#and yet the heavens declare his glory

[queenlucythevaliant]

And yet!

God has been waiting billions of years for a lifeform to be able to study atoms and quarks and quantum entanglement to really appreciate how much painfully intricate effort he took to make the universe. Humans are finally there, but they think it’s all evidence that God must not be real.

[aspirant1598]

[semperreformanda]

the God I serve is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords who is enthroned in the heavens, who is so glorious that the train of His robe fills the temple; who laughs at His enemies and makes them a footstool for His feet; who is sovereign over every single thing on His earth (His earth!); and the majesty of the heavens declare His glory (His glory!) and yet what do I do?? be anxious about silly things that He already promised me He will provide me with? GIRL be so for real

[rex3o]

The Eternal Enigma

A/N: The Eternal Enigma is deeply inspired by the movie of La Belle et la Bête which I watched recently so I put two and two together and yh here we go. Also this story does NOT follow the jujutsu kaisen plot. But I hope u lot enjoy it as much as I do as I post more out lol.

Summary: In a cursed kingdom ruled by the fearsome Ryomen Sukuna, a former general turned demon king, Y/n—a noblewoman whose family fell victim to Sukuna’s wrath—is delivered to his ominous fortress. Expecting to be treated harshly, Y/n is instead met with Sukuna’s cold indifference and an outrageous demand: she must fall in love with him. When Y/n protests, Sukuna’s fury erupts, and he declares her forbidden from leaving his domain. As Sukuna storms out, Y/n is left to navigate the treacherous path of her new, dark reality.

Ryomen Sukuna X Reader

>> chp 2 / chp3

In the waning light of dusk, the land lay cloaked in a somber silence, broken only by the mournful whispers of the wind through twisted, barren trees. Once a flourishing realm of beauty and grace, the landscape now bore the scars of darkness—a kingdom lost to the curse of an ancient power.

At the heart of this cursed domain stood a fortress of eerie majesty, its blackened spires reaching toward the heavens like the gnarled fingers of a dark deity. This was the domain of the Eternal Enigma—a being whose name was whispered in fear and awe: Ryomen Sukuna. His fortress, a towering edifice of obsidian and bone, loomed over the land, casting long shadows that seemed to swallow the light itself.

The tale of Sukuna’s darkness began long before his rise to power. Born into a world already steeped in suffering, Sukuna resided in the womb of his starving mother alongside his twin. As the days of deprivation wore on, the infant Sukuna, driven by a primal instinct for survival, consumed his sibling. Even then, his existence was marked by a monstrous hunger.

As he grew, Sukuna’s insatiable drive for dominance and power led him to become a general of unmatched bravery. His prowess on the battlefield earned him great acclaim, yet it was his ambition that ultimately led him astray. Driven by a desire for eternal glory, Sukuna made a fateful pact with forces beyond mortal comprehension. In his quest for immortality, he sacrificed not only his humanity but the very soul of his kingdom, sealing his fate in a curse that bound him to a grotesque and eternal imprisonment.

Now, his form was a grotesque mockery of the noble warrior he once was: the size of a grizzly beast, with four monstrous clawed arms and four eyes glowing red with a cold, malevolent light that reflected the torment of his eternal punishment.

The people of the land spoke of him in hushed tones, recounting tales of his cruelty and the legion of cursed spirits and demons he commanded. The once-vibrant courts of the kingdom had become hollow echoes of their former splendor, their power and beauty overshadowed by the darkness that reigned supreme. Those who dared to speak of Sukuna’s name faced his wrath, for the curse that bound him extended to all who crossed his path.

On a fateful night, as the moon hung heavy in the sky, a young woman was delivered to the fortress gates. Y/n, a noblewoman of grace and beauty, arrived with a heart full of trepidation and hope. Her family, once powerful and respected, had been destroyed in a failed attempt to defy Sukuna’s dominion. Now, she was a mere pawn in a game she scarcely understood—a gift offered to the overlord in a desperate bid to placate his anger and prevent further bloodshed.

The carriage rocked as it trundled along the forest path, its wheels grinding against the overgrown roots of ancient trees. Y/n sat in silence, her pale hands folded neatly in her lap, her heart heavy with the weight of her fate. Beyond the veil covering her face, she looked upon the thick mist outside, Sukuna's fortress looming—a twisted silhouette against the blood-red sky. Her thoughts were abruptly cut short.

"They say no one returns from there," whispered the old servant who sat beside her, his voice quivering. "Once you enter the Demon King's domain, you are lost."

Y/n stared ahead, her face expressionless, though her heart pounded with fear. She had heard the rumors—stories of a man turned into a beast, cursed by the gods to rule over cursed spirits and demons. Sukuna's cruelty was legendary, but no one could explain why he had demanded her as a tribute.

The gates of the fortress creaked open, and a cold wind swept through the air as the carriage crossed into Sukuna’s domain. The once-proud noblewoman took a deep breath, knowing that her life would never be the same again.

As the carriage came to a halt, and she stepped out into the foreboding realm. The cold air bit at her skin, and the eerie silence of the fortress seemed to swallow her every step. The gates behind her loomed after her, ancient and imposing, their iron bars etched with dark symbols that whispered of forgotten sorcery.

Y/n’s eyes met those of the gatekeeper, who regarded her with a mixture of pity and apprehension. “Welcome, my lady,” he intoned, his voice trembling with the weight of unspoken fears. “May the gods have mercy on you.”

The doors creaked open, and a footman greeted Y/n as she stepped into the darkness beyond, her old servant closely following behind. Her heart pounded with a blend of fear and curiosity. She had heard the tales of the cursed king—of the monstrous being who ruled with an iron fist and a heart of darkness. But what lay beyond the shadows of his fortress remained a mystery, one she was now bound to unravel.

The footman led her through the foreboding halls of the fortress, her senses overwhelmed by the oppressive gloom that pervaded every corner. The walls seemed to whisper secrets long forgotten, and the flickering torchlight cast eerie shadows that danced like specters in the dark. The halls were deathly quiet, with servants passing in complete silence as they moved through their tasks.

In the dim glow of a grand chamber, Sukuna awaited her. His form, though majestic in its own right, was a stark contrast to the splendor of the once-great fortress. He sat on his dark and imposing throne, his eyes glowing with an otherworldly light that seemed to pierce through the very fabric of reality. His presence was both mesmerizing and terrifying, a paradox of beauty and horror.

