bible verses – Page 5 – Sugar And Spice… Among Other Things

Christian, Daily, Personal Musings, Stories Around the World

Gentle Reminder

Posted on July 28, 2019May 21, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.” (Proverbs 8:17)

During the Christian life, one often longs for subtle signs during difficult times and moments that God is with us. What one often fails to realize is that what we perceive as a sign, mayn’t be so. In general there was a principle followed by my parents, “If at first it doesn’t feel just within, then it mayn’t be right.”

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During the perceived difficult situations, as promised through His Word and the Scriptures, the Lord is always beside His People. Though the voice mayn’t be loud or advice sounded with a blaring horn; certain distinct pointers and emotions may be felt, recalled to mind or highlighted from the situations around us. Then the innate sixth sense comes to life, reassuring one of the prayers for a way out and the hope for a brighter tomorrow; as one learns to believe.

“No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” (Acts 15:11)

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“The man whispered:
– Lord, talk to me.
And meadow grass sang. But the man did not hear. And then the man cried out:
– Lord, speak to me!
And thunder and lightning rolled across the sky. But the man did not hear. He looked round and prayed:
– Lord, let me see you.
And the stars shone brightly. But the man did not notice. He cried in despair:
– Touch me, Lord, and let me know that You are here.
And the Lord touched the man. But the man brushed a butterfly off his shoulder and went away …”

“Know therefore that the LORD your God, he is God, the faithful God, which keeps covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations.” (Deuteronomy 7:9)

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Christian, Daily, Family and Society, Life, Reflections

When in a Quandary

Posted on July 7, 2019April 20, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

Flights cancelled due to bad weather. Consequently connecting flights lost. Whether refunded or not, the planned visit, trip, seminar or conference mayn’t work with plans delayed, changed or cancelled.

Daycare and school cancelled owing to unforeseeable circumstances. Grandparents out of town. No leave available. Working from home for both parents aren’t an option. Adjustments and decisions need to made quickly so that children aren’t left alone during office hours.

Stuck in a traffic block and getting late for an appointment, all this happening even though one had started off early.

Traffic diversions. Routes re-routed. Unprecedented road chaos. Job insecurities. Health affected. Promotion with long distance transfer. Lost employment opportunities. Loans and bills overdue.

During all the above scenarios and many more that may have a similar resonance to the above situations; evoking the same feelings of sudden disappointment, fear of the unknown, acute helplessness at the situation and disturbance of the routine or the expected; the words of the psalmist echoes in my mind, ” I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” (Psalms 121:1-2)

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Each of us, have our own share of problems and difficulties, maybe known only to us; while others perceive a rosy picture. Yet God above, who has created us, knowing every hair on our head (Luke 12:7) will never forsake us. Troubles will always come, in one form or the other; but tackling them, for any Christian, requires immense Faith and Trust that His Grace will always be with us. While on one hand, we do put our complete Faith in the Lord; on the other hand He demands us to still put our efforts and deal with the situations as best as we can (1 Timothy 5:8). When we allow God to work in our lives through Faith, it is by His Will that plans go, though at the same time, we continue our life and work by His Principle and His Teachings as the Scriptures have and still are teaching us.

For the practising Christian, there are innumerable places where when things have gone out of hand, sudden unexpected help had changed the scene or after a series of what may mean as “lost opportunities”, blessings in a more better manner with more feasibility or rewards were received, bringing peace and happiness within. When the balance tilts, the most important thing is to keep the Faith and go on giving one’s best shot, no matter what may come. God will always help is His Time, by His Will as per as His Plans, especially when Faith, Courage and Trust never waivers.

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Psalm 121
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

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Christian, Daily, Family and Society, Life, Stories Around the World

Of Request and Trust

Posted on June 30, 2019June 23, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” ( Phillipians 4:6)

From the very early years of childhood, the concept of prayer has been taught, explained and seen. Through the Scriptures, prayer has been a form of request, supplication, thanksgiving, forgiveness, help and many more. Prayer is the way in which one puts their complete trust and faith in His Love, His Guidance, His Mercy as well as ask for His Hands to be over us at all times.

“But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me.” (Psalm 22:19)

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Yet man being man, the innate nature of trying to control every outcome to his own plan and purpose, little realizing or often forgetting that we ourselves are a part of His Plan. In fact, our lives are such that whichever way we go or whatever purpose or aim we try to reach, unless it is governed by His Will, all attempts or successes are in vain and in the long run, come to naught.

