The weakest team!

“Which is the best team?”, my dad asked one of his grandsons. Of course, the 10-year-old immediately replied ‘Viking’ – the home-team. The boy followed up with a long explanation and solid arguments why the Vikings were so much better than the guests. “Then you can cheer on the Vikings, and I can cheer on the guests” granddad said as they went to watch the match. “Why?” was the grandson’s worried response. “Because the weakest team also needs someone to cheer on them!”, granddad replied.

It was probably said with a ‘twinkle in the eye’, but it also describes my dad’s basic attitude and values: He always took the side of the weakest.

When Jesus died on the cross, he was actually ‘on’ the weakest team with a rebel on each side. But he also died ‘for’ the weakest team:

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Matthew 9:12-13

This statement was Jesus' response to the Pharisees who criticized him for eating with tax collectors and sinners. If the Salvation Army is no longer alongside the weak, we have lost sight of an important part of our calling. That's why General Peddle reminds us to take responsibility. It involves a ‘costly compassion’ for the weak. It means that we must defend others, seek justice, express generosity and participate in redemptive actions (1). When we do this, we begin to learn what ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice’ (2) means.

Then we don’t only cheer on the weakest team - we become part of the weakest team - vulnerable like Jesus became, but we also become winners of life!

‘Manna’ for today:

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (3)

Blessed Easter!
-----------------------------------------
(1) ‘A Call to Costly Compassion’ is the second call under the charge to take responsibility, in General Peddle’s Call to Mission.
(2)  Hosea 6:6, Matthew 9:13

(3) 2 Corinthians 12:9

Bringing transformation

The Gospel is not just bringing life, it brings transformation. This is because the life it brings, is ‘new’ life. A person who accepts salvation, becomes a new creature (1). To have confidence in the gospel (2), includes the belief that the Word of God is inspired, it is ‘God-breathed’ (3).

It is the combination of the Gospel and The Holy Spirit that is THE transforming power. The Word of God gives a lot of good advice, and teaches us how we should live our lives. This is all good and can even bring some change. However, there is a big difference between putting on ‘make up’ and undergoing a total ‘make over’ directed by The Spirit in the Word.

The ‘make over’ happens when the Word of God becomes a part of me and becomes what I live. Make-up is for the outside, make-over takes place on the inside and provides a solid foundation:

“… everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock”, said Jesus.
Matthew 7:24

That is where the transformed life comes from, that is where the transformed life rests, that is where the transformed life will stand firm in the midst of the storm.

The Gospel and The Spirit can be said with one word: Jesus. In him, and only in him, can I reach my God-given potential.

‘Manna’ for today:

In Christ alone!

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(1) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
(2) A CALL TO CONFIDENCE IN THE GOSPEL: As we share the good news of the gospel, we must recognise its power for salvation and transformation. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, people can be released from everything that stops them reaching their God-given potential.
(3) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
* Source: http://www.marketingjournal.org/the-continuous-transformation-imperative-john-hagel/

Now is the time

We are already a few days into 2019. A new year always makes me think about time. One of the Bible-passages I love to read again and again, is Jesus’ personal mission-statement, simply because His mission is my mission (1). In the statement, Jesus said:

In short, the Spirit is upon Me to proclaim that now is the time;
this is the jubilee season of the Eternal One’s grace.
Luke 4:19 (The Voice version)

Many translations say that Jesus came to proclaim ‘a year of God’s favour’ – a year of grace. However, time is neither past nor future; time is always ‘now’!

God is the great “I am” = God is the “Eternal Now”. 

Paul had discovered this, and wrote:

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
2 Corinthians 6:2b

For this reason, I can pray: “I am here, God, and I know that you are here too, and I know that 'now' is the accepted time of grace!”

‘Manna’ for today:

Grace is that ‘now’ is always the right moment!

------------------------------------
(1) It is the mission of all disciples, because as God sent Jesus into the world, Jesus is sending us into the world – See John 20:21.
* Source
NB - this reflection links in with General Brian Peddle's "Call to Mission - NOW"

Whose gift is it?

