W.I.S.E. Bible Study

  Isaiah 38:16 “Lord, by such things people live; and my spirit finds life in them too. You restored me to health and let me live.” Our path is a winding trail. There are times we don’t realize that we need healing but then life happens and healing takes place through the grace of God. This past weekend my husband, daughter and I took a day trip to Galena. We had fun tasting wines, eating Gluten free pasta and finding excellent cheese. Mostly though, it was a time to reconnect, and reenergize, that is to heal. God created each of us with a piece of Gods created image in us. Only we can reflect that. God’s big plan for us is to be ourselves so others can know God. That requires a healthy self. Today do a self check in, what needs healing, physically, mentally, emotionally, intellectually and relationally? Take time to heal so you can be the created image of God you were meant to be on the path…

“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 Finding peace. In a busy day, or amongst worries, difficulties it is hard to find peace. Sometimes we are just restless. Breathe. For God will give you support to live in peace. Support may come from a friend, coworker, stranger or an event…Support is all around. Today as you travel know that peace is there, just accept the support on the path…

  1 John 3:18  - Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. Deeds and Truth. I do believe actions speak louder than words. I do believe that truth is found in the core of an action. Why did they do what they did? What is the motivation? At times I have asked myself: “Why am I doing this? Or Why am I not doing this?” Pausing helps us to see what is at the core of our actions. Am I a do gooder or someone who does good for Christ, to reveal his presence on earth? When Jesus for gave sins, healed the sick and preformed miracles he did so not for himself to show how powerful he was, but to show us who God is. He wanted us to know God and God’s love and grace for all of us. I personally thing Scripture is one of the most proof texted there is. Many use it to justify their actions instead of reading it to know God and God’s individual love God has for each of us, and the longing for a relationship God wants with us. If you use scripture to justify an ...

Repayment “Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:9 The easy way is to “eye for an eye” which is scriptural. It is found in the Old Testament. Jesus, came to say instead of evil for evil we need to be a blessing to those around us. I find this difficult. People can and do drive me crazy at times. I know I am to find the created image of God in them. I know I am to treat them as sacred…but…. To be a blessing might be to walk away. To be a blessing might be to be silent. Our respond ability is to be a blessing and a blessing in action can be to take a deep breath and say “I need a moment.” Think about how you can be a blessing to those around you and remind yourself you are BLESSED on the path…

      “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 One way to say hope is to be optimistic. Is your glass half-empty or half-full? A hopeful person isn’t one who doesn’t acknowledge the bad or difficult things in life. No, they are someone who sees the value in them. They know passing through negativity or darkness will define them; they will grow and learn from experience. They will find the light. It isn’t surprising that one of the symbols for hope is an anchor. Hope should be our anchor. How can you fill your life with hope today and always as you wander on the path…

  Matthew 6:21 “ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” My granddaughter while camping picked up acorns, leaves etc. and called them her treasures. I retrieved the fish bag from the back of the vehicle so she had something to hold her treasures in. When we got home she started decorating the pine tree with all her treasures. Most would look at what she gathered as junk. She saw Christmas ornaments. Where is your treasure? Do you hide it or use it to “decorate” your life? Do people know what your treasure is?  Today, take your treasures out, re-examine them and the ones worthy display on the path…

  “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,”  ( 1 Peter 1:3–4 , NASB95) Why is it good news that Christ has paved the way for us to be reunited to the Father in heaven? True love, acceptance, and kindness do exist. We are to reflect the heaven to which we long to go here on earth. The good news is that Jesus has shown us how to do this. During Lent we have a cross placed on our foreheads with the words “turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.” That is, stop living as if you are in charge. Sin is the absence of God, the declaration you do not need God nor want God. Void of what true love is. The Good News is that we can all be joined together here on earth and receive our inheritance when the time comes, ...