W.I.S.E. Bible Study

  “ Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out, and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” Matthew 9:17 New beginnings. Looking out the window of a winery, tasting wine, I am reminded of new wineskins. Yes, new wineskins. As a child of God, I am constantly striving to be worthy of my new wineskin. Scripture guides us when we want to be a child of God. The life of a Christian is about keeping our wineskins new in Christ. To do so, we need to read scripture and have a conversation with God. Sometimes people want you to return to the old wineskins, but persistence can prevail. A new wineskin for the new wine; that is, the blood of Christ to live by. In my new wineskins, both I and the way of Christ are preserved. The rain, heavy at times, accompanied our day of wine tasting. Blessings as we explore the path…

  “And may your hearts be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.” 1Kings 8:61 Committed. Sometimes we must realign. To be committed to one thing means letting go of another. When I was in school, carrying 21 credits and raising three children, my sewing was put away. Being committed means finding what is important and eliminating anything that deters from what you want to be committed to. Commitment to God is hard. First, I need to spend time studying scripture and praying. Knowing what God expects of me is my priority.   I am committed to God and my family. This summer I have cleaned clutter, and will continue to reflect, pray in order to stay committed on the path….

  “Many are the plans of the human heart, but it is the decision of the Lord that endures.” Proverbs 19:21 Garden in blossom. As I watch the bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators feed on nectar from my blossoming garden, I am reminded that it is essential to be patient and allow God’s plans to unfold. I don’t know how many times I thought I knew what I should be doing, or where God is taking me, but I find that when I truly listen and let God’s plans unfold, it is more than I had ever hoped for.   I never had visions of being a High School teacher, but I have found that I have a teacher’s heart, and I am exactly where I belong. My husband started as a farmer and ended up being a firefighter, enjoying a good career where he was often in the right place at the right time. There is a saying about not trying to put a round peg in a square hole, and sometimes I think life is like that when we force our way and do not allow God’s way to prevail. I have learned as a g...

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 Cleaning House. This summer, we have had a renovation project. You know how it goes. You do something in one room, then you have stuff to go through and decide if you are going to keep it or not. The last cleaning project I had to do was part of the basement. Thirty years of totes to go through, including my sewing area. I am happy to say that I finished and had time for a date night with my husband. Jesus tells us to come to him because he knows a secret in life. Life is better when two or more people work together. Today, think about those people who help you shoulder burdens, starting with Christ, and thank God for them. Think about how Jesus’ yoke is easy, and his burdens are light, and know that finding those w...

Growth. Today’s Gospel is from Matthew 13:1-9. “But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Whoever has ears ought to hear.” (Mt. 13:8-9) How is your garden growing? Mine is a menagerie of flowering weeds, flowers, and a few garden vegetables. I don’t mind because the weeds I kept were for insects. The bees, dragonflies, damselflies, and butterflies love the plants.   At night, the lightning bugs flicker their light in the darkness. The rich soil can produce both weeds and plants that are dubbed desirable. The analogy of seeds being shown that Jesus uses is to remind us that for us to grow, seeds must be planted in good soil. Plants also need nutrients, sun (or light), and water. The weeds will also grow, but it is up to us to see the beauty in what people have determined to be a weed. I love Queen Anne’s lace. Even a few thistles are good for the soil, and the insects love them. The care comes in not letting them overrun the garden. The...

  “Mary of Magdala went and announced to the disciples, 'I have seen the Lord,' and what he told her.” John 20:18 Today is the feast of Mary of Magdala. There is much to be said about her. John’s gospel begins her conversation, where others, like Mary herself, tell of what Jesus told her. Other Gospels, not found in the Bible, discuss Mary and her connections and conversations with Jesus. We must hear the truth and the extent of women’s voices, because Jesus was inclusive, not exclusive. I think this is needed more than ever. I will be posting quotes from Pope Francis. Women, and all marginalized stories, must be heard on the path...   “The organization of societies worldwide is still far from reflecting clearly that women possess the same dignity and identical rights as men. We say one thing with words, but our decisions and reality tell another story. Indeed, “doubly poor are those women who endure situations of exclusion, mistreatment and violence, since they are freque...

  “ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” 1 Peter 1:3 Hope in Christ. Why is hope in Christ so important? For me, it is a reminder that nothing is impossible. It also reminds me that God loves me and is walking with me as that living hope. Hope is important. Life without hope is darkness and despair. Last night, my husband, family, and I went to a restaurant on the lake. I was unsure as a person with food allergies, as it can be challenging to find a restaurant to eat at. However, they had a great menu. Yet the hope found was in spending time with family, the beautiful lake view, and running into old friends.   Hope is found in the little things in life that are big. Family members to share time with, friends that are tried and true, and beautiful scenery and good eats. Life is too short not to find hope, and it sta...

