W.I.S.E. Bible Study

  “A woman must receive instruction silently and under complete control.    I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man. She must be quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. Further, Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed. But she will be saved through motherhood, provided women persevere in faith and love and holiness, with self-control. 1Timothy 2:11-15 Ok, apparently, Paul was not married! The culture of the time did try to suppress women; I’m not going to deny it. Perhaps suppress isn’t the right word, but women were given strict boundaries. I, for one, believe God gave me this inquisitive mind. My voice, way of teaching is a gift. I try not to single people out because of gender, creed or race. Adam joined Eve in the whole “let’s eat the fruit thing.” Paul’s writings are hard to understand at times. I try to put it in perspective of time, yet it is scripture so what am I supposed to learn? First, P...

  “ It is my wish, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or argument. Similarly, [too,] women should adorn themselves with proper conduct, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hairstyles and gold ornaments, or pearls, or expensive clothes, but rather, as befits women who profess reverence for God, with good deeds”. 2 Timothy 2:8-10 Looks versus works. I will admit that it is not very pleasant to have teenage girls put on their makeup during class. Crimping eyelashes and turning their Chromebooks into a mirror instead of focusing on lessons. Today’s bible verses and subsequent verses talk about how Paul feels men, women, and leaders should behave. In a biblical letter, we only have one half of the conversation. Culturally, at the time period and even now, the focus was on showing wealth through “stuff.” Also, how women look is splashed over magazines, TV shows, etc. The point is that it isn’t about make-up, wh...

  “This was the testimony at the proper time. For this I was appointed preacher and apostle (I am speaking the truth, I am not lying), teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.” 1 Timothy 2:7 Speaking the truth. I think all of us are called to tell the truth and not lie. It is at the core of being a good person, not just a religious person. The truth is sometimes hard to say, as we may not want to hurt someone. Truth can be hard to find, as truth isn’t subjective, but people’s perception is. Paul calls us to be people of truth as he reminds his followers who he is. You’d think someone like Paul wouldn’t have had to write “I am speaking the truth, I am not lying.” In the early church, as people sifted through what Jesus meant and was about heresies popped up, so yeah Paul had to reassure people. The truth today is that you can be assured that my lens is a kaleidoscope and you are all beautiful on the path….

  “ For there is one God. There is also one mediator between God and the human race, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself as ransom for all.” 1 Timothy 2:5-6 When I teach church history, at the beginning, we start by designing our own game. What does this new game need? Usually, students begin with rules! LOL. The purpose is to show how and why the early church developed, and why there were different councils. Today, I am going to a Brewers game. It reminded me of teaching church history and today’s scripture verse. God has one game: Faith. God’s playbook is scripture. God’s head coach is Jesus. I’m sure my analogy falls short, but it is important to know that Jesus gives us a human example of being the best versions of ourselves. There is one God, and faith isn’t a game we play. Instead, our lives become a reflection of the one God through faith, a lived-out belief that Jesus is the one mediator between God and humans. I’ll watch the baseball game, knowing I can use ana...

1 Timothy 2:1-4 “Prayer and Conduct. First of all, then, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity. This is good and pleasing to God our savior,   who wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth.” Today’s reading is a reminder that we need to pray for everyone, including those who are in charge and those we don’t like. Supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings are more powerful than I think we sometimes give credit to. I recently wrote a lawmaker (supplication as I prayed as I wrote). I also prayed for them and gave thanks for their reply. It is important to do all things with God, for if we don’t, our humanness, which is beautiful, can go astray and not stay within boundaries. Who do you need to give supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgiving for on the path…  

  “We know that the law is good, provided that one uses it as law, with the understanding that law is meant not for a righteous person but for the lawless and unruly, the godless and sinful, the unholy and profane, those who kill their fathers or mothers, murderers, the unchaste, sodomites, kidnappers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is opposed to sound teaching.” 1 Timothy 1:8-10. Boundaries. It is hard to make sense of activities and events at times. How do we try to make sense of it all? In some ways, life is like bowling. There are gutters that our ball needs to stay out of. Once in a gutter, a ball only has one path to follow. (Yes, some have been able to have their ball jump the gutter.) Hitting pins is like how well we do with who we are. Some days I bowl a ten. Normally, though, I’d rate myself 6 or 7 on a scale of 1 to 10. When I throw a gutter ball, I don’t want to do that again. I think about my approach, my release, and what I was doing to bowl so poorly...

