W.I.S.E. Bible Study

Signs and Wonder. It is easy to believe something if you see it. One of my mom’s favorite sayings was, “I am from Missouri; I need to see it to believe it. Missouri is known as the Show-Me State. Yet, our faith requires us to believe without seeing something. John 4:48 “Jesus said to him, 'Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe.” God is good, though, because there are signs and wonders. I think God knew that humans would need signs and wonders at times. Maybe we all have a little Missouri in us. Spring is a time of signs and wonders. My plants are starting to push through the earth. Trees are budding. My pussywillow is in full bloom. Winter can seem stark, so spring is welcome with its signs and wonder of hope of new life. I am thankful for this. Even when they are predicting snow, I know it won’t last, and there is hope beneath any snow that may come now. Where do you see signs and wonder? As you go throughout your day, thank God when you do see hope on the ...

  A New Creation. Lent is a reminder to me that if we believe in Christ, then as we work on our fasting from to our feasting on, we become a new creation on Easter. 2 Corinthians 5:17 “So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.” New things are nice. Yet, with newness, we need to care for that newness so that it doesn’t become worn and old. We must cherish our newness and take care to keep it new. Sometimes, it is hard to believe that the forgiveness of God keeps us new. It wipes the slate. It doesn’t mean the old has gone away. Our memory keeps them as the old, a reminder of what was and where we do not wish to go again. As I sit in the silence of my house, I sit with all that was, all that is, and all that will be. I know that today, I remain in Christ, and I hope to always remain in Christ. There will be other Lents, time for me to get rid of the “old” so that I can be new again in Christ. This Lent, I focus on m...

  Fourth Sunday of Lent     Reading I Joshua 5:9a, 10-12 The LORD said to Joshua, “Today I have removed the reproach of Egypt from you.” While the Israelites were encamped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, they celebrated the Passover on the evening of the fourteenth of the month. On the day after the Passover, they ate of the produce of the land in the form of unleavened cakes and parched grain. On that same day after the Passover, on which they ate of the produce of the land, the manna ceased. No longer was there manna for the Israelites, who that year ate of the yield of the land of Canaan. 1.      What do you know about Passover? Is there something you should research to understand Passover during the Lenten season? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________...

  Joy and Peace. I pray today finds you well. My week off is ending, and I am feeling blessed for rest. I want to send you a blessing today: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may grow rich in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13 New Catholic Bible). I believe hope is essential. April is Autism Awareness Month. It is a good time to reflect on our differences that bring about such a flavorful society. I dislike the word disabled. I find people are able, just in different ways. I learn so much from others, with or without special needs. But as April is coming, I am focused on learning more about how I can help others with Autism. My autistic granddaughter inspires me. It is with the help of the Holy Spirit that I can continue to mentor her, love her, and see the gift she is and the gifts she brings to this world. As you progress today, know that God wants you to be filled with joy and peace. God wants you to grow rich in hope...

  Wise enough. How do you know if you are wise enough or intelligent enough for God? I know children with special needs that are wise and intelligent enough for God. It’s their heart. They give so much joy! They are kind and giving. They live as reminders of what God asks of us. Sometimes, we get caught up in who is smarter. GPA measures our intelligence. But God has a different measure. Our actions tend to reveal our hearts. Are we condescending? Are we prone to temper? Actions do speak, but so do our words.  Hosea reminds us that true wisdom and intelligence will lead to a straight path with the Lord.  Hosea 14:10 “Who is wise enough to understand these things? Who is intelligent enough to know them? Straight are the paths of the LORD, the just walk in them, but sinners stumble in them.” Today, during this Lent, think about how your words, actions, and thoughts might be leading you straight with the Lord, or not on the path….

