We are half way through the Book of Matthew in our POWERful Bible journaling. In my Bible, the very first section of chapter 16 is titled, “The Demand for a Sign.” Uh-Oh, just reading it makes me hear, “Dun Dun Dun…” And I want to say, “What, that’s a bad thing?”
In Matthew Henry’s Commentary, he writes, “The Pharisees and Sadducees were opposed to each other in principles and in conduct; yet they joined against Christ. But they desired a sign of their own choosing: they despised those signs which relieved the necessity of the sick and sorrowful, and called for something else which would gratify the curiosity of the proud. It is great hypocrisy, when we slight the signs of God’s ordaining, to seek for signs of our own devising.” Hmmm, sound familiar?
POWERful Bible Journaling: Matthew 16
P –Lord, let me only have eyes for You. I want to recognize You in everything that happens. I heard the best quote recently from a woman who had lost her hands and feet, “Things don’t happen to you, the happen for you.” I want that type of vision.
O –It seems to me in this chapter the messages are getting harder to understand because they are harder to bear. Even Peter tries to protect or reassure Christ that His death is not imminent…and he gets rebuked for it.
W —vs 9…Do you still not perceive? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered?
E –I’ve been in the Apostles shoes, forgetful of Your works, love and care…even down to the crumbs.
R –I want to enjoy the meal and gather the crumbs Lord. I want to see You and Your will and be nourished by You in the big things as well as the little. Gratitude is key for me, so I don’t forget how many baskets I have filled or can fill.
Please share your POWERful reflections in the comments.
Deb00 says
Think I just figured out we R not supposed to read/post on Sunday! I’m a day ahead !!
P- thank you Lord for the blessing of your creation, the absolute still of the morning, the beauty of the sunrise! May the peacefulness of morning stick with me despite my concern of all the evil of our world capturing the hearts of my kids. Have mercy on us and on the whole world!
Jesus warns us to beware of the corruption of others… Not to become lax and allow the ways of the world to influence us. He wants us to proclaim boldly who He is and to take up our crosses and follow HIM
W- Mt16:8 and so I say to you, you are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church and the gates of the Netherworld will not prevail against it
E- what encouraging words! I love this verse!! Jesus’ promise that no matter how the world tries to tear down our Faith, persecute believers, change and challenge our beliefs- whether it be contraception, abortion, same sex unions, euthanasia…… The gates of hell will NEVER PREVAIL against His church!!! Stand strong Catholics!!!!!!!!
R- dear Lord never let me despair over how our world is spiralling out of control morally. Help me always remember your promise, lean on you and never bow to evil to avoid persecution
Jenny says
No, I do post on Sunday but I was away for the weekend at a soccer tournament with my daughter and by the time I came home, I was too tired to share my reflections.
deb00 says
I can relate! Catching up with posts on computer as it doesn’t drop my post as soon as i finish painstakingly puting it on my phone. grrrrr
Michelle says
24: Then Jesus said to his his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.” A beautiful worship song came to mind and since I’m not very good at memorizing lyrics, I looked it up and prayed through song this morning.
Today, I will be given countless opportunities to deny myself. Please God, give me the strength and grace to seize them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1RQciil7B0
Jenny says
I know that song! I clicked on the acoustic version this morning after following your link.
“My heart beating, my soul breathing
I found my life when I laid it down
Upward falling, spirit soaring
I touch the sky when my knees hit the ground”
Beautiful