be giving you an ulcer or high blood pressure and is a harbinger of worse things to come.

That will conclude our focus on personality type number one – The Reformer. A word of encouragement for those of you who are Enneagram type number one from God’s word. You will never be perfect on this side of eternity, do your best, but allow for God’s grace. 1 Corinthians 13:12 reminds, “Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.^a]">[a] All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.”

Join us again next Friday as we further explore the Enneagram on our “Ask Gramps” episode. We will specifically explore Enneagram Number Two – The Helper in depth. The information that we explore will allow you to unlock who you are as we travel on our trek of life and discover more about yourself and others as you impact God’s kingdom. 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...

Day 952 – General Moses on a Rescue Mission – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 07:03:23 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 952 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

General Moses on a Rescue Mission – Humor Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 952 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.

General Moses on a Rescue Mission

Nine-year-old Joey was asked by his mother what he had learned at Sunday school.

“Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. When he got to the Red Sea, he had his engineers build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely. Then he used his walkie-talkie to radio headquarters for reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and wipe out the enemy, and all the Israelites were saved.”

“Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you?” his mother asked.

“Well, no. But if I told it the way the teacher taught it, you’d never believe it!”

Well, I hope that brought a smile to your face for today.

For Thursday’s Thought, remember when you are in need, God will rescue you as in Exodus 14:13, “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.”

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 951 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 951 – Where Is the Ark of the Covenant? – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 12 Sep 2018 07:03:22 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 951 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Where Is the Ark of the Covenant? – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Today is Day 951 of our trek, and it is Wisdom Wednesday.

Have you ever wondered what happened to the Ark of the Covenant? Today’s essay will explore the important question of…

Where Is the Ark of the Covenant?

I can still recall the thrill of seeing Raiders of the Lost Ark the movie. Dr. Heiser also agreed when he said, “As a senior in high school, I had already been infected with the archaeology bug. This movie boosted my interest to a whole new level. As Providence would have it, I followed the path of Indiana Jones—at least academically. I’m still fascinated by the ark, but I no longer believe it is lost and awaiting discovery. I have Jeremiah to blame for that.”

The idea that the Ark of the Covenant survived Nebuchadnezzar’s invasion of Judah is based on the absence of any explicit reference to the ark being among the vessels of gold carried to Babylon in 2 Chronicles 36:5-8. Likewise, the list of items brought back to Judah after the end of the exile makes no mention of the ark in Ezra 1:5-11. The simplest explanation is that the ark was among the items that were stripped away from the temple in 2 Kings 24:13, “As the Lord had said beforehand, Nebuchadnezzar carried away all the treasures from the Lord’s Temple and the royal palace. He stripped away^{(cut apart]} all the gold objects that King Solomon of Israel had placed in the Temple.” No one would pay to see that movie.

From ancient times until the present day, people have resisted the idea that God would allow Nebuchadnezzar to destroy Israel’s holiest object. Testifying to the power of this resistance, there are nearly a dozen theories as to how the ark survived.

Some of these theories are drawn from biblical events. Perhaps Hezekiah gave the ark to Sennacherib as part of his tribute payment in 2 Kings 18. Might it have been removed by faithful priests when Manasseh put an idol in the temple in 2 Kings 21:1-9? Indiana Jones told millions that Pharaoh Shishak took the ark to the city of Tanis in Egypt when he invaded Jerusalem in 1 Kings 14:25-26, “In the fifth year of King Rehoboam’s reign, King Shishak of Egypt came up and attacked Jerusalem. He ransacked the treasuries of the Lord’s Temple and the royal palace; he stole everything, including all the gold shields Solomon had made.”

Perhaps the most intricate theory involves Menelik I, the alleged son of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, taking the ark to Ethiopia. The Ethiopian royal chronicle, the Kebra Nagast, presents this idea so seriously that rulers of Ethiopia well into the 20th century had to prove their descent from Menelik I.

Other theories grew out of specific passages in ancient texts. Second Maccabees 2:5 records Jeremiah hiding the ark in a cave before Nebuchadnezzar’s invasion. Second Baruch 6:1-9 describes the ark being supernaturally swallowed up by the earth before the invasion, tucked away until the time of Israel’s restoration.