B elonging. Before the break, a senior class discussed the difference between Christianity and Catholicism. I had to remind them that we, too, are Christ's followers or Christians. We live out our love for God within the Catholic denomination. The Psalm today reminds us that we belong for God is are shepherd. Psalm 95:7 “For he is our God, we are the people he shepherds, the sheep in his hands.” I am a Christ follower; I walk in the way of scripture, God’s love letter to his people. I choose to listen to the voice of the shepherd, God. It is important to belong and know you belong. Today, as you go about your day, listen for the shepherd, and know you belong on the path…  

  Wednesday’s. When I am working Wednesday marks the point I know I am halfway done with my week. I am on break so today marks a resting point. “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.”–  Psalm 62:5-6 I’m not sure what I will do today, but it will be with rest in mind. I slept in, which is a start! It’s nice not to have anything on the agenda. Rest. Sunday is a day of rest, which we try to adhere to, yet when one is on vacation, taking advantage of rest is important. God is my rock and my salvation, and has a fortress that he has given me so that I can rest here on earth. Today, find a bench and time to rest on the path…

Will. I spend a lot of time praying about whether what I am doing is God’s will. I know that sometimes I get it right. Yet I also know God wants me to be happy, be my best self, and continue to grow.  Hebrews 10:7 “Then I said, ‘As is written of me in the scroll, Behold, I come to do your will, O God.’” These words help me to stay the course, yet I remind myself not to get too caught up in the letter of the law. Instead, I try to live as Genesis states to be fruitful, multiply, have dominion, and be a good steward. I know that being fruitful means to use my gifts and talents to the best. I know that multiplying means to continue to invest in myself. In these things, I know I will continue to do God’s will. I live by Micah 6:8 You have been told, O mortal, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do justice and to love goodness,  and to walk humbly with your God.” My point, do God’s will by living your life knowing God wants you happy, God wants you to...

  Simple. 2 Kings 5:9-10 states: “Naaman came with his horses and chariot and stopped at the door of Elisha’s house.  Elisha sent him the message: “Go and wash seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will heal, and you will be clean.” Now Naaman gets angry and isn’t going to follow Elisha’s instructions. Naaman wanted bells and whistles. Naaman wanted a complicated event. Yet it was simple, go wash. His servants talk him into following what the Prophet says, and he is healed.  The point is how often do we complicate things or want complicated when God says keep it simple! I am on “spring break” and I am reminding myself to keep it simple. As I pray on the future and for family and friends, I will keep it simple. How we live our lives should include today’s reading. Keep it simple on the path….

 Treasure. This weekend I have had a chance to visit my brother and his family for the weekend. We spent time antiquing. We were looking for treasure as we sift through junk. I found my treasure in an old dime store. Camouflage yarn for my grandson who wants a camo sweater. I found treasure in spending time with family. I found treasure in seeing an eagle, Amish buggies and the scenery. A lot of treasure. Matthew 6:19-21 states “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Lent is a lot like antiquing. We go to our hearts and turn over each treasure. We ask ourselves if this treasure points towards God or not. Today, Sunday is a good day to take out our hearts treasure to see if they are pointing to God or not. If not get rid of the junk and clutter. On this Sunday on let let yourself do a little antiquing for God on the path…

  All Yours. Have you ever thought that all God has is yours? Today’s readings tell us it is. Luke 15: 31 “He said to him, ‘My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours.” I think of the responsibility that brings. I need to care for the earth and others. As a steward of the earth and its populace I am always in need of guidance. Holy Spirit come to me and guide me, grant me your gifts so that I can cherish, grow and be a good steward of all that God has, in Jesus’ name amen. As you sit and enjoy what is the Fathers give thanks and care for what is yours on the path…

 Favorite. Today’s reading we hear how Israel (Jacob) loved Joseph more than any of his sons. “Israel loved Joseph best of all his sons.” We know favorites or singling out anyone does not go well. My 4th hour class asked me if they were my favorites. They are small group of freshman that bring energy and are respectful. It would be easy for me to say yes, however I told them I don’t have favorites. Truth be told I try to see the possibility in each student. I try to treat and respond to each student as if they are my favorite. Some students though make it easier than others. This Friday is a Friday before spring break. I realize they won’t be focused and I can’t blame them. Today, though I have to remember that each are created in Gods image and each are due the respect and teaching time I can give them. Yes, I’m ready for spring break, but to be included amongst one of God’s favorites I must take time for prayer and do my best at the job He has blessed me with on the path...

