W.I.S.E. Bible Study

 All the lectionary readings today speak of growing and planting. As a gardener, they speak to me. Yesterday we finally put the cables on the posts and tied up the apple branches. Our horizontal orchard is really taking shape. Part of the reason we had to do it yesterday is that some of the branches were drooping as they were laden with apples. As pulling weeds, picking raspberries, and making jelly fill the days, I do look to the fall. I like efficiency and want to put more boxes in for gardening and do some bucket gardening. I am reminded of Isaiah 55:10-11 as I know as much as my garden needs attention at all seasons, so does my faith. The word of God becomes like the food I grow. Nourishment and a way to continue to do God’s will as I journey. Isaiah 55:10-11: “   As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the Sower and bread for the eater,   so...

  “  And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21. Isaiah reminds us that when we walk, we need to listen to the whisper behind us, calling out to walk a certain way. I once had a woman tell me she thought I had worked at the place forever. She stated that she thought I was a cornerstone at the place. I asked her what gave her that idea. She said it was because I walked like I owned and ran the place. The walk, for me, is about just living out the words of faith. We need to be doers, get in the game, kick the ball…block, support, assist…just do by walking. The woman noticed the walk. One of the biggest complaints I hear from people at church is about the “parking lot parishioners.” You know the ones…they go to Mass then cut you off…Even if you don’t go to church, the point is: do we talk the talk and walk the walk? Isaiah is reminding us today that each moment is a...

  “Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words—go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet.” Matthew 10:14 I have used this passage many times to guide my decisions on whether to stay or go. “Not receive you or listen to your words,” are not about an ego trip. This passage is talking about whether the company you are keeping is of Christ or not. Actions, words, decisions and the direction people are heading might not be ones that are of the same virtues and values of a Christian. I would have to say that this decision to “shake the dust from your feet,” can be the hardest decision a person makes. I know for me it has been. The ripple affect can be even harder and one might feel they are caught in the after waves ready to consume them. Yet, God is there and knowing the right decision will always come to comfort and guide. Today is a good day to think about where you are at. Hopefully you are where you feel received and listened to. If not, think about s...

Today God’s whisper to you: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8) God is sending out a call to those who will answer to continue to live Gods word and spread it through the world. Even though baptism was your answer to the call, we need to answer each day. Just like in any healthy relationship we communicate our answers. Today spend time with God, note where God might be calling you to spread Gods word through actions, deeds, thoughts, and prayers on the path…

Hosea 8:7 “ When they sow the wind, they will reap the whirlwind; The stalk of grain that forms no head can yield no flour; Even if it could, strangers would swallow it.” Growing up, I heard the phrase, “You reap what you sow.” I am thinking about that phrase and Hosea today because my yard is in a full bloom jungle. Last fall my husband and I throw wildflower mixes and packages of sunflowers and other flower mixes. It has been fun watching to see what will come up! I have a jungle of different flowers. I am being mindful of what I am planting as I continue to sort through paperwork, and other items that need to sorted through. I want to plant lasting memories, solid friendships, love and family. My faith is planted deeply and has many roots. Today think about what you need to plant and what you need to pull so that you reap a wonderful life and the best version of yourself on the path…  

 “But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16. This is one of my favorite passages. It reminds me of dedication to another. Ruth was willing to give up everything from her past and everything in her future to be with her mother-in-law. Her people’s God would no longer be her God. She would present herself to Naomi’s God and pledge her allegiance to this God. All out of love. For Ruth, the God was the God of Israel. It is important to which God we pledge our allegiance. Mine is Jesus Christ. Yet would I change out of love for another? I say the words Ruth said to Naomi to Jesus: “Where you go, I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Today, let go of the loves of this world and rededicate yourself to Christ by praying the words of Ruth to him on the path…