Jeremiah 3:16-17 – “And when your land is once more filled with people,” says the Lord, “you will no longer wish for ‘the good old days’ when you possessed the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant. You will not miss those days or even remember them, and there will be no need to rebuild the Ark. In that day Jerusalem will be known as ‘The Throne of the Lord.’ All nations will come there to honor the Lord. They will no longer stubbornly follow their own evil desires.”

The passage plainly shows that the ark would be absent because of the exile. Jeremiah 3:16 also insists that “and there will be no need to rebuild the Ark” — wording that strong suggests the ark would be destroyed in the impending disaster; if the ark weren’t destined for destruction, talk of rebuilding it would make no sense at all. Jeremiah 3:17 reinforces this point—the ark was God’s throne. He sat “between the cherubim of the lid known as the mercy seat” in Exodus 25:18-22 and Numbers 7:89. But the passage speaks of a day when Jerusalem itself will be called God’s throne. We read about this in Revelation 21:2-3, “And I saw the holy city, the New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, ‘Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them.'”

A recovered ark of the covenant doesn’t fit this picture — it would be a disappointment.

That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday we will continue with the Old Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “He Him, Me, Myself, & I.” 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 950 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Podcast 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 950 – A Friend’s Success – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 11 Sep 2018 07:03:11 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 950 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

***A Friend’s Success –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 950 of our trek, and it is time for a 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. 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 Oscar Wilde, and it is, “Anybody can sympathize with the sufferings of a friend, but it requires a very fine nature to sympathize with a friend’s successes.”

A Friend’s Success

Most of us do sympathize with a friend as they go through struggles and pain because we do not like to see them suffer. We may even be able to empathize with a suffering friend if we have gone through something similar. A mature person, though, will sympathize with a friend who is successful and do so without jealousy and envy.

We should be able to do both. Too often we start despising friends who are successful, especially if we are not successful ourselves. Let us rejoice with those who receive the good things of life in the same way that we console those who suffer.

Romans 12:15-16 – Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!

If you would like to listen to any of our past 949 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 949 – Thoughts Become Actions – Meditation Monday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Mon, 10 Sep 2018 07:03:11 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 949 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Thoughts Become Actions – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us today for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 949 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 you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection, or you may utilize structured meditation practices.

What do you allow your mind to think about throughout your day? Where do those thoughts take you? In our Meditation Monday today, I want us to reflect on…

Thoughts Become Actions

Today’s thoughts are tomorrow’s actions.
Today’s jealousy is tomorrow’s temper tantrum.
Today’s bigotry is tomorrow’s hate crime.
Today’s anger is tomorrow’s abuse.
Today’s lust is tomorrow’s adultery.
Today’s greed is tomorrow’s embezzlement.
Today’s guilt is tomorrow’s fear.

Could that be why Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13:4-5, “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proudor rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged,”?

Some folks don’t know we have an option.

Paul says we do 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.”

Do you hear some battlefield jargon in that passage — “destroy every obstacle,” “capture rebellious thoughts.” and “obey Christ”? You get the impression that we are the soldiers, and the thoughts are the enemies.

It was for Jesus. Remember the thoughts that came his way courtesy of the mouth of Peter? Jesus had just prophesied his death, burial, and resurrection, but Peter couldn’t bear the thought of it. But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things as recorded in Matthew 16:22-23, “‘Heaven forbid, Lord,’ he said. ‘This will never happen to you!’ Jesus turned to Peter and said, ‘Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.'”

See the decisiveness of Jesus?

What if you did that? What if you took every thought captive? What if you took the counsel of Solomon in Proverbs 4:23, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”

You are not a victim of your thoughts. You have a vote. You have a voice. You can exercise thought prevention. You can also exercise thought permission.

Change the thoughts, and you change the person. If today’s thoughts are tomorrow’s actions, what happens when we fill our minds with thoughts of God’s love? Will standing beneath the downpour of his grace change the way we feel about others?

Paul says absolutely! It’s not enough to keep the bad stuff out. We’ve got to let the good stuff in. It’s not enough to keep no list of wrongs. We have to cultivate a list of blessings. The same verb Paul uses for keeps in the phrase “keeps no records of wrong” is used for think 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.”

Thinking conveys the idea of pondering — studying and focusing, allowing what is viewed to have an impact on us.