As Lent unfolds and we explore the year of hope today’s passage points to finding hope. Jeremiah 17:7 “Blessed are those who trust in the Lord; whose confidence is in him.” In what way do I trust in the Lord? Do I just give lip service to God and others so they think my confidence is in God? When I pray, I don’t expect God to be a type of Santa Claus who will grant my every whim; no, I trust God will answer with what is best for me.  God loves me enough to challenge me, to help me to continue to grow and be “the best version of myself”. To me, that is trust and confidence in the Lord. Knowing even if I don’t like the answer or the situation; even if I am uncomfortable God is beside me, encouraging and at times carrying me. Today take time to build your trust and confidence with God for it is in that we will be the best versions of ourselves on the path….

  Transgressions. During Lent, many think a lot about their sins. This week students will be going to confession. Even if you are not Catholic it is important to remember when you unburden your sins to the Lord: Isaiah 43:25 :  “I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins. ” There are times when I have to remind myself that God has forgiven that sin, not to go back and dwell upon it. Lent is a time to release sins, to let them go as God has, God says he will not even remember them. As you travel the path today, unburden yourself, accept Gods gift of forgiveness, and know that God will not remember your sins, nor should you on the path…

  Make straight your path. Proverbs 3:5-6 states: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely;   In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.” Why a straight path? The shortest distance between two things is a straight path! I’d have to say that when it comes to driving to work I take the path with the least amount of turns. It pretty much is a straight path, however it isn’t the quickest. This is due to the speed limit not the straightness of the path! Today’s passage though reminds us that God can make our path straight so that we don’t have to worry about bends in the road. A straight path can be full of adventure and excitement, but it also can be safe. My morning straight path is easy to remember, provides me with a view of nature, and at times my mind can drift as I’m not worried about traffic. I believe that the straight path God provides does the same. I am not anxious over things, I am not afraid....

Measured. I love to cook. An important part of cooking is measuring out the ingredients. I will admit at this point in my life, I don’t necessarily measure in cups and teaspoons. I use the palm of my hand or I look at it and think that is about right. Today the scripture talks about how we measure will be how in the end we will be measured. Sometimes I catch myself and have to remind myself, “is that the   way you want to measure them?” or as the game show says, “Is that your final answer?” Luke 6:38 “Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” Today I ask God to help me with my measuring of events and people. I ask for wisdom and guidance. This concept is one of the most difficult I live out, but as I walk it, asking for the Holy Spirit to help me, I hope that I can measure justly as God does on the path….

  Third Sunday of Lent Year C Reading I Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15 Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. Leading the flock across the desert, he came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There an angel of the LORD appeared to Moses in fire flaming out of a bush. As he looked on, he was surprised to see that the bush, though on fire, was not consumed. So Moses decided, “I must go over to look at this remarkable sight, and see why the bush is not burned.” When the LORD saw him coming over to look at it more closely, God called out to him from the bush, "Moses! Moses!” He answered, “Here I am.” God said, “Come no nearer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. I am the God of your fathers, “ he continued, “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob.” Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. But the LORD said, “I have witnessed the affliction of my people in Egypt and have heard th...

  Second Sunday of Lent Reading I Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18 The Lord God took Abram outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can. Just so,” he added, “shall your descendants be.” Abram put his faith in the LORD, who credited it to him as an act of righteousness. He then said to him, “I am the LORD who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land as a possession.” “O Lord GOD,” he asked, “how am I to know that I shall possess it?” He answered him, “Bring me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old she-goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” Abram brought him all these, split them in two, and placed each half opposite the other; but the birds he did not cut up. Birds of prey swooped down on the carcasses, but Abram stayed with them. As the sun was about to set, a trance fell upon Abram, and a deep, terrifying darkness enveloped him. When the sun had set and it was dark, there appeared a smoking fire pot and a flaming t...

