Today’s Bible journaling contains a providential scripture for back to school time. While reading Matthew 24, I paused at verse 13, “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” That little verse could be applied to so many aspects of our life…marriage, parenting, homeschooling, our faith (obviously). As I begin my twelfth year of homeschooling, I pause to thank God for the grace of endurance to continue, according to His will for our family, our homeschooling journey. We almost gave into the temptation to quit. Looking back now, I can see it for exactly what it was at the time–a temptation.
POWERful Bible Journaling: Matthew 24
P –Lord, I pray that You bless our upcoming homeschooling year. I pray You protect and bless our actual little school at home. I pray Your protection on my children. I pray they grow in wisdom and grace in our home, under our influence. I pray for Chris and I as parents. I pray we listen closely to Your will for their lives. I pray everything we do leads them in closer friendship with You. I pray we teach them their faith well; a faith they will embrace, love and share. You created them for Yourself…You have given them Your holy Church as a guide and refuge, thank you for letting Chris and I participate in the loving, teaching and educating of these precious souls.
O –When I was a kid, I used to be scared to death when people would start talking about the end of the world. But one day, as a young adult I read this verse in Matthew, “But about that day and hour, no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (vs36) That verse…that truth, let me take a big deep breath. I could stop worrying about the when, because no one knew! Not even the Son.
W —vs 35…”Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
E –That verse right there is the reason we memorize scripture over poetry. Poetry has its place, and a very beautiful place, but not before scripture. Your words about the end of the world…Your words of truth, gave me consolation and clarity and so does Your Word.
R –I want my children to keep their way pure, “How can young people keep their way pure? By guarding it according to your word.” (Psalm 119:9)
Please leave your POWERful reflections in the comments
Resource List:
My large print Bible
Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: New Testament
Haydock Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible
The Great Commentary of Cornelius A’ Lapide
A Practical Commentary On Holy Scripture
deb00 says
P- Open the eyes of my heart Lord
O- Jesus warns us not to let false prophets; those claiming to be the Messiah, and those predicting the end of the world, fool us. We must persevere thru persecution. We know not the day nor the hour so should be prepared at all times for Christs return
W- Mt 24:44 You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come
E- i really don’t fear the end of the world as i can only imagine how much better life with God is than here…….BUT….this chapter brings back that fear of being tricked by a false prophet or the anti Christ. I need to pray daily to remain vigilant and spend each day as if it were my last
R- Lord help me persevere and to always be ready for Your calling me home
Jenny says
I hadn’t really picked out the being tricked part. Thank you for the reminder for that.
deb00 says
welcome Chelsea!
Debbi says
Jenny, Your P (prayer) today was especially beautiful! May God bless you, Chris, and your beautiful family!
deb00 says
I agree ….beautiful post Jenny.
Chelsea says
Hello, I’m new to Bible Journaling and I’m excited to join you.
O. God is giving us a glimpse of what is to come but is also helping us prepare for that time so we are not completely caught off guard.
W. “Then they will hand you over to persecution & they will kill you. You will be hated by all nations because of my name. But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved. Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. (v 9, 13 & 42)
E. You read these passages and think about all the things going on in the news right now with ISIS, Planned Parenthood, Gay Marriage, Hatred among people and it makes you wonder if it really is getting closer.
R. Lord I ask that I stay awake and persevere to the end. That I am not only making changes in the lives I come into direct contact with (family, friends, & neighbors) but I’m making a difference by participating in more worldly things. That I’m praying for those already being persecuted and those who do it. I want to be an example to my children and husband and show them that we should not be afraid to stand before others and speak of Gods goodness.
I drew a picture of two wide open eyes and wrote “Stay Awake” and “Persevere”.
Jenny says
Hi There Chelsea! I’m so happy you joined in!