As the footman and Y/n approached, her heart raced with a mixture of dread and anticipation. The Eternal Enigma, the cursed king, awaited her presence, and with it, the unfolding of a tale that would intertwine their fates in ways neither could have imagined.

As Y/n entered the grand chamber, her eyes were immediately drawn to the imposing figure seated on the dark throne. Sukuna’s presence was both mesmerizing and terrifying. The throne room was dimly lit by flickering torches that cast eerie shadows on the walls, making the scene even more surreal.

Sukuna looked down upon Y/n with an indifferent gaze, his four red eyes glowing like smoldering embers. Despite his fearsome appearance, he seemed almost disinterested in her arrival. He gestured lazily for her to come closer, his monstrous form shifting slightly as he leaned back against his throne.

Y/n approached cautiously, her heart pounding with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. She had braced herself for harsh treatment or some form of ritualistic cruelty, but Sukuna’s demeanor was unexpectedly nonchalant. He could hear her heart racing and noticed her trembling form, almost chuckling at her fear. Yet, for Y/n, the lack of immediate threats or displays of malevolence only heightened her unease.

"Well, you’re here," Sukuna said, his voice a deep, resonant rumble that filled the chamber. “You remember me, yes? Your family was obedient, but your useless father had to mess things up. Such a pity he’s dead.” Sukuna smirked, his gaze disdainful as he looked down at her. To him, her father was a mere annoyance, a fly in his grand plans. “To shorten this meeting, brat—you’re staying here, in my palace.” His attention wandered, as if Y/n were a trivial matter.

Y/n blinked, trying to process his words. “You insult my dead father and then order me to stay? As a prisoner, you mean?”

Sukuna replied with a sneer, “And what will you do about it? You’re as useless as him. Whatever you do can’t surpass me, so I suggest you listen and comply.” He grinned evilly. “Prisoner? If that’s how you want to see yourself, fine. But for me, you are to be my future wife.”

Y/n stared at him, her mouth slightly agape. “You sick, cruel man… You can’t expect me to fall in love with you. You have loyal consorts who would force their daughters to kneel and beg to marry you. What you ask of me is insane!”

Sukuna’s eyes narrowed, his patience wearing thin. The casual indifference that had marked his demeanor vanished, replaced by a storm of anger. His massive form tensed, and with a violent motion, he flipped his throne, sending it crashing to the ground with a thunderous roar. The force of his rage shook the entire chamber, and the walls trembled under the impact.

“You dare to defy me?” Sukuna bellowed, his voice echoing through the chamber. He stormed over to her, his build overshadowing her as he gripped her face with his hand. His face, marked with deep black ink-like scars, was a terrifying visage of fury. His four demonic eyes burned into her face as he spoke, “You are forbidden from leaving my domain! You will stay here until you fulfill your obligation!” He shoved her away, causing her to fall onto the floor. Her face was scratched by the sharp ends of his nails, blood trickling down her skin.

The entire fortress reverberated with Sukuna’s fury as he stormed out of the grand chamber, his footsteps causing the ground to rumble. The echoes of his anger reverberated through the halls, shaking the very foundations of the once-majestic fortress.

Y/n lays there, stunned by the sheer force of Sukuna’s wrath. The reality of her situation crashed down on her like a wave. She had been thrust into a world of darkness and cruelty, with a cursed king who demanded the impossible.

As the echoes of Sukuna’s fury faded, Y/n was left in the cold silence of the chamber, her mind racing with fear, confusion, and a burgeoning sense of helplessness. The task before her seemed daunting and absurd, but she knew she had no choice but to navigate the treacherous path that lay ahead.

A/N: YOOOO hope u liked it lol I'll make another part soon shorly after this.

[usagiumiko3]

hey guys🌌💕 i’ve been diving into emily brontë’s "the night is darkening round me" and while reading I made some connections between some poems and the lnds characters. here are some of my picks that I think resonate the best.

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» the prisoner «

in the dungeon-crypts, idly did i stray,

reckless of the lives wasting there away;

'draw the ponderous bars! open, warder stern!'

he dared not say me nay - the hingers harshly turn.

'our guests are darkly lodged,' i whisper'd, gazing through

the vault, whose grated eye showed heaven more grey than blue;

(this was when glad spring laughed in awaking pride;)

'aye, darkly lodged enough!' returned my sullen guide.

then, god forgive my youth; forgive my careless tongue;

i scoffed, as chill chains on the damp flag-stones rung:

'confined in triple walls, art thou so much to fear,

that we must bind thee down and clench thy fetters here?'

the captive raised her face, it was as soft and mild

as sculptured marble saint, or slumbering unwean'd child;

it was so soft and mild, it was so sweet and fair,

pain could not trace a line, nor grief a shadow there!

the captive raised her hand and pressed it to her brow;

'i have been struck,' she said, 'and i am suffering now;

yet these are little worth, your bolts and irons strong,

and, were they forged in steel, they could not hold me long.'

hoarse laughed the jailer grim: 'shall i be won to hear;

dost think, fond, dreaming wretch, that i shall grant thy prayer?

or, better still, wilt melt my master's heart with groans?

ah! sooner might the sun thaw down these granite stones.

'my master's voice is low, his aspect bland and kind,

but hard as hardest flint, the soul that lurks behind;

and i am rough and rude, yet not more rough to see

than is the hidden ghost that has its home in me.'

about her lips there played a smile of almost scorn,

'my friend,' she gently said, 'you have not heard me mourn;

when you my kindred's lives, my lost life, can restore,

then may i weep and sue, - but never, friend, before!

(.....)

'oh, dreadful is the check - intense the agony -

when the ear begins to hear, and the eye begins to see;

when the pulse begins to throb, the brain to think again,

the soul to feel the flesh, and the flesh to feel the chain.

'yet i would lose no sting, would wish no torture less,

the more that anguish racks, the earlier it will bless;

and robed in fires of hell, or bright with heavenly shine,

if it but herald death, the vision is divine!'

she ceased to speak, and we, unanswering, turned to go -

we had no further power to work the captive woe:

her cheek, her gleaming eye, declared that man had given

a sentence, unapproved, and overruled by heaven.