  “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Matthew 11:28-30 Give you Rest. Shouldering burdens together does make them easier. My raspberries have come in, and there are many. When the two of us pick the raspberries in the heat, it goes faster. As the two of us “put them up,” it goes faster and can be moments of fun, bonding. During difficult times, being surrounded by friends and community brings the support needed. Jesus knew this. He reminds us that when you think you have no one, or are surrounded by many but feel lonely, he is there. Today, remember to bring joy to others, kindness, and a helping hand. I like that the scripture states, “I am meek and humble of heart.” Why? This shows that there is no competition, no I am over you, no I am wiser, better, prettier…. No, the yoke is...

  “ I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.    I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13 Contentment. For people who suffer from PTSD, Anxiety, or other mental health diagnoses, contentment can be a hard place to come to. One thing I have found is to know what the “red flags” are. It also helps to be strong when tempted to do something when you know it is a “trigger.” For all the information out there about mental health, I find in certain circles, there still is a lack of acceptance or understanding of this very real-life journey. I was diagnosed with PTSD in the ’90s. I know how important it is to be kind to yourself and set up certain walls or barriers to maintain a good, healthy balance. I no longer spend time trying to explain my actions. I just do what I know will...

“ He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaiah 40:29 Curveballs. Recently, a fire chief with whom I worked passed away. He had just retired. I feel for the family and all those he mentored and walked with. The fire department is a tight-knit group. "Two in, two out" is one of their mottos. Firefighters work hard; they don’t always see people at their best. The career is both rewarding and demanding. An Assistant Chief I worked with and looked up to once said that the funeral, with all the “pomp and circumstance,” is for the family. The sacrifices they made so that their loved one could serve the community. Life can throw many curveballs.   Prayers for the family, friends, and those on the fringes of the tragedy do help. God will give strength to the weary and power so that people will carry on. Tomorrow is the funeral for the fire chief. May we all say a prayer to help all feel the strength and power of God, on the path…  

  “Whoever confers benefits will be amply enriched, and whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”   Proverbs 11:25 Refreshed. I am excited. I have family coming in on Friday. We are taking the Littles to the Milwaukee Zoo in Big Blue. Lots of activities to refresh the soul. Sewing has refreshed me, and getting my Mary Garden done has refreshed me. Visiting farmers' markets and other places helps refresh one. Yet family visits, whether with children or other family, is the best medicine for the soul. We have a local beer garden where I often see people enjoying themselves, not so much because of the beer but because they “run into” people they haven’t seen for a while. The scripture passage also talks about benefits. I have spent time putting together craft activities for the Make, Take & Give club at school. My reward is watching the students. It brings joy to my heart as they socialize and accomplish tasks. Today, take time to refresh on the path….

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.” Colossians 3:12-13 Forgiveness. One of the hardest parts of being a Christian is the call to forgiveness. We want people to be perfect and act exactly the way we want them to, but when they don’t, we write them off. Yet, I think forgiveness starts with oneself. It is hard to forgive others, but even harder to forgive ourselves. Simple things can cause us to become negative. For instance, all summer I have been good about eating, riding the bike four miles, and lifting weights, but the scale does not reflect it. I can become negative about body image, the fact that I am aging, but I need to forgive myself for wanting that perfect image and permit myself to just be. Taking care of oneself is great, eating healthy and exe...

  “ Until I arrive, attend to the reading, exhortation, and teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was conferred on you through the prophetic word with the imposition of hands of the presbyterate.    Be diligent in these matters, be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to everyone. Attend to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in both tasks, for by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.” 1 Timothy 4:13-16 Attend to yourself. Paul instructs us on what we should do so that we can stay true to Christ’s path. One item he states is not to “neglect the gift you have” . I know so many people who believe they are not gifted, nor unique, or special. It’s not about succeeding in a sports or music venue. It’s not about being a model or a CEO. The gift you have might be your smile, your laugh, or your openness. It might be sharing pictures you took or telling stories. Your gift is simply about figuring out wh...

