Is ‘the name of Jesus’ a kind of mantra?

"Mantra" is a sound associated with Hinduism and Buddhism. The sound is used to realize a thought or purpose. The word has several meanings, like e.g. a prayer, hymn or spell. It is the repetition of the sound or word that is supposed to trigger the effect. 

Interestingly, Jesus repeatedly spoke about prayer in his name. 

Here is one example:

You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
John 14:14

It is very clear that the first Christians had accepted this teaching and practiced it. They believed that Jesus was among them when they gathered in His name (1). They proclaimed that miracles happened through faith in the name of Jesus (2). They baptized in the name of Jesus (3), and they proclaimed that there is salvation in no other name (4).

Nevertheless, there is nothing to suggest that they used the name as a form of mantra. The name had power only when it was used through faith in Jesus Christ.  If used outside of such a context, the name may function against its purpose. An example of this can be found in the story about the seven sons of Sceva who tried to exorsize evil spirits in the name of Jesus without knowing him as Jesus Christ (5).

I often exclaim ‘Jesus’, but not as a sacred sound or a magic formula that will get me in contact with a deity that is outside of me or in me. I use the name because I believe it symbolizes everything that God is able to do for and through me. It is by that name, the Father is glorified, for it confirms that I believe in Him and all that he has done for me. Further it confirms that faith is linked to His name and not to mine.

So, when General Peddle reminds us that “our mission is to meet human needs in Christ’s name” (6) – it is more than a ‘sacred sound’ – it places our ministry right at the heart of God’s mission. For the purpose of this mission, nothing should be done, or can be done, outside of his name.

‘Manna’ for today:

In the name of Jesus Christ only!

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(1) Matthew 18:20
(2) Acts 3:16
(3) Acts 2:38
(4) Acts 4:12
(5) Acts 19:13-16
(6) General Peddle’s call: A Call to Inclusion: We must be beyond reproach in treating all people with respect and compassion, remembering our mission to meet human needs in Christ’s name without any discrimination

Engaged for others

The last ten weeks I have focused on the call to ‘Be Ready’, which is the first part of General Brian Peddle’s ‘Call to Mission’ (1). Today I start with the call to ‘Be Engaged’ (2)

Here are some selected quotes with this focus:

“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen …”Isaiah 43:10a

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations …” says Jesus
Matthew 28:19a

“… we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” says Peter
Acts 4:20b

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” says John
Revelation 22:17a

“I shall endeavour to show, that Christianity is essentially a social religion; and to turn it into a solitary religion, is indeed to destroy it” says John Wesley (3)

‘Others!’ says William Booth – and that says it all.

‘Manna’ for today:

Saved to Save & Saved to Serve

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(1) Call to Mission - NOW!
(2) A CALL TO SERVE: Serving others must be our missional priority. We must value officership, local officership, soldiership, adherency and junior soldiership, recognising too that The Salvation Army’s many employees and volunteers are key to fulfilling our tasks.
A CALL TO WORSHIP: We should celebrate God’s redeeming love through our worship, seeking culturally-relevant ways to join together in praise and thanks., as we reach out to and welcome people.
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) In ‘No holiness, but social holiness’ in “Upon our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount” IV – Sermon XIX – i “Wesley’s Standard Sermons” Vol. I – Francis Asbury Press – Grand Rapids – 1955 s. 382

* The picture is the cover page of Harold Hill’s book – hereby recommended.

‘The art of waiting’ – an important strategy

Part of being ‘battle-ready’* is to respond to the Spirit. Jesus started teaching about the Holy Spirit in the very beginning of the training of the disciples. Jesus said clearly that the Holy Spirit is the best gift his Father can give:

“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:13

When I experienced the Holy Spirit as a real power in my life in 1972, this verse became one of my favourite verses. When I some years later became a father and wanted the best for my children, the verse made an even stronger impact on me. 

The challenge is that God never intrudes into the privacy of his children. We have to ask him to give us the Holy Spirit, just like Jesus taught his disciples. Therefore, it may seem strange that he just before he ascended to heaven, said:

“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.”
Acts 1:4

However, this is only strange if I regard the ‘art of waiting’ as a passive strategy. I can hardly imagine anything more active than children who at Christmas are waiting for the moment when the presents are to be unwrapped. Waiting in the Bible is more related to expecting, simply because I am waiting for something to come true in my life. In the narrative about the Baptist, Luke wrote that “the people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah” – Luke 3:15.