» ‘no coward soul is mine’ «

no coward soul is mine

no trembler in the world's storm-troubled sphere

i see heaven's glories shine

and faith shines equal arming me from fear

o god within my breast

almighty ever-present deity

life, that in me hast rest

as i undying life, have power in thee

vain are the thousand creeds

that move men's hearts, unutterably vain,

worthless as withered weeds

or idlest froth amid the boundless main

to waken doubt in one

holding so fast by thy infinity

so surely anchored on

the steadfast rock of immortality

with wide-embracing love

thy spirit animates eternal years

pervades and broods above,

changes, sustains, dissolves, creates and rears

though earth and moon were gone

and suns and universes ceased to be

and thou wert left alone

every existence would exist in thee

there is not room for death

nor atom that his might could render void

since thou art being and breath

and what thou art may never be destroyed

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» remembrance «

cold in the earth - and the deep snow piled above thee,

far, far, removed, cold in the dreary grave!

have i forgot, my only love, to love thee,

severed at last by time's all-severing wave?

now, when alone, do my thoughts no longer hover

over the mountains, on that northern shore,

resting their wings where heath and fern-leaves cover

thy noble heart for ever, ever more?

cold in the earth - and fifteen wild decembers,

from those brown hills, have melted into spring:

faithful, indeed, is the spirit that remembers

after such years of change and suffering!

sweet love of youth, forgive, if i forget thee,

while the world's tide is bearing me along;

other desires and other hopes beset me,

hopes which obscure, but cannot do thee wrong!

no later light has lightened up my heaven,

no second morn has ever shone for me;

all my life's bliss from thy dear life was given,

all my life's bliss is in the grave with thee.

but, when the days of golden dreams had perished,

and even despair was powerless to destroy;

then did i learn how existence could be cherished,

strengthened, and fed without the aid of joy.

then did i check the tears of useless passion -

weaned my young soul from yearning after thine;

sternly denied its burning wish to hasten

down to that tomb already more than mine.

and, even yet, i dare not let it languish,

dare not indulge in memory's rapturous pain;

once drinking deep of that divinest anguish,

how could i seek the empty world again?

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» stars «

ah! why, because the dazzling sun

restored our earth to joy,

have you departed, every one,

and left a desert sky?

all through the night, your glorious eyes

were gazing down in mine,

and with a full heart's thankful sighs,

i blessed that watch divine.

i was at peace, and drank your beams

as they were life to me;

and revelled in my changeful dreams,

like petrel on the sea.

thought followed thought, star followed star,

through boundless regions, on;

while one sweet influence, near and far,

thrilled through, and proved us one!

why did the morning dawn to break

so great, so pure, a spell;

and scorch with fire, the tranquil cheek,

where your cool radiance fell?

blood-red, he rose, and, arrow-straight,

his fierce beams struck my brow;

the soul of nature, sprang, elate,

but mine sank sad and low!

my lids closed down, yet through their veil,

i saw him, blazing, still,

and steep in gold the misty dale,

and flash upon the hill.

i turned me to the pillow, then,

to call back night, and see

your worlds of solemn light, again,

throb with my heart, and me!

it would not do - the pillow glowed,

and glowed both roof and floor;

and birds sang loudly in the wood,

and fresh winds shook the door;

the curtains waved, the wakened flies

were murmuring round my room,

imprisoned there, till i should rise,

and give them leave to roam.

oh, stars, and dreams, and gentle night;

oh, night and stars return!

and hide me from the hostile light,

that does not warm, but burn;

that drains the blood of suffering men;

drinks tears, instead of dew;

let me sleep through his blinding reign,

and only wake with you!

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» anticipation «

how beautiful the earth is still,

to thee - how full of happiness!

how little fraught with real ill,

or unreal phantoms of distress!

how spring can bring thee glory, yet,

and summer win thee to forget

december's sullen time!

why dost thou hold the treasure fast,

of youth's delight, when youth is past,

and thou art near thy prime?

when those who were thy own compeers,

equals in fortune and in years,

have seen their morning melt in tears,

to clouded, smileless day;

blest, had they died untried and young,

before their hearts went wandering wrong,

poor slaves, subdued by passions strong,

a weak and helpless prey!

‘because, i hoped while they enjoyed,

and, by fulfilment, hope destroyed;

as children hope, with trustful breast,

i waited bliss - and cherished rest.

a thoughtful spirit taught me, soon,

that we must long till life be done;

that every phase of earthly joy

must always fade, and always cloy:

‘this i foresaw - and would not chase

the fleeting treacheries;

but, with firm foot and tranquil face,

held backward from that tempting race,

gazed o'er the sands the waves efface,

to the enduring seas -

there cast my anchor of desire

deep in unknown eternity;

nor ever let my spirit tire,

with looking for what is to be!

'it is hope's spell that glorifies,

like youth, to my maturer eyes,

all nature's million mysteries,

the fearful and the fair -

hope soothes me in the griefs i know;

she lulls my pain for others' woe,

and makes me strong to undergo

what i am born to bear.

'glad comforter! will i not brave,

unawed, the darkness of the grave?

nay, smile to hear death's billows rave -

sustained, my guide, by thee?

the more unjust seems present fate,

the more my spirit swells elate,

strong, in thy strength, to anticipate

rewarding destiny!'

» self-interrogation «

(….)

‘time stands before the door of death,

upbraiding bitterly;

and conscience, with exhaustless breath,

pours black reproach on me:

‘and though i've said that conscience lies,

and time should fate condemn;

still, sad repentance clouds my eyes,

and makes me yield to them!'

‘then art thou glad to seek repose?

art glad to leave the sea,

and anchor all thy weary woes

in calm eternity?

'nothing regrets to see thee go -

not one voice sobs "farewell",

and where thy heart has suffered so,

canst thou desire to dwell?'

‘alas! the countless links are strong

that bind us to our clay;

the loving spirit lingers long,

and would not pass away!