NORSK
When I am teaching on the subject of spiritual gifts, I have on rare occasion used questionnaires which are created to help people to find their gifting. The reason why it has become rare, is that I think that their usefulness is limited. The questionnaires are good because they demystify the subject; and they are good because they contribute to keeping a focus on an important resource available for all Christians.

However, I am afraid that they can limit the Spirit’s work in and through us by focus on “What is your spiritual gift?” Because is a spiritual gift really my gift?

Yes, I know that Peter said to the lame man:

“Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”
Acts 3:6

But I am convinced that Peter did not consider it to be his gift. He was 100% dependent on the Spirit.

When people ask me if I have any spiritual gift, I prefer to answer “No”. Because even though people have been healed as a result of prayer, it has nothing to do with me. If it had, it should have happened every time I prayed for healing. Spiritual gifts belong to the Spirit.

Paul saw several people healed when he prayed for them, but I am sure even he many times did not see the result he wanted – I am sure he had prayed for Timothy’s stomach trouble without success (1). He had also health issues himself (2) – and even though I believe his ‘thorn in the flesh’ refers to persecution, his prayers were answered with: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (3)

PauI prophesied, but even so, he was aware of the limitations:

We know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, what is partial will be brought to an end.
1 Cor 13:9-10

The perfect is yet to come, but that did not stop Paul, nor should it stop us searching for the gifts, because:

‘Manna’ for today:

The Spirit is perfect, and it is in him we move.

---------------------------------------
(1) 1 Timothy 5:23
(2) Galatians 4:13-15
(3) 2 Corinthians 12:9

New dimensions in my identity

Last week I wrote that the believers on the Day of Pentecost received a new identity. I am not walking away from this statement, but more precisely, I believe that they were restored in the original image of God, in which Adam and Eve were created. When they had their firstborn, he was born ‘in the image of Adam’ after the fall (1).

In the story about what happened in the ‘third move’, I read that after a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting:

“They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them”
Acts 2:3

It is very easy to focus on the fire in this story, and I believe that the fire is important. However, in an identity perspective, I believe the tongue, as in language, is equally crucial. I am not referring to the ‘physical act’ of speaking in tongues (2), but in the unique language of love that binds believers together across language-barriers and geographical borders.

When my identity in Christ includes this language, the momentum will never stop, because love moves me on. This ‘drive’ is not a duty but a response. I love because I am loved by an even greater love - God himself (3). Paul phrases it like this:

For Christ’s love compels us.
2 Cor 5:14

‘Manna’ for today:

When love is strong, I move in response!

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(1) When Adam had lived 130 years, he had a son in his own likeness, in his own image; and he named him Seth. Genesis 5:3
(2) To speak in tongues, as in speaking an existing or angelic language, may come as a consequence; however, it is not a goal in itself. Personally I frequently speak in tongues when I pray. It is my spirit speaking with God’s Spirit in love.
(3) God is love. 1 John 4:8b

The old has gone, the new is here!

NORSK
When I opened www.biblegateway.com this morning, the Verse of the Day contained the words I have chosen as a headline. The Bible has many verses that are fitting for New Year’s Day, however, I can’t recall that I have used this verse at the start of a new year before.

Only few minutes before I read the verse I was listening to a radio-reporter asking people on the street about their New Year's resolutions. One man said something like this: “I want to let the one whose birth we have just celebrated take more control over my destructive thoughts and words – I am saved, you see!” – I think the man knows the reality of the verse:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
2 Cor 5:17

It is all about living the new life in Christ. This is the ‘momentum’ I want to keep in our mission as we go forward into every new day, every new week, every new year – it is the new life! 

‘Manna’ for today:

The new life in Christ is already here, let’s live it!

------------------------------
In 2018 it is my intention and desire to blog weekly in several languages. The weekly blogs will be published on Saturdays, and the first one will be published on 6 Jan. “Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.” Phil 3:16 (MSG)

It's hard to say goodbye

NORSK

A few days ago, we said goodbye to Rodney and Wendy (Walters). We have been working closely with them for the last 30 months and the love that unites, is the same love that now separates us.