  Distractions. I find I get distracted easily at times. When I call my students out and ask them to focus, they will tell me “I’m locking it down Miss.” Yet at times when I try to focus, I am like “squirrel.” Distractions. God wants me to stand firm, but how do I do this with so many distractions? I think part of Lent is discerning if something is a distraction. Perhaps I discipline myself not to watch so much news. Maybe I have put restrictions on being overly concerned about what I eat. As someone who has to be gluten-free and has other allergies, food can be overly consuming. Philippians 4:1 states: “Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved.” Stand firm in the Lord, beloved. Today, I have looked at how I pray, and asked myself, is my heart, mind, and soul focused and “locking it down?” I have asked myself if I use too much traditional prayers and not enough prayers from my heart. Today, on this second Sunday...

  Patience. March is a month of changes. There are days when we have a glimpse of summer. For many, thoughts of planting the garden are well underway. Yet the season of spring, which brings hope, also takes patience. Planting is one of those things where I put seeds and plants in the ground, and I hope for a good yield. Romans 8:24-25 states: “For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” There have been many times I have “planted” something, and I’m not sure what the outcome will be, and I patiently wait. Even decisions or ideas I plant, and I'm hoping all along that it was the right decision or the right path. Hope. Dream big. Hope. On this Saturday, I am reminded to continue to plant the seeds of hope for a good harvest. I am reminded to be patient. God’s will for me, or God walking with me on the path, brings me hope because God shows me and even encourages...

  Year of Hope. The Pope declared this year a Jubilee year and a year of Hope. As the world spins, I think we need hope more than ever. Romans 12:12  states: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” When my life seemed hopeless, I always imagined a golden rope in the darkness, my hope I clung to. I knew the illuminated golden rope would pull me out of the darkness. Today I remind you to never give up, never feel like there is no hope. I find hope all around me. Students are eager to make their way in the world by helping others. Family that listens to me and reminds me I should be me. Friends that smile at me and make me laugh when I’m too serious. A God that walks with me and reminds me to play once in a while. Yes, hope is all around! Today find hope, cling to it, remember where it is and weave that golden thread into your tapestry so when the road seems difficult you can find the shining thread of hope on the path…

  Decisions. Discernment is something that one does before deciding. Some people, like me, make a list of pros and cons. One thing I always do is pray and talk with God. Something I struggle with is that I sometimes want something my way and because I want it my way, I insist that is what God is telling me is the right way! Matthew 7:7-8 states: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” I at times ask myself if I am asking God, if I am really seeking, and if I am knocking so that the door will be open or am I telling God, only seeking what I want to seek, and only knocking when I know the answer I want will be behind that door. So how does one know they are doing God’s will, if they have eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to receive whatever the answer is? Peace. A sense of joy or perhaps contentment ...

  Personal Days. Yesterday, I had a personal day as my son spoke at the Governor’s Conference. My husband and I watched the grandchildren. We loaded the “littles” in the RV (which we call Big Blue) and went to a state park. As Fergus would say, we were going on an adventure. After hiking miles, and having them play on the playground, they had a picnic in Big Blue. As you can imagine, they fell asleep on the way home, so we let them sleep in Big Blue. The day was refreshing and just what I needed. It brought to mind: Jeremiah 33:6   “‘Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.” Sometimes we need a personal day to put life in perspective. There is something about being with family and nature that brings ones to the core of life. Healing, peace can be found in a day well spent. As you travel today, ask yourself if you need a personal day to regain health and healing. As you travel remem...

A contrite heart. Talking with students, the question of what does contrite mean and what is a contrite heart has come up. I explained how contrite means you are really sorry, sorry enough to take consequences and a total change in action. A contrite heart is a heart that seeks forgiveness for wounds, and healing that needs to take place. A contrite heart is now aligned and focused to one thing: God and God’s ways. In the Gospel of Matthew today the author talks about forgiveness from Jesus’ perspective. Matthew 6:15 “But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.” Note that we must forgive. Yet, we tend to judge if someone has a contrite heart or not. Yet in the reading we are warned that if we don’t forgive then God won’t forgive our transgressions. There is nothing about a contrite heart. There is nothing about judging a person if they are worthy of our forgiveness. Just forgive! Wow, I admit I do find this hard at times. Knowing what a contr...