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» ‘the night is darkening round me’ «

the night is darkening round me

the wild winds coldly blow

but a tyrant spell has bound me

and i cannot cannot go

the giant trees are bending

their bare boughs weighed with snow and

the storm is fast descending

and yet i cannot go

clouds beyond clouds above me

wastes beyond wastes below

but nothing drear can move me

i will not cannot go

- - -

i'll come when thou art saddest

laid alone in the darkened room

when the mad day's mirth has vanished

and the smile of joy is banished

from evening's chilly gloom

i'll come when the heart's [real feeling

has entire unbiased sway

and my influence o'er thee stealing

grief deepening joy congealing

shall bear thy soul away

listen 'tis just the hour

the awful time for thee

dost thou not feel upon thy soul

a flood of strange sensations roll

forerunners of a sterner power

heralds of me

- - -

i would have touched the heavenly key

that spoke alike of bliss and thee

i would have woke the entrancing song

but its words died upon my tongue

and then i knew that hallowed strain

could never speak of joy again

and then i felt

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» death «

death! that struck when i was most confiding

in my certain faith of joy to be -

strike again, time's withered branch dividing

from the fresh root of eternity!

leaves, upon time's branch, were growing brightly,

full of sap, and full of silver dew;

birds beneath its shelter gathered nightly;

daily round its flowers the wild bees flew.

sorrow passed, and plucked the golden blossom;

guilt stripped off the foliage in its pride;

but, within its parent's kindly bosom,

flowed for ever life's restoring tide.

little mourned i for the parted gladness,

for the vacant nest and silent song -

hope was there, and laughed me out of sadness;

whispering, 'winter will not linger long!'

and, behold! with tenfold increase blessing,

spring adorned the beauty-burdened spray;

wind and rain and fervent heat, caressing,

lavished glory on that second may!

high it rose - no winged grief could sweep it;

sin was scared to distance with its shine;

love, and its own life, had power to keep it

from all wrong - from every blight but thine!

cruel death! the young leaves droop and languish;

evening's gentle air may still restore -

no! the morning sunshine mocks my anguish -

time, for me, must never blossom more!

strike it down, that other boughs may flourish

where that perished sapling used to be;

thus, at least, its mouldering corpse will nourish

that from which it sprung - eternity.

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» faith and despondency «

‘the winter wind is loud and wild,

come close to me, my darling child;

forsake thy books, and mateless play;

and, while the night is gathering grey,

we'll talk its pensive hours away; -

‘iernë, round our sheltered hall

november's gusts unheeded call;

not one faint breath can enter here

enough to wave my daughter's hair,

and i am glad to watch the blaze

glance from her eyes, with mimic rays;

to feel her cheek so softly pressed,

in happy quiet on my breast.

‘but, yet, even this tranquillity

brings bitter, restless thoughts to me;

and, in the red fire's cheerful glow,

i think of deep glens, blocked with snow;

i dream of moor, and misty hill,

where evening closes dark and chill;

for, lone, among the mountains cold,

lie those that i have loved of old.

and my heart aches, in hopeless pain

exhausted with repinings vain,

that i shall greet them ne'er again!'

» honour's martyr «

the moon is full this winter night;

the stars are clear, though few;

and every window glistens bright,

with leaves of frozen dew.

the sweet moon through your lattice gleams

and lights your room like day;

and there you pass, in happy dreams,

the peaceful hours away!

while i, with effort hardly quelling

the anguish in my breast,

wander about the silent dwelling,

and cannot think of rest.

the old clock in the gloomy hall

ticks on, from hour to hour;

and every time its measured call

seems lingering slow and slower:

and oh, how slow that keen-eyed star

has tracked the chilly grey!

what, watching yet! how very far

the morning lies away!

without your chamber door i stand;

love, are you slumbering still?

my cold heart, underneath my hand,

has almost ceased to thrill.

bleak, bleak the east wind sobs and sighs,

and drowns the turret bell,

whose sad note, undistinguished, dies

unheard, like my farewell!

tomorrow, scorn will blight my name,

and hate will trample me,

will load me with a coward's shame -

a traitor's perjury.

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» the old stoic «

riches i hold in light esteem;

and love i laugh to scorn;

and lust of fame was but a dream

that vanished with the morn:

and if i pray, the only prayer

that moves my lips for me

is, 'leave the heart that now i bear,

and give me liberty!'

yes, as my swift days near their goal,

‘tis all that i implore;

in life and death, a chainless soul,

with courage to endure.

» self-interrogation «

(….)

‘and rest is sweet, when laurelled fame

will crown the soldier's crest;

but, a brave heart, with a tarnished name,

would rather fight than rest.'

'well, thou hast fought for many a year,

hast fought thy whole life through,

hast humbled falsehood, trampled fear;

what is there left to do?'

‘tis true, this arm has hotly striven,

has dared what few would dare;

much have i done, and freely given,

but little learnt to bear!’

[hiswordsarekisses]

Isaiah 48 reveals that Judah was full of people who claimed to follow and worship God,

but that in reality they had broken their covenant with him.

They had rejected the truth of his Word and were living in rebellion against him…

They did not carry His heart within them.

They had a form of religion, yet they denied God his rightful place in their lives.

“…having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.…” 2nd Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬

The Bible is very clear of the markings of a true Christian. The number one being love. If we are not walking in love, we are walking in rebellion against God Himself.

If we do not examine ourselves along side of the Word of God, we will be deceived. Not we “might” be deceived - we “WILL” be deceived. A hard heart will color everything we see and filter everything we hear. The Bible says we “deceive ourselves.”

Isaiah 48:

“Hear this, O house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel, and who came from the waters of Judah, who swear by the name of the Lord and confess the God of Israel, but not in truth or right. For they call themselves after the holy city, and stay themselves on the God of Israel; the Lord of hosts is his name. “The former things I declared of old; they went out from my mouth, and I announced them; then suddenly I did them, and they came to pass. Because I know that you are obstinate, and your neck is an iron sinew and your forehead brass, I declared them to you from of old, before they came to pass I announced them to you, lest you should say, ‘My idol did them, my carved image and my metal image commanded them.’ “You have heard; now see all this; and will you not declare it? From this time forth I announce to you new things, hidden things that you have not known. They are created now, not long ago; before today you have never heard of them, lest you should say, ‘Behold, I knew them.’ You have never heard, you have never known, from of old your ear has not been opened. For I knew that you would surely deal treacherously, and that from before birth you were called a rebel. “For my name’s sake I defer my anger; for the sake of my praise I restrain it for you, that I may not cut you off. Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction. For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it, for how should my name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another. “Listen to me, O Jacob, and Israel, whom I called! I am he; I am the first, and I am the last. My hand laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand spread out the heavens; when I call to them, they stand forth together. “Assemble, all of you, and listen! Who among them has declared these things? The Lord loves him; he shall perform his purpose on Babylon, and his arm shall be against the Chaldeans. I, even I, have spoken and called him; I have brought him, and he will prosper in his way. Draw near to me, hear this: from the beginning I have not spoken in secret, from the time it came to be I have been there.” And now the Lord God has sent me, and his Spirit. Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go. Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea; your offspring would have been like the sand, and your descendants like its grains; their name would never be cut off or destroyed from before me.” Go out from Babylon, flee from Chaldea, declare this with a shout of joy, proclaim it, send it out to the end of the earth; say, “The Lord has redeemed his servant Jacob!” They did not thirst when he led them through the deserts; he made water flow for them from the rock; he split the rock and the water gushed out. “There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.”

