W.I.S.E. Bible Study

  “ Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 I am beginning to think towards the birth of Christ. I printed my Advent calendars. I will need to locate my Advent wreath. I am looking at, praying for direction on my Advent journey, what to study, what focus my journey. The verses from Romans remind me that I need to think about and be open to the direction to which God takes me. I love Thanksgiving, a time for family to gather and for me no stress just family. Fall colors are dwindling, but the joy of walks in the woods with out bugs, frost cover grass and cooler temperature make this time of year special. Today, take a moment to breathe. Ask God for direction, to sift through your life and show you ways to continue to do his will on the path…

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…