Wisdom at it's Best

Some people have a gift of putting deep thoughts into few words. Saint Augustine was one of these gifted people. Digest these words:

"In essentials, unity.
In non-essentials, liberty.
In all things, charity." - Augustine

2 John 1:3 - "Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, will be with us in truth and love."

Live in Grace!

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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

Lessons from the World Cup - part 2

Have you noticed that there are a number of arrogant coaches and players at the World Cup? I always feel it is stupid to speak out before a game, as this leaves you open for all kinds of comments, if you fail to win. This has happened a few times already. Perhaps this is why humility is such an endearing character trait, but which we see so seldom.

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” - 1 Peter 5:5-7

PROVERBS 11:2 (NKJ)- "When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom."

Live in Grace!

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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

Lessons from the World Cup - part 1

There are a number of countries playing at the 2010 World Cup who have brilliant individual talent, but who clearly can't play as a team. Take the whole Nicolas Anelka saga as an example. One player doesn't make up a team.

Didn't Paul say something similar about the Church? Of course he did...

1 Corinthians 12:12 - "The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body."

Playing as a team gives you greater chance of victory. Working alongside one another in the Body of Christ makes us much more effective and powerful. Are you part of the team or are you trying to go it alone?

Live in Grace!

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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

When the chips are down ...

You may have heard this saying before - "when the chips are down!" By the way, it has nothing to do with your waiter putting the hot chips (french fries) onto your table either. The idiom originates from a game of poker but now has the connection with things being serious, desperate or urgent.

As much as we hope that Bafana Bafana will beat France in their next game, it looks as if the 'chips are down.' The true test of our Nations fanatical support will be tested when we are knocked out of the tournament. I believe that South Africans will still support the World Cup with as much passion and fervour - we will just choose another team to support (and hopefully one that has no 'divers' in it!)

What happens in your relationship with God when the 'chips are down?' Do you give up? Do you blame God? Do you turn to another god? What do we do? Here is some solid advice.

James 1:12 - "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

James 5:11 - "As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy."

Hang in there.
Living in Grace,

Luyini uthando? (What is love?)

Lona umbuzo okunzima ukuwuphendula. Isizathu esikhulu salokhu ukuthi kunezigidi zemibono eyahlukene ekutheni impendulo kufanele ukuba iyiphi? Buza abantu abahlanu lomubuzo uzothola izimpelo ezinhlanu ezahlukene.

“Linye igama elisusa umthwalo nezinhlungu zempilo: lelo game uthando.” – Sophocles

“Uthando luyisihluthulelo asivula amasango enjabulo.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes

“Kungcono ukuthi wake waba nothando lwase luyalahleka okunokuba ungakaze nhlobo ube nothando.” – St. Augustine

Amahubo 145:8 – “uJehova ulungile futhi unozwelo, uyaphuza ukudinwa futhi ugcwele uthando.”

Roma 5:8 – “Kepha uNkulunkulu uyabonakalisa ukusithanda kwakhe ngalokho ukuthi, siseyizoni, uKristu wasifela.

Ithini eyakho impendulo kulombuzo: “luyini uthando?”

Ukuphila othandwane luka-Nkulunkulu kuyamangalisa

What do you do?

Most of us have been in this situation before. We are at a function (wedding, birthday, Reunion etc) and we meet some new people. Usually within the first minute the conversation ends up with someone asking, "So, what do you do?"

In my case, this is normally a conversation 'crasher' or 'starter!' The people that are clearly not interested in God, suddenly develop a need to run to the toilet or find their car keys and the conversation crashes. I am left standing thinking to myself, "I am sure I said I am a Pastor, not a leper!"

Anyway, on the other hand, some people are genuinely interested in what happens in the 'ministry' and we end up speaking at length about life and faith.

Here is a tip. Next time someone asks you what you do, tell them, "I help other human beings!" They will look at you with a confused stare and then share the next quote with them...

"There is no more noble occupation in the world than to assist another human being - to help someone succeed." - Alan McGinnus

We can all do this. This should be one of our primary occupation's, without neglecting our imperative to tell people of the Gospel of Jesus.

Luke 10:37 - The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

So, what do you do?

Live in Grace!

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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

Ngiyaxolisa (Sorry)

Uma senza amaphutha yini esike siyenze?
Siyazama futhi sibheke esikwenzile?
Sizama ukusola omunye umuntu?
Sike sicashe sinamahloni?
Sike singenzi lutho sethembe ukuthi akekho oqaphelile?

Kanjqani ngalokhu njengo kungajwayelekile?
Vele uqale ngokuthi, “Ngiyaxolisa!” Bese wenza izinto zilunge.
Ngiyacabanga lokhu kuyisenzo esisobala okuyinto okunzima ukuba abantu bayenze!
Kungani? Anginaso isiqiniseko – zibuze wena uqobo lomu buzo?
Kungani sithola kunzima ukuthi ngiyaxolisa

Ngale kokulangazelela, ikhono lokuthi ‘ngiyaxolisa’ linento ethize okuyikhono lethu lokecela ku-Nkulunkulu uxolo. Uma singeke sivume iziphambuko zethu phambi kuka-Nkulunkulu, angeke sikwazi ukwamukela izidingo zethu kumhlengi wethu.
2 Korinte 7:9 - “... manje ngiyathokoza, kungengokuba nadabukiswa, kodwa ngoba nadabukiswa kwaba-ngukuphenduka, ngokuba nadabukiswa ngokukaNkulunkulu ukeze ningalahlekelwa lutho ngathi.”

Ukuphila emseni

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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

Living in Grace: 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!


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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