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Bowen's Daily Meditations

by Rev. George Bowen

"God is faithful, by whom we were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord." – 1 Corinthians 1:9

Called unto the fellowship of Christ, seems to mean, called unto a community of interest and of destiny with Christ. One Spirit is to be common to the believer and Christ; to each there is one life of humiliation, one eternity of glory; to each the hatred of the world. Christ’s peace and joy are the believer’s; the same love of the Father is given to each; there is to each a resurrection and ascension. But he that is called to a part is called to the whole. If we suffer with him, we shall reign with him; not otherwise. He is indeed the Captain of our salvation; and the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. Though crucified with him, yet there were sacrificial sorrows of his which we know not.

Of course it will be thought a sublime thing in the last day, to sit down with Jesus on his throne, and participate a glory that shall light up the universe. But only he shall sit there who is now cordially associated with Christ in the midst of a gainsaying and perverse generation. The marvel is that, with the certainty of such an exalted destiny in reserve, there should be so little readiness to pursue the path that leads to it. Is it thought that God is not faithful, and that after enduring countless humiliations for the name of Christ, the reward will be withheld? But God is not only faithful, he is faithfulness itself; he must cease to be himself before he can be unfaithful. Faithfulness in God is simply acting in accordance with his own character, simply having his own way. In order to induce a man to be faithful, we labor to make him go out of himself, - control his own inclinations and tendencies; it is almost like asking a barque driven with the wind and tossed, to remain motionless on the bosom of the agitated waters. But God is a rock; and a strange spectacle it would indeed be, if he should vacillate and be thrown from his native steadfastness. He knew our nature perfectly before he took that nature in hand to redeem it. He cannot be taken by surprise at any developments in us. It was not because he believed us somewhat corrupt, that he undertook our redemption; he knew us to be what we are only gradually discovering ourselves to be, utterly corrupt. Heaven and earth then may pass away, but He will remain faithful to his own declared purpose, and present us to the scrutiny of the universe, holy, unblemished, unblameable.

[hieromonkcharbel]

Blessed is the man in whom the fear of God rests, for the Holy Spirit declares him blessed, saying, "Blessed be the man who fears the Lord."

Blessed is the man in whom the fear of God rests, because he carries God within him.

God is love, and he who dwells in love dwells in God.

Blessed is he who has achieved perseverance, because a long-suffering man is full of knowledge.

Blessed is the man who is a stranger to annoyance and anger, because anger does not give birth to a man of the truth of God.

Blessed is the man who loves meekness, by the word of the Lord, blessed are the meek.

Blessed is the man who has achieved true obedience, because such a man imitates the obedience to death of the Lord our Savior.

Blessed is the man who does not know envy or strife, because it was through envy that death entered the world.

Blessed is the man who does not pollute his tongue with slander, because a slanderer's heart is filled with all manner of pollution.

Blessed is the man who has achieved abstinence, because this single virtue is a support for all the others.

Blessed is the man who is generous to the poor, because he will discover many to defend him at the judgment.

Blessed is the man who has a lofty life yet keeps a humble disposition.

He imitates Christ and he will sit with Him in glory.

Blessed is the man who compels himself to do all forms of good works, because the violent will obtain the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed is the man walking the straight way, because he will go into heaven wearing a crown.

Blessed are all these people, because they will stand fearlessly in front of the Judge and obtain a divine reward from his hands.

​❦

St. Ephraim the Syrian

[biblequotes24]

The heavens declare the glory of God;the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,their words to the ends of the world.In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.

Psalm 19:1-4

[emilija04acer]

So um... I wrote Greek Myth fanfiction about Ares and Aphrodite (Areia)

Summary:

In an age where gods walked among mortals, the battlefield was their canvas, and war was the art of the divine. Amidst the clash of steel and the cries of warriors, two deities found themselves locked in a duel that transcended the mere conflict of armies. Ares, the fierce god of war, with a sword that sang of battle’s glory, faced Aphrodite, the goddess of love, who revealed her seldom-seen warrior’s heart.

This is an excuse for me to try to write a fight scene! Also to indulge in my special interests. Epic the Musical is why this exists... I'm obsessed. (I was reading greek myths before anyway, can't blame the amazing musical for this.)

I'd love to write a retelling of their love story.

Chapter 1:

Amidst a battlefield veiled in the dust of relentless conflict, two figures of divine presence stood as beacons within the chaos of clashing armies. One, donned in armor that carried the deep crimson of innumerable battles, brandished a sword that gleamed with a zealous longing for combat. Facing him, a counterpart adorned in armor that shone with the glow of dawn's first light, grasped a spear, its point mirroring the intensity of her concentrated stare.

Their gazes locked, and the tumultuous world around them seemed to still, the clamor of battle fading to a distant whisper. The warrior in crimson armor, with a smile that told tales of myriad triumphs, stepped forward, his blade cutting through the air with a desire to test the fortitude of his adversary. The warrior clad in golden armor responded with the haft of her spear, her actions a deadly ballet, a symphony of power and grace.

The crimson warrior was relentless, his attacks a whirlwind of steel and wrath, each blow more forceful than the one before. Yet, the golden warrior remained resolute, her spear a constant barrier between them, her counterattacks swift and accurate. They moved with a harmony that contradicted the ferocity of their battle, a ballet of destruction choreographed by destiny.

As the sun began to fall, stretching shadows over the battle-scarred land, their confrontation climaxed. The warrior in crimson, with a roar, launched a barrage of strikes, all skillfully blocked by the warrior in gold, who countered with a lunge that sent her opponent reeling. It was then that the crimson warrior saw it—a glint of respect in her eyes, an acknowledgment of valor from one formidable fighter to another.

In a moment of lucidity, the crimson warrior lowered his blade, a silent ovation to the golden warrior's strength. She, in turn, halted her offensive, the tip of her spear resting upon the ground. There, on the battlefield, they stood, not as foes, but as equals, their initial encounter a testament to the dual nature of their existence—conflict and affection, inextricably linked.

