W.I.S.E. Bible Study

  “  and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:19 As I travel, I try to remember Gods love. Yesterday at supper, looking out the window I watched snow fall brightening everything it covered. Many are tired of this cold white stuff but to me it is a reminder of a changing season and new beginning. It is now 55 degrees and sunny. Being filled with Christ is being open to what life begins and seeing hope and new possibilities. Snow in April isn’t the end but a pleasant reminder not to rush seasons nor life on the path… I’m 

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.” Luke 24:36 As I travel I am struck how certain songs bring back memories. A life put to music…peace be with you as the road offers adventure and hope. Possibilities on the horizon. Peace is a frame of mind letting go of tension. When my blood begins to boil I tell myself this too shall pass and my respond  ability will not be given over to letting others control me. Instead, a deep breath of not dwelling on others actions only actions I can take. I choose peace and something 100 year old Dick Van Dyke said “Sing like nobody can hear you, dance like nobody can see you, and love like you have never been hurt.” Today make some music, kick up your heals, love passionately and find peace on the path…

  I will be traveling for several days. That means planning. Who will watch the dog? What will the weather be? What to wear? And so on…planning. I think planning is good, and checklists can be helpful, but I always give caution to Proverbs (16:9): “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” So, as I watch the news, prayers being prayed, I write this thinking about how I allow the Lord to “establish my steps.” Am I fluid enough to change my course to fit the Lord's walk? I ponder the openness to the Lord and how, at times, I have a rebellious spirit and stubbornness that guides me. Life’s path twists and turns. The path has boulders, rock faces, and sometimes easy meadows. Through this journey, I must be open to allowing the Lord to establish my steps. Seasons change, weather is fickle, and life is messy. Yet with all of this, my Lord is with me, sometimes leading, sometimes carrying, and sometimes well, sitting still with me as I ponder on the ...

 Sometimes I can be intense or driven. I have time off, and I have a checklist of things I want to get done. Yet I have forgotten the most important thing, “just be”. Sometimes I worry about what is happening in the world. Do I become a prepper? Do I become consumed with worrying about having enough and everything I think I would need if disaster struck? I find this can become consuming. I’m a list maker…make a list: what to get for the garden; what to pack for travel; what is to be accomplished. I married this wonderful guy who tends to bring me back to earth and squelch the madness. He reassures me of what Galatians 6:2 speaks of: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” No matter what comes our way, the two of us will face it. Remember that is why community is important: together we will carry each other’s burdens so that they don’t way anyone down. Today, know that you are part of our community and together we will shoulder, with Christ...

  As the Easter season continues until Pentecost, it is helpful to remain in the Joy and Glory of Christ’s resurrection. The Psalms continue to remind us of the refuge we find in the Lord. “Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” (Psalm 16:1-2) The Psalmist is talking to the Lord, their friend, protector, and benefactor. Likewise, we too should talk to the Lord. My autistic granddaughter is still silent most of the time. We have to remind her to “use her words, or use her sentences.” We don’t always know what she needs or wants. Yesterday she asked, using her words to fly a kite. Watching her fly the kite brought joy to all of us! Her use of words was the key to unlocking the event. She reminded me that even though we think God knows our wants and needs, we must use our words! As you walk your path today, remember to use your words wisely and carefully, but most importantly, use them to talk to God o...

 A very blessed Easter to you! “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his mercy endures forever.” Psalm 118. He is risen; He is risen indeed. I pray you have risen anew with Christ on this glorious Easter morning. Bells are ringing, and fresh starts are beginning. You breathe; a mental check to frame your new year, new beginning. Set the tone for the new year, no matter what it brings, to you or your loved ones. You set the frame. Mine is set in rededicating myself to the Lord; God’s will engraved upon my frame. Whispering, encounters, and knowing God’s loving arms will wrap around me, protecting and comforting. His footprints intertwined with mine. My roadmap always includes faith, family, and friends. This year, I will focus on writing and uncluttering the cluttered. Words on my map include trust, hope, joy, and exploration. There are many more words to be placed, but the new year brings new beginnings and new possibilities with Christ on the path….