God has left it to my initiative to receive the Holy Spirit. The strategy is to pray and wait ‘expectantly’ – after all God has already done his part through the pouring out of his Spirit.

‘Manna’ for today:

I expect The holy spirit to speak and lead - now!

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* General Peddle’s call:

 'I believe we need to be ready for what God wants to do with us and through us. This is a call to prayer, a call to holiness and a call to be "battle-ready" now. There is an urgency to this call that cannot be ignored. Men, women and children need Jesus.'
NB - this reflection is linked to General Brian Peddle's "Call to Mission - NOW"

What is the 'one' baptism?

Immediately it may seem equally difficult to find an answer to what the ‘one’

baptism is, as it is to find answers to what the ‘one’ faith is. Looking at the discussions that have taken place through the history of the church, it often narrows down to a question about infant Christening or adult baptism, and whether the rituals should be perceived as symbolic or if the ‘act of grace’ happens in the ritual elements or in the ritual act itself.

Paul actually referred to several types of baptism. He asked the disciples in Ephesus what kind of baptism they had received. When Paul learned that it was John’s baptism, he spoke to them and the result was that they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus (1). Following this, Paul laid his hands upon them and they were baptized in the Holy Spirit.

When Paul referred to the ancestors, he wrote that ‘they were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea’ (2). This indicates that baptism is a transition into a new phase of life with a new direction.

In his teaching on keeping the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (3) where he also writes about one baptism, I do not think Paul neither had the baptism in the water or the baptism of the Holy Spirit in mind. I believe he solely thought about the fact that we are ‘baptized into the death of Jesus’. This baptism is the ‘one’ and same for all born again believers. How the different churches choose to celebrate this is subordinate to the fact that ‘we have been united with him in a death like his’ (4). Jesus also spoke about his own death as a baptism (5).

I believe that the context of ‘one’ baptism strengthens this interpretation. The ‘one’ hope assumes that I have grown into Christ in a death that is like him, so that I also will be united with him in a resurrection like his (6). Because, if I claim to have ‘one’ Lord, this can only happen after my ego has died with him to enable me to live in him. In view of this I can only see one real baptism. How churches choose to symbolize this is without any value if it does not lead people into living the resurrection life as new creatures in Christ Jesus.

‘Manna’ for today:

There is only ‘one’ baptism that unites us with Christ and with one another.

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(1) Acts 19:3-4
(2) 1 Corinthians 10:2
(3) Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism... Ephesians 4:3-5
(4) Romans 6:3-4
(5) Luke 12:50
(6) Romans 6:5
* Thanks to Bodil Østergreen for letting me use this picture of the cross she bought in Assisi. On FB she writes: God stretches out his hand to you. You can choose whether you want to accept God's hand and stretch your hand to your fellow human beings.

Go for it!

NORSK
The charge ‘Go for it!’ can be heard in many contexts. You can hear it in a ‘timeout’ on a sports-arena when a couch is encouraging the team to do the little extra to win a match. It is used on boards when decisions are made, and a ‘Go!’ is always fitting for the body of Christ in general and for The Salvation Army in particular.

The Greek word Paul uses when he encourages us to ‘eagerly desire the gifts of the Spirit’ (1) is the same word that gave name to the ‘fourth’ of the Jewish religious parties – the Zealots. One of the disciples of Jesus, Simon (not Peter), is believed to have come from this group (2), and some scholars even believe that Paul was associated with them (3). The Zealots were very passionate in what they believed and fought for. Paul encourages us to have the same kind of passion.

Last week a friend of mine responded on this way to what I had written:

I wish that many more would burn in the Spirit and search the gifts of the Spirit. As I see it, to be on fire is a choice every individual must make, the fire starts when one chooses to be a disciple and spend time in prayer.

I very much agree and responded in this way:

This is very important. The disciples received The holy spirit and the gifts because they were desperate in their searching and longing for the Spirit. I have to take the initiative so that The holy spirit can use his initiative in me ... This is because The holy spirit is God, and the attribute of God is love. God does never force himself on any human being.

Therefore, to “Go for it!” is actually to “go for Him”. That means to give more and more of myself to him, because Jesus has already given his all to me – including the Spirit. John the Baptist had seen this even before Jesus had sacrificed all, and expressed it like this:

He must increase and I must decrease.
John 3:30

So simple, and yet many times so hard.

‘Manna’ for today:

To go for Him means losing myself to be found in Him.

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(1) 1 Cor 14:1 – see also: Which are the ‘greater gifts’?
(2) Matt 10:4, Acts 1:13
(3) Firstly - when Paul refers to the group in his writings, he does it respectfully.