With a nod of mutual recognition, the crimson warrior spoke, his voice resonating over the remnants of battle, "Well met, warrior. Your skill is as formidable as your presence is captivating." The golden warrior, with a smile that promised both ardor and challenge, replied, "And you, warrior, engage with a fervor that honors the essence of combat. May our next meeting be as... enlightening."

As the veil of night began to claim the heavens, they parted ways, their legendary meeting destined to become a mythic narrative—a story of a sword and spear, and the day when conflict encountered affection on the field of war.

Only as they departed from the blood-soiled grounds did they reveal their true names to one another, a final gift of respect. "I am Ares," declared the crimson warrior, his voice echoing with the power of war. "And I am Aphrodite," proclaimed the golden warrior, her words imbued with the promise of love. And so, the tale would be told, of the day Ares met Aphrodite on the battlefield.

[walkswithmyfather]

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭8:1‭-‬9‬ ‭(ESV‬‬). “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.

You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”

“Waiting with Joy” Advent Devotional - Day 2 — “Look At The Stars” By Words of Hope:

“When I look at your heavens . . . the moon and the stars . . . what is man that you are mindful of him? (vv. 3-4)”

“We caught fish all day on the river, then camped for the night along the shore. It was a clear, cool night, and there was only a sliver of moon. Gazing up at the heavens, a billion diamonds scattered on black velvet, I became dizzyingly conscious of God’s enormity and my insignificance. I couldn’t help but think, “Who am I, compared to all this?” “When I look at your heavens,” says the psalmist, “the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars . . . what is man that you are mindful of him?” And yet God is mindful of us. Indeed, the psalmist proclaims, we are just a little lower than the angels, and we are given dominion over creation. The mind reels.

Surely one of the most salutary activities of life is to go outdoors after dark and gaze up into the heavens. The same God who flung those stars into space at the dawn of creation is your loving heavenly Father. What problem of yours is greater than him? What anxiety can he not calm?

“The heavens declare the glory of God,” says the psalmist, “and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (19:1). Go outside and see for yourself.

Today’s Activity: Go out after dark and look up at the stars. Share a little starlight wonder by cutting out and decorating a star to hang in your window. Find a printable template on Words of Hope’s website.”

[This is actually the devotional for December 2nd, but it's too good to wait another year to share it. I'll share the December 17th devotional a little later on. If you want to read and download the whole inspirational advent calendar, go to the Words of Hope website.]

[theprayerfulword]

October 01

Haggai 2:4 "Be strong, all you people of the land,” declares the Lord, “and work. For I am with you,” declares the Lord Almighty.

Isaiah 10:1-2 Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, 2 to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of My people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 14 And do everything with love.

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Ephesians 5:27 That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

May you call upon the Lord without ceasing, giving Him no rest till He establishes His kingdom in His people, that He will receive the praise from all the earth for what He has done in our lives. Isaiah 62

May you joyfully participate in the work the Lord sets before you, gladly following the leading of His Spirit, for though the assignments are humbling and the effort required is hard, the Lord brings a reward of comfort and a recompense of peace with Him; you will receive the honor and beauty which holiness brings and you will be admired, beloved and sought after as the redeemed of the Lord, for He will not forsake those He has sanctified. Isaiah 62

May you stand with the Lord and tell of His kindnesses, sharing the deeds for which He is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for you, according to His compassion and abundance of steadfast love, for though, in the day of His vengeance, He tramples down the spiritual forces that stand against His will and pours out His wrath against the people who willingly follow His enemies, He will bring the year of His redemption to those who gladly seek His face. Isaiah 63

May you know that God is your Father, though Abraham does not know you nor could Israel recognize you, yet from the beginning has the Lord been your Father, for your Redeemer has always been His name. Isaiah 63

May you remember the ways of God and gladly do what is right as you wait for Him, for the Lord will come to your help and, acting on your behalf, do awesome things that you did not expect, by which you can make His name known to those who do not know Him. Isaiah 64

May you be willing to be the clay which is shaped at the hand, and by the will, of the Potter, the Lord, your Father, for there is no greater joy than to be accepted, shaped, and used by God to His glory. Isaiah 64

May you seek the Lord, and desire to serve Him, for He will keep you in His care; His servants will eat, but those who forsake Him will go hungry; you will drink, but they will thirst; you will rejoice, but they will be shamed; you will sing with heartfelt joy, but they will cry with heartfelt anguish; you will receive a new name, but their name will become a curse. Isaiah 65

My child, does the earth hold anything that you desire above Me? Is there anyone in heaven you hold more dear than Me? Is there any counsel you value more than Mine? Think long on these questions, My called-out one, before you answer, for truth is sometimes obscured by ready answers. For whom do you lay up delicacies in your heart, and with whom do you choose to share the fruits you have prepared from the garden of your soul? The one to whom you turn in your leisure must be the same one you seek in your need, for you cannot serve two masters, and no double-minded follower can expect to receive anything from Me. Guard your heart, My love, and do not be distracted from your appointed task. I am returning for you soon, My cherished one; make yourself ready to welcome Me in the purity and holiness I desire. I do not speak of the stains you have from defending the defenseless, nor the spatters that cling as you feed the hungry, for those are badges of honor and jewels of value. I speak of the taint of self-indulgence and the smear of undisciplined living; those are the stains that besmirch the name I give you, and bring dishonor to the One who has engrafted you into the family of God. There is time if you turn to Me, wholly and unreservedly. Why would you yearn after and reach out for that which is perishing even as you watch? Let My love fill your heart again; you shall be clean and your eye shall be single. Do not wait, My precious one, for the time to gather you to Me is approaching quickly.