Rather than store up the sour, store up the sweet.

If you would like to listen to any of the past 948 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 948 – The Enneagram System – An Overview of the Nine Types – Ask Gramps

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 07:03:32 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 948 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Enneagram System – An Overview of the Nine Types – Ask Gramps

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. This is Day 948 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 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.

Today is the seventh episode in our series delving into what makes each of us respond to life situations and circumstances. Understanding ourselves and how others may interpret life through their paradigm will allow us to interact with each other with more love and compassion. This can be achieved by utilizing a profound tool call “The Enneagram.” If you have missed any of our past six Friday series, I would recommend going back and listening to them or reading the Wisdom Journals.

As a review, the tool that we refer to as the Enneagram (Any-a-Gram) is a circle with 9 interconnected points (Ennea refers to 9, and Gram refers to a drawing). Check out today’s and the prior week’s Wisdom Journal for a representation of it. I have also included a copy of “The Enneagram At-A-Glance,” which was compiled by Suzanne H. Eller, in today’s Wisdom Journal. If you would like a PDF copy of it, click on the link in today’s Wisdom Journal.

In the first six episodes, we explored how The Enneagram System works. On today’s trek, we will explore an overview of the nine Enneagram types. Starting next Friday, we will take a deep dive into each type, one per week for the following nine weeks.

Since we are exploring this tool in detail, I would also recommend reading the Wisdom Journal for each Friday to see the diagrams presented each week. As helpful as the Enneagram is, keep in mind, though, it is still only a tool, and cannot replace or usurp the precepts that are found in God’s word. All decisions and actions that we make in life must be in harmony with God’s precepts.

So the questions for the next several months will be…

The Enneagram System – An Overview of the Nine Types

1 – THE REFORMER
Enneagram Type One

The Rational, Idealistic Type:
Principled, Purposeful, Self-controlled, and Perfectionistic

Type One in Brief

Ones are conscientious and ethical, with a strong sense of right and wrong. They are teachers, crusaders, and advocates for change: always striving to improve things, but afraid of making a mistake. Well-organized, orderly, and fastidious, they try to maintain high standards, but can slip into being critical of themselves and others and perfectionistic. They typically have problems with resentment and impatience. At their best: wise, discerning, realistic, and noble. Can be morally heroic.

Basic Fear: Of being corrupt/evil, defective
Basic Desire: To be good, to have integrity, to be balanced
Enneagram One with a Nine-Wing: “The Idealist”
Enneagram One with a Two-Wing: “The Advocate”

Key Motivations: Want to be right, to strive higher and improve everything, to be consistent with their ideals, to justify themselves, and to be beyond criticism so as not to be condemned by anyone.

The Meaning of the Arrows (in brief)

2 – THE HELPER
Enneagram Type Two

The Caring, Interpersonal Type:
Generous, Demonstrative, People-Pleasing, and Possessive

Type Two in Brief

Twos are empathetic, sincere, and warm-hearted. They are friendly, generous, and self-sacrificing, but can also be sentimental, flattering, and people-pleasing. They are well-meaning and driven to be close to others, but can slip into doing things for others in order to be needed. They typically have problems with possessiveness and with acknowledging their own needs. At their best: unselfish and altruistic, they have unconditional love for others.

Basic Fear: Of being unwanted, unworthy of being loved
Basic Desire: To feel loved
Enneagram Two with a One-Wing: “Servant”
Enneagram Two with a Three-Wing: “The Host/Hostess”

Key Motivations: Want to be loved, to express their feelings for others, to be needed and appreciated, to get others to respond to them, to vindicate their claims about themselves.

The Meaning of the Arrows (in brief)

When moving in their Direction of Disintegration (stress), needy Twos suddenly become aggressive and dominating at Eight. However, when moving in their Direction of Integration (growth), prideful and self-deceptive Twos become more self-nurturing and emotionally aware, like healthy Fours

3 – THE ACHIEVER
Enneagram Type Three

The Success-Oriented, Pragmatic Type:
Adaptable, Excelling, Driven, and Image-Conscious

Type Three in Brief

Threes are self-assured, attractive, and charming. Ambitious, competent, and energetic, they can also be status-conscious and highly driven for advancement. They are diplomatic and poised, but can also be overly concerned with their image and what others think of them. They typically have problems with workaholism and competitiveness. At their best: self-accepting, authentic, everything they seem to be—role models who inspire others.

