W.I.S.E. Bible Study

 Today’s Gospel reading is Matthew 6:7-15. This reading is where Jesus gives us the prayer: The Our Father. If you need to know where to begin your prayer life, start here. Jesus mentions that God doesn’t want us to babble on, so he gives us the Our Father, which is a very succinct prayer. Don’t know where to begin in prayer? Start with the Our Father. A friend needs prayer? Say the Our Father. This prayer is universal, and because Jesus gave it to us, it is one we know will be listened to. So, what are we saying when we pray this prayer? We start with specifically who we are praying to: Our Father; that is right, a universal father for all. Our links us together forever. Where is this God we pray to: “who art in heaven”. God is above us in the sense that we acknowledge God is where all stems from… Next, we give praise and reverence, knowing it is God’s name that is “hallowed,” that is sacred. To call upon God’s name is to acknowledge God’s all-powerfulness and worthiness of our su...

I checked my garden area yesterday before the hail, and it amazes me how quickly plants grow. I look at my grandson’s popcorn plants and hope he grows at least enough popcorn for one batch. Life is good. Today looks like a rainy day. Boy, do I need a rainy day! A rainy day means baking today.  Life is good. Today I can pray from the heart, “Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.” Psalm 16:9. Currently, I am in the new-to-us RV working on research and writing, watching the rain clouds creeping towards us. Faith isn’t something we do, but something that is us. I’ll watch Mass this morning, say my prayers, then do my “work” as I feel called to accomplish. If your faith is who you are, what do you do to live it out loud? Start your morning with His word; listen to Christian music; gather with others and pray? Live your faith boldly today on the path… 

There are signs that read: Family, Friends and Faith. Signs are good reminders of what is important. In the messiness of life it is important to remember Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” There are family and friends that I don’t see everyday, but are in my heart and mind. Sometimes just thinking of the good memories gives a smile to my day. I have friends that make beautiful music. Music sticks in your soul. I have family with the same passion of fishing I have. There is so much to be said about each friend and family member, but my point today is that in faith we must be kind, tenderhearted and forgiving. I have family in Minnesota who are Packer fans, yeah, I forgive them…Ha Ha. Seriously, today reach out and remind your friends and family that they are important to you or say a prayer for them on the path….

  In my Marion grotto, the honeysuckle and wisteria are in full bloom. The roses are fragrant and make you want to say: “O L ORD , our Lord, how awesome is your name through all the earth!” Psalm 8:10. Recognizing the hand of the Lord, or a kiss from heaven in our day, gives lift to our day. Today is a day of cleaning, organizing, and hopefully enjoying some downtime. However, I know it is important to let the Holy Spirit guide me.   Today, find ways to shout the Psalm. Lord, guide, bless, and walk with me today and always on the path…

 Each day is a good day to remember: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,” Hebrews 10:24. Let me encourage you to do good deeds today. Simple things. A quick note to someone, a smile, or just helping. We hear this message often. Do good to others. Yet how do we not just make this a message of the day, but a way of the heart, mind, and soul?  It isn’t by wearing “rose colored glasses” nor by using religion as a crutch, but by accepting the way of life of love and good deeds no matter the difficulties. My mother-in-law was always making something. Lap quilts, doll clothes, mittens, etc. They were always to give; that is, to help someone else out. She had a heart of gold. Sometimes the act of love, good deeds, comes in just being who God created us to be. Like my mother-in-law, we give witness to others on the path…

“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.” Isaiah 58:8 There are days when a person waits for the light to shine. Sometimes on the path presents difficulties and it is helpful to remember that righteousness will go before you, and the glory of God has your back. We said good-bye to “Big Blue” our RV to welcome our newer RV to the family. We brought it home during the storms, which was my autistic granddaughter birthday. She had the honors of naming the rig. “Big Star.” It is a Bay Star and silver with darker gray design so I all makes sense. I pray that the many hours spent will bring about writing, and family fun with many memories. I picked today’s verse because knowing that the light will shine through anything is important. Sometimes events, people, situations feel overwhelming, but know that “the Lord will be your rear guard,” or have your bac...