W.I.S.E. Bible Study

  “Come, children, ]  listen to me;   I will teach you fear of the Lord.” Psalm 34:12 Reverence. Wisconsin weather is perfect right now. Cool evenings and seventies during the day. Fear of the Lord, is asking a person to be reverent. It is easy on perfect days to praise the Lord, to be kind to others, for everything is going right. Yet, God calls us to be part in his teaching of the the fear of the Lord, or reverence to God. We do this by our words and actions. Our attitude becomes one of the Lords. When I was in college the big phrase was “what would Jesus do?” Or WWJD. I think this simple phrase can help guide us on imperfect days. Not how I would like to respond, but how I am called as a child of God to do so. We need to teach each other to fear the Lord through our voices, prophet (crying out towards injustice), priestly (praying for others, and being there for others) and kingly (serve, protect and lead). Walk with me today, and help me to teach others to fear t...

  After today it starts a long weekend. Which means, next week is a four day week. Both I must admit I am looking forward to. I know that I must watch my step…you know when we are eager for something we are looking ahead not watching where we are going. This morning started with seeing two owls, a rabbit crossing the road and a deer. I am trying to focus on the needs of the day, but sometimes I do wander to this weekend. My students are just as tired as I am, and I think trying to stay focused as much as I am. I am reminded of the Israelites traveling the dessert wondering when and if they would ever make it to the promised land. Yes, we wander, yes we get impatient, but we need to remember that with each step there can be something good for us. Living in the moment is hard, and days like today really difficult, but I pray, try to stay awake and watch my steps on the path…

To find the light in darkness, chaos, disbelief: Just Breathe and “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)    On the path…

 “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh, rather, serve  another humbly in love.” Galatians 5:13  Serve. I have seen great love through service. A husband by the side of a wife fighting illness. Children helping parents. Freedom can come in and through service when one realizes there is more than themselves. Why? Getting caught up in ourselves, our wants, our way, etc., is a way to create bondage on ourselves. To remove the chains of selfishness, pride etc. one must go beyond oneself. I am thinking about that today as the church celebrates St. Monica. She was the mother of Augustine and kept praying. She knew two important things. 1. There may be “lost boys,” but there are no lost causes. 2. Perseverance in prayer, especially for others, is joy to God’s heart. Today, go beyond your needs and wants and pray for others in need on the path…..

Awesome Deeds. Look around, you can see awesome deeds being done. Unexpected Tomatoes from someone. Cooler temperatures after hot and humid days. An autistic granddaughter who gets up at 5 so she can get a car ride and drop you off at work. Of course, anything for “squishy 7.” So many things. Psalm 66:5 states: “Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind!” So much of the news is negative. Don’t be a bad news monger; instead, find the good news. The good that is all around us, just keep looking on the path….

 Finding Hope. I have been thinking a lot about hope. Sometimes we pray and our prayers aren’t answered the way we want, so does that mean God isn’t listening or there is no hope? I think prayer is a conversation with God. We talk, God listens. God talks we listen. Like a conversation with my husband “We should….”, “No, it’s not the right time or we can’t right now….” Hope is in the knowing that as events of life unfold, God is walking with us and in the no’s; in the silence, God is still there hugging us, holding us, carrying us or celebrating with us. Hope is in the Golden threads; the positive attitude; in finding joy in simple things. Like an autistic granddaughter being joyful to see me on the path….

  Sunflowers. This time of year, I appreciate sunflowers. The birds enjoy the sunflowers now and into winter. Yet my hibiscus are absolutely gorgeous. Ah, my garden. I appreciate each flower in bloom and those resting. Luke states: “  Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Jesus is reminding us how much God values every one of us. Each of us is beautiful in God’s eyes. In God’s Garden, we each have a place, and each is valued and loved. Look in the mirror and say, “You are valued and loved.” God’s flower garden is beautiful and abundantly full of unique flowers like you on the path…