No miracles needed?

"God never wrought miracles to convince atheism,
because His ordinary works convince it."
- Francis Bacon

Steadfast love? Yes and yes.

This month has been *such* an emotional roller coaster. 

(Side comment: I can't even say that this month has been the "most emotional ever"... which leads me to realize just how emotional I am. And I'm in an intellectual field. I'm adjusting still, but the more parts of me alive, the better, I say. :)  )

Three weeks ago, I yearned for steadfast love.

Two weeks ago, tired and discouraged, I was blessed with, in rapid succession:

1. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Chapter 1.

• I finally got to start at the very beginning. Impatient, selective me previously just read and re-read the victorious glorious parts :D
• "It is scarcely wise when bringing the news of the death of his heir to a mighty lord to speak over much of the coming of one who will, if he comes, claim the kingship. Is that enough?" - Gandalf
  "Kingship?" said Pippin amazed.

 

2. Serendipity

• Like the lovers in the movie, it's been a long time since I last saw this. It's a most welcome encouragement to hear that all will be well.
• "If we are to live life in harmony with the universe, we must all possess a powerful faith in what the ancients used to call "fatum", what we currently refer to as destiny."
• "You know the Greeks didn't write obituaries. They only asked one question after a man died: 'Did he have passion?'"
• "I think we make our own decisions, I just think that fate sends us little signs, and it's how we read the signs that determines whether we're happy or not."
• "Life is not merely a series of meaningless accidents or coincidences. Uh-uh. But rather, its a tapestry of events that culminate in an exquisite, sublime plan."
• "When love feels like magic, it's called Destiny. When destiny has a sense of humor, It's called Serendipity."

3. Slumdog Millionaire

• Simply a masterpiece. :) Pursue good in the good, righteous way. Pursue love, seeking what's best for the beloved. Take care not to treat money as a god, and God will provide for you.
• "I know I have sinned. Forgive me." - Salim
• "God is great." - Salim
• "So are you ready for the final question for 20 million rupees?" - host
  "No, but maybe it's written, no?" - Jamal
• "I thought we would meet only in death." - Latika
  "This is our destiny." - Jamal

Last week:

The LORD your God is with you,
       He is mighty to save.
       He will take great delight in you,
       He will quiet you with his love,
       He will rejoice over you with singing.

- Zephaniah 3:17 


And this week:

One thing God has spoken,
two things have I heard:
that You, O God, are strong,
and that You, O Lord, are loving.
- Psalm 62:11-12


My heart can rest, for it is in the right place.  :)

 

His steadfast love

These days, I have been crying out for love... steadfast love.


For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice,
the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.
- Hosea 6:6


Sow for yourselves righteousness;
reap steadfast love;
break up your fallow ground,
for it is the time to seek the LORD,
that He may come and rain righteousness upon you.
- Hosea 10:12



This morning, God answered my prayers with more of Himself. :) Indeed. He is the only One.

I am thankful for being reminded of this psalm. It includes one of my "life verses", verse 5. But the entire psalm is full of gems, which I've already posted in the past (see here) --- I really should start considering it as one of my "life psalms". Here are the passages that continue to encourage and strengthen me.



Psalm 118 - Your Steadfast Love Endures Forever


Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
for His steadfast love endures forever!
(v. 1 and v. 29, the psalm starts and ends with these lines)


In my anguish I cried to the LORD
and He answered by setting me free.
(v. 5)


It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.
(v. 8-9)


The LORD is my strength and my song;
He has become my salvation.
(v. 14)


The right hand of the LORD exults,
the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!
(v. 16)


I shall not die but I shall live,
and recount the deeds of the LORD.
The LORD has disciplined me severely,
but He has not given me over to death.
(v. 17-18)


I thank You that You have answered me
and have become my salvation.
(v. 21)


This is the day that the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
(v. 24)


You are my God, and I will give thanks to You;
You are my God; I will extol You.
(v. 28)


The LORD is God,
and He has made His light to shine upon us.
(v. 27)

To do list, as of Sep 4 2010

"God loves me just the way I am."

"Yes God loves you just the way you are...
but how much do you love yourself?"


To do list, as of Sep 4 2010:
1. Research 1.
2. Research 2.
3. Research 3.
4. Love myself more in the next two months.

Status, as of Sep 7 2010:
1. Ongoing.
2. Ongoing.
3. Ongoing.
4. Ongoing.

when the record of wrongs becomes a win-win

"Love does not keep a record of wrongs."

When one throws out the record of wrongs... everybody wins. :)

justice and more

With the same measure that you judge, you will be judged.

But with love, there is forgiveness.