Basic Fear: Of being worthless
Basic Desire: To feel valuable and worthwhile
Enneagram Three with a Two-Wing: “The Charmer”
Enneagram Three with a Four-Wing: “The Professional”

Key Motivations: Want to be affirmed, to distinguish themselves from others, to have attention, to be admired, and to impress others.

The Meaning of the Arrows (in brief)

When moving in their Direction of Disintegration (stress), driven Threes suddenly become disengaged and apathetic at Nine. However, when moving in their Direction of Integration (growth), vain and deceitful Threes become more cooperative and committed to others, like healthy Sixes.

4 – THE INDIVIDUALIST
Enneagram Type Four

The Sensitive, Introspective Type:
Expressive, Dramatic, Self-Absorbed, and Temperamental

Type Four in Brief

Fours are self-aware, sensitive, and reserved. They are emotionally honest, creative, and personal, but can also be moody and self-conscious. Withholding themselves from others due to feeling vulnerable and defective, they can also feel disdainful and exempt from ordinary ways of living. They typically have problems with melancholy, self-indulgence, and self-pity. At their best: inspired and highly creative, they are able to renew themselves and transform their experiences.

Basic Fear: That they have no identity or personal significance
Basic Desire: To find themselves and their significance (to create an
identity)
Enneagram Four with a Three-Wing: “The Aristocrat”
Enneagram Four with a Five-Wing: “The Bohemian”

Key Motivations: Want to express themselves and their individuality, to create and surround themselves with beauty, to maintain certain moods and feelings, to withdraw to protect their self-image, to take care of emotional needs before attending to anything else, to attract a “rescuer.”

The Meaning of the Arrows (in brief)

When moving in their Direction of Disintegration (stress), aloof Fours suddenly become over-involved and clingy at Two. However, when moving in their Direction of Integration (growth), envious and emotionally turbulent Fours become more objective and principled, like healthy Ones.

5 – THE INVESTIGATOR
Enneagram Type Five

The Intense, Cerebral Type:
Perceptive, Innovative, Secretive, and Isolated

Type Five in Brief

Fives are alert, insightful, and curious. They are able to concentrate and focus on developing complex ideas and skills. Independent, innovative, and inventive, they can also become preoccupied with their thoughts and imaginary constructs. They become detached, yet high-strung and intense. They typically have problems with eccentricity, nihilism, and isolation. At their best: visionary pioneers, often ahead of their time, and able to see the world in an entirely new way.

Basic Fear: Being useless, helpless, or incapable
Basic Desire: To be capable and competent
Enneagram Five with a Four-Wing: “The Iconoclast”
Enneagram Five with a Six-Wing: “The Problem Solver”

Key Motivations: Want to possess knowledge, to understand the environment, to have everything figured out as a way of defending themselves from threats from the environment.

The Meaning of the Arrows (in brief)

When moving in their Direction of Disintegration (stress), detached Fives suddenly become hyperactive and scattered at Seven. However, when moving in their Direction of Integration (growth), avaricious and detached Fives become more self-confident and decisive, like healthy Eights.

6 – THE LOYALIST
Enneagram Type Six

The Committed, Security-Oriented Type:
Engaging, Responsible, Anxious, and Suspicious

Type Six in Brief

Sixes are the committed, security-oriented type. Sixes are reliable, hard-working, responsible, and trustworthy. Excellent “troubleshooters,” they foresee problems and foster cooperation, but can also become defensive, evasive, and anxious—running on stress while complaining about it. They can be cautious and indecisive, but also reactive, defiant and rebellious. They typically have problems with self-doubt and suspicion. At their best: internally stable and self-reliant, courageously championing themselves and others.

Basic Fear: Of being without support and guidance
Basic Desire: To have security and support
Enneagram Six with a Five-Wing: “The Defender”
Enneagram Six with a Seven-Wing: “The Buddy”

Key Motivations: Want to have security, to feel supported by others, to have certitude and reassurance, to test the attitudes of others toward them, to fight against anxiety and insecurity.