This made me think of the farewell meeting Paul had with the local leadership of the church in Ephesus. The report from their gathering at the beach is a moving story, and the time of departure is described as follows:

“After we had torn ourselves away from them…”
Acts 21:1

This brief statement has been important to me for many years. It describes at least two important aspects of being followers of Jesus:

1. The unique love that binds us
2. The importance of spreading this love

I have asked myself if there is a contradiction in Paul’s statement:

Christ's love compels us
2 Cor 5:14

However, since I am living in this love, I can testify that it is true for me too. Therefore, breaking up and saying goodbye to be able to spread love is not an imposed burden laid upon me or any other follower of Christ. It is a ‘compulsion’ that comes from the source of life, analogue to the fact that I ‘have to’ breath to survive. This time, Magna and I remain where we live physically, while Rodney and Wendy move on – this time with base in Singapore. We know that they will spread the love where they come and we know that people will know it and receive it.

Later this afternoon we will take part in in the farewell meeting for Leanne and Drew (Ruthven). Over the last couple of years, we have been able to work and minister with them in Romania and to be together with them has enriched our lives. We are not looking forward to saying goodbye, however, as with Rodney and Wendy, we accept Leanne and Drew’s readiness to be lead by the love that comes from the life-maker, and to spread it wherever they go. That is what keeps the momentum of our mission.

‘Manna’ for today:

Love is a prerequisite for momentum

------------------------------

The best clothing - a time for everything *

NORSK
Today, I take a small side track from Jesus' teaching in the intense learning-period between Easter and Pentecost. I do this because it was also important for Paul that they who repented and were saved should experience ‘the power from on high’ - the baptism in the Holy Spirit (1). 

In the Romans he described the Spirit as ‘the first crop of the harvest’ (2). This must mean that the harvest that comes is also about being dressed:

“Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”
2 Corinthians 5:2-5

Paul used the same word Luke used to when he quoted Jesus' promise to be clothed with power from on high. Paul added a preposition that can translate on-clothed or over-clothed. He regarded to be clothed with the Spirit as a taste of the covering clothing of the life in the heavenly dwelling. To have such a deposit is a great treasure!

‘Manna’ for today:

The power-clothing is a deposit on the heavenly clothing.

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(1) Acts 19:1-6
(2) Romans 8:23

What kind of vessel am I?

NORSK
In English, the word vessel can give different associations. In my early childhood, I lived close to the sea and when I watched the boats I used to wonder what kind of vessel I was. 

The reason for this pondering was one of the Sunday School Choruses we used to sing. It was about a small vessel on the big sea, and the importance of having Jesus by the rudder. It is a good image, and the same can be said about this meaning of vessel:

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
2 Tim 2:20-21

Once again Paul is using an image he has used before:

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
2 Cor 4:7

Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?
Rom 9:21

Paul is not the only writer in the Bible using this image. Jeremiah’s visit to the Potter’s house is may be even better known.

The idea that God shapes me throughout my life, so that I will become increasingly useful in His kingdom, is an awesome thought. If this earthen vessel in its frailty makes it evident that the excellence of the power is from God, and not from me, it is indeed worth more than gold.

‘Manna’ for today:

A vessel prepared for every good work

-------------------------------------------

The wages of hard work

NORSK
Today's instruction has several possible interpretations:

The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.
2 Tim 2:6

Paul has previously touched the issue of "wages" in the letters to Timothy (1) and when he wrote to the church at Corinth, he used a whole chapter on the subject (2). It is very likely that the verse about the farmer also is about wages or reward, but I also see another message in the short sentence:
Hard work is precondition for a good harvest. 

Paul has also touched this theme in another letter:

Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
2 Cor 9:6

The context of this verse about the ministry of giving. However, giving has a wider scope than just donation of financial means, generosity in the time and work we put into the kingdom of God definitely has a great value, and generosity in all areas of life provides opportunities to reap blessings. It is a good idea to use the work of a farmer as image of the ministry in God's kingdom. 
Even this image Paul has used before - when he likened the church in Corinth to "God’s field" (3).
 
