W.I.S.E. Bible Study

  Phillipians 1:6 “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Today’s readings give us so much to think about. In the Gospel reading Jesus heals someone on the Sabbath to the anger of Pharisees. But to Jesus, there is no time nor place where acts of kindness are not allowed. The letter of the law, for Jesus, is superseded by acts of kindness. Jesus knows that the Father created us and that we are to do good works. Paul prays that the good works begun in all of us will continue until we are reunited with God. We are camping. Last night my granddaughter said, “welcome to my house bus.” I feel that we should all be welcoming where we go. Jesus welcomed a man with dropsy by healing him. Paul reminds of the value of good works. Lord thank you for fall days, camping, and next generations to share it with. Bless our day, and continue to grant us patience, and courage to do good works wherever we are on the...

We can spend a lot of money to protect our homes and even ourselves. We buy all sorts of things including fitness watches to help us protect ourselves and know when we need to act. I’m not saying they are not good things, but I wonder if we ever think about how do we protect our soul? How do we protect our faith? Ephesians 6:10-17 gives an insight into this: “Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in heavens. Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. So, stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. In all circumstanc...

Yesterday as we canoed a river, I was able to spend time in prayer. The river was peaceful, beautiful fall colors and many different birds making themselves known. There is something rhythmic about canoeing that lends itself to prayer. Jesus many times went to a mountain to pray as we find in Luke 6:12 “In those days he departed to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God.” After this he made decisions or set a direction. My prayer wasn’t that profound. Instead one to connect me with God, nature and companionship. My husband did a lot of the paddling! Lord thank you for moments of prayer and peaceful settings. Grant us moments of connection with nature, and companionship. Bless our day, and continue to walk with us on the path…

 Luke 13:18-21 “Then he said, “What is the kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that a person took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and “the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.” As I prepare gardens for winter’s slumber, I think about the kingdom of God. Why? Did you ever notice that Jesus never describes the kingdom of God as a royal palace full of luxuries, no. Jesus, as in Luke’s verses uses nature to describe the kingdom of God. I think that is why I feel so close to God when gardening. My grandson wants to be a farmer when he grows up. He is only 6, but I am glad, in our urban setting that he enjoys growing things. I believe trees and plants help us breathe and help our stress, for they are closes to God’s kingdom and bring us a piece of it. Lord, thank you for the earth. May we recognize our role as stewards and continue to pledge to take great care of the earth. Bring us courage, and strength t...

  “I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:1-5 I am amazed how each of us is unique and how each of us has a reflection of God. No two are alike, but when we stand together, we can see the “bigger” picture of God. Unity. Two are always better than one. In the fire service it’s two in, two out. Military, no man left behind. Unity. I know I put up walls, and at times I am not the easiest person to get to know. Yet, unity is important to me. Family, friends and community. Today, reflect on how you are part of the bigger picture. Reflect on how your uniqueness adds, co...

  Yesterday, my daughter, husband and I went to Swan’s Pumpkin Farm. It was fun, colors were beautiful. As we rode the hay wagon, we chatted with a little girl who was with her mom and grandma. She was excited and in wonder as we went through a corn field. I am reminded of today’s gospel reading: “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40. The pumpkin farm provides an opportunity for community to come together. Young and old enjoying the different activities. Loving the Lord means we must be kind and compassionate to others…love our neighbor, talk to others on a hayride and enjoy all the laughter and life on the path…