The Meaning of the Arrows (in brief)

When moving in their Direction of Disintegration (stress), dutiful Sixes suddenly become competitive and arrogant at Three. However, when moving in their Direction of Integration (growth), fearful and pessimistic Sixes become more relaxed and optimistic, like healthy Nines.

7 – THE ENTHUSIAST
Enneagram Type Seven

The Busy, Variety-Seeking Type:
Spontaneous, Versatile, Acquisitive, and Scattered

Type Seven in Brief

Sevens are extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous. Playful, high-spirited, and practical, they can also misapply their many talents, becoming over-extended, scattered, and undisciplined. They constantly seek new and exciting experiences, but can become distracted and exhausted by staying on the go. They typically have problems with impatience and impulsiveness. At their best: they focus their talents on worthwhile goals, becoming appreciative, joyous, and satisfied.

Basic Fear: Of being deprived and in pain
Basic Desire: To be satisfied and content—to have their needs fulfilled
Enneagram Seven with a Six-Wing: “The Entertainer”
Enneagram Seven with an Eight-Wing: “The Realist”

Key Motivations: Want to maintain their freedom and happiness, to avoid missing out on worthwhile experiences, to keep themselves excited and occupied, to avoid and discharge pain.

The Meaning of the Arrows (in brief)

When moving in their Direction of Disintegration (stress), scattered Sevens suddenly become perfectionistic and critical at One. However, when moving in their Direction of Integration (growth), gluttonous and scattered Sevens become more focused and fascinated by life, like healthy Fives.

8 – THE CHALLENGER
Enneagram Type Eight

The Powerful, Dominating Type:
Self-Confident, Decisive, Willful, and Confrontational

Type Eight in Brief

Eights are self-confident, strong, and assertive. Protective, resourceful, straight-talking, and decisive, but can also be ego-centric and domineering. Eights feel they must control their environment, especially people, sometimes becoming confrontational and intimidating. Eights typically have problems with their tempers and with allowing themselves to be vulnerable. At their best: self- mastering, they use their strength to improve others’ lives, becoming heroic, magnanimous, and inspiring.

Basic Fear: Of being harmed or controlled by others
Basic Desire: To protect themselves (to be in control of their own life
and destiny)
Enneagram Eight with a Seven-Wing: “The Maverick”
Enneagram Eight with a Nine-Wing: “The Bear”

Key Motivations: Want to be self-reliant, to prove their strength and resist weakness, to be important in their world, to dominate the environment, and to stay in control of their situation.

The Meaning of the Arrows (in brief)

When moving in their Direction of Disintegration (stress), self-confident Eights suddenly become secretive and fearful at Five. However, when moving in their Direction of Integration (growth), lustful and controlling Eights become more open-hearted and caring, like healthy Twos.

9 – THE PEACEMAKER
Enneagram Type...

Day 947 – Having a Wife – Humor Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Thu, 06 Sep 2018 07:03:02 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 947 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Having a Wife – Humor Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 947 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…

Having a Wife

In Sunday School, they were teaching how God created everything, including human beings. Little Johnny seemed especially intent when they told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam’s ribs.

Later in the week, his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and said, “Johnny what is the matter?”

Little Johnny responded, “I have a pain in my side. I think I’m going to have a wife.”

Well, I hope that brought a smile to your face for today.

For Thursday’s Thought, being blessed with a godly wife is one of lives greatest blessings:

Proverbs 18:22 – The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord.

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 946 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 946 – Jeremiah: Double Vision? – Wisdom Wednesday

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 07:03:56 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 946 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Jeremiah: Double Vision? – Wisdom Wednesday

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Today is Day 946 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, you also need to 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.

Should we be concerned when there are differences in the ancient text from which our modern Bibles are translated? Today’s essay will explore one such instance and how we should consider the outcome.

Jeremiah: Double Vision?

If we look beyond the details of Jeremiah’s anguish and apparently fruitless ministry, we can spot a dual emphasis in the book that bears his name: judgment and repentance. Emphasis is not the only double issue. Two full versions of the book have survived from antiquity—and they diverge in many ways.