'Manna' for today:

Hard work results in harvest!

------------------------------------------
(1) “The worker deserves his wages.” 1 Timothy 5:18
(2) 1 Corinthians 9
(3) 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

Join in suffering!

In Christian faith there are many mysteries, and suffering is one of them. Although Pa­ul, through his ministry saw many people healed from diseases and different kinds of suffering, he was very clear that he did not consider the life of a disciple to be a life without suffering. He had experienced a lot of suffering, persecution and torture, but also physical suffering caused by disease (1). 

In his letters to Timothy, Paul touched this theme several times, even as an encouragement to join in suffering as a part of the mission:

“join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.” 2 Timothy 1:8b

The big difference between suffering in general and the suffering Paul wrote about, is that it is linked to the gospel, and the gospel is linked with power. After his salvation, Paul never doubted the power of the Gospel (2). Facing suffering, or the "thorn in the flesh", which is probably a reference to all the persecution he endured, he experienced that "power is made perfect in weakness" (3).

Many people have made the same experience. They are never stronger than when they are weak. I have also been there. It's a strange place to be, but God is there.

'Manna' for today:

I am strong when I am weak.

--------------------------------
(1) Gal 4:13-14
(2) Rom 1:16
(3) 2 Cor 12:9

... and along comes the money issue…

NORSK
It is interesting that the focus on money is not a modern issue. When Jesus taught that it is impossible to serve both God and Mammon, Luke continued his narrative with an interesting piece of information:

The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus.
Luke 16:14

It seems to be very human to love money, and there is much to suggest that the focus on money rapidly became an issue also in the early church. Paul warned Timothy against those ‘who think that godliness is a means to financial gain’, and continued:

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
1 Timothy 6:6-8 

It is possible that Paul has taken these thoughts from the book of Job, a man who after having lost everything said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” (1); however, I do not have to lose everything in order to have the great gain of contentment. 

Many of the revival movements have emphasized the principle that "godliness with contentment is great gain" in a way that has become a hallmark for the movement. We saw it in the revivals in the 19th century in Norway, and I still see it in the Salvation Army in many parts of the world.

I strongly believe that God is our provider and that he gives us what we need, but I find little support in God's word for a theology built on prosperity and promises of financial riches for personal gain. On the other hand, Paul wrote that “God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2) The purpose is for the benefit of His kingdom. I believe it and I have experienced that it is true, but that has nothing to do with worshiping Mammon.

Today 'manna':

God is my provider!

------------------------------
(1) Job 1:21
(2) 2 Cor 9:8

Important support functions in training of strength

NORSK
Paul gave a very clear message to Timothy about which areas he should focus on while he was in charge of the church at Ephesus:

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.
1 Tim 4:13 

It becomes clear that Timothy’s major function was to support those who had already come to faith in Jesus Christ, a function normally covered by the pastor. There is biblical support for saying that Timothy’s primary ministry gift, was to be an evangelist (1), and I believe that evangelist also was the role in which Paul flourished. Nevertheless, both he and Timothy were very busy consolidating the churches with all the painful consequences that had for them (2), and in this strengthening of the churches, these elements are important:

• the public reading of Scripture,
• preaching,
• teaching.

These are elements that also are important for my personal exercise to become stronger. The reading of Scripture and teaching are self-explicable. But I want to share some thoughts on “preaching”. The stem of the Greek word Paul used, is the stem of the name Jesus gave the Holy Spirit = Paraclete. The options for translation of this word, are multiple: Comforter, Advocate, Consoler, Encourager, Refresher, Intercessor, Helper and so on. 

The concept of the original word for preaching embraces all these qualities. That is why the pastor in all his functions is fully dependent upon the Spirit who gives life (3). The same dependence I have in my personal exercise.