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” (Ephesians 3:16)

While man tries to define everything by rational thinking, controlling of the causes and nurture by evidence based principles, put on the armour of reasoning, facts, logic and proved theories; not all things happen by those clauses. Many a time, one is forced to revise the “proved” of find a reason to define the change. In stead, when one learns to combine these facts, logic and realism with faith in the His Will, one eventually realizes that good things do happen at His right time. Doing so, in the long run, the final outcome may be beyond our wildest expectations. One needs to work and pray, doing their own share of effort, burning one’s own energy and sweat for their purpose or aims in life; but always request in prayer to let our will be in accordance with His Will and His Purpose. When one starts putting this ideology in practice, one discovers that this path will be difficult. For to live by the principles of both Faith and Trust is never easy; yet the final fruit goes beyond one’s own imagination.

“It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.” (Psalms 18:32)

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One monk planted an olive tree and began to pray: “Lord, send rain to my tree.” And the Lord sent rain upon the earth. The tree was saturated with moisture, and the monk continued to pray: “And now, Lord, I ask you to send a lot of sunshine – my tree needs warmth.” And the Lord sent the sun. The tree grew. The monk continued to pray for him: “Lord, send a little frost to strengthen the roots and branches.” The Lord sent a frost and …. the tree died. The monk was very upset. He went to another monk to tell his story and share sorrow.

“I also have an olive tree, look,” another monk replied. His tree has grown beautifully. “But I prayed differently. I told God that He is the Creator of this tree and knows better what is needed for him. I just asked God to take care of him.”
This also applies to us. We often ask for what we think we need. But only the Lord knows what we need. Trust Him completely!
– Rus Svyataya

“If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” ( 1 Peter 4:11)

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Christian, Daily, Family and Society, Life, Reflections

“Situational Awareness” From Within

Posted on June 16, 2019June 15, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“This is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.” (Philippians 1:9)

With the long weekend off from work and the longing to go somewhere new, the whole joint family, with grandparents, children and all of us “working adults” found ourselves onward to the nearest hill station for an impromptu getaway. While exploring the national parks, wildlife boat rides as well as the mini treks, the constant checking if everyone was there, paying attention to those around us as well as what was going on. Today on reflecting the events of the past few days, the realization of how we were all silently practising the art of “situational awareness” had come as a surprise. The sad truth is the time such that the world we live in; it isn’t safe anymore.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5)

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The concept of “situational awareness” has been drilled into military, law and order as well as defense to be their second nature. Yet with changing times, the more we see or hear of the current scenarios, the gravity and need for “being awake and alert” with every situation from a very young age arises. the everyday life demands that the consideration of the complexity of people, relationships, bills, jobs and responsibilities. One needs to have an innate awareness of their surroundings no matter how engrossing the task at hand may be or whether one is in a hurry. Even if cellphones are at hand, earphones on or if one is prepared; unless one stays awake, alert and aware, things may go out of hand.

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? ” (1 Corinthians 6:19)

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Situational awareness doesn’t exist based on physical, social or emotional front alone, but also on a spiritual level. Going downhill may take only a few moments, the struggle lies in going upwards and in the right way. The honest, true and just way is never easy. To fall into traps, snares and temptations along the journey in life can happen in a single moment, yet the ramifications can be huge, irreversible and regrettable. Which is why constant renewal of faith through His Word is necessary in these times.

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” (John 16:13)

Prayer should echo the desire for increasing discernment with respect to the who, what, where and why of the situation. Going to the extreme of “being aware” would result in a load of worry, skepticism as well as unrest within. Instead seek His Word, His Wisdom and Guidance so as to remove the blinders from our eyes and see the complete picture around us. The best way of living would be when our lives springs from within with the awareness of God. Doing so would enable us to be “situationally aware” at all fronts of physical, social, emotional, mental as well as spiritual levels. Each one is given one life to live. While chances may be between few or many, it’s how we change situations or use them while being “alert and aware” is what matters the most. Just like time can never be reversed, life goes on always.

“Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.” ( Proverbs 26:4)

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Christian, Family and Society, Life, Quotes, Stories Around the World

Mosaic Aspects of the Golden Rule

Posted on May 26, 2019May 22, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Those who are not looking for happiness are the most likely to find it, because those who are searching forget that the surest way to be happy is to seek happiness for others.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

One of the greatest benefits and downfalls of the social order is, being subject to and as well as adding to the actions and behaviour that affects not just own but also others. Ranging from the work place to the general market, local stores, neighbourhood and community fronts or even on the routine commute; one comes across a number of situations where direct involvement or even being an indirect viewer; where one may object to an “n” number of things. Yet dealing with those situations should be done in a very tact, moralistic and delicate manner, learning not to impart offense but to be at peace aftermath.

“When a man is guided by the principles of reciprocity and consciousness, he is not far from the moral law. Whatever you don’t wish for yourself don’t do unto others.” Confucius

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One of the Golden Rules of the Social Order often quoted in almost every religious and ancient philosophical writings of behavioural and social precepts like the New Testament, Talmud, Koran, the Analects of Confucius and many more; state that one should behave and act towards others as one would want it to be done to one’s self. To quote one of the earliest appearances in English is Earl Rivers’ translation of a saying of Socrates ( Dictes and Sayenges of the Philosophirs , 1477): “Do to other as thou wouldst they should do to thee, and do to none other but as thou wouldst be done to.”

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Mathew 7:12)

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One of the commands based on words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, this Mosaic law holds a parallel commandment: “Whatever is hurtful to you, do not do to any other person.” Despite the universal saying of “What goes around, comes around”, at times the temptation to strike back is very high. Yet the effect, guilt, regrets and remorse aftermath is more min and conscience numbing. Instead holding back may be more internally satisfactory for one. Whether the behaviour we unto others may benefit us at a later stage or not, is irrelevant for by doing the right then, we will be so much more at peace within for a long time.

“The reason for our success is no secret. It comes down to one single principle that transcends time and geography, religion and culture. It’s the Golden Rule – the simple idea that if you treat people well, the way you would like to be treated, they will do the same.” Isadore Sharp

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Two Neighbors

A wise and successful man bought a beautiful house with a huge orchard. But, not all were happy for him. An envious man lived in an old house next to him. He constantly tried to make his fellow neighbor’s stay in the beautiful house as miserable as possible. He threw garbage under his gate and made other nasty things. One fine day the wise man woke up in a good mood and went into the porch to notice buckets of garbage thrown there. The man took a bucket , cleaned his porch. He carried a bucket and went to knock his envious neighbor‘s door. The envious neighbor heard a knock at his door and gleefully thought, “ I finally got him!”. He answered his door ready to quarrel with his successful neighbor. However the wise man gave him a bucket of freshly picked apples saying, “The one who is rich in something, shares it with others.”

“The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.” Benjamin Disraeli

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Christian, Daily, Family and Society, Personal Musings, poetry, Quotes

Unexpected Rays of “Providence”

Posted on May 19, 2019March 18, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Every disability conceals a vocation, if only we can find it, which will ‘turn the necessity to glorious gain.” C.S. Lewis

Unexpected occasions arise in one’s life at different points in their time frame. Yet while one mayn’t look for it, help often comes by His Grace.

Often unexpectedly, at a good hour, one may meet a person who disperses the clouds that have gathered in our soul, unwittingly resolving some of our personal problems.

” “Can you discover the depths of God? Can you discover the limits of the Almighty? “They are high as the heavens, what can you do? Deeper than Sheol, what can you know? “Its measure is longer than the earth And broader than the sea.” (Job 11:7-9)

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Often it may be so that one happens to hear from another person a word that pleases them, or to say someone an encouraging word. Or suddenly one may receive a letter from someone, and precisely when it is necessary be it at a low point in one’s life or when one has been waiting for the “lost” opportunity for some time.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Often when one is deeply entangled in the circumstances life has thrown them into, when one is desperately trying to reason within their views and thinking, trying to get out of the hopeless situation; when suddenly something happens that radically changes the situation. Thus by inference unexpected meetings, kind words, cherished and promised letters and such situations as well as kind deeds towards oneself are all signs given to as reminders, lessons, admonitions, encouragement or as a call to remind one of the Grace of God and the gift of Providence.

“Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?” (Mathew 6:26)

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Among the phrases handed down in the various cultures, there is a Chinese saying that all the darkness of the universe can not extinguish the smallest candle. It would do well to remember this during the dark phases of one’s life. When one knows and learns of this, the most ugly situations and the most terrible people may be viewed by different angles and seek out the spark of light. For Providence does indeed hold out the light, only it mayn’t be somewhere expected. When one believes in His Grace, Faith and Love; along the way one will find the rays that Providence throws offering the sparks and the rays to live.

