W.I.S.E. Bible Study

  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 ...

  “On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.'”  – John 7:37-38 Door County area has lots of water. It is the “thumb” of land sticking into lake Michigan. There are also rivers and creeks. Water. Our trip had warm temperatures, and we packed plenty of water. Hydration is important. I find the older I get the more I make sure I am hydrating. Living water from Christ is something that ensures all that Jesus taught and died for. I want living waters in me so that I can tell others about faith and give hope. Jesus says to go to him and drink. Today is a good day to drink the living waters by praying, turning to scripture and studying words that feed your soul. Commit yourself to helping community, that is others for aren’t we all about 95 % water on the path…  

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Psalm 55:22 Faith on the road. Our road trip with Big Sky has us looking for adventures. So far, seven lighthouses. We are at a state park that we have not been at in years. It is peaceful. Yet on this beautiful sunny morning it is important to remember the Lord. I am thankful that the glitches are not big problems. Sometimes you just make do. Such as when you discover there are no forks (not sure how that even happens) you dig in your purse and find three sets of chopsticks. Life is good. Today cast your cares on the Lord with confidence that the Lord will sustain you and let you never be shaken on the path…

  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to the Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 Light. Big Sky is traveling today. We are on a road trip to see different lighthouses. Light. I think about how lighthouses provided a beacon of hope to those on the water. God calls us to be a beckon to others. The light of hope is specific. We are to be a light pointing to the hope found in faith. Today think about how you can be that light of hope to others. How do you shine the love, care, guidance, etc of God to others? Well, we are almost to Port Washington, then Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Two Rivers, Kewaunee, and our Camping spot of Potawatomi, on the path…