Why Not?

"Don't ask 'why', ask instead, 'why not?' - John F. Kennedy

I never forget watching a documentary on Superman (Christopher Reeve) where he was asked if he ever questioned why he had to end up as a Quadraplegic. In other words, did he ever ask, "why me?"

In a profound response Reeve said something along the line of, "just cause I am a famous actor doesn't excuse me from pain. Perhaps I should ask the question "WHY NOT ME?"

We are all going to experience some kind of trial and tribulation in our lives. This applies to every human being. When we experience tough times it is not an indication that God has a personal vendetta against us. God still loves us and will be with us during our tough times.
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Living in Grace is written by Delme Linscott, a minister and author. Delme's first book was 'Living Oceans Apart’ and he has just completed his second which is called 'Now: Refuse to let the moment pass.' You can find out more on www.livingingrace.co.za

Which Way?

"Teach me your way, O Lord;
Lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors." - Psalm 27:11

How do you know if the decision you are about to make is the right one? And whether it is part of God's will? Well, there are many books written on this subject, but let me offer a few thoughts:

1. Scripture - is the decision you are about to make contrary to what the Bible teaches? It the answer is 'Yes', then don't go there!
2. Spirit - what do you sense the Holy Spirit is saying to you about this? Are you at peace?
3. Spiritual friends - it is wise to consult a few trusted Christian friends. If they are confirming your decision then trust their advice.
4. Situations - are there certain 'doors' opening for you, which previously were closed shut! Perhaps God could be paving the way for your decision.

Of course, life is not as clear cut as this, but I hope that this helps a little. Trust in God to lead you into 'paths of righteousness'. God is big enough to guide you through these adventurous days.

Live in Grace!


(Image from http://1.bp.blogspot.com)

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Living in Grace is written by Delme Linscott, a minister and author. Delme's first book was 'Living Oceans Apart’ and he has just completed his second which is called 'Now: Refuse to let the moment pass.' You can find out more on www.livingingrace.co.za

Speaking Frog

Can you speak Frog?

What I mean is, when a Frog 'croaks' outside your window, do you understand what they are saying? To be honest, I have no clue.
However, if I could speak a Frog-language I may have been able to save the frog that jumped into one of our outside containers and got stuck. As I was cleaning up yesterday I noticed that the frog had died inside the container - he only died because he couldn't jump out again (don't ask me how he got in there in the first place!)

I am sure that the frog tried to call out for help, but no one in my family understands "Frog" so we weren't able to rescue him.

I thank God that the Holy Spirit understands and interprets my sighing and groaning. God understands all there is to know about me and God comes to our rescue. I just need to trust that God is watching out for me.

Be encouraged that God understands our "Frog language." :)

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Living in Grace is written by Delme Linscott, a minister and author. Delme's first book was 'Living Oceans Apart’ and he has just completed his second which is called 'Now: Refuse to let the moment pass.' You can find out more on www.livingingrace.co.za

Blink

Last week went by in a flash. It is almost as if in the blink of an eye 7 days passed by. I feel that we have these periods in our lives from time to time - we don't seem to be able to make time slow down - things just blur from one day into another. It's alright to have weeks like this, but my worry is that when our lives become like this permanently, we begin to lose a sense of control. Others control our time and decisions and over a long period of time, this can be dangerous.

We need to be avoiding the 'blink week' becoming the 'blink life' by putting a few measures in place:
1. Planned rest
2. Planned refueling - filling our spirits with the Word of God and by prayer.
3. Planned time with family and friends
4. Planned review - take 4 hours a month to reflect on everything that you are doing and evaluated whether you need to 'do' all of these things.

Just a few thoughts - what do you feel?
Please don't let your life just rush by in the 'blink of an eye!'

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Living in Grace is written by Delme Linscott, a minister and author. Delme's first book was 'Living Oceans Apart’ and he has just completed his second which is called 'Now: Refuse to let the moment pass.' You can find out more on www.livingingrace.co.za

Above All Else

Thomas a Kempis was an inspired man. In one of his writings he wrote these words:

"Above all else, and in everything,
my soul must rest in God.
Let me, O Living Jesus, rest in you,
above every created thing,
above health and beauty,
above glory and honour,
above power and dignity,
above wisdom and cunning,
above riches and arts,
above joy and gladness,
above fame and praise,
above pleasure and comfort,
above hope and promise,
above things earned and things desired,
above gifts and favours,
above mirth and merrymaking."

May we trust in Jesus today, above all else.
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Living in Grace is written by Delme Linscott, a minister and author. Delme's first book was 'Living Oceans Apart’ and he has just completed his second which is called 'Now: Refuse to let the moment pass.' You can find out more on www.livingingrace.co.za

Small Grows to BIG

One of the hindrances in our spiritual growth is our frustration with the lack of progress we see. We feel we should be further along the Christian road, than we actually are and this demoralises us. God is not disappointed in our 'small' attempts to follow Christ, as long as we are deeply committed to His cause and willing to count the long-term cost of being a disciple.

Do you think that God despises the acorn because it looks so small and insignificant? Of course not. God knows that within that small seed lies massive potential. God sees the same in you. Don't be discouraged, keep your eyes on Jesus.

Ephesians 4:14 – “We are not meant to remain as children at the mercy of every chance wind of teaching...but we are meant to speak the truth in love, and to grow up in every way into Christ, the head.”

We will see growth when we surrender our entire lives into his hands.

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Living in Grace is written by Delme Linscott, a minister and author. Delme's first book was 'Living Oceans Apart’ and he has just completed his second which is called 'Now: Refuse to let the moment pass.' You can find out more on www.livingingrace.co.za

Today

I have been reminded again of the urgency of 'the moment.' It came via a blogpost from Seth Godin. In his post he quotes these monumental words from Martin Luther King Jnr.

"We are now faced with the fact, my friends, that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late. Procrastination is still the thief of time. Life often leaves us standing bare, naked, and dejected with a lost opportunity. The tide in the affairs of men does not remain at flood -- it ebbs. We may cry out desperately for time to pause in her passage, but time is adamant to every plea and rushes on. Over the bleached bones and jumbled residues of numerous civilizations are written the pathetic words, "Too late."

Wow, wow, wow!

The Scriptures say this in a similar way:

Hebrews 4:7 - "God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”

Do it NOW!_
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Living in Grace is written by Delme Linscott, a minister and author. Delme's first book was 'Living Oceans Apart’ and he has just completed his second which is called 'Now: Refuse to let the moment pass.' You can find out more on www.livingingrace.co.za