W.I.S.E. Bible Study

 Ephesians 1:11-14 “In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ. In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised holy Spirit, which is the first installment of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s possession, to the praise of his glory.” We all have a purpose. Sometimes our purpose is the work we do every day. Sometimes the purpose is our passions outside of a job or career. If you talk to people, they will tell you all the unexpected twists their lives have taken. The ones who are successful, in the terms of Christ are those who have remained positive and used the opportunities to move forward toward what Christ has instore. Sometimes, I admit, I think I know better than God, take a path, and realized, (what...

 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 Do you start your day with: Ok, Lord, I know you have prepared in advance good work for me, so today, help me to make sure I do the good work you have for me? Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are here on earth to do good works. You never know how the kindness you extend might change someone’s life. Doing good works is something that is in a Christians DNA because we are created in his likeness and image. Today, take a deep breath and do good works. God has paved the way for you, so no matter how difficult you got this! Lord thank you for the day and possibilities. Grant courage, vision and your loving arms wrapped around today on the path…

  “ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 What is spirituality to you? I know I have posed this question before, but I have been thinking about this a lot as I research. For me it is my heart’s passion. It could be money, it could be family, as there are a lot of things to capture the heart’s passion. My passion, where my heart is, is my relationship with God. Yes, my family is my passion, but first comes my love, my drive for a deeper relationship with God.   My spirituality is the Spirit of God. Today’s passage reminds me that people will know this through the “fruit” of that heart’s passion. So, if I’m not full of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control remind me to go back and dig deeper with God to ensure these are my actions or fruits on the path…

In the realm of faith, there are those who live to the letter of the “law.” Yet, it is important to remember Galatians 3:12-14: “The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.” It is through FAITH, not laws that will save us and bring us closer to all that God has to offer. God walks with us and will guide us. Yes, at times we are reminded that we are not being the reflection of God through our choices and actions, but by faith we know to ask for forgiveness, more on and dig deeper into our relationship with God. Lord today we thank you for the new day. Bless our day, and grant us courage to walk by faith not by sight on the...

“And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to yo. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks , finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Luke 11:9-10 This is one of those familiar and comforting verses. Today turn to prayer, converse with God his door is always open on the path…

 Laundry hung out. Sun is shining. Worked in my Marian Garden. Prayers said but still need to spend time in scripture. Anxiety, well I set that aside today for Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, with guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” I hope your day goes well. If you’re worried, worry in prayer. If you are anxious, be anxious in prayer. Know that God is walking with you and will comfort you, protect you and carry you if God must. For the love of God is bigger than any situations, events we find ourselves in on the path…