Secondly – he was militant in his persecution of the first followers of Jesus.

Which are the ‘greater gifts’?

There is no doubt that the greatest gift is The holy spirit and his burning love (1), but leading up to his teaching about love as the most excellent way, Paul wrote:

Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.
1 Cor 12:31

What does he refer to?

First of all, I must admit that I think it is a little bit strange if there is a kind of hierarchy of spiritual gifts.

Because a ‘greater gift’ will be the one that I most of all need in a given situation. However, it becomes very clear what Paul had in mind when he had finished his wonderful teaching about love (2), because he continues in this way:

Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.
1 Cor 14:1

…and he explains that the reason for this is that “the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort” (3).

For an observant Bible reader, it should not be a surprise that Paul considers prophecy as a ‘greater gift’. Paul was a scholar. In regard to the law, he was a Pharisee (4), and he had studied under Gamaliel (5). When Paul met Jesus in the vision on the road to Damascus he became blind and had to be led into the city. There Ananias visited him and prophesied over him, and event that confirmed Paul's calling and ministry.

Paul could relate all that happened to him to the prophecies of the Old Testament and he used these prophecies as important part of his teaching and preaching. Paul experienced frequently that people prophesied over him (6), and he also used this gift in his own ministry (7).

I will write more on the subject of 'eagerly desiring the greater gifts' in the next couple of blogs.

‘Manna’ for today:

God always speaks! (8)

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(1) See: “Go for ‘the gifts’ in an excellent way!”
(2) 1 Corinthians 13
(3) 1 Corinthians 14:3
(4) Philippians 3:5
(5) Acts 22:3
(6) Acts 21:10-11
(7) Acts 27:21-26
(8) The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets. Psalm 50:1

How do I eagerly desire the spiritual gifts?

I have met many Christians who say: 

“I am ready for whatever God will give me”.

This is a good attitude, however, it is also a passive attitude. Particularly because the Bible is pretty clear on what the will of God is, and what God has already given. 

When I think about how I received salvation, it was possible because I knew that God had already done his part. I delayed my response, but when I finally was ready, it was an active response: I surrendered to what he had done and accepted his gift of salvation. The gift had to be unwrapped. It can in many ways been likened to the gifts under the Christmas tree. I know that there will be a gift for me there. However, even if it has my label on, it is wasted if I do not pick it up, unwrap it and start to use it.

To eagerly desire the spiritual gifts as Paul encourages us to do (1), requires active involvement from my part. I need to ‘unwrap’ what God has already given. God made salvation available through what Jesus did on the cross and he made the Holy Spirit and his gifts available when he on the day of Pentecost fulfilled the promise:

In the last days, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Acts 2:17

Since I am included in “all people”, I know that I am also included in the outpouring of the Spirit.

I believe that it was so important for Peter to make sure that everyone should feel included, that he continued to quote more from the prophecy from Joel. It confirms that this has nothing to do with gender, age or social status (2). You are included. The gift has your label if you include yourself in humanity.

The first step of the unwrapping of the gift of the Spirit is to believe and accept that the gift is already given to you. For some believers an acceptance of this truth can give an immediate spiritual confirmation, for others it is the beginning of journey with the Spirit which brings confirmation as we move in Him and He in us. Even though the experience can be precious, the main purpose of the outpouring is the fruit it brings in transformed lives. I will write more about the unwrapping of the gifts next week.

‘Manna’ for today:

Every day I choose to walk in and with the Spirit

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(1) 1 Cor 12:31
(2) Acts 2:17-18

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.

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

An identity of passion

When I am using my mother tongue and want to ask a person what his passion is, I will ask: “What are you on fire for?” - I like that phrase. We are different personalities, however, you do not need to be an extrovert to be on fire for something. I know typical introverts who are very passionate in their fields of interest.

Last week I focused on the “tongues of fire” that came upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost. If people have to move in the same direction towards a common goal they need to be able to communicate in a common language. The confusion of Babel is an example of what can happen when people do not understand one another (1). On the Day of Pentecost people received a tongue that surpasses the languages of Babel – all of a sudden they could understand. It was a unifying language of fire, of passion that opened insight into divine truths.

When I read about William Booth, I see a very passionate man. If I could have asked him what his passion was, I am sure he would have answered something like “The world for God!” or just “Souls!”. I am also convinced that this passion kept him moving towards that goal for the whole of his life. What I am on fire for will help me keep the momentum, keep me moving towards the goal.

