Day 3 of our POWERful Bible journaling. How is this new acronym working for you? (Here’s the post where I introduce the POWER acronym, Bible Journaling: A POWERful New Method.) I obviously love it or I would not have shared it. While I’m asking questions, I’m reading this book right now, The Word of the Lord: 7 Essential Principles for Catholic Scripture Study
Do I manage my time and schedule in such a way that allows me to “slow down” when reading?
Could I make a few modifications in my schedule to make this a reality?
How might my knowledge of and devotion to Scripture change if I wasn’t “rushed,” and simply moved through the text more attentively?
These questions are providential as my reflection began with me pouring my heart out to God telling Him I feel rushed, scattered and disorganized.
POWERful Bible Journaling: Matthew 3
P –I feel rushed Lord. I feel scattered, disorganized and pulled in too many different directions. Chris’ schedule right now makes it seem impossible to even tag team in the parenting department. Life is confusing and did I mention busy? Help me to find rest Lord…rest in You.
O –(God) God empowers who He wants, even some guy living in the wilderness eating bugs and honey. Even seemingly wild man John the Baptist has a purpose in the Kingdom of heaven and his purpose will be fulfilled or He will be pruned. (Me) First, I’m not of this world so maybe I am in a wilderness already? Second, being a momma of many, a homeschooler, a traditional Roman Catholic…I wonder how many people think I’m a wild woman? Wild not as in a party girl, wild as in out of her mind. Feeling like I am out in the wilderness, am I bearing any good fruit out there? Am I preparing the way of the Lord to reach the hearts and minds of my children?
W —vs 10…even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
E –What kind of fruit am I bearing? If I envision myself as fruit tree, first, an unhealthy tree cannot bear good fruit. How healthy am I spiritually, mentally and physically? Am I careful about the things I allow in my heart, mind and body? Things to make me a path clearer and fruit bearer or things that will require a pruning? Also, bearing fruit is not a one time event, it is a life long process.
R –When the conditions are not right Lord, a tree will not produce healthy fruit or any fruit. Unlike a tree, I can make, change or choose my growing conditions. Lord I choose conditions, people, circumstances and nutrition (spiritual, physical, and mental) that will help me bear good fruit.
Please share your POWERful reflections in the comments.
Resources:
My large print Bible
The Word of the Lord: 7 Essential Principles for Catholic Scripture Study
P – Lord, what is your plan for me? Help me to know your will. Amen.
O – God wants us (me) to repent NOW. He could return at any moment. We must be decisive like St. Joseph and trust and obey God when we hear him. We must have faith and make the leap, believing he is waiting to catch us on the other side.
W – “Bear fruit that befits repentance, and do not presume…” Matthew 3: 8-9
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:2
E – I need to pray continually for the Holy Spirit to fill me and make prayer a bigger part of my life. I cannot presume anything, but I can trust always.
R – Come, Holy Spirit, come. Fill my heart and soul with your beauty and love. Guide my feet on the right paths. Help me to always be conformed to your will. Even when I’m distracted or in pain or in the busyness of life, may your secret, silent teaching gently guard and guide me to the truth which is embodied in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Yes, decisive! That is the word, make our choice and don’t look back.
P: Spiritual attack; fear; nervousness
O: Good fruit as evidence of repentance: humility and all of the good stuff that comes from it.
W: 3:15 Jesus identifies with us sinners.
E: I should identify with sinners too and repentant prayer is powerful. Simply because I think that I’m on the other side looking toward the “brood of vipers” may mean that I need to scoot on over along side of them.
R: Jesus, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.
Whoa! “Simply because I think that I’m on the other side looking toward the “brood of vipers” may mean that I need to scoot on over along side of them.” That’s a painful realization.
I am following, but not posting my’ power’, just letting you know how much appreciated your study and site are. It is So hard to be Roman Catholic, especially in a Vatican II world. Thank you for reminding me I am not alone!
Welcome, welcome Ellen! I appreciate knowing you’re joining me in spirit even if not posting here int he comments.
P- dear Lord help me to put You 1st today in everything I do. Help me to b mindful of doing all for Your honor and glory
O- we need to live each day as if it were our last
W- Mt3:2 repent for the kingdom of God is at hand
E- I need to make sure I am using the sacrament of reconciliation frequently and doing my best each day to live Gods will for me. I will only know what His will is if I take time to pray and listen
R- lord, my will and YOUR WILL United equals sanctity! ( from 33 days to Morning Glory) help me to unite my will to Yours each day
IN one of the prayers I composed for my children, I prayed they would frequent the Sacraments all the days of their lives.
P. God give me the strenght to be truly your daughter not only with my words but with my actions too in order not to be like the pharisee in fornt of John the Baptist asking for his baptism.
O. It is easier to live my own faith by words only then by action too…. but it is essential for me to liver it fully with all myself and my soul to be completely the daughter of God and find His peace and blessing.
W. ” Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” ” I baptize you with water for repentance but he who is coming after me… he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
E. I need to let the control go and put all myself in His hands… I need to repent cause I forget to live my self with all myself way too oftet…
R. Help me God to repent…….
Beautiful and honest.