William Wilberforce

I have just finished reading an inspiring book about the life of William Wilberforce. The movie Amazing Grace was released a few years ago - this detailed his life and his great work in seeking justice for all human beings.

Here are a few quotes from Wilberforce:

“Of all things, guard against neglecting God in the secret place of prayer.”

"...when we think of eternity, and of the future consequences of all human conduct, what is there in this life that should make any man contradict the dictates of his conscience, the principles of justice, the laws of religion, and of God?”

“Let everyone regulate his conduct . . . by the golden rule of doing to others as in similar circumstances we would have them do to us, and the path of duty will be clear before him.”

When we surrender our lives to Jesus Christ, our lives can be a tribute to the living God. God seeks people who are willing to make a stand for His Kingdom principles.

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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

Some Thoughts on Forgiveness

A friend asked me today to write some thoughts on Colossians 3:13 - "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

So, here are a few thoughts:

1. Context is crucial in most passages - the young church in Colossae was facing many outside challenges and Paul wanted to encourage them to stick together and to practise forgiveness and 'patience' in the church.

2. We need to remember that just as we have faults, so do others. When we worship in the body of Christ, alongside people with faults, we need to be more understanding of their faults (as they will have to be with ours).

3. If we allow forgiveness to fester within our spirit it will slowly destroy us and ultimately the church (the Bride of Christ).

4. Jesus forgave us, even when we were not in a place to make things right. His forgiveness was unconditional.

5. Christ's forgiveness meant 'abundant life' for us. Forgiveness granted to others, can mean 'life' for them, but it always leads to 'life' for us.

6. It sometimes helps to read the verse in different translations. The ones I like to read are the New Living Translation and the Message, just to get a different perspective.

"Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." - NLT

"Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you." – Message

But above all, always remember to 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

Unkulunkulu olungile (Generous God)

Kwesinye isikhathi abantu bacabanga ukuthi Unkulunkulu ubanika okuncane. Sizizwa sengathi uNkulunkulu usikweleta okuthize noma mhlawumbe ubusise abanye hayi thina. Funda lendima ubone uma izoshitsha imicabango yakho kancane…

Johane 3:34- “…uNkulunkulu akaniki umoya ngokulinganisela.”

Nalena futhi…

“Wasinikela yona yodwa futhi okuyi- Ndodana yakhe yodwa, ukuthi ilowo nalowo okholwa yiyo angabhubhi kepha abe nokuphila okuphakande.”-Johane 3:16

Ube nosuku olumunandi.

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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

Planning to Fail?

The importance of 'planning' in the corporate world goes without saying and people who don't plan will fail miserably. Sometimes Christians feel that too much 'planning' in the Church is a hindrance to the Holy Spirit, but I disagree. If our lives are surrendered to the will of God and open to the guidance of the Spirit, then surely God leads us whilst we are planning for Church events.

What about planning time in the day to spend in devotion or prayer? What about planning and praying over themes to discuss in Cell groups, Kids Church, Sermons and worship teams? Of course, we need to make sure that our planning is not loaded with our human agenda's, but I strongly feel that the only way I can be accountable in my walk with God is to plan some things.

In my experience, if I don't plan a day retreat for myself once every 6 months (for example), then I am actually planning to fail in my spiritual life - harsh, but true for me!

Even God plans....

Isaiah 19:17 - "And the land of Judah will bring terror to the Egyptians; everyone to whom Judah is mentioned will be terrified, because of what the LORD Almighty is planning against them."

And what about Jesus? Do we think that God just made it up as He went along? No! Jesus was God's plan of Salvation & redemption for the world!

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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

Back to School Blues

A sudden quietness fell upon my house yesterday as my boys realised that school was starting soon and that they were not convinced about going back. I think that returning to school or work, after a holiday, has to rate as something that most people dread. No wonder they called it 'back to school blues!'

Of course, we know that a day or two down the line, everything would have settled back into routine and another term will be in full swing, but it's hard to remember that.

As much as I love holidays, I also think that routine is important for us. I believe that it helps us to keep life in balance and to accomplish our tasks. If you like, routine is as important to us, as seasons are to our planet. We don't always fully appreciate different seasons (or routine for that matter), but they remind us we are part of something bigger than ourselves.

On a Spiritual level, routine is imperative in our faith. Jesus challenges us to 'daily' renew our relationship with him - there is something about the routine of this that is helpful for us.

Luke 9:23 - "Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.""

This same routine then transfers into our devotions, our worship, our prayers and our Sunday gatherings. Routine keeps us grounded in Christ!

Ok, now that I have convinced myself of the need for routine, I had better get ready for the routine of school-runs, school-lunches, sports events, homework, parents meetings etc. I feel tired just thinking about it!

Anyway, here goes another term...

Be blessed and try and enjoy your routines.

And always remember to 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

Sahlulela kanjani? (How do we judge?)

Sijwale ukwahlulela abantu sisebenzisa izindle okungesizo. Sivame ukuqala sibheke izinto ezingaphandle, izinto ezibonakalayo. Ngiyazi ukuthi iyona ndlela Umhlaba owenzangayo, kodwa asiyona indlela yeBhayibheli lena. Funda 1 Samuweli 16:7-ukuthi uthini:

“UJehova akabuki izinto umuntu azibukayo. Umuntu ubuka isakhiwo sangaphandle, kodwa uJehova ubuka inhliziyo.”

Busiseka, Shalenjeka, Khuthazeka!

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

Repentance

We have probably come across the word 'Repent' in Church circles before. It can be used to make people feel guilty about their lives, but when used in the right way, it is a powerful concept. I have been reading 'The Secret Message of Jesus' (by Brian Maclaren) and he writes this:

"Repentance means to reconsider your direction and consider a new one, to admit that you might be wrong, to give your life a second thought, to think about your thinking. It means, just as Jesus said to Nicodemus that night, that you have to begin again, become a child again, be born again."

I find that when I take some time out, I try to 'give my life a second thought'. I try to consider the direction I have been heading and honestly discern if I need to 'repent.'

What do you think about this? Perhaps it's time for some good old repentance!

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