Therefore, it is important for me to frequently check the ‘temperature’ of the fire in my life.

In the wilderness, the Israelites for a long period almost forgot that they were on the move towards a goal. And by the mount Horeb they had camped for so long that God had to recharge them again:

“You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Break camp and advance…”
Deuteronomy 1:6-7

Also the first disciples needed frequent refilling of The holy spirit to keep the fire burning (2) and move to with the Spirit. If they needed that, I need it too, because I need passion, I need the fire.

‘Manna’ for today:

I need fire to be on fire

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(1) Genesis 11:1-9
(2) Acts 4:31

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 revolutionary third move!

Two weeks ago, I wrote about God as the ‘first mover’ and followed up with a blog that focused on how God through becoming man was giving his creation a new move. He even commissioned his followers to “Go and make disciples”.

Even with three years of intensive training together with their Master, the disciples were not ready for the task straight away. First they had to do what Jesus had asked them to do:

“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 1:5

After the death and resurrection of Jesus, the disciples met in places where they could be behind closed doors, because they were afraid of the Jews. They chose the same strategy when they went back to Jerusalem after Jesus had ascended to heaven. However, when the third move came, it was like a revolution. When the Holy Spirit came upon them, nothing could stop them from speaking about what they had seen, heard and experienced (1).

• In the first move, God the Father moved with people.
• In the second move, God the Son moved among people.
• In the third move, God the Holy Spirit moves in and through people. 

This third move is vital for understanding who I am as a Christian. It is about my identity as a believer and how I am identified. God still moves with me and the Spirit moves in and through me so that I as a part of the body of Christ can move among people in 2018. The third move is a prolongation of God’s second move, making his presence physical all over the world.

‘Manna’ for today:

Where a disciple is, God is!

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(1) Acts 4:20

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

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Why did God choose The Salvation Army? #4

NORSK
When I grew up in The Salvation Army in Norway, I in some ways felt a bit inferior to other Christians. This was because both members of the Lutheran Church, which was the state-church in Norway until 2012, and members of other evangelical churches repeatedly accused me for not being biblical because TSA did not use the sacramental rituals. At the time I was born app 95% of the children were brought to church for the Christening (infant baptism). Most children of Salvationists went through the same ritual. It was considered important, and something all good citizens should do, so my Salvationist-parents followed the tradition 
– no harm done, I have a good relationship to the Norwegian Church!

The summer I turned 14, I also gave my life to Christ - a radical decision I had postponed for quite a few years. When school started after the summer-break, our head-teacher informed us that we had to start our confirmation-preparation classes the following week. All of us attended, and four months later we were ready to be confirmed. When we were kneeling at the altar and the vicar prayed for us, I tried to pray, but could not avoid to observe what was going on around me – only very few of my my kneeling schoolmates seemed to be engaged in the ‘solemn moment’ they were part of. It seemed to me that for them this was nothing but a ritual. 

I think this was the first time I got a glimpse of the rationale and theology behind the TSA’s position – it happened in a ritual in the state-church and it is not unlikely that this is why I, 47 years later, think that:

4) God chose TSA because we focus on the content of the baptism and the agape meal, not the ritual. (1)

TSA has never been against the sacraments. I know very well that they can help people to understand the miracle they symbolize. In a beautiful way baptism visualizes the believers death with Christ and the resurrection with and in Him. Likewise, the agape meal symbolizes the unity of all believers in Him. We are part of the same bread – the bread from heaven (2), saved by the blood he shed for us at the cross (3)!

However, no ritual can save, they can only remind us about the available salvation. Salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone:

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
Acts 4:12

The best way to show his salvation and love for the world, is to make our lives living sacraments in this world (4). I believe that was one of the reasons God chose to strengthen and bless those whose hearts were fully committed to him and his mission.

‘Manna’ for today:

Alive in Him and sharing his life in and with the world

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(1) The whole series:
# 1 God chose TSA because of people with a calling and a passion!
# 2 God chose TSA because we focus on the fact that everyone is called!
# 3 God chose TSA because everyone who receives the call has the same right to ministry
# 4 God chose TSA because we focus on the content of the baptism and the agape meal,

# 5 God chose TSA because we have a holistic view 

(2) John 6:35-40
(3) 1 John 1:7
(4) Albert Orsborn’s song describes this:

My life must be Christ's broken bread,
My love his outpoured wine,
A cup o'erfilled, a table spread
Beneath his name and sign.
That other souls, refreshed and fed,
May share his life through mine.