“Numerous have been the manifestations of God’s providence in sustaining us. In the gloomy period of adversity, we have had ‘our cloud by day and pillar of fire by night.’ We have been reduced to distress, and the arm of Omnipotence has raised us up.” Samuel Adams

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“Life is but a Weaving” (the Tapestry Poem)

“My life is but a weaving
Between my God and me.
I cannot choose the colors
He weaveth steadily.

Oft’ times He weaveth sorrow;
And I in foolish pride
Forget He sees the upper
And I the underside.

Not ’til the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Will God unroll the canvas
And reveal the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful
In the weaver’s skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned

He knows, He loves, He cares;
Nothing this truth can dim.
He gives the very best to those
Who leave the choice to Him.”
― Corrie ten Boom

“……and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation…” (Acts 17:26)

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Christian, Life, Personal Musings, Reflections

Of Easter, Hope and New Beginnings

Posted on April 21, 2019April 21, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25 )

Easter, known as Pascha (Greek, Latin) or Resurrection Sunday, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, occurring on the third day of his burial after his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary c. 30 AD.

For the practicing Christian, Easter symbolizes love, forgiveness, renewal and hope. It signifies the ultimate triumph against the inner conflict of sin, that man is always prone to. Easter also highlights the grace of God, the ultimate sacrifice of His Son as well as new beginnings through Christ.

Source:https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/g18211259/best-easter-quotes-sayings

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“God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.” Saint Augustine

Sacrifice is never easy. The modern day concept of love often mars the age old concept of “sacrifice”. Today the love is affirmed by open declarations and shows of splendour, lavishness, gifts and many more outlandish, expensive or exotic ways; all more or less involving materialism, wealth, money and riches. The old love of making a cup of tea for the better half, picking up cloths and socks off the floor to help reduce the chores, helping in the cooking, cleaning, washing and above all, making time to be just there at the most difficult, stressful times as well as lending an ear and hand, all involves “love” of the sacrificial type. To discern the true bonds of love among “better halves”, family and friends, is never easy but involves immense and mutual understanding, kindness, sacrifice, acceptance and forgiveness.

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Source:https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/g18211259/best-easter-quotes-sayings

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“Love always involves responsibility, and love always involves sacrifice. And we do not really love Christ unless we are prepared to face His task and to take up His Cross.” William Barclay

How more magnificent is the love and grace of God towards his creation, Man. Sacrificing His Son for the sins of man, even though He was innocent. Agape love or “selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love” describes the kind of love Jesus Christ has for his Father and for his followers.” As the Corinthian Love teaches us ( 1 Corinthians 13:4-8), love can indeed go a long way to bring humaneness back into the modern living.

“But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.” (Matthew 28:5-6)

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Source:https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/g18211259/best-easter-quotes-sayings

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The proof of Good over Evil, Right over the Wrong and Truth over Sin, is highlighted by the resurrection of Christ, marking Easter. The significance of Eternal Life is highlighted. Although man decries his own fellow beings with heresy, false accusations, biased notions and framed wrong doings; in the end truth will always be revealed, if not now then later. Through His Resurrection, the war against good and evil is highlighted; bringing second chances as well as hope to man.

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” Ephesians 1:7-10

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Source:https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/g18211259/best-easter-quotes-sayings

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The underlying theme of Christian faith is echoed in Easter. Echoed through the concept of living sacrifice, as seen through Easter, the worldly lives don’t conform by the rules of the world, but by the laws of the Lord and the fruits of the Holy Spirit. True Faith involves love, hope, kindness, gentleness and above all, forgiveness for one’s own faults more than others. Easter symbolizes the hope of renewal, love of God, His Grace, His Mercy, His Forgiveness as redemption through Christ. The messages of Easter when echoed through the Christian Life year round, as well as one can, would make a small but huge difference to one’s own life as well as the lives around us. Most of all, one can be at peace within and live the given life on Earth to the tunes of own happiness, contentment as well as harmony.

“The great gift of Easter is hope – Christian hope which makes us have that confidence in God, in his ultimate triumph, and in his goodness and love, which nothing can shake.” Basil Hume