Managing the universe

This story may be for you this week. Read it and see what God might be saying to you:

George McCauslin was a director of the YMCA. Some years ago, he was serving at a YMCA that was losing members, it had financial difficulties and terrible staff problems. George found himself working 85 hours a week. He was getting little sleep at night, and he took little time off. When he was off, he was worrying and fretting about the problems of this YMCA.

A counsellor told George that he was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. He had to learn somehow to let go and somehow to let God into his problems. He didn’t know quite how to do that.

So George took an afternoon off, took a pad and paper, and took a walk in the woods. As he walked through the cool woods, he could just feel his tight body and his tight neck start to relax. He sat down under a tree and sighed. For the first time in months he relaxed.

He got out his pad and paper, and he decided that he would let them go, the burdens of his life. He wrote God a letter. He said, "Dear God, today I hereby resign as general manager of the universe. Love, George."

He then said, smiling, "And wonder of wonders, God accepted my resignation."

Let’s quit managing the Universe and let God do what God does best. Have a little faith in God to make a plan!

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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

Sic Transit Gloria Mundi

In the ancient Roman world, victorious Generals were allowed their own 'ticket tape parades' through the streets of Rome, where they proudly showed off their captives and wagons filled with treasure. However, as they were riding through the streets there was always an officer who would stand alongside the gloating General. His job was to whisper constantly into the Generals ear, "You are but a man! You are but a man!"

This links in with the words of the Psalmist,
"Do not be overawed when a man grows rich,
when the splendor of his house increases;
for he will take nothing with him when he dies..." - Psalm 49:16-17

In Latin, it was said, Sic transit gloria mundi, meaning "Thus passes the glory of the world".

It is easy to get to attached to the things of this world, but in the end it is only the Eternal things - the things of God that will count.

What do you think?

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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

Refuge and Strength

Sometimes we read the Bible and nothing sinks in. The daily Scripture just doesn't seem to say anything to us. However, there are occasions where we read something that is 100% appropriate for the situations we are facing.
I had one of those moments today. This is the verse I read:

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." - Psalm 46:1

I read it again, but changed the wording slightly...

"God is my refuge and my strength for today! God will help me through the difficult moments in my life."

May God be your place of safety today and may the Holy Spirit grant you strength to overcome the challenges you will face.

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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

Alone with God

A.W.Tozer has these powerful words to say, in the context of being Alone with God.

"And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there." - Matthew 14:23

"Modern civilization is so complex as to make the devotional life all but impossible. It wears us out by multiplying distractions and beats us down by destroying our solitude, where otherwise we might drink and renew our strength before going out to face the world again.

"The thoughtful soul to solitude retires," said the poet of other and quieter times; but where is the solitude to which we can retire today? Science, which has provided men with certain material comforts, has robbed them of their souls by surrounding them with a world hostile to their existence."

May these words challenge and inspire us to worship God in Spirit and in truth.

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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

Acceptance and Gratitude

In a recent article Michael J. Fox remarks that there are 2 attitudes that he chooses to live by - Acceptance and Gratitude.

For someone who has battled with Parkinson's disease for over a decade these must be tough to live out, but he strives to live by them. Acceptance of the things that impact our lives, without us necessarily choosing them and Gratitude for our families, friends, lives and for God.

I think these are two worthy attitudes to begin this new week with. May we foster acceptance and gratitude.

Colossians 3:16 - Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Thank you Jesus for your grace and mercy.

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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

Letting go

Imagine that you are holding something in your hands, but the longer you hold onto it the more uncomfortable it feels. Then a friend offers you something else, but you have no hands to reach out and receive it - your hands are already full.
What do you do?
Choices,choices?

You can either hold onto the thing that is becoming more painful or you can let go and receive the blessing from a friend.

It's our choice, but sometimes we just have to let go.

1 Peter 5:4 - And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

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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

Insight for your life

Sometimes we face situations that leave us in a flat spin. We don't know where to turn and where to seek help. Here is help for you.

If you are seeking guidance, read Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight."

If you are in despair, read Psalm 25:5
"Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."

If are feeling worried about something, read Matthew 6:34
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

May God grant you peace.

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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