  Monday: I can’t say it any better than this: Reading 1 Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18 The LORD said to Moses, "Speak to the whole assembly of the children of Israel and tell them: Be holy, for I, the LORD, your God, am holy. "You shall not steal. You shall not lie or speak falsely to one another. You shall not swear falsely by my name, thus profaning the name of your God. I am the LORD. "You shall not defraud or rob your neighbor. You shall not withhold overnight the wages of your day laborer. You shall not curse the deaf, or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but you shall fear your God. I am the LORD. "You shall not act dishonestly in rendering judgment. Show neither partiality to the weak nor deference to the mighty, but judge your fellow men justly. You shall not go about spreading slander among your kin; nor shall you stand by idly when your neighbor's life is at stake. I am the LORD. "You shall not bear hatred for your brother in y...

  First Sunday of Lent Reading I Deuteronomy 26:4-10 Moses spoke to the people, saying:   “The priest shall receive the basket from you and shall set it in front of the altar of the LORD, your God. Then you shall declare before the Lord, your God, ‘My father was a wandering Aramean who went down to Egypt with a small household and lived there as an alien. But there he became a nation great, strong, and numerous. When the Egyptians maltreated and oppressed us, imposing hard labor upon us, we cried to the LORD, the God of our fathers, and he heard our cry and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. He brought us out of Egypt with his strong hand and outstretched arm, with terrifying power, with signs and wonders; and bringing us into this country, he gave us this land flowing with milk and honey. Therefore, I have now brought you the first fruits of the products of the soil which you, O LORD, have given me.’ And having set them before the LORD, your God, you shall ...

Sunday Reassuring.   Psalm 91:2 “Say to the LORD, “My refuge and fortress, my God in whom I trust.” I find this verse reassuring. Sunday, the sun is shining, and it is reassuring. Having family and friends that are there for me is reassuring. But God? Knowing God walks with me even when I mess up is reassuring and comforting. We are only, what? 5 days into Lent and deciding if our fasting and feasting is where we need to be at. Know that the Lord is your refuge and fortress. We can trust God because even if Lent and fasting and feasting don’t go as well as you want, God is glad you thought of God’s son and are willing to dig deep into your relationship with God. Today, enjoy family, friends, good weather if you are blessed with it. Find reassurance in God, knowing He is refuge and fortress. Knowing this, take time to explore God’s creation on the path…  

  Joy. I’ve been thinking a lot about joy. There are people that bring joy to one’s heart. There are activities that bring joy. Does God’s law bring joy? At times following God’s law are difficult. Yet can we find joy in difficulties? Psalm 1:2 “Rather, the law of the LORD *  is his joy; and on his law he meditates day and night.” Meditating on the law of the Lord, can bring joy when we get at the heart of them. Love, the laws show how God loves us, the laws protect us, give us wisdom and guidance that reveal love. Joy when the core is love. Hope, is a core of the laws, and to me hope gives joy. Meditate on the laws of the Lord, find the core and celebrate the joy they bring on the path…  

  Lent 2025 Extraordinary Jubilee Year: Holy Year 2025 is the 2,025 th anniversary of the incarnation of the Lord. Celebrating HOPE ALL ANSWERS SHOULD BE SPECIFIC AND IN COMPLETE SENTENCES. Wednesday March 5 th      Ash Wednesday     Reading 1 Joel 2:12-18 Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God. For gracious and merciful is he, slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment. Perhaps he will again relent and leave behind him a blessing, Offerings and libations for the LORD, your God. Blow the trumpet in Zion! proclaim a fast, call an assembly; Gather the people, notify the congregation; Assemble the elders, gather the children and the infants at the breast; Let the bridegroom quit his room and the bride her chamber. Between the porch and the altar let the priests, the ministers ...