· The “Jeremiah Problem”

The book of Jeremiah has come to us in two versions—a Hebrew version, the Masoretic Text, and a Greek version, the Septuagint (the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament). Our modern English Bibles follow the arrangement and content of the Masoretic Text. The Septuagint version (or lxx) was translated from a Hebrew text of the book that differed in many ways from the Masoretic Text. Because of this, the Greek version is roughly one-eighth shorter than the Masoretic Text, and after Jeremiah [25:13], the order of the chapters differs dramatically.

Despite attempts to solve the “Jeremiah problem,” the textual history of both versions remains unresolved. We still don’t know which Hebrew text is older—the one we have today from the Masoretic Text or the one used by the scribes who created the Septuagint.

The fragmentary scrolls of the book found among the Dead Sea Scrolls usually follow the order and content of the Masoretic Text, but some of the material matches the Hebrew manuscript that was translated into the Septuagint. Consequently, the Dead Sea Scrolls cannot offer a definitive answer regarding which version of the book more closely aligns with the time of the prophet.

We also find mixed results when examining the history of these versions. The Jewish community favored the Masoretic Text version, but this is only apparent from around 100 AD onward, after the time of Jesus and the apostles. New Testament writers favored the Septuagint when quoting the Old Testament.

Studies reveal that when the Old Testament is quoted in the New Testament, the wording found in the Greek New Testament, the Masoretic Text, and the Septuagint differs in some way 80 percent of the time. Word-for-word quotations of the Masoretic Text are not common, amounting to less than five percent. Even when factoring in nearly identical quotations of Masoretic Text, it is clear that the New Testament writers only appear to have used Masoretic Text 20 percent of the time. The New Testament writers most often quoted from the Septuagint, but this doesn’t mean they endorsed or preferred it, since they used both versions. They were writing in Greek, and so using a Greek translation would have been natural.

· A Practical Response

So what can we conclude about the book of Jeremiah? Well, we cannot conclude that the Septuagint is to be preferred over Masoretic Text, as though it were more sacred or “original.” If that were the case, it would be shocking to see the New Testament writers quote the Masoretic Text. The reverse is true as well. Neither version deserves a higher status.

Perhaps the real lesson is that the New Testament writers, working through divine inspiration, weren’t concerned about the issue. There isn’t a single instance that indicates concern over which manuscript was being used or quoted.

This lack of concern is reflected in the ministry of Paul, who preached in synagogues all over the Mediterranean. Each synagogue had its own biblical text and its own scrolls, sometimes Septuagint and sometimes Masoretic Text and Paul used whatever was at his disposal. The same is true in his own letters. He trusted God s provision that he was reading and preaching the very word of God. So should we.

We can rest in the truth that God’s Word in its original writings was given by divine inspiration as we are told in 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.”

That will conclude our essay for this week. Next Wisdom Wednesday, we will continue with the Old Testament as we look at Dr. Heiser’s next essay titled “Where Is the Ark of the Covenant?” 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 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 945 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Podcast 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 945 – Resolution to Succeed – Wisdom Unplugged

H. Guthrie Chamberlain — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 07:03:20 -0500

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 945 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Resolution to Succeed – Wisdom Unplugged

Thank you for joining us for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is Day 945 of our trek, and it is time for our 3-minute mini-trek called Wisdom Unplugged. Thank you for joining me on this trek called life. 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 Abraham Lincoln, and it is, “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing.”

Resolution to Succeed

Success in any area of life is a combination of timing, talent, and resolution or persistence. Of these three elements, the resolution to succeed will supersede the other two. Without the persistence to succeed, all the talent in the world and even the best timing, will not bring about the success desired.

Hard work and the resolution to keep going when the path to success becomes difficult will ensure that the talent and the wisdom you have to ascertain the proper timing are utilized fully. I have known many a successful person to overcome a lack of innate talent when their resolution to achieve and succeed was strong.

Resolution is not a short-term attribute but must be incorporated into the very fabric of your life. As I have mentioned several times in the past, much of success is rooted in the habits of being consistently persistent over a long period of time. Yes, talent and timing will expedite success, but without the resolution to succeed, talent and timing are useless.

Proverbs 21:5 – Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.

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 944 treks or read the Wisdom Journal, they are available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Apple Podcast or Google Podcast 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 944 – Aching Arms – Meditation Monday

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

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 944 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Aching Arms – Meditation Monday

Thank you for joining us today for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. We are broadcasting from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. This is Day 944 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 you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You 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.

