W.I.S.E. Bible Study

Have you ever run into a situation where someone really doesn’t understand you? I think at one time or another, we all have. Our journey is full of moments of trying to be heard or understood. John writes this in 1 John 3:1 “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us it that it did not know him.” If we are to be understood, then one must understand God. A person must know God to know us. As a disciple we walk in the way of the Lord, and no the world will not understand that. As I go about my day, I try to remember being understood isn’t necessarily a goal. Instead, my actions point to another so that they know God and God’s ways. Today, think about how you can let your actions speak and not use words but deeds to point to the kingdom of heaven here on earth on the path…  

  As I get started on my day, I am reminded by 1Corinthians 16:13 what my mindset should be: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”  You never know the twists in a day. One thing can hold true and that is always being on guard, standing firm in our faith being courageous and strong. I received a retirement letter from the Archbishop of Milwaukee. It was nice to be recognized and it reminded me how much we need to uphold each other. Who do you need to uphold today? Thank them, guide them gently, or even remind them of what being one of faith means. Be on guard today, that is surround yourself with positive, kind, those of Christian character. Don’t let those threads of negativity and unhealthy creep in. Instead stand firm with courage and strength so that the words of the Gospel are being lived out on the path…

  Today’s part of the reading states: Matthew 17:4 “Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents *  here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Hospitality. I think of myself in this scene. Jesus invites me to go to a place and when we get their Moses, and Elijah appear. Jesus appears in his glory. Peter’s first instinct is to offer hospitality. I wonder if I would fall to my knees in awe and wonder. Would I run? What would my reaction be? I hope, like Peter, I will offer hospitality. In life we are greeted with situations where we must remember (as my mother would quote) perhaps we are entertaining angels. Taking the approach that we want to make those we encounter comfortable is a characteristic to have. Today I pray that I remember to entertain everyone, that is, make them comfortable as if they were sent by God on the path…

  Ezekiel 36:26 “   I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” As many start new school years and new beginnings, I find Ezekiel’s words helpful. A new heart, a new spirit for a new year and one that is directed towards God’s will by removing a heart of stone. It is now that the reality of retirement is becoming real. New school years, new jobs, new friendships and new direction from God. Today, think about where your heart is still one of stone. Where do you not allow God in your life? Are there parts where you still say, “I’m doing this” or “This is the way I need to go, act, believe or participate without others telling me what to do?” Spend time with God, ask for God’s direction, his will allowing God to breath into you a new heart, new spirit and remove stones from your heart on the path…..

 Matthew 15:10-11 “He summoned the crowd and said to them, “Hear and understand. It is not what enters one’s mouth that defiles that person; but what comes out of the mouth is what defiles one.” Words are powerful. What comes out of our mouth says a lot about us. In this time of political campaigns, I am struck by words. I wonder if they understand the duties of a Governor? Promises from the mouth that tell me a lot about who you are. Everyday we encounter words every day. Today, think about your words and what they say about you. Use language to build up. Do fall into the fowl mouth that makes me look cool syndrome. Words. Deescalate, by being kind. Be truthful with courage and words that do not destroy. Yes, this means we have to think before we speak, but Jesus wants us to use our words for building the Kingdom here on earth. So speak, write, use words for the betterment of society, for education, truth and justice on the path…

Matthew 14:28-31 “Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how [strong] the wind was, he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” I have to admire Peter’s gumption. He sees Jesus’ walking on water and wants to do that. Peter, put’s his foot in his mouth, tries the impossible, denies Jesus…the list goes on. I have to love him though because he is so human. He isn’t a larger-than-life superhero. No, he is very like you and me. Jesus final words to him can speak to us: O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Is there something in our life that we started but strong winds came along and we have gotten discouraged? Fear not, keep your eyes on Jesus as he has called you out to ...