Week two of our Bible journaling in the month of August. I appreciate all who have commented publicly and contacted me privately. I pray this has been as fruitful for you all as it has been for me. How has the reading been? Too little? Too much? A Goldilocks, “Just right?” What about the POWERful Bible journaling method, helpful or cumbersome? I’m ready to pray through Matthew 10 so let’s go.
POWERful Bible Journaling: Matthew 10
P –The things on my heart right now Lord, my confessor of almost three years is leaving, I’m making plans to start back to school in two weeks, I want to mother teens well, I want to mother a toddler well, I want to mother elementary age and middle school age children well, I want to be a great wife, I want to be a good friend, I need community but am worn out from the community living under my roof some days.
O –Jesus chose His disciples and then told them what and how to do. It was pretty clear and to the point and contained some warnings that are necessary now as well. Although He gave them the power to heal, He did not give them the power to know immediately what type of people they were dealing with or what type of home they were entering. They had to discern those things. So do I.
W —vs 12…And when you come into the house, salute it, saying: Peace be to this house.
E –How often do I come into the door after running errands with children and we are all a big, cranky mess?! How many times do I walk in the door after running errands by myself and start complaining about the messes I see? Too many times to both questions! I want my home to be a peaceful refuge from this messy world.
R–Lord, I’m going to work on keeping a neater house, but not at the expense of being a grumpy momma. When I come in the house, I will greet my children in peace, not condemnation.
I thought this was interesting…
“The reason why Christ chose exactly twelve Apostles, neither more nor less, was that they should correspond to the twelve Patriarchs, sons of Jacob. For as these were of the Jews, so were the Apostles the parents of all Christians. So SS. Jerome, Austin, and all the Fathers. Rabanus speaks of other mysteries in this number, and following him, S. Thomas (in Catena) says: This number twelve is made by multiplying three into four, and signifies that they should preach belief in the Trinity in the four quarters of the world. They were typified by the twelve sons of Jacob, by the twelve princes of the children of Israel, by the twelve wells of Elim, by the twelve stones of the breast-plate, the twelve loaves of the shew-bread, the twelve spies, the twelve stones taken out of Jordan, the twelve oxen that supported the brazen sea, the twelve stars in the crown of the bridegroom in the Apocalypse, the twelve foundations of the city, the twelve gates.”
—The Great Commentary of Cornelius A’ Lapide
Please leave your POWERful reflections in the comments.
Michelle says
This is only one way to tell of how this study has helped me. Once we get past the feelings or ahem, display of panic that overcome some of us when we walk into our home, or maybe wake up to such mess and disorder, we set about putting everything back into it’s proper place. And it’s such a good feeling when it is finished, isn’t it?
That is how I feel about my spiritual life right now. Matthew 10 and the process, has put my soul in order.
Today, I changed up my acronym to PRAY to fit my temperament. I don’t know if it already exists, but I’m pretty sure God chose it for me.
P: I make the gestured sign of the cross on my head (for my mind to be open), my mouth (to proclaim) and my breast (to safeguard it in my heart)
R: Reflect
A: Apply to my life
Y: Yield: surrender; give in; give up struggle; submit to; bow down, comply with, agree to; consent; go along with Bear fruit.
Jenny says
I LOVE THIS!!!! I almost started using the acronym PRAY, but it stood for something different. Love this Michelle!
maddalena70 says
P.God let mw always remember that You are acting through me in order to spread your word and your love in my family and small community.
O. I am too grumpy… Always to stressed and tired to be tolerant and with a positive attitude towards my girls… Always to judgmental…
W. “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
E. I want ri be more tolerant and to have a more positive attitude towards life…. To let my girls listen and see the magnitude of God through my actions.
R. Let me show the way to be an instrument of your love.
Jenny says
It feels like such a weighty responsibility to work out our own salvation while teaching and training or children doesn’t? Keep on Maddalena!
Zipporah says
I love the study so far. Some of my writing is kind of personal, so I don’t post it. I love seeing what others get from the reading. There are so many different perspectives and angles; it is very exciting. Each chapter is very meaty, and I feel like I could write pages and pages on any one sentence. I love that! I like how the chapter matches the day so far; it makes it easy for my tired brain to remember what to read. Thanks so much for hosting this study.
P – Lord, help us to hear you & understand your will. Thank you for your many blessings and answered prayers. Amen.
O – I observe in today’s reading that Jesus’ teaching is a hard one. He says he does not come to bring peace but a sword. Many households will turn against themselves. We must love God more than anything or anyone else. We must not be afraid to proclaim his truth. Am I willing?
W – Today’s verse that jumped out at me was:
“Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So every one who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven …” Matthew 10: 32
E – I must be willing to stand up for what — who– I believe in despite the mockery that will likely come, or even attack. God is with me.
R – Lord, when I am unsure, give me your powerful words of truth. Let me forget myself, be your servant, do your work. Amen.
Jenny says
Yes, a prayer when we are unsure…He will answer that so we can do the work before us, all for His glory.
Michelle says
I asked God for some help identifying His will. Without actively searching, I found this. I hope it helps you as well. God bless.
http://www.spiritualdirection.com/2015/08/11/how-do-we-know-gods-will
Jenny says
I’m bookmarking this to read later. Thank you.