May you be glad and rejoice in what the Lord creates, for He will make His people to be a joy and His dwelling place to be a delight, creating new heavens with a new earth and causing the past troubles to be forgotten, hidden from His eyes, for the former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind, and the sound of weeping and crying will be heard no more. Isaiah 65

May you be grateful at being accepted of the Lord, for the days of His people will be as the days of a tree, blessed by the Lord, both you and your descendants, for you will long enjoy the works of your hands since you will not toil in vain, and before you call, the Lord will answer, for He will hear while you are still speaking. Isaiah 65

May you rejoice in the Lord as you worship by the Spirit of God, glory in Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh, for He will protect you from those who do evil. Philippians 3

May you be pure in heart before God, not envying the arrogant when you see the prosperity of the wicked, for though they appear carefree without effort, their final destiny will be sudden destruction without remedy. Psalm 73

May you desire nothing earth has as much as God, for He is always with you, holding you by the hand, guiding you with His counsel, escorting you into glory; though your flesh and heart may fail, His is the strength of your heart and your portion forever. Psalm 73

May you make the Sovereign Lord your refuge, telling of all His deeds, for those whose hearts have turned far from God will perish, and He destroys all who are unfaithful to Him, but because you have made Him the desire of your heart, you find how good it is to be near to the Lord. Psalm 73

May you find wisdom from God, for it will be a hope for you that will not be cut off. Proverbs 24:14

[pastorelpa]

Psalm 68:4-6

Compassionate to all

Dear Lord, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude and praise. Thank You for setting the lonely in families and bringing freedom to those bound in chains, for Your restorative power and boundless love. Help me to reflect Your heart in my life, caring for those in need and seeking justice for the oppressed. Help me to stay away from rebellion and guide me into the abundant life You offer. Thank You for Your everlasting compassion and justice.

Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name Jah, and rejoice before him. A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land. (Psalm 68:4-6)

The Lord is compassionate and majestic, for He is eternal. He is caring for all who needs care and guidance. He won't let you alone in your suffering, He is indifferent, but makes sure you will have a community, makes sure You will be defended and cared for. He sees you and loves you. He listens to your cries. His grace is a shield for the weak and His mercy a balm for the wounded. The Lord lifts the humble and strengthens the weary. His love is an everlasting river, flowing through the hearts of those who seek Him. He guides the steps of the righteous and leads them to a place of peace. His light dispels the darkness and His truth endures forever. His promises are steadfast and His faithfulness reaches to the heavens. Let all who seek refuge in Him be glad for He is our rock and our salvation. He gathers His children under His wings and protects them from harm. His love is our comfort, and His presence is our joy.

In these verses we encounter the majestic and compassionate nature of our God, a God who is both transcendent in His glory and tender in His care for the most vulnerable among us. We are called to worship with joy and reverence. We are called to sing unto God, to lift our voices in praise of His holy name. Our worship is a joyful response to the greatness and goodness of our Creator. God is described as "he that rideth upon the heavens," a vivid image of His sovereign power and majesty. When we call out His name, "Jah", which is a shortened form of Jehovah, we acknowledge His eternal existence and supreme authority. This act of rejoicing before Him is a declaration of our trust and delight in His divine rule.

The compassionate heart of God is revealed in "A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.". He is not distant or indifferent to the suffering of His people. Instead, He is a father to the fatherless and a defender of widows. In ancient times, orphans and widows were among the most vulnerable members of society, often neglected and oppressed. Yet God, in His holy habitation, is deeply concerned for their well-being. God’s justice is not abstract, it is personal and tender. He steps into the brokenness of our world to provide care and protection for those who have no one else to defend them. This truth is a source of great comfort for us today. No matter how isolated or vulnerable we may feel, we can trust that God sees us, loves us, and will act on our behalf.

We can see the restorative and redemptive work of God in "God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains.". He takes the lonely and places them in families, providing them with love and community. This speaks to the deep human need for connection and belonging, a need that God is eager to fulfil. He liberates those who are bound with chains. Whether these chains are physical, emotional, or spiritual, God is a God of deliverance. He breaks the bonds of oppression and sets the captives free. This is the heart of the Gospel message: liberation from sin and death through the saving work of Jesus Christ.

The final clause of this verse serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of rejecting God’s ways. While God’s desire is to bless and restore all, those who harden their hearts and persist in rebellion will find themselves in a dry and barren place. This dryness is not just physical but also spiritual, representing a life devoid of the richness and abundance that comes from a relationship with God. We are invited to a profound understanding of God’s character. He is mighty and majestic, worthy of all our praise. Yet, He is also compassionate and just, caring deeply for the vulnerable and the ones that feel lost. He invites us into His family, breaks our chains, and offers us a life of fullness and joy. Let us respond to this invitation with hearts full of gratitude, singing praises to His name and living in the light of His love. May we also reflect His heart in our own lives, caring for the vulnerable and seeking justice for the oppressed. And let us choose the abundant life that comes from walking in His ways.

Amen

With love, Pastor Elpa

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

5th November >> Mass Readings (Except USA)

Tuesday, Thirty First Week in Ordinary Time 

or

Saint Martin de Porres, Religious.

Tuesday, Thirty First Week in Ordinary Time 

Liturgical Colour: Green. Year: B(II).

Readings at Mass

First Reading Philippians 2:5-11 Christ humbled himself but God raised him high.

In your minds you must be the same as Christ Jesus:

His state was divine, yet he did not cling to his equality with God but emptied himself to assume the condition of a slave, and became as men are; and being as all men are, he was humbler yet, even to accepting death, death on a cross. But God raised him high and gave him the name which is above all other names so that all beings in the heavens, on earth and in the underworld, should bend the knee at the name of Jesus and that every tongue should acclaim Jesus Christ as Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 21(22):26-32

R/ You are my praise, O Lord, in the great assembly.

My vows I will pay before those who fear the Lord. The poor shall eat and shall have their fill. They shall praise the Lord, those who seek him. May their hearts live for ever and ever!

R/ You are my praise, O Lord, in the great assembly.

All the earth shall remember and return to the Lord, all families of the nations worship before him; for the kingdom is the Lord’s, he is ruler of the nations. They shall worship him, all the mighty of the earth.

R/ You are my praise, O Lord, in the great assembly.

And my soul shall live for him, my children serve him. They shall tell of the Lord to generations yet to come, declare his faithfulness to peoples yet unborn: ‘These things the Lord has done.’

R/ You are my praise, O Lord, in the great assembly.

Gospel Acclamation cf. Ephesians 1:17,18

Alleluia, alleluia! May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our mind, so that we can see what hope his call holds for us. Alleluia!

Or: Matthew 11:28

Alleluia, alleluia! Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest, says the Lord. Alleluia!

Gospel Luke 14:15-24 'Not one of those who were invited shall have a taste of my banquet'.

One of those gathered round the table said to Jesus, ‘Happy the man who will be at the feast in the kingdom of God!’ But he said to him, ‘There was a man who gave a great banquet, and he invited a large number of people. When the time for the banquet came, he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, “Come along: everything is ready now.” But all alike started to make excuses. The first said, “I have bought a piece of land and must go and see it. Please accept my apologies.” Another said, “I have bought five yoke of oxen and am on my way to try them out. Please accept my apologies.” Yet another said, “I have just got married and so am unable to come.” ‘The servant returned and reported this to his master. Then the householder, in a rage, said to his servant, “Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in here the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.” “Sir” said the servant “your orders have been carried out and there is still room.” Then the master said to his servant, “Go to the open roads and the hedgerows and force people to come in to make sure my house is full; because, I tell you, not one of those who were invited shall have a taste of my banquet.”’