  “Some people have deviated from these and turned to meaningless talk, wanting to be teachers of the law, but without understanding either what they are saying or what they assert with such assurance.” 1 Timothy 1:6-7 Understanding. I teach Scripture and Church History, and this year I will teach Contemporary Religions. For two years, I taught Spirituality. It was a curriculum I wrote and developed. I found my passion with this. However, what does a teacher do in the summer? I read and study the curriculum I will be teaching next year. I want to make sure I know what I am talking about. Even though I have degrees and have taught the same thing for several years doesn’t mean that I stop learning and relearning. Today’s scripture verse is a reminder that we need to keep up with studying and learning. I also do this with hobbies and interests. I have been sewing for a long time. My Mom’s sewing machine had a pedal that was driven by your thigh. I didn’t need to wait until I co...

  “ As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” 1 Timothy 3-5 Controversial Speculation. Yesterday, I had to decide whether I’d like to spend a large amount of money on a new serger. My old serger, which I have had for almost 40 years, is getting harder to find parts for. I have had it in the “shop” twice in the last two weeks. So, where do you go? I went to someone who is very reputable. I knew his words would be true, and I could trust that he didn’t give me any false information. How do I know the person is a person of his word? How do I know that he knows his “stuff?” ...

  “ Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” 1 Timothy 1:1-2 Scripture study. Today’s verses are the beginning of St. Paul's letter to Timothy. One thing Paul does well is his introductions and greetings. He tells us who he is, not just by name but also by faith. If I followed suit, I would say, Beth, a daughter of God, a faithful servant, and a preacher to those who will listen. Sometimes we need to think about how we present ourselves. Normally, I might say, “Hi, Beth.” Yet by my words and actions, would someone know I am a child of God? Paul also gives a blessing, “Grace, mercy, and peace…” Have you ever left by blessing a person or praying together? The summer heat is finally here, and a good time to sit in the shade or in a flower-covered grotto and study scripture. (Of course, there is always a...

“ For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 Spirit of God. Yesterday I talked about the fruit of the Spirit. Today’s verses continue this theme by showing what the spirit of God does for us. What is power in God’s eye? Power is to push through and see love. Power is to have self-discipline. Power is to work towards love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. In summer, there is time to pack it jammed with activities. However, I think the Spirit of God reminds us to reflect, pray, and work on the Spirit of God so that the power, love, and self-discipline can be yours as you continue on the path….  

  “ In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 Fruit of the Spirit is worth picking.  As I go about each day, I try to be a fruit of the Spirit. Yesterday, we were finally able to do two things I love to do: canoe and fish. I was also able to finish my prayer area. Wood chips are down, and I planted the final climbing rose! Eventually, my canopy will be complete. Currently, it has wisteria, honeysuckles, and roses. The new climbing rose will fill in the west end of the canopy. I have a table I am covering, so I will have a table with two chairs to pray and study. The table and chair set I found while antiquing. The set came from an ice cream shop. I work on being a person of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against being this kind of person because we should ...

“ Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves.” James 1:22 Doers. If you spend time in scripture, you understand what God calls each of us to do. God wants people who are doers. Not just people who do good, but people who live out scripture. Scripture, at its core, is about a relationship between God and humanity. We are a living scripture through our relationship with God. If your life were written, would it include a relationship with God that leads your choices, your actions? To be a living scripture, one must study scripture. Take time today to find a place to begin studying scripture. I like to start with the letters as they remind me of the fledgling people trying to live out what Jesus taught them. Pack your bible as you head out today on the path…  

  “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”  – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Two are better. I do believe the above scripture verse and advice. Yet, I pondered today how often I say I can do something myself. I can be stubborn and like to be self-sufficient. I have experienced trying to go it alone, or with a “second.” I try to remember that Jesus sent the disciples out two by two. Jesus even had twelve around him. As I go about my day (putting the canoe on the Acadia, wood chips in the grotto…) I will remember that all is done better with two. Many times my husband and I travel together, even if one of us doesn’t need to be there. It allows us time alone to chat. He balances me, and I balance him when shopping. We both see things differently at times, and so when we each express our views, we have a fuller vision. As you go about your day, remember to include another on the path…

  “ Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always. What a hard statement to live out. Today, we can rejoice in Fatherhood, which has blessed the world with such a unique population! Pray without ceasing, knowing that prayer isn’t just about sitting or kneeling somewhere and talking to God, but about our actions that also reflect a prayer to God. Today, I feel the blessed Mother weeps for her children. Guadeloupe is distraught over her children's fighting and inability to rejoice in each other and be thankful for the uniqueness of each other. I am reminded of Cain, who kills his brother and asks God, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Yes, we are a community and we are to help each other, rejoice in each other, pray for each other…through our words and actions on the path…

    “ I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” John 16:33 (NABRE) The Light. Yesterday, I spent a good portion of time sewing. My sewing area is in the basement, which isn’t ideal. I like the light. It brings me happiness, and my patio doors provide light but also a view of the yard. My happy place is creating. Peace is found in a task taking form. Yesterday, I had the news on and reminded myself that Jesus conquered the world, and as humanity's ugly head rears, God is always strong when we seek God out. I have not perfected making ice cream yet, but I know where peace is found and my courage is in Him, who conquered the world, the light on the path….

Yesterday wasn't a writing day. I spent the day antiquing with my husband and my dad. Today, I wanted to reflect not on a scripture verse but on Fathers. Ever-present God, our Father, has many biblical qualities. Each of us has a father. Some, I know, don't think much of their fathers. I happen to think I have a good father. I like to go to antique shops with my dad. I find antique stores a sort of history lesson. Luckily for me, my dad or my husband usually knows what something was used for. Yesterday, my dad reflected on how the treasures found now are starting to come from the 50s and 60s, where before we would see items much earlier. Yesterday, we laughed when we found items that we still actually own. I guess we are antiques! Scripture is about relationships. It starts with us and God the Father. The relationship expressed in scripture was rocky at times, but it always gets worked out. I am thankful for my dad and for my husband. As Father's Day approaches, take time t...

“ Perfume  and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend     springs from their heartfelt advice.” Proverbs 27:9 Friends. At work, I have people I can go to for advice. In life, I also have people to whom I treasure their advice. Today, I am thinking about friends and how you know a good friend because of their advice. When they listen, they don’t do it to tell you about themselves. They may use an experience they had to explain their advice, but the advice isn’t about them, but what they have learned. I tell my students you were born because of a relationship and into relationships. God is part of those relationships. It is our goal to form healthy relationships because we were created for and into communities. One way to do so is by listening to a person’s advice to you or their response, or comments when you are chatting. Are they positive? Do they point out the best for you? Do they help you to grow in the right ways? Sometimes advi...

Yesterday was the Feast of Pentecost. Jesus ascends, and the Holy Spirit fills followers. I decided to look for the Holy Spirit in my life. I spent some time at a church festival and on the Patio before all the rain. So far, summer is proving to be different. Normally, summer is steeped in gardening. This year, I put a few plants and seeds in and haven't weeded my strawberry patch, which desperately needs it! Right now, I am trying to perfect making homemade ice cream. Yet each day starts with finding a scripture passage to guide my day. Today I am reminded of one of my favorites: Micah 6:8 " You have been told, O mortal, what is good,   and that the  Lord  requires of you:  Only to do justice and to love goodness, and  to walk humbly with your God" If I live by these words, I believe I am striving to what God would have me to do. Back to my original question, where do I find the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit guides me to be just, love goodness, and with God...

