W.I.S.E. Bible Study

  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to the Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 Light. Big Sky is traveling today. We are on a road trip to see different lighthouses. Light. I think about how lighthouses provided a beacon of hope to those on the water. God calls us to be a beckon to others. The light of hope is specific. We are to be a light pointing to the hope found in faith. Today think about how you can be that light of hope to others. How do you shine the love, care, guidance, etc of God to others? Well, we are almost to Port Washington, then Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Two Rivers, Kewaunee, and our Camping spot of Potawatomi, on the path…

This morning I would like to pray for all those affected by yesterday’s weather. John 13:34 states: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”  I can not image the devastation and loss. Even those having no electricity and having to clean up can be exhausting. Today, take a moment to pray for those in need. I know there will be places helping out that a person can help with, but first prayer. I am thankful that there wasn’t loss of life. I am thankful for the much needed rain. My heart goes out to those who have lost so much and start the process of rebuilding on the path….  

 Romans 8:25 “But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” Patience. I know I have spoken about patience before, but it is a worthy virtue to speak about again. Yesterday I had to do some work in my garden. I see peppers, tomatoes, and eggplants growing. I need to be patient. Yet today’s verse reminds us that sometimes we don’t see what we have prayed and asked for. We need to wait patiently. It will come, maybe not in the exact form we asked for, but it will come. Patience. Today think about what you need to be patient with. What have you asked for that hasn’t come yet and needs your patience? Lord, grant me patience. May I know that you do answer and waiting is part of the journey on the path…

  Teach me your Statues. “My portion is the LORD; I promise to observe your words. I entreat you with all my heart: have mercy on me in accord with your promise. I have examined my ways and turned my steps to your testimonies. I am prompt, I do not hesitate in observing your commandments. Though the snares of the wicked surround me, your law I do not forget. At midnight I rise to praise you because of your righteous judgments. I am the friend of all who fears you, of all who observe your precepts. The earth, LORD, is filled with your mercy; teach me your statutes.” Psalm 119: 57-64 On this Sunday morning, it is good to think about the statues of the Lord. Not the statues of friends, neighbors, government but of the Lord. Laws and divine ordinances of the Lord. Perhaps today is a good day to “examine your ways.” As we walk this journey, the Psalm reminds us to turn our steps to God’s testimonies. Sundays are good days to spend those moments reviewing our steps, who guides them a...

  “But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:26-28 Have you ever thought how you give ransom for others? I think each time we put our wants; needs aside, we do. I know when a person gets into themselves the best remedy is to serve. One thing I want to do is give back, pay it forward that is serve. Now having more time, I can “pay ransom” for many. Since for me the ransom won’t be money, it can be the gifts, talents, and time I am blessed with. Why do I consider this to be like Jesus’ ransom? It isn’t the same, but I can show you the heaven he gave his life for, through my words and actions. I can show you service the way he said a follower should live. Being a Christian slave for others is a humbling experience. Think about what your “ransom”...

 Jeremiah 3:15 “I will appoint for you shepherds after my own heart, who will shepherd you wisely and prudently.” Shepherds. We all need a shepherd. You might not think you do, but you do. Why? A shepherd guides, protects and cares for his flock. This time of year, is one of my favorites as we are getting closer to State fair and County fair time. I marvel at the youth who care for animals, show them and spend so much time with them. I am reminded of my Shepherd. His care, his guidance and protection. I know his name, but more importantly he knows mine. Are you a shepherd to anyone? Who is your shepherd? Is your shepherd wise and prudent? Do you listen? Sometimes or always. Today is a great day to spend time with the shepherd, make sure your shepherd is the Lord, as anything else that we may let guide us will fall short. The news, money, a Politian, and others that are not of faith will fall short.…Those rightly trained will point to the Lord, let Him, the Lord, take care of you,...