Have you ever worked or exercised so hard that you were bone tired and could barely hold up your arms? A time where your arms felt as if they were made of rock or iron. In times like these, we need others to come along beside us to help us. In our Meditation Monday today I want us to reflect on…

Aching Arms

A fairly well-known story in the Old Testament also gives us another example of someone with aching arms, and it is found in Exodus 17:11-12, “As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset.”

I don’t know why God required Moses to keep his hands raised when the ancient Israelites were in battle against the Amalekites—unless it was to acknowledge Israel’s total dependence on God. Whatever the reason, it was a smart move to get a helping hand from Aaron and Hur, as Moses never could have made it by himself. It is also a good lesson for all of us because none of us can get through life without a helping hand from others.

I believe it was Paul Harvey who made the following comment: “We have always tended to revere the airplane pilot who did it alone and the country doctor who never left the bedside…Such a spirit of independence served us well and caused us all to grow tall. But we’d never have made it to the moon without a spirit of interdependence. And we’d never have eradicated typhoid and smallpox and polio without a cooperative effort. We’ve found that no person alone can fetch oil from beneath the ocean. We’ve found that we are becoming increasingly interdependent—not only in our country but also all around the world…On the steep slope ahead, holding hands is necessary.”

I might also add that in the quiet of our home with our spouse, children, and grandchildren, and even among friends holding hands is also necessary. We need to help when others become weak, just as we will need help at times when we are weak. This will allow us to encourage and strengthen each other as we are told in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”

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 943 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!

Wisdom-Trek © - Archive 4

Day 1196 – What Does a Disciple Do? – Worldview Wednesday

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1196 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

What Does a Disciple Do? – Worldview Wednesday

What Does a Disciple Do?

Day 1195 – Obstacles to Overcome – Wisdom Unplugged

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1195 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Obstacles to Overcome – Wisdom Unplugged

Obstacles to Overcome

Day 1194 – Birth Springs from Death – Meditation Monday

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1194 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Birth Springs from Death – Meditation Monday

Birth Springs from Death

Day 1193 – Five Steps to Start the Day Early with a Plan for Success – Ask Gramps

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1193 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Five Steps to Start the Day Early with a Plan for Success – Ask Gramps

Five Steps to Start the Day Early with a Plan for Success

Track Your Time

Picture the Perfect Morning

Think Through the Logistics

Build the Habit – The most important step.

Tune-up as Necessary – Life changes, so we need to allow for flexibility.

Day 1192 – What Time Is It? – Humor Unplugged

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1192 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

What Time Is It? – Humor Unplugged

What Time Is It?

Day 1191 – Why Should We Live Like Jesus? – Worldview Wednesday

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1191 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Why Should We Live Like Jesus? – Worldview Wednesday

Why Should We Live Like Jesus?

Day 1190 – Learning to Overcome Failure – Wisdom Unplugged

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1190 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Learning to Overcome Failure – Wisdom Unplugged

Learning To Overcome Failure

Day 1189 – Waiting Prayerfully – Meditation Monday

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1189 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Waiting Prayerfully– Meditation Monday

Waiting Prayerfully

Day 1188 – Passing on a Positive Legacy – Ask Gramps

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1188 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Passing on a Positive Legacy – Ask Gramps

Passing on a Positive Legacy

Integrate a daily focus with a long-term perspective.

Establish a direction that is clearly observable.

Develop a network of meaningful relationships.

Commit to a positive learning attitude that guarantees growth.

Continually experience inner renewal.

Day 1187 – The Pearly Gates – Humor Unplugged

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1187 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

The Pearly Gates – Humor Unplugged

The Pearly Gates

Day 1186 – What Is Discipleship? – Worldview Wednesday

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1186 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

I am Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

What Is Discipleship? – Worldview Wednesday

What Is Discipleship?

Day 1185 – The Art of Creation – Wisdom Unplugged

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 1185 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

***Obstacles to Overcome –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

***Learning to Overcome Failure –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

***The Art of Creation –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

***Don’t Wait for Success –* *Wisdom Unplugged***

***Think and Follow Through –* *Wisdom Unplugged***