Redemptive Reflection: Take time to be holy, speak often with thy Lord; abide in Him always, and feed on His Word. Psalm 139:23-24

Psalm 139:23-24 Authorized (King James) Version

²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart:
try me, and know my thoughts:
²⁴ and see if there be any wicked way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Word of God for the Children of God

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

Engaging in meaningful personal reflection leads to self-discovery and growth. Taking quality and quantity of time to just explore our thoughts, emotions, and actions can lead us, move us to redemptive, healing, empowering outcomes.

Then came July 14 – 17th 2023 …

1 failed Cardiac Stress Test

Cardiac Catheterization showing 3 arteries greater than 90% blocked – the “widow making” artery being 99% blocked.

July 17, 2023 Triple Bypass Surgery …

5 and 1/2 hours surgery, 80 minutes of which my heart was deliberately stopped then kept sedated 24 hours in the CICU … woken up and I WAS alive! God is God!

In my own life, I’ve experienced the benefit of reflective practices. Through the examen of Ignatius, for example, I have learned to discern God’s presence in my daily life, identify those areas for improvement, seek God’s guidance for the future. This exercise has brought clarity, peace, and a deep sense of purpose.

https://stmargaretmary.org/ignatian-examen-of-consciousness

From praying Psalm 139:23-24 daily during my recovery, rehabilitation, taking a personal inventory was also very beneficial to me.

By honestly assessing my incoming strengths, weaknesses, and values, I’ve been able to make intentional decisions aligned with my beliefs and aspirations. This self-awareness has led to personal growth and a stronger sense of identity.

Imagination is important in reflective practices.

Envisioning different outcomes or a favorable future can inspire hope, motivate us, and build our resilience.

We can see beyond our current situation and consider new possibilities.

Psalm 139:23-24 reminds me to invite God into my self-reflection, asking him to reveal any areas in our lives that need attention redemption and guidance.

100% Honesty as the only process this process leads us on a path of healing and empowerment guided by the Lord’s wisdom and grace.

1. Take time to be holy,
speak oft with thy Lord;
abide in him always,
and feed on his word.
Make friends of God’s children,
help those who are weak,
forgetting in nothing
his blessing to seek.

2. Take time to be holy,
the world rushes on;
spend much time in secret
with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus,
like him thou shalt be;
thy friends in thy conduct
his likeness shall see.

3. Take time to be holy,
let him be thy guide,
and run not before him,
whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow,
still follow the Lord,
and, looking to Jesus,
still trust in his word.

4. Take time to be holy,
be calm in thy soul,
each thought and each motive
beneath his control.
Thus led by his spirit
to fountains of love,
thou soon shalt be fitted
for service above.

Take Time to Be Holy, Text: William D. Longstaff, 1822-1894
Music: George C. Stebbins, 1846-1945

In the name of God, the father, God the son and God, the Holy Spirit,

Praying …

Psalm 15

A Psalm of David.

¹ Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle?
who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
² He that walketh uprightly,
and worketh righteousness,
and speaketh the truth in his heart.
³ He that backbiteth not with his tongue,
nor doeth evil to his neighbour,
nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
⁴ In whose eyes a vile person is contemned;
but he honoureth them that fear the Lord.
He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
⁵ He that putteth not out his money to usury,
nor taketh reward against the innocent.
He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

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