W.I.S.E. Bible Study

1 Corinthians 3:9-11 “For we are God’s co-workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But each one must be careful how he builds upon it, for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ.” What are you building today? Remember that the foundation you build on is Jesus. You can not place anger upon kindness, it won’t work. You can not place anything that is not of Christ upon your foundation as it will not hold. What you use to build must be bricks of compassion, reverence, patience…yes, these will stay upon the foundation. Today, reflect on your building materials and ask for those that can keep your building of a Christian going on the the path…

Matthew 25 starts with a story of ten virgins. I like this story because it talks about being prepared. My favorite verses are 8 and 9: “The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’” Why do I like these verses? Because what I have strived to save, what I have stocked up does not belong to the foolish also. In some ways they are being held accountable for their lack of planning, their lack of being prepared. As a Girl Scout the motto was always be prepared, not be prepared to also have to share with everyone else. Sounds petty right? Yet, it calls for exploration and acknowledgement. There is a difference between helping the truly poor and the foolish. I am well versed in Catholic Social teachings and practices. However, a word to the foolish, you too need to prepare. Lord, may I see the foolish and the poor....

Sometimes I don’t think we realize how much small things can be significant. Luke 16:10 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little with also be dishonest with much.” Tiny things count toward giving a person as picture of the important things. Today, think about how you treat the little things in your life. Are you honest with the trivial things? Lord grant us vision to evaluate our lives through your lens. Help us to be trusted with all things that are in our lives. Grant us a day of peace and love on the path…

I love Wisconsin’s state motto: “Forward.” Phillipians 3:13-14 states “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have a taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Forward: to live in the moment and let the moment carry to to the future not the past. I am reminded of this passage as the weather turns to fall. Memories of summer linger, excitement of winter, yet I must relish the day I have been given. Living in the moment. Today I get to spend with close family. I want to soak in the moments. There is a damp chill infiltrating the house, even though the heat is on. Yet even a chill can not dampen the moment. Moments make memories and memories can be part of the present as we celebrate God and each other on the path…

Have you ever been upset when someone gets noticed or is praised and you are forgotten? Have you ever looked at someone and thought why do they get the praise and not me? Or why are they in the “in” crowd and I am on the fringes? Sometimes like a Pharisee I am like this: jealous, envious and judgmental. In Luke’s verses we see this today: “The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Jesus never excluded them, they excluded themselves by their attitudes. For in Jesus, all are welcome. They should have welcomed the sinners as Jesus because they were supposed to be part of the flock already! Today, think about who might be excluded and welcome them. Look hard at who is being judged or on the fringes and bring them into the fold. Lord, thank you for reminders to be inclusive and welcoming. Help me to use my gifts to bring others closer to you on the path…

 Last night All Hallow’s Eve ushered in two very holy days: All Saints and All Soul’s. Today, is All saints and here is a scripture verse for us: “But the holy people of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever—yes, for ever and ever.” Daniel 7:19. A saint is anyone who is in God’s grace, has died and now is in heaven. They are in union with Christ. This is a goal for all of us. I find it helpful to have some saints to be a role model for me. On all Saints Day, reflect on the areas of your life and perhaps things that are leading you in the wrong direction. Lord, bless the saints that have gone before us. Grant us discernment on what we need to do to be in perfect union with you on the path…