W.I.S.E. Bible Study

  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,...

 A Positive Attitude. Philippians 4:8 gives us suggestions on how to have a positive attitude: “   Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Yesterday was a beautiful day. Started with fall like feeling and didn’t get too warm. Warm enough for sprinklers, pool time and just enjoying the wild garden. Yet the best thing to bring to any day is a positive attitude! Dream it! Imagine it, build it as life is full of possibilities. Walk with God, knowing there are possibilities and a positive attitude on the path…

 John 20:18 “Mary of Magdala went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and what he told her.” Have you seen the Lord? Have you seen the Lord’s handiwork in your life? Like Mary of Magdala you need to announce it. Growing up, the Lord was my golden thread to pull me up and out of anything that came my way. I knew God didn’t make junk. I knew there was a reason for me. Looking back, it might have been that one person I made feel welcome. That one student that needs someone to stand up for them or work extra hard to reach. Like Mary, I can hear the whisper “Don’t weep,” at times. At times with my autistic granddaughter sitting on my lap “helping” me sew, I see God in the joy of a little girl who loves crafting and wearing dresses that she helps me make. She made me a beaded necklace the other day. I love it. I see the Lord in those moments. I have been going over my writing and sitting with it. My work is the Lords. My day is the Lord’s and like Mary of Magdala I ...

  Hebrews 11:1  ~ Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. My mom would always say, “I’m from Missouri, the show me state: I have to see it to believe it.” I always thought this was strange because she was a woman of faith. Faith isn’t about concrete facts. The catch is that you have to believe without proof or seeing. Thank is faith.  A leap of faith is just that: taking a step into the unknown. Retirement is a lot like that. So far, I am on summer teacher mode, so not really into retirement. I have been sorting through all my sewing/crafting items. I also am getting ready for painting the kitchen. All fun stuff. What are “things hoped for” for you? Today send them to the Lord with assurance on the path…