“There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.” John 21:25 Written. John’s gospel ends with the above passage. Interestingly, books have been written about what Jesus has done, songs have been written, and stories are shared every day about what Jesus has done for people. So why hasn’t the world changed? I think because when one professes Christ, one must do so daily. I, as a professed Christian, stumble and fall. I am not perfect, and my choices are less than revealing of Christ and more revealing of my human nature at times. I write this blog to remind myself that I need to study the word of God each day and apply it to my life. Even when I stumble, God is with me, picking me up and carrying me until I am ready to give life as a Christian a try again. I am reminded of this each time my grandson does something and gets a scrap and needs to sit in my lap, n...

  For I know well the plans I have in mind for you- oracle of the Lord-plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 Free Will. Mixed in with my free will, that is, my ability to make choices is the fact that God has plans for me and those plans are to give me a future of hope. God’s plans, I know because they bring out the best in me. This best is one that brings hope to others, joy to others and brings light of God’s presence in the world. God’s plans allows for or, perhaps insist that I dream big, go outside my comfort zone and know that hope is found in letting go and being all that I can be. I reflect on this today, as I get into a summer break routine and know that I must not get caught up in things that distract me from “God’s plans,” and continue to dream big with God on the path…

  “You will show me the path to life, abounding joy in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever.” Psalm 16:11 The Path. I want to live the best life possible. Most people want that. My faith teaches me that God will show me a path. God created me, and each person for this. The path of life, “abounding joy in your presence and God grants the delights at your right hand forever.” This is not about monetary riches, but joy of contentment. Delights of trivial things. Last night was one of those dream nights. God was reminding me to be that person I am created to be. That might mean going against the grain and looking outside the box. It might mean writing more, sewing more, and trying different activities that will lead me to new possibilities. Joy starts with being in God’s presence and allowing God to walk with us on the path…

  “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” Ecclesiastes 3:1 Seasons. As I watch the rain fall on my patio, I remind myself that I am on summer break. A season to relax and refresh. I say this because I am not good at relaxing. I have to remind myself to put away the checklists, and planing of a day. Naps are good, walks are great, fishing is expected… The gentle rain soothes my soul. I am grateful that scripture gives me permission and reminds me to relax, take the day as it comes, do not count what you have achieved, but who you have enjoyed the day with! A reminder today, to check on your season and remember to add some relaxing and good times with family and friends on the path…

  “I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 11:19 NIV Heart of Stone. I actually collect heart shape stones when I go rock collections. These stones become part of my grotto. They are also a reminder that even though these stones are beautiful and unique, they are stone. To me a heart of stone is someone who does not go far enough beyond themselves. They are cyclical, frozen with fear, hardened do to things that have happened to them. God can give a person an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them when they allow themselves to be vulnerable and open to the love of God. A heart of flesh is one that can get hurt but God is always walking with them and will help in mending it. Today, do a check in with your heart, any stone there? Any areas that need to be soften allowing God to turn to flesh? Allow God to help you be the unique heart of flesh you were created to be on...

“ The heart of the intelligent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” Proverbs 18:15 NABRE Misunderstandings. I have found that a lot of misunderstandings come from someone not listening or listening to others and not acquiring knowledge from the source. Jumping to conclusions or believing information without really knowing gets people in trouble. On this Sunday morning why am I quoting from Proverbs? As summer begins it is useful to remember to keep everything in perspective. Enjoying life means we do take time to acquire knowledge and we use our ears to listen. Life is too short to be angry or upset, especially when we might have a different outlook if we find the source and seek the knowledge of truth on the path…