  “ Command and teach these things. Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.” 1 Timothy 4:11-12 Set an Example. Ever look back on your life and think, “ugh, that was not the best version of myself?” I’ve had moments like that. I look back and find why it wasn’t bringing out the best in me. Sometimes it was just a toxic environment, or toxic people, burnout or mental health issues. All of these can cause one not to act and be the best. The scripture verse reminds us that we need to set an example through who we are and what we do. If you find yourself in a situation where you are not the best version of yourself, step back and evaluate so you can remove what is blocking you from being that best version of yourself. I’m not proud of all I have done, but I am accepting of the fact I am human, and I can assess, reassess and try to be a person worthy of Christ on the path…

  “ If the one falls, the other will help the fallen one. But woe to the solitary person! If that one should fall, there is no other to help.” Ecclesiastes 4:10 Friendship. Two are always better than one. Yesterday, I had to tie down some of my climbing rose branches that were growing out of control. My husband held the ladder as I bent stems, weaving them into the canopy. I was thankful for my husband holding the ladder because it was in my garden and on uneven ground. Many tasks are easier when there are two or more people to accomplish them.   Likewise, some events are easier to navigate when there are two or more. I think of recent tragedies and how so many people have come together to help those affected. The truth is, we are all affected. As the Mexican firefighters who came to help Texas stated, they are human beings, and we are human beings… beautiful, they reached the core of life not concerned with whether a person was worthy or not. For all those hurting, know the...

  “ If you will give these instructions to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound teaching you have followed. Avoid profane and silly myths. Train yourself for devotion, for, while physical training is of limited value, devotion is valuable in every respect, since it holds a promise of life both for the present and for the future.   This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance. For this we toil and struggle, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the savior of all, especially of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4:6-10 Life Happens. Today’s reading reminds us that life will happen. We all toil and struggle, yet when we hope in the living God, we can find small glimpses of hope. This summer, I have not done a lot of gardening. At last, I had to resign myself to the fact that my strawberry patch, which had been great last year, had died out. I did get some strawberrie...

  “Now the Spirit explicitly says that in the last times some will turn away from the faith by paying attention to deceitful spirits and demonic instructions through the hypocrisy of liars with branded consciences. They forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good , and nothing is to be rejected when received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the invocation of God in prayer. ” 1 Timothy 4:1-5 Made Holy. Today is a reflective day. One that makes you realize how precious life is and how we must be thankful for moments together, warm summer days, family, and friends to share life with. We are all given opportunities, we meet people, and as life goes, we move in and out of people's lives. Being thankful for those opportunities and people we meet is important, for “with thanksgiving, it is made holy by the invocation of God ...

  “I am writing you about these matters, although I hope to visit you soon. But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth.   Undeniably great is the mystery of devotion, Who was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed to the Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory.” Timothy 3:14-16 Rules. If you have ever watched NCIS, you understand “Gibbs Rules.” These rules guided the investigators as they tackled challenging situations. Paul, likewise, gives his followers rules to help guide them as they tackle various situations. If you could pass on “rules” for navigating life, what would they be? From what would you draw to create your rules? Past events? Sacred Writings? Parents? Who and what has helped to guide you on the path….

  “Women, similarly, should be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in everything. Deacons may be married only once and must manage their children and their households well. Thus those who serve well as deacons gain good standing and much confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 3:11-13 Deaconess. Yes, this passage points to women Deacons. Take note please, women do belong in leadership roles in the church. We are half of the domestic church. WE are a reflection of God and were created in God's likeness and image. However, today I would like to focus on how we define a person. Sometimes I think we get caught up in titles and define a person by a title. I also think we define people by their abilities.   I prefer to be defined by character and the essence of who I am. How do you see people? By titles, wealth or abilities or by character? Something to ponder on the path…

“Similarly, deacons must be dignified, not deceitful, not addicted to drink, not greedy for sordid gain, holding fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Moreover, they should be tested first; then, if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.”  1 Timothy 3:8-10 Paul spends a lot of his letter on laying out boundaries for workers in the faith. I hope this does not discourage a person from reading this letter. I view the qualities as something one could use to describe a good friend or with whom to align oneself. This summer has not been filled with the fishing and camping it normally is. We are remodeling and that has taken up time. However, we have been able to go to the beer garden, ball game, and other summer fun activities. Perhaps today, I can walk on the beach. I will do so with a man who has the qualities and character of a bishop or deacon, and is my soul mate on the path…

  “This saying is trustworthy: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task. Therefore, a bishop must be irreproachable, married only once, temperate, self-controlled, decent, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not aggressive, but gentle, not contentious, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, keeping his children under control with perfect dignity; for if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of the church of God?    He should not be a recent convert, so that he may not become conceited and thus incur the devil’s punishment. He must also have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, the devil’s trap.   1 Timothy 3:1-7 Character. Paul spends a lot of time on what a woman should be, the husband, and he even talks about the leaders of a community. The list is lengthy. Next, he will talk about Deacons. I think the pieces I can glean...