W.I.S.E. Bible Study

    “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 In the winter I spend time making sure my fishing gear is set. I hate getting out on the lake and having problems with my line or pole. I go through my lures seeing if I need to replace anything. In the winter, I do this for planning other projects. I have time and it gives me something to look forward to. The trouble of this world is just that trouble of this world. I know that with faith I can walk as someone who could overcome. It is like winter planning for future adventures. Strengthening my faith provides me with security on future troubles. Jesus has over come this world. Today think about ways to know what you believe and why. Like I tell my students, you must know why to your believes…not because Dr. Beth says so..but what do you believe and tell me why you believe that on the path…

  Some people suffer from a specific form of depression in the winter months. Winter can be a difficult time. I like winter because I find solace with the sleeping land. Wintry weather reminds me of summer days and this too shall pass. Mostly though, I find beauty in the contrasting colors of snow and the barren landscape. Winter, though is a time when I need to coach myself to get outside, brave the elements. It is a time when I have to remember to exercise and eat right. People liken life to seasons and the winter of someone’s life is the end and brings up negative thoughts. However, it doesn’t have to. Winter brings wisdom, and pure realization that we do not need to hide under layers, we are who we are. Don’t liken your life to seasons. For I have found that in any given time, the seasons are present and cycle through a day. Today, I wanted to remind everyone of Isaiah 40:29: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” The diseases are inevitable to sp...

“I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.” John 21:3 This time of year, I look out my window at work, close my eyes for a couple of minutes. There I am, on the water. I stand and target where I want my cast to land amongst the reeds. An eagle over head, and loons swimming near by. I feel the tug, and the fight is on…yes, sometimes to refocus I think about being on the water, whether just paddling a canoe or fishing. Even though the apostles didn’t catch a fish, they knew the activity would reset them. The verse goes on to find Jesus there that morning. He tells them to put the net out again, they catch fish. When we do Jesus’ will, we will be productive…we will catch fish. For me the image of water and fish takes me to lakes I have fished on and can’t wait to get back to…remember if you cast your bait or set your net today, if it is Jesus’ will for you, then you will be...

  “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God” Matthew 5;9 Headlines of Hope. For me, news is giving me information that includes both sides of the story. The facts: who, what, when, where, why and how. I listen to my 84-year-old dad sometimes frustrated by what he hears, and he is misinformed and therefore confused or upset. Hope is found when fog is cleared, when cluttered is organized and truth is not one sided. What is at the heart of the issue? What has been misinformed or misinterpreted or even cloud? We have seen people being led down the rabbit hole by guru’s and leaders. We are all called to be peacemakers. We can by making sure we get to the core of the issue, not just outcomes. We can make sure that we know both sides of a story. We don’t have to agree with either side, but we need to learn what makes each side tick. Today, be a peacemaker by finding facts, not distortions; by finding the cores of issues, by finding ways that will bring about cha...

 “Look to the Lord and his strength; see his face always.” 1 Chronicles 16:11 I think we all need strength at times. Strength enables us to push through the difficulties we face. I like winter. The pace slows down, and we even have days when we are told not to go outside. Strength helps us when we are building a new future or facing illness. Do I need strength today? Yes, just the strength to stay focused. Changing our venue, our purpose, and our view can be difficult. I contemplate the next chapter God has for me, and what is God’s will in that. Snow-covered grounds, laced with cold winds, speak to me. This is the time to rest, gather strength for the days ahead. I am reminded that when I look towards God, his strength and his face will always comfort me on the path…

  Tears of Mary. Did you ever wonder if you met the Mother of Jesus, if she would look upon you with tears of joy or tears of sorrow? Would Mary rejoice at the person you are becoming? For me, I believe that if I treat myself as sacred and those around me as sacred, Mary would cry tears of joy. Life is sacred and to be cherished. When Jesus therefore saw His mother and the disciple standing by whom He loved, He said unto His mother, “Woman, behold thy son!” John 19:26. A reminder today: you are sacred and so are those you meet. Let tears of rejoicing flow today for the sacredness of life on the path…

  “  Fear not, for I am with thee: turn not aside, for I am thy God: I have strengthened thee, and have helped thee, and the right hand of my just one hath upheld thee.” Isaiah 41:10 Who doesn’t like to hear the words “fear not”? They are words of comfort and strength. There is strength in numbers, and don’t forget you are always in the presence of the Trinity as they walk with you. It has been snowing, so my “Uber” driver (husband) will take me to work. I like driving with him. I can relax, and we get a quiet moment to talk and pray. I hope you have people to travel with. My children would be with me on a moment’s notice, as would other family and friends. I feel blessed. Today, bring forward in your mind the blessings you have as you continue on the path…