My all is in the Master's hands
For him to bless and break;
Beyond the brook his winepress stands
And thence my way I take,
Resolved the whole of love's demands
To give, for his dear sake.

Lord, let me share that grace of thine
Wherewith thou didst sustain
The burden of the fruitful vine,
The gift of buried grain.
Who dies with thee, O Word divine,
Shall rise and live again.

Listen to the song HERE

All included - a time for everything *

NORSK
The verse telling about the eleven who ‘joined together constantly in prayer’, continues:

“along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.”
Acts 1:14

I believe that the inclusion of women and men who were not part of the inner core of disciples was a very important prerequisite for the Holy Spirit to come upon those who were waiting for it to happen.

I am convinced that discrimination on gender, ethnicity and social status will prevent the Holy Spirit from being able to work through the followers of Jesus (1). That was true 2000 years ago, and it is true today.

In my series of reflections on 'The grammar of the faith', I post the question if the word 'all' is the most important word for God (2). Of course, it is not possible to determine this suggestion, but I have never doubted his desire to include everyone. When 'all' are 'together' in his name, then everything can happen and tomorrow we celebrate the first time it happened.

‘Manna’ for today:

Everyone included – take it or leave it!

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(1) It is also confirmed by Peter's reference to Joel's prophecy on the Day of Pentecost:
“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.”
Acts 2:17-18
(2) See: The most important word for God? – unfortunately only available in English through google translate.
 * 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost

What they did - a time for everything *

NORSK
What they did may seem an obvious thing to do, but actually it was an initiative that the disciples took themselves:

They all joined together constantly in prayer
Acts 1:14

In reflecting over what the disciple did right while they were ‘waiting’ - because it was ‘waiting’ Jesus had asked them to do (1), it becomes evident that prayer became their central focus. And ever since it has been one of the cornerstones of the Christian faith and practise. The eleven who failed to watch and pray for one hour with Jesus now spent the ‘waiting time’ praying. ‘Waiting” for the Lord is a form of prayer in itself, and the waiting gives power (2). Although it may sound like a lot to pray for ten days, it does not feel that way for those who do it.

I have several times participated in 24/7 prayer-weeks. Before I did my first one, I thought it was an impossible task, but it was good to set aside time to seek the Lord in this a way. Praying is waiting and waiting is praying.

‘Manna’ for today:

Choosing prayer is never wrong!

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(1) “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised” Acts 1:4
(2) but those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength Isaiah 40:31
 * 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost 

The good habits – a time for everything *

When I try to track the ‘correct’ things the disciples did while they were waiting for the Holy Spirit to come upon them, I see that it was important that they followed Jesus' instruction. As I read yesterday, they returned to Jerusalem, however, Jesus had not said anything about where they should go. So where then did they go? Of course they went were they used to go:

When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying.
Acts 1:13  

I have moved around a lot during my life, and when I come to new places, I often hear sentences like “Here we are used to…” And immediately after comes as often an apologetic “However, ‘Used to’ is dead!” 

Of course some habits can prevent us in doing new things, but there are good habits that we should stick to. Unfortunately, too many ‘Used tos’ have died without being replaced in many of our corps and churches. It is good to be aware of the fact that when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost, it was in a place where they ‘used to’ stay – they were in their own ‘habit’at.

We tend to travel at special conferences or congresses to get a new encounter with the Holy Spirit, but the Spirit’s habit is to attend where we use to attend? The question we should ask, is what we ‘use to’ do when we gather in the place we ‘use to’ to go. What the disciples did in the place they were staying, I will write more about tomorrow.

‘Manna’ for tomorrow:

It is important to take good care of good habits

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(1) The picture is an example of 'good habits': Two believers become soldiers in Romania. They are the first soldiers in a corps-plant in Bacau. The articles of faith are confirmed. They signed the ‘Soldier’s Covenant’ in prayer a.s.o. All of these are "good habits":

• Plant churches, 
• make disciples and soldiers,
•  confess the faith, 
• be in prayer, and 
• have a covenant relationship with the Lord. 

Colonel Rodney S. Walters enrolled the new soldiers last Sunday.

 * 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost

Follow the instruction – a time for everything *

NORSK
In the account following Christ's ascension, I notice several important factors that are important for the fulfillment of the promise. Individually they are strong, but the combination of them is of dynamic importance. Today I stop with the first one:

Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem
Acts 1:12

That the disciples returned to Jerusalem is an act of obedience to Jesus' clear instructions not to leave the city. 

