W.I.S.E. Bible Study

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Psalm 55:22 Faith on the road. Our road trip with Big Sky has us looking for adventures. So far, seven lighthouses. We are at a state park that we have not been at in years. It is peaceful. Yet on this beautiful sunny morning it is important to remember the Lord. I am thankful that the glitches are not big problems. Sometimes you just make do. Such as when you discover there are no forks (not sure how that even happens) you dig in your purse and find three sets of chopsticks. Life is good. Today cast your cares on the Lord with confidence that the Lord will sustain you and let you never be shaken on the path…

  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to the Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 Light. Big Sky is traveling today. We are on a road trip to see different lighthouses. Light. I think about how lighthouses provided a beacon of hope to those on the water. God calls us to be a beckon to others. The light of hope is specific. We are to be a light pointing to the hope found in faith. Today think about how you can be that light of hope to others. How do you shine the love, care, guidance, etc of God to others? Well, we are almost to Port Washington, then Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Two Rivers, Kewaunee, and our Camping spot of Potawatomi, on the path…

This morning I would like to pray for all those affected by yesterday’s weather. John 13:34 states: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”  I can not image the devastation and loss. Even those having no electricity and having to clean up can be exhausting. Today, take a moment to pray for those in need. I know there will be places helping out that a person can help with, but first prayer. I am thankful that there wasn’t loss of life. I am thankful for the much needed rain. My heart goes out to those who have lost so much and start the process of rebuilding on the path….  

 Romans 8:25 “But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” Patience. I know I have spoken about patience before, but it is a worthy virtue to speak about again. Yesterday I had to do some work in my garden. I see peppers, tomatoes, and eggplants growing. I need to be patient. Yet today’s verse reminds us that sometimes we don’t see what we have prayed and asked for. We need to wait patiently. It will come, maybe not in the exact form we asked for, but it will come. Patience. Today think about what you need to be patient with. What have you asked for that hasn’t come yet and needs your patience? Lord, grant me patience. May I know that you do answer and waiting is part of the journey on the path…

  Teach me your Statues. “My portion is the LORD; I promise to observe your words. I entreat you with all my heart: have mercy on me in accord with your promise. I have examined my ways and turned my steps to your testimonies. I am prompt, I do not hesitate in observing your commandments. Though the snares of the wicked surround me, your law I do not forget. At midnight I rise to praise you because of your righteous judgments. I am the friend of all who fears you, of all who observe your precepts. The earth, LORD, is filled with your mercy; teach me your statutes.” Psalm 119: 57-64 On this Sunday morning, it is good to think about the statues of the Lord. Not the statues of friends, neighbors, government but of the Lord. Laws and divine ordinances of the Lord. Perhaps today is a good day to “examine your ways.” As we walk this journey, the Psalm reminds us to turn our steps to God’s testimonies. Sundays are good days to spend those moments reviewing our steps, who guides them a...

  “But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:26-28 Have you ever thought how you give ransom for others? I think each time we put our wants; needs aside, we do. I know when a person gets into themselves the best remedy is to serve. One thing I want to do is give back, pay it forward that is serve. Now having more time, I can “pay ransom” for many. Since for me the ransom won’t be money, it can be the gifts, talents, and time I am blessed with. Why do I consider this to be like Jesus’ ransom? It isn’t the same, but I can show you the heaven he gave his life for, through my words and actions. I can show you service the way he said a follower should live. Being a Christian slave for others is a humbling experience. Think about what your “ransom”...

 Jeremiah 3:15 “I will appoint for you shepherds after my own heart, who will shepherd you wisely and prudently.” Shepherds. We all need a shepherd. You might not think you do, but you do. Why? A shepherd guides, protects and cares for his flock. This time of year, is one of my favorites as we are getting closer to State fair and County fair time. I marvel at the youth who care for animals, show them and spend so much time with them. I am reminded of my Shepherd. His care, his guidance and protection. I know his name, but more importantly he knows mine. Are you a shepherd to anyone? Who is your shepherd? Is your shepherd wise and prudent? Do you listen? Sometimes or always. Today is a great day to spend time with the shepherd, make sure your shepherd is the Lord, as anything else that we may let guide us will fall short. The news, money, a Politian, and others that are not of faith will fall short.…Those rightly trained will point to the Lord, let Him, the Lord, take care of you,...

 A Positive Attitude. Philippians 4:8 gives us suggestions on how to have a positive attitude: “   Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Yesterday was a beautiful day. Started with fall like feeling and didn’t get too warm. Warm enough for sprinklers, pool time and just enjoying the wild garden. Yet the best thing to bring to any day is a positive attitude! Dream it! Imagine it, build it as life is full of possibilities. Walk with God, knowing there are possibilities and a positive attitude on the path…

 John 20:18 “Mary of Magdala went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and what he told her.” Have you seen the Lord? Have you seen the Lord’s handiwork in your life? Like Mary of Magdala you need to announce it. Growing up, the Lord was my golden thread to pull me up and out of anything that came my way. I knew God didn’t make junk. I knew there was a reason for me. Looking back, it might have been that one person I made feel welcome. That one student that needs someone to stand up for them or work extra hard to reach. Like Mary, I can hear the whisper “Don’t weep,” at times. At times with my autistic granddaughter sitting on my lap “helping” me sew, I see God in the joy of a little girl who loves crafting and wearing dresses that she helps me make. She made me a beaded necklace the other day. I love it. I see the Lord in those moments. I have been going over my writing and sitting with it. My work is the Lords. My day is the Lord’s and like Mary of Magdala I ...

  Hebrews 11:1  ~ Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. My mom would always say, “I’m from Missouri, the show me state: I have to see it to believe it.” I always thought this was strange because she was a woman of faith. Faith isn’t about concrete facts. The catch is that you have to believe without proof or seeing. Thank is faith.  A leap of faith is just that: taking a step into the unknown. Retirement is a lot like that. So far, I am on summer teacher mode, so not really into retirement. I have been sorting through all my sewing/crafting items. I also am getting ready for painting the kitchen. All fun stuff. What are “things hoped for” for you? Today send them to the Lord with assurance on the path…

 Yesterday a crop of mint was picked and put in the dehydrator. I also had some green beans. However, my plants are not as healthy as I would like to see. Gardening can be tricky. You can have summer squash and zucchini plants with tons of blossoms and no fruit. Apples are being raided by beetles. The joys of gardening. Faith can be tricky as curve balls, decisions and events can challenge the soul. Micah 6:8 helps to guide: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Justly, mercy and humility are part of the garden of faith. Justly: exactly, precisely, fairly, correctly, properly, rightly, fittingly, accurately are all synonyms of Justly. Look at each word carefully and fill your soul’s garden with them. They will grow properly fertilized, with enough light and water.  Morning light, use it to further justly, mercy and humility in your heart on the path…

  Sometimes we don’t want to pray because we feel our prayers are inadequate or we don’t know what to say. I like Romans 8:26-27 as it reminds us that as we pray, and perhaps our words fall short it is the Spirit who knows the heart and will. The Spirit will take your hearts longings to God, just open your heart and pray. “In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because it intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will.” The day has just begun. Find personal time for the Lord. Don’t hide behind people or crowds, meet God alone. God will be happy, loving and embrace you. Your needs, desires will become Gods on the path…

 Proverbs 16:9 “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Plans. We all make plans. Yet as we do, we must remember that at the end of the day, the Lord will establish our steps. First breath, first thankfulness for another day. Second breath, the prayer, and then breaths to focus on the steps of the day. I can’t believe it’s mid-July. I haven’t done much writing as I planned. Instead, life just unfolds. Littles who love sprinklers, pool, and summer play. I think life should unfold organically, yet I am a planner. I need to pick green beans and peppers. Spending time with family and always remembering that the Lord establishes all the steps I take today on the path…

 Job 33:4 “   The Spirit of God has made me;  the breath of the Almighty gives me life.”  The breath…I think everyone can appreciate breathing during the recent smoky air. As a person with asthma, I am always acutely aware of breathing. Being on the rescue squad gave me an insight into the breath of life. It is profound. We all need to cherish our breath of life. The best way to do this is to pay homage and express thankfulness to the creator who breathes that breath into us and receives it back at the end of life. Today, take care of the precious gift; don’t think you are invincible… wear the mask, as caution is a way to acknowledge the sacredness of the gift of breathing on the path…

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23. Whispering to me today is the reminder of what my spirit should be filled with. Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control should fill my being. As I watch the news I ponder which of these I need to work on. Prayer can feed these qualities and a reminder sprinkled around to reenforce the focus of my spirit. Today think about these qualities, which on do you need to work on or incorporate more on the path…

“Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.” Jeremiah 33:6 I think all of us have remnants of wounds that need healing. Even if you don’t think you do, today’s scripture verse is about hope. They say laughter is the best medicine, but I think hope should fill our lives as a medicine that reigns supreme. My garden is growing, weeds and plants but it is growing. It is wonderful to see damselflies, bees and kids filled with joy catching lightning bugs. Gus will announce that the lightning bugs are out like an alarm going off. The littles gather their nets and jars and off they go! From flowers to weeds, the yard is a haven for wild life. We filled an old boot tray for water for the birds. Hopefully today the littles can paint rocks for the boot tray. Hope. Hope is something that fills our hearts and enables us to look at weeds and see a purpose for them too. Today, latch onto hope, bring it into your hear...

 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12. Today’s whisper is a reminder of hope, affliction, and prayer. Two verbs and a noun. The action words are hope and prayer, which we need to be doing. I think afflictions plague all of us, yet should not be our focus. I think God wants us to be doers. Lord, we hope in you that our day will be what it needs to be for your will to be exposed. We pray for those who have lost hope through their afflictions. May they feel your presence, know your love, and be surrounded by support. Guide our day; walk with us, guiding our walk today, on the path….

 All the lectionary readings today speak of growing and planting. As a gardener, they speak to me. Yesterday we finally put the cables on the posts and tied up the apple branches. Our horizontal orchard is really taking shape. Part of the reason we had to do it yesterday is that some of the branches were drooping as they were laden with apples. As pulling weeds, picking raspberries, and making jelly fill the days, I do look to the fall. I like efficiency and want to put more boxes in for gardening and do some bucket gardening. I am reminded of Isaiah 55:10-11 as I know as much as my garden needs attention at all seasons, so does my faith. The word of God becomes like the food I grow. Nourishment and a way to continue to do God’s will as I journey. Isaiah 55:10-11: “   As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the Sower and bread for the eater,   so...

  “  And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21. Isaiah reminds us that when we walk, we need to listen to the whisper behind us, calling out to walk a certain way. I once had a woman tell me she thought I had worked at the place forever. She stated that she thought I was a cornerstone at the place. I asked her what gave her that idea. She said it was because I walked like I owned and ran the place. The walk, for me, is about just living out the words of faith. We need to be doers, get in the game, kick the ball…block, support, assist…just do by walking. The woman noticed the walk. One of the biggest complaints I hear from people at church is about the “parking lot parishioners.” You know the ones…they go to Mass then cut you off…Even if you don’t go to church, the point is: do we talk the talk and walk the walk? Isaiah is reminding us today that each moment is a...

  “Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words—go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet.” Matthew 10:14 I have used this passage many times to guide my decisions on whether to stay or go. “Not receive you or listen to your words,” are not about an ego trip. This passage is talking about whether the company you are keeping is of Christ or not. Actions, words, decisions and the direction people are heading might not be ones that are of the same virtues and values of a Christian. I would have to say that this decision to “shake the dust from your feet,” can be the hardest decision a person makes. I know for me it has been. The ripple affect can be even harder and one might feel they are caught in the after waves ready to consume them. Yet, God is there and knowing the right decision will always come to comfort and guide. Today is a good day to think about where you are at. Hopefully you are where you feel received and listened to. If not, think about s...

Today God’s whisper to you: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8) God is sending out a call to those who will answer to continue to live Gods word and spread it through the world. Even though baptism was your answer to the call, we need to answer each day. Just like in any healthy relationship we communicate our answers. Today spend time with God, note where God might be calling you to spread Gods word through actions, deeds, thoughts, and prayers on the path…

Hosea 8:7 “ When they sow the wind, they will reap the whirlwind; The stalk of grain that forms no head can yield no flour; Even if it could, strangers would swallow it.” Growing up, I heard the phrase, “You reap what you sow.” I am thinking about that phrase and Hosea today because my yard is in a full bloom jungle. Last fall my husband and I throw wildflower mixes and packages of sunflowers and other flower mixes. It has been fun watching to see what will come up! I have a jungle of different flowers. I am being mindful of what I am planting as I continue to sort through paperwork, and other items that need to sorted through. I want to plant lasting memories, solid friendships, love and family. My faith is planted deeply and has many roots. Today think about what you need to plant and what you need to pull so that you reap a wonderful life and the best version of yourself on the path…  

 “But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16. This is one of my favorite passages. It reminds me of dedication to another. Ruth was willing to give up everything from her past and everything in her future to be with her mother-in-law. Her people’s God would no longer be her God. She would present herself to Naomi’s God and pledge her allegiance to this God. All out of love. For Ruth, the God was the God of Israel. It is important to which God we pledge our allegiance. Mine is Jesus Christ. Yet would I change out of love for another? I say the words Ruth said to Naomi to Jesus: “Where you go, I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Today, let go of the loves of this world and rededicate yourself to Christ by praying the words of Ruth to him on the path…

 Meekness. Today’s readings talk about being meek.  “Meekness in Scripture refers to a  humble and gentle disposition  that exercises self-restraint and trusts God rather than asserting personal rights aggressively.” I think sometimes we need to understand that biblical readings do not ask us to just lie down and have others ride over us. Instead, the first thing God wants is for us to rely on God (the person God created in us: our gifts, talents, people God sends our way). Mostly, though, the biggest thing about being meek is self-restraint. Self-restraint. Something to work on, something to include in our armor of God. De-escalation is a way of someone who is meek. They know how to defuse a situation and bring it to resolution. That is one form of self-restraint. There are so many areas in our lives that could have the virtue of self-restraint. Today, think about meekness and how it can accompany you on the path…

 Blessings on your Fourth of July! “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13. Hope is a powerful attitude that all of us need to embrace. America gives hope to many people. Our nation needs to remain a place of hope. The Fourth of July shirt I am wearing has the slogan: In God We Trust. Our Forefathers specifically used that phrase. I like to say that the God of many names is very American as a melting pot of wonderful cultures. Putting God first reminds me that there is more than me, and I am called to the service of others and stewardship of the earth. Today, let the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope on the path…

Tomorrow, we celebrate a milestone in American history. If you are old enough, you will remember the 1976 celebrations. As we prepare to celebrate and move forward for the next 250 years, it is helpful to remind ourselves who the first settlers were and why they took a chance to come to an unknown land. I thank all those who have served and are serving, as they are the reason we still stand. Politicians come and go. But the “We the People” stand. It is our voice, not billionaires, that needs to be heard. Yet in doing so, we must heed 1 John 3:18: “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” Take a day or three to celebrate, but as we move forward, let us do so in faith, solidarity, and courage to create an America worthy of our forefathers and foremothers on the path… 

  “  So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7 There are many ways we learn and strengthen our knowledge. Camping, we try to help the littles identify birds and trees. We teach them how to stay safe from bugs and even plants. I think it is important to have our littles learn about nature. Yet I know that faith is also something important to keep strengthening. No matter how old you are, spending time strengthening and building up faith is important. I like that these verses from Colossians end with “overflowing with thankfulness.” Life is different when we can see it through the lens of thankfulness. Our glass is full, and we can drink from the living waters of faith. Weave your threads of thankfulness today on the path…

Galatians 6:9 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” “If we do not give up.” This morning I took Molly the dog for a walk, and my grandson came with as the “littles” were camping with us. As we made our way around the loop (which is over a mile) and the temperature was over 80 even though it was early morning, my grandson said to me at one point, “Oma, we should just give up.” Of course we didn’t, but I think there are many times in life when we feel like we should give up. Sometimes we are the ones always giving, doing the right thing, and feel like everyone else is getting ahead, or having a better life. Yet, Galatians reminds us that we will reap our harvest at the proper time. This evening, remember that we must keep doing good, even when we are tired. Pray for God’s courage and strength to keep going, for it is the good deeds that we continue to build this country and make it one to be proud to call home on th...