‘Manna’ for today:

The Spirit gives life

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(1) 2 Tim 4:5 
(2) 2 Cor 11:28
(3) 2 Cor 3:6

On the arena of conduct

NORSK
The arena of speech, which I wrote about yesterday, is definitely very important. An equally strong testimony will arise from taking today’s challenge seriously:

“…set an example … in conduct…”
1 Tim 4:12

Normally I start working on the blog for the next day every morning. Yesterday, I had made the decision to quote a verse Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, because 'conduct' is the core theme in the letters he wrote to them, and this verse does in many ways confirm why:

“You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry”
2 Cor 3:2-3  

Some hours later I took part in a funeral. We were gathered around the open coffin of the 33-year-old Sergeant Major in Botanica corps. Vladimir died after a very short illness and is survived by a wife who is expecting their first child in near future. There was a lot of tears, combined with gratitude for Vladimir's life and his very strong testimony and clear focus. His focus on salvation was also very evident during the entire ceremony. 

Among the speeches of gratitude, there was a retired officer who read the verse quoted above, and she concluded: "Vladimir lived as Christ's letter of recommendation." 

In a brief glimpse I saw his wife smile through the tears. She knows that it is true, I and many others know that it is true. Vladimir was an example for the believers, but also for the family and other friends who had turned up to say goodbye. They heard a clear message of faith, hope and love.

At the last meeting Vladimir attended at his corps a short while ago, the corps officer asked the congregation a rhetorical question: “Can you confess that you are ready to meet God?” - Then Vladimir declared out loud: “Yes, I'm ready!”

Vladimir has gone home to be with the Lord, but we will continue to read the letter he leaves behind.

‘Manna’ for today:

Role models are letters read by all

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* The ribbon we all pinned on our jackets, states: "Until we meet in heaven"

A year of the Lord’s favour

2017 is already one day old. The heading is the last phrase of Jesus' mission statement, the declaration he made in the Synagogue in his hometown. The scroll with the prophecies of Isaiah was handed to him, and he read that which in the best way described him and the mission he had come to fulfill. He was sent:

“to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”

Luke 4:19

Because Jesus also said: "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” (1), I know that his mission is also my mission. The favour is God's grace that makes every day to a New Years day, and because the world still exists, I will take part and proclaim the year of God's favour. I will also state that this means now, because  

I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.
2 Cor 6:2

‘Manna’ for today:

The time of God's favour, is the right time

------------------------------------

(1) John 20:21

What about “everything else?”

NORSK

If everything that is not vital is taken away, and I am left with "the gospel in a nutshell" as described yesterday's reflection, what about “everything else”? I must admit that this question is one of the most challenging questions I have as a Christian leader, and it is also one of the areas where Paul may seem like an enigma.

When I interpret Paul, it can be confusing if one passage is read in isolation. Paul is very concerned that we are no longer under the law but under grace (1), but in the next moment, he makes clear exhortations with regard to interactions between Christians. I find this in many of his letters. One example: To the Corinthians he wrote:

God has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
2 Cor 3:6

However, no other church received so much rebuke from Paul as the Corinthians. He confronted them in strong words for their lifestyle, influenced by adultery and internal conflicts – or to use my phrase: "everything else."

“Everything else” does not concern the foundation of salvation, it is about living. That does not necessarily make it simpler, because some behavioural matters are culturally determined, while others may be pragmatic and strategic choices for achieving the most important goal.
 
Paul’s letter to Philemon proves this. It reveals that Paul sees the "master" Philemon and the "slave" Onesimus as equal brothers in Christ, but he hesitates to ‘order’ Philemon to accept Onesimus as a brother and not as slave, but he appeals to him to do it on the basis of love (2).

I think it is because transformed people will transform society gradually. The history of revivals show that transformed people can revolutionize a society. While revolutions caused by political revolt, does not have the same effect on the people inflicted.

This is important to keep in mind when I look closer at the interaction between Paul and Timothy. Tomorrow will look at some exhortations about church life.

'Manna' for today:

The less important must never overshadow the most important

-------------------------------------------------- ---

(1) Gal 5:6

(2) Philemon1:8-10