W.I.S.E. Bible Study

 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…

“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” 1 Peter 1:8 The past couple of days yard work has been the focus. Not that prayer isn’t present, it always is. I have been organizing my writing, reading but mostly getting the yard ready for winter. Yesterday my husband and I celebrated 43 years of marriage. This morning is foggy and it reminded me of the verse in 1 Peter. Faith is believing in the unseen. Like marriage it is a leap of faith, believing in the unseen…the future. Knowing God walks with us, carry’s us when needed. Today celebrate those things you take on faith…for God is there walking with you, wrapping his loving arms around you when needed and even carrying you at times. Lord, we praise the morning, even foggy mornings. We ask that you continue to be part of our lives as through our life, what we do and what we say we intend to give glory and praise to you on th...

  Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition  “The parables of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel. To know wisdom, and instruction: To understand the words of prudence: and to receive the instruction of doctrine, justice, and judgment, and equity: To give subtlety to little ones, to the young man knowledge and understanding. A wise man shall hear and shall be wiser: and he that understandeth, shall possess governments. He shall understand a parable, and the interpretation, the words of the wise, and their mysterious sayings. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:1-7   I wanted to take time to look at the book of Proverbs. It is an interesting book. Wisdom came from observing. Something, I don’t think we take enough time to do. Sit, listen and observe. Those are great qualities for Chaplains, Pastors and others to have. This book starts with why wisdom and instruction are important. The interesting point is tha...

 Ephesians 1:15-19 “   Wherefore I also, hearing of your faith that is in the Lord Jesus, and of your love towards all the saints,   Cease not to give thanks for you, making commemoration of you in my prayers,   That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and of revelation, in the knowledge of him:   The eyes of your heart enlightened, that you may know what the hope is of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.   And what is the exceeding greatness of his power towards us, who believe according to the operation of the might of his power” Paul liked to give praise to followers of Christ. I believe in positive affirmation. I think sometimes we should start with: I like how you do this…this is how I do this…you might think about that. I know there are multiple ways of accomplishing a task or living life. Positive affirmation upholds, acknowledges and preserves God’s image in each person. Today,...