W.I.S.E. Bible Study

Have you ever run into a situation where someone really doesn’t understand you? I think at one time or another, we all have. Our journey is full of moments of trying to be heard or understood. John writes this in 1 John 3:1 “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us it that it did not know him.” If we are to be understood, then one must understand God. A person must know God to know us. As a disciple we walk in the way of the Lord, and no the world will not understand that. As I go about my day, I try to remember being understood isn’t necessarily a goal. Instead, my actions point to another so that they know God and God’s ways. Today, think about how you can let your actions speak and not use words but deeds to point to the kingdom of heaven here on earth on the path…  

  As I get started on my day, I am reminded by 1Corinthians 16:13 what my mindset should be: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”  You never know the twists in a day. One thing can hold true and that is always being on guard, standing firm in our faith being courageous and strong. I received a retirement letter from the Archbishop of Milwaukee. It was nice to be recognized and it reminded me how much we need to uphold each other. Who do you need to uphold today? Thank them, guide them gently, or even remind them of what being one of faith means. Be on guard today, that is surround yourself with positive, kind, those of Christian character. Don’t let those threads of negativity and unhealthy creep in. Instead stand firm with courage and strength so that the words of the Gospel are being lived out on the path…

  Today’s part of the reading states: Matthew 17:4 “Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents *  here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Hospitality. I think of myself in this scene. Jesus invites me to go to a place and when we get their Moses, and Elijah appear. Jesus appears in his glory. Peter’s first instinct is to offer hospitality. I wonder if I would fall to my knees in awe and wonder. Would I run? What would my reaction be? I hope, like Peter, I will offer hospitality. In life we are greeted with situations where we must remember (as my mother would quote) perhaps we are entertaining angels. Taking the approach that we want to make those we encounter comfortable is a characteristic to have. Today I pray that I remember to entertain everyone, that is, make them comfortable as if they were sent by God on the path…

  Ezekiel 36:26 “   I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” As many start new school years and new beginnings, I find Ezekiel’s words helpful. A new heart, a new spirit for a new year and one that is directed towards God’s will by removing a heart of stone. It is now that the reality of retirement is becoming real. New school years, new jobs, new friendships and new direction from God. Today, think about where your heart is still one of stone. Where do you not allow God in your life? Are there parts where you still say, “I’m doing this” or “This is the way I need to go, act, believe or participate without others telling me what to do?” Spend time with God, ask for God’s direction, his will allowing God to breath into you a new heart, new spirit and remove stones from your heart on the path…..

 Matthew 15:10-11 “He summoned the crowd and said to them, “Hear and understand. It is not what enters one’s mouth that defiles that person; but what comes out of the mouth is what defiles one.” Words are powerful. What comes out of our mouth says a lot about us. In this time of political campaigns, I am struck by words. I wonder if they understand the duties of a Governor? Promises from the mouth that tell me a lot about who you are. Everyday we encounter words every day. Today, think about your words and what they say about you. Use language to build up. Do fall into the fowl mouth that makes me look cool syndrome. Words. Deescalate, by being kind. Be truthful with courage and words that do not destroy. Yes, this means we have to think before we speak, but Jesus wants us to use our words for building the Kingdom here on earth. So speak, write, use words for the betterment of society, for education, truth and justice on the path…

Matthew 14:28-31 “Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how [strong] the wind was, he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” I have to admire Peter’s gumption. He sees Jesus’ walking on water and wants to do that. Peter, put’s his foot in his mouth, tries the impossible, denies Jesus…the list goes on. I have to love him though because he is so human. He isn’t a larger-than-life superhero. No, he is very like you and me. Jesus final words to him can speak to us: O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Is there something in our life that we started but strong winds came along and we have gotten discouraged? Fear not, keep your eyes on Jesus as he has called you out to ...

  “On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.'”  – John 7:37-38 Door County area has lots of water. It is the “thumb” of land sticking into lake Michigan. There are also rivers and creeks. Water. Our trip had warm temperatures, and we packed plenty of water. Hydration is important. I find the older I get the more I make sure I am hydrating. Living water from Christ is something that ensures all that Jesus taught and died for. I want living waters in me so that I can tell others about faith and give hope. Jesus says to go to him and drink. Today is a good day to drink the living waters by praying, turning to scripture and studying words that feed your soul. Commit yourself to helping community, that is others for aren’t we all about 95 % water on the path…  

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…