W.I.S.E. Bible Study

God loves us so much that God became human, not as an adult but as a vulnerable babe. God trusted humanity that much to be that vulnerable. During the Jesus’ time the infant mortality rate was 30 to 50 percent; yet God came. I think of all the blessings I have received from this loving God; this God that “gets me” as a human. The Psalmist for 116:12-14 asks “How can I repay the Lord for all the great good done for me? I will raise the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.” During this Holy Week as we walk closer to the suffering and death of Christ, I think about what can I do for Christ? How do I repay the wonders? The blessings? The times God has held me when suffering? For me, I will continue to witness God’s presence; God’s whispering. On a different note, yesterday, during stations of the cross I was struck by something. Jesus falls three times, Peter denies Jesus three times; yet both show love and for...

As I walk the path of Holy Week with my Lord, I am reminded of today’s Psalm “God, you know my folly; my faults are not hidden from you.” Psalm 69:6. I am reminded of Judas because today is known as spy Wednesday and the readings talk about Judas’ betrayal. I confess to my Lord, my faults, my actions, and vices which he knows but I need to be upfront with him by confessing. That is good communication and being a good friend. By getting the “stuff” out of the way, I clear the path to be full of Christ’s presence. In class, I took a cup and put stones in the cup to stand for the “stuff.” I then poured water in. As I took the stones out students could see how little water was really in the cup. Once the cup was empty of stones I filed it. Getting rid of the stones is important. Today take time to talk with God, throw away the stones, un-harden your heart and walk closely with Christ on the path…

Psalm 71:1-3 “In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; turn your ear to me and save me. Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.” In today’s Psalm what do you hear? I hear a person who trusts in the Lord, knows of the Lord’s compassion and strength. The Lord shines through as the person glorifies their friend, their Lord, and loved one knowing and trusting that they are a refuge; they are a rock and a fortress. As I drove to work, the moon was simple gorgeous. I tried to take a picture but it does no justice. Last night and early this morning there were storms that passed over. Yet as I began my drive the moon was there and reminded me of God’s continue light on my path. Today’s Psalm reminds us where to go when storms pass over, and if we forget remember this Psalm and talk to the Lord as this Psalmist does. The Psalms are are songs of human...

Holy Week. I love the Psalms. They speak to me. The Psalms of Holy Week are a beautifully expressive of God’s love. Today’s Psalm is from chapter 27 verse 1: “The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?” God loves us so much we realize the is the light and salvation. God is the stronghold to which we rest. We begin our Holy Week with these images to carry us through. The sun sometimes does not shine, and struggles to peak through clouds. Yet in the stronghold of God we can find that light and security of salvation. This weekend I planted a pear tree. I made plans, and began looking towards Easter preparations. However, I was reminded that we are still in Holy Week, and to not rush the time, but be present, and listen. So, I am listening through the Psalms this week. This will be what my stronghold is filled with on the path…

  Isiah 50:5 “The Lord GOD opened my ear; I did not refuse, did not turn away.” Listening. Today, on this Palm Sunday, is a day of listening. Listening to the fabric of the world, the voices of the people, and Mother Nature. God whispers, and people respond. The wind brings soft southern breezes and then switches to the cooler northern winds…spring. On Palm Sunday, people lined the streets shouting Hosanna to the one and only true King. Jesus is the true servant King, and His Kingdom is one of servanthood.  The responsibility of the title. Today, let us wave the palms to the servant king and be reminded that he taught us that heaven is on earth, which is inclusive of all, when we follow his true love, his true kingship through words and action, and especially through listening on the path…

 If you are a gardener, you know you need to prepare. I have already looked over my gardens. Pruned my fruit trees and turned over dirt. Nutrients have gone into the earth, and I have made a list of the next steps. Preparation.  There are a lot of things we need to prepare for; that is, to be ready. Sunday is Psalm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. Luke 12:35 states, “Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps lit.” Even if you did nothing for Lent, this week I challenge you to reflect on your relationship with Christ. Today, prepare and fill your lamps and get dressed in readiness so you can continue the walk with Christ on the path…