I do not think that they fully understood what was about to happen, but they believed in him who gave the command to wait in the city. Therefore, obedience is also an expression of faith. 

The disciples certainly had no idea of the impact it was going to bring. If it had been a requirement to believe all this, I think the apostles would have remained on the Mount of Olives and under the leadership of Peter built "cottages" or waiting rooms with skylights where they could continue to watch the sky and wait for his return. But the first step in obedience was to move back to Jerusalem.
I have reflected on the connection between faith and obedience many times in my ministry. This simple statement about returning to Jerusalem confirms the importance. Faith is about doing what Jesus asks me to do, and that is also all I have to worry about. 


'Manna' for today:

Following the instructions is vital for the outcome

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 * 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost

Where is the “ends of the earth”? - a time for everything *

NORSK 

“to the ends of the earth”
Acts 1:8

was part of yesterday's verse, and I promised to revert with some thoughts on the subject. ‘Ends of the earth’ can be interpreted geographically or eschatologically = in an end-time perspective. 

Today I will focus on the geography.

I live an exciting life together with Jesus, and following him has led to exciting encounters with people who also follow him. Brother Yun, known as 'The Heavenly Man', is one of them (1).

Yun has a simple and logical explanation on what ‘the ends of the earth’ means:

Since the earth is round, the ends of the earth is exactly where you begin. Since the Christian mission began in Jerusalem, taking the gospel to the ends of the earth means taking the gospel back to Jerusalem. For the Chinese Christians it is important to evangelize the area from China westward to Jerusalem. The movement ‘Back to Jerusalem’ is therefore their mission strategy.

What does this mean for me?

Since the earth is round, it means that wherever I am, I am at the ends of the earth. On Friday it was the Romanian border, on Saturday it was Bacau, yesterday it was Iasi and today it is Bucharest, and at 'the ends of the earth' I will witness because I am convinced that Jesus is with there too.

‘Manna’ for today:

I witness at the 'ends of the earth'

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(1) Yun's biography
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost 

The important strategy - a time for everything *

NORSK
When Jesus had reminded the disciples that they after having received the Holy Spirit should be his witnesses, he continued by giving them the strategy for the mission:

“ … in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8

The mission is not accomplished before we reach “the ends of the earth”, but the crucial point is that I always start where I am. On Friday afternoon we passed the border between Moldova and Romania. It was Rodney (Walters) who drove the car, and it is normal procedure that the driver is the one presenting the identification documents for both passengers and vehicle. The custom officer on the Romanian border was in a good mood and wanted to talk, and Rodney got an opportunity to testify, which he used to witness about the love of God shown to us in Jesus.

One of the benefits of knowing Jesus' strategy is that we are always ready to testify. Wearing the uniform can often be a help, because it makes people ask questions that open up for conversation. The Romanian border is not the ends of the earth, but what Rodney, Wendy, Magna and I have in common, is that we many years ago began where we were, and have continued to ‘begin’ right where we are. I will revert to some thoughts about "the ends of the earth" tomorrow. 

‘Manna’ for today:

Today I will begin in Iasi

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(1) This picture is not taken at Romanian border, but on Aeropagos - the place where Paul began to witness for Athenians.
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost

The last important reminder - a time for everything *

NORSK
As we draw closer to the day of Pentecost, I reflect on some of the last things Jesus did or said, and today I focus on the last reminder:

“... a and you will be my witnesses...” Acts 1:8  

I have written a lot about witnessing on the blog (2). That is because the Bible refers to it many times both in the Old and the New Testament.
Since I have been brought up in the Salvation Army, I was constantly reminded about witnessing. It had focus in the preaching and it was very evident in the practice of people giving their testimonies both in indoor meetings and in the open air. 

Many of our halls had the verse from Isaiah on the wall – preferably on the back wall so that the soldiers on the platform could be constantly reminded on the fact that:

“You are my witnesses,”
declares the Lord
Isaiah 43:11 

I have seen how important it is for the witnesses telling their stories and for those who listen to the testimonies, so I am not surprised that Jesus' last reminder was that I should be his witness.

‘Manna’ for today:

I want to be his witness!

And today I will give my testimony at the library in Bacau, where a new corps planting in Romania has taken place - and tomorrow the first two soldiers will be enrolled.
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(1) An example of the "back wall text" referred to, and in the foreground two faithful witnesses: Anne and Jan-Egil Trobe (Sandvika).
(2) You can find more reflections under the label Witness - and many more if you do google translate on the reflections under Vitne
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost