Invitation from Christ

I feel that many of us are needing to hear this verse today:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28

Commenting on this passage, Barbara Johnson wrote - "These were just beautiful words to me - no more - until I realised that my name was on the invitation."

Your name is on the invite. So is my name. Are we ready to RSVP?

Just asking...

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

P.S. Don't forget to invite your friends and family to subscribe to the blog - you have 3 days left. You could win the prize. (Please also remember to email me the names of people you have signed up)

How are you doing so far?

We are almost at the end of November - that's 11 out of 12 months finished for 2010. So here's a question for you:

"How are you doing so far?"

What I mean to say is, how is this year working out for you? Have you managed to fulfil your hopes and dreams? What obstacles have appeared in your path over the past 11 months? What tasks are still left undone?

Can I encourage you to persevere and to remember that there are still 31 days left in 2010. We can still accomplish a lot. It is not how we start the race that counts, but rather how we finish it. There are many people who have hit the 'brick' wall and are ready to quit, but now is the time for us to finish strong. Let's grit our teeth, pray for God's strength and rely on his grace to get us to the finish line.

Hebrews 12:1 - "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us..."

Join me in trying to finish 2010 with passion and courage!

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

P.S. - Only 4 days left to win those 5 books. Go on, I dare you:)

Just say NO!

How good are you at saying No? I haven't been that great in the past, but I am learning to be at peace about saying 'No' when I need to. I read a brilliant post by Chris Brogan on this topic the other day - read it if you have a moment, but remember you don't have to!

Jesus knew how to say No - for his own sanity he had to learn the art very quickly. A million voices demanding a million things. Jesus was never unkind or rude when he said 'No' to the demands of people. He knew that he was going to be ministering to them in the best possible way, but it had to be on his terms. Jesus focused first on saying 'Yes' to the right things...spending time in prayer, worship and discipleship.

In this busy (or silly) season, may God give us the freedom to say 'No' in a way that glorifies Him. Say 'Yes' to the right things.

Remember that there are only 5 days left to win the 5 books. Sign up a few friends to stand a chance to win the books.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Unconditional

Celebrate today that our God is a God of Love - unconditional love. God's love is so opposite to the standards of the world that we find it hard to comprehend. God loves us - that is amazing.

"The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him." - Daniel 9:9

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Birthday Books

My apologies if you received this post the first time, but I have heard that many people didn't receive it. So I am trying again and hopefully the blogger gremlin will be sorted out. Read on...

How would you like to receive an early Christmas present? I have 5 books, all signed by the authors, that I want to give away. This is how you can win the books... The person who gets the most people to sign up to this blog by 3 December will win all five. Simple, but true! (see below for more details)

The books are:
1. The questions Jesus asks - Trevor Hudson
2. Transform your work life - Dion Forster and Graham Power
3. The Hour that changes everything - John van de Laar
4. Living Oceans Apart - Me
5. NOW - Me (sorry for my books making up the numbers, but I only know a few authors:)

Why am I doing this? Well, for a number of reasons, but mainly to say thanks for your support of this ministry and secondly I would love to give away 5 free books on my birthday (4th).

Thanks for entering into the fun of the competition. If you are unsure of how to get people to sign up, then please read below.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Helpful tips:
1. Ask permission from family/friends before you use their email addresses.
2. Once you have got permission, go to www.delmelinscott.blogspot.com
3. Type in their email address in the open box provided called 'Free updates'. Then click on the subscribe button.
4. When the 'verification' word appears type that in and then click 'complete.'
5. Get your family/friends to check their emails and to click onto the email - this will activate their address. That's it all sorted!

The Winner will be the person who confirms the names and email address of everyone they have entered, by sending an email to me by midnight on the 3 December. The highest number wins. Have fun:)

Expecting Jesus

We have 30 days until Christmas. For us Advent will be a time of preparations, busyness and expectation. But, have you wondered how the last month of pregnancy went for Mary? What fears did she wrestle with? What hopes did she have for Jesus? Did she ever worry that she wouldn't be a good mother or that Joseph would be an absent father?

In the end, all their worries, fears and struggles were pushed aside when the miracle of Christ's birth dawned. They knew they were part of something amazing and unique. History was being made in their presence.

Luke 1:30 - "But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God."

How are you feeling about Christmas?
Keep your focus on Jesus and all will be fine.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

P.S. Don't forget that you have 7 days to win the 5 Free Books. Go to this post to refresh your memory. Thanks

Blessing

Here is a short prayer and blessing for you:

Romans 15:13 - "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Have a Christ filled day.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

5 Free Books

How would you like to receive an early Christmas present? I have 5 books, all signed by the authors, that I want to give away. This is how you can win the books... The person who gets the most people to sign up to this blog by 3 December will win all five. Simple, but true! (see below for more details)

The books are:
1. The questions Jesus asks - Trevor Hudson
2. Transform your work life - Dion Forster and Graham Power
3. The Hour that changes everything - John van de Laar
4. Living Oceans Apart - Me
5. NOW - Me (sorry for my books making up the numbers, but I only know a few authors:)

Why am I doing this? Well, for a number of reasons, but mainly to say thanks for your support of this ministry and secondly I would love to give away 5 free books on my birthday (4th).

Thanks for entering into the fun of the competition. If you are unsure of how to get people to sign up, then please read below.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Helpful tips:
1. Ask permission from family/friends before you use their email addresses.
2. Once you have got permission, go to www.delmelinscott.blogspot.com
3. Type in their email address in the open box provided called 'Free updates'. Then click on the subscribe button.
4. When the 'verification' word appears type that in and then click 'complete.'
5. Get your family/friends to check their emails and to click onto the email - this will activate their address. That's it all sorted!

The Winner will be the person who confirms the names and email address of everyone they have entered, by sending an email to delmelinscott@hotmail.com on the 3 December. The highest number wins. Have fun:)

Look beyond the impossible

God is clear on this...
"With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." - Matthew 19:26

So what does this mean for you?

If you are facing the impossible this week, then you are in the best place for God to reveal his POSSIBLE! Look beyond the impossible - you will see the hand of God busy at work.

Have a blessed day.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Embrace Life

As a teenager I remember watching Leo Buscaglia speak on video (before DVD days). One of the things that impressed me about him was the way he embraced life and how he was not afraid to do different things. He is well known for the way he would turn to everyone in a lift and start speaking to them - which is not something many people are willing to do. It literally freaked people out, but he genuinely wanted to engage with people.

Here is one of his inspirational quotes:
"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot, hang on and swing!"

May you know the power of Christ in your life today. Hang on to Jesus.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Conquerors

Benjamin Franklin once said, "Energy and persistence conquer all things."

That's funny, I thought God conquered ALL things!?

Romans 8: 37-39 - "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Have a blessed week.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

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!

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Sic Transit Gloria

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?

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Prayer for today

God has a wonderful way of speaking to us just when we need it. I stumbled across this prayer today and it was perfect for me. I hope it blesses you too.

"God is your stronghold,
and with Him as your guide,
you need never be afraid.
No circumstances can block His love.
No grief is too hard for Him to bear.
No task is too difficult
for Him to complete.
When what you are feeling
is simply too deep for words
and nothing anyone does or says
can provide you with the relief you need,
God understands.
He is your provider -
today, tomorrow, and always. And He loves you.
Cast all of your cares on Him...
and believe." - Linda E. Knight

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

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.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Fighting Procrastination

I have spoken to a number of students over the past few weeks and it seems that many people find great excuses NOT to study. When I studied I used to call it "fighting procrastination!" Don't you find it amazing that odd jobs around the house suddenly seem much more inviting, compared with sitting down to learn? The proverbial 'to do' list is a huge temptation and often wins out over the hours of learning.

What happens when we embrace procrastination in other areas of our lives? Does it impact our relationships or even our future? Even worse does it impact our faith and the Church?

We say things like, 'I'll read the Bible tomorrow', but we find the time to read the newspaper from cover to cover or spend time on facebook!
We convince ourselves 'next year I am going to do something radical for God' and before we know it 'next year' is 2015 and not 2010.

Is there something that you are putting off until later? Are you fighting procrastination? If we are, then here's some good advice for us:

“Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.” - Thomas Jefferson

Psalm 118:24 - "The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad."

Live for God today!
D3LM3

Tests and Exams

I have just finished marking my students exams (I am still teaching Church History at the Seminary) and it has been an interesting exercise. While I always want to be fair in my marking there is always a set standard that one has to mark from. For example, in a past year a student left out 2 questions (out of 4) in a final exam. No matter how graceful I was feeling there was just no way I was able to pass this student - there was not enough evidence on the paper. Thankfully this didn't happen this year:)

By the way, it seems that 'tests' in the Scriptures were meant to be helpful for us. Look at this verse...

Exodus 20:20 - Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.”

If Jesus had to give you a mark for being 'Disciples' how do you think you would score? How do we match up to God's expectations?

Deuteronomy 11:32 - "...be sure that you obey all the decrees and laws I am setting before you today."

For those of you still writing, please know that you are in my prayers. God be with you.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

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.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

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.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Bono on worship

Believe it or not, but Bono (lead singer of U2) has some awesome thoughts on worship.

"But with Christ, we have access in a one-to-one relationship, for, as in the Old Testament, it was more one of worship and awe, a vertical relationship. The New Testament, on the other hand, we look across at a Jesus who looks familiar, horizontal. The combination is what makes the Cross."

Be blessed.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

I remember you!

It has happened to all of us. We bump into someone from school and our immediate thought is, "I remember you!" In an instant our brains access the memories we have of that person and if the memories are good, we are usually willing to chat and catch up on the old news.

Allowing our minds to 'Remember' is a good habit to get into. On the 11 November we should all stop and remember people who have died in battle, trying to make our world a better place. Today I always remember my grandfather and great-grandfather, who both fought in 'famous' battles. They are not here to tell me their stories in person, but it is soothing to remember their lives.

For me, it is even more crucial to remember what Jesus has done for me. His actions saved my life and yours. This weekend we will celebrate Holy Communion, where we remember the cross and resurrection.

Luke 22:19 - And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

Malachi 3:16 - A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name.

Remember that Jesus knows us by name.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

That's surprising!

What would be a nice surprise for you?
A phone call from a friend?
An encouraging email?
Getting something for free when you go to the store?

How about this for a new way of being surprised?

"It is not surprising that God loves us. However, it would be surprising if God didn't love us, because God IS Love." - Dallas Willard

Think and pray on those words.
And have a Christ-filled day.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

God's viewpoint

When the small things in life bug you and you start to take everything personally, perhaps it's time to get God's viewpoint on things. Take a step back, breathe deeply and ask the Holy Spirit to restore your perspective.

Another helpful way to look at this is to ask yourself, "Will this thing I am stressing about, actually matter in 5 (or 10, 25) years from now?" If it has eternal value then it is worth pursuing! If not, then quickly get things back into true perspective.

2 Corinthians 4:18 - "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

"If only" God?

Is God an "if only" kind of God?

If only we behave, God will love us?
If only we don't sin, God will smile upon us?

Scriptures like 2 Chronicles 7:14 allude to this sentiment, but where does this leave us? I can never do enough to win God's approval, so all of my "if only" attempts will always fall short of God's measurements. Or does it imply that God wants to see us try our best, at the very least?

I am not 100% sure...I guess that's why I love Romans 5:8 so much - it takes away my efforts and highlights the grace of Jesus.

What are you thinking?

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

P.S. I have intentionally left out the Scripture verses today, hoping that you will look them up. If you are rushing through this post then simply go to www.biblegateway.com - they will help you with the verses.

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.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

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.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Day and Night

"By day the Lord directs his love,
at night his song is with me -
a prayer to the God of my life." - Psalm 42:8

Just in case you had forgotten - God is directing his love towards you in the 'daylight' moments of your life and God will comfort you when you go through the periods of darkness.

You'd better believe it:)

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Encouragement

Our world is often complex. Our lives can be difficult. People can be frustrating. Despite all of this, we still have the power to encourage and bless each other. Why don't you think of someone now and send them an email or give them a call. Do it for no other reason than to bless them!

Here is an old poem that I pray would bless you:

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord,
“You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?”

The Lord replied,
“The times when you have seen only one set of footprints in the sand,
is when I carried you.”

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Toyohiko Kagawa on Love

How many Japanese Christians do you know? I have heard of one or two, but the words of Toyohiko Kagawa reveal the depth of his faith in Christ and make me want to find out more about the church in Japan. He wrote:

"Love alone introduces me to God. Love is my sanctuary - in field, city street, in bedroom, office, kitchen, sickroom. I have my sanctuary everywhere I go in the universe. Where Love is, there God is ... Love is the ultimate religion. Classify me not by creed: I belong to nothing but Love. Jesus it was who taught that it should be so. Jesus never said that men were to be shunned for their creeds. Love is the ultimate revelation, the final sanctuary."

May these words encourage you and inspire you to Love like Jesus.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

53 Days til Christmas

As I dropped my kids off at school this morning, my eyes caught a glimpse of the notice board. It read: "53 days til Christmas!" My heart sank. So much water has to pass under the proverbial bridge before I can celebrate the birth of Jesus. Christmas seems a lifetime away.

Then I was struck with this thought -
"Isn't it ironic that one of the key events in the history of the planet is preceded (in our lives) with the busiest period in our calendars?"

Is this right? Surely not?
I am not sure how to change the system, but I desire to create moments (in the next 53 days) where I can breathe in the aroma of grace, the scent of salvation and where I can experience the Joy of Christ.

Join me in the search for Christ amidst the chaos of the Festive season.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Say Less

Sometimes we say too much! Have you ever caught yourself thinking, "Why have I spoken so much - I shouldn't have said that?!"

Here's a challenge. Why don't we try this for a few days - Do more, speak less! Would this make a difference in our lives?

Matthew 5:37 - "All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’"

Living in Grace,
D3LM3