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

-----------------------

Saint Martin de Porres, Religious 

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II))

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Tuesday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading Philippians 4:4-9 If there is anything you need, pray for it.

I want you to be happy, always happy in the Lord; I repeat, what I want is your happiness. Let your tolerance be evident to everyone: the Lord is very near. There is no need to worry; but if there is anything you need, pray for it, asking God for it with prayer and thanksgiving, and that peace of God, which is so much greater than we can understand, will guard your hearts and your thoughts, in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, fill your minds with everything that is true, everything that is noble, everything that is good and pure, everything that we love and honour, and everything that can be thought virtuous or worthy of praise. Keep doing all the things that you learnt from me and have been taught by me and have heard or seen that I do. Then the God of peace will be with you.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 130(131)

R/ Keep my soul in peace before you, O Lord.

O Lord, my heart is not proud nor haughty my eyes. I have not gone after things too great nor marvels beyond me.

R/ Keep my soul in peace before you, O Lord.

Truly I have set my soul in silence and peace. A weaned child on its mother’s breast, even so is my soul.

R/ Keep my soul in peace before you, O Lord.

O Israel, hope in the Lord both now and forever.

R/ Keep my soul in peace before you, O Lord.

Gospel Acclamation John 13:34

Alleluia, alleluia! I give you a new commandment: love one another just as I have loved you, says the Lord. Alleluia!

Gospel Matthew 22:34-40 The commandments of love.

When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees they got together and, to disconcert him, one of them put a question, ‘Master, which is the greatest commandment of the Law?’ Jesus said, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second resembles it: You must love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments hang the whole Law, and the Prophets also.’

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[theprinceofpeacesposts]

The Hand Of God

“Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them.” Matthew 6:25-26

 

Another way God provides for you is by His mighty hand. Joseph took care of his family for many years, and for a long time, they had nothing to worry about. Pharaoh was their source. God used the hand of man as their provision in that season. But then the Bible says, “And there arose another Pharaoh after he died that knew not Joseph nor his God,” and everything changed. Suddenly, all the resources they had put their faith in were removed from their life. 

 

You may be in a season where you feel like suddenly the source you had been relying on is now gone. Maybe you’ve lost your job, lost a big contract, or have become unable to work due to an illness. When a big financial shift occurs in your life, God can teach you a principle. People may bless you in many ways, but do not become reliant on them as your source. They were a faucet that the source flowed from, but you only have one source, and that is God. The ravens and the widow who fed Elijah were just a faucet to pour out God’s provision, but they were not the source. 

 

God doesn’t want you to fall to pieces every time your financial situation changes. He wants you to know that He is your source in that moment of change. In Exodus 16:14, God sent manna from heaven in the wilderness to feed the children of Israel. There are still miracles of provision today. God can and will bless you supernaturally when you have a need. Declare today, “My God will supply all my needs according to His riches.”

 

In Matthew 17, Peter was in need of money to pay his taxes. Jesus tells him, “Go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a coin. Take the coin and pay the tax for both of us.” Jesus could have just had some rich follower pay the taxes, but He wanted Peter to witness a supernatural provision so he would never forget who his source was. 

 

Take time today to look around and praise God for all the blessings you have that you may have never dreamed you could have. He opened doors no man could shut, and He paved the way for you to have what you have. But you’ll never be blessed with more until you become grateful and give Him the glory for what you have now. God has been good to you, so give Him thanks today!

[betterpathoflyfe]

12/31/23 - Peace in the Transition

As 2023 comes to a close, I can honestly say that in its totality — it was a good year.

A stretching year. A growing pains year. A lowkey, kinda highkey TOUGH year.

But a good year nevertheless.

I’ve learned a lot about certain habits, mindsets, standards that I need to let go of, and equally the ones that I want to embody.

Yet, letting go has always been a bit difficult for me. The balance between moving forward when I wanted to stay put and trying again even when I knew what the end result would be, was…not fun, to say the least.

But I know that I am in transition — that God is doing a new thing in this next chapter of my life, and I’ve finally…finally come in agreement.

I’ve finally found peace in the transition because I’ve surrendered it to Him.

I had a conversation with one of my friends a few weeks back regarding things we wish each other would experience moving forward, and she mentioned this idea of peace. And honestly, I have been doing so much this year when it comes to my job and finishing this Master’s degree (but by the graaaaaace of God, we have officially finished our Master’s program!!!), that I felt like I was chasing my tail! There was just so much going on that I couldn’t take a minute to breathe.

That being said, one Sunday night, as I preparing to bake chicken for my dad, I reflected on my conversation with her and the different things that have come to an end, as well as the ones that are going to begin in the new year.

And in that moment of preparing to bake chicken, I reflected on how far God has brought me. And how, even in the midst of the various things that occurred this year, His hand never let me go. He kept me, He pruned me, and He has blessed me abundantly…above allll that I can ask or think, COME ON SOMEBODY!!! 😭🙌🏿 (Ephesians 3:20-21)

But seriously…it just made me stop and really…smile! And be all the more grateful. Because His favor, His grace, His mercy, is not dependent on us, but on Who He is. And what He has done for me, and continues to do for me, makes me want to do nothing more than to praise His name and tell others about what Him!

And then, even today, right? My pastor, at the end of the service, declared over us that that this will be a year of establishment. And right when he said that, it was like I felt the Holy Spirit all through me — like it was the biggest confirmation for me yet! He even talked about how some of us have been sitting on gifts that God has put in our hearts to do, and that is the truth!! We have got to do what God has instructed us to do, because all of this is really about bringing Him glory, bringing people to Christ, and seeing Heaven crowded at the end of the day, right?

All of this to say, I really believe 2024 is going to be that year of establishment. Not just for myself, but others as well, and I’m so excited about it. I’m expectant. But as these different aspects and seasons develop and eventually come to fruition, I have so much peace in the transition, and I pray you do as well.

Happy New Year, and God bless you <3

And here’s to renewed consistency with these blogposts! 😅🥂

"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." ~ Philippians 3:13-14

~ May the Author