Learning how to walk

I love to move around on foot. Therefore, I cherish walking instead of driving a car. When I add some running, the benefit is that I keep fit. The principles are the same in God’s Kingdom.

The three first chapters in Paul’s letter to Ephesians are very much focused on my status or position in Christ. Paul wanted to make sure that his readers know their position. When I know where I “sit”, I am ready to raise and start walking:

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called…
Eph 4:1

The word Paul uses in Greek literally means ‘walking’. However, it is also possible to use ‘living’, which many translations of the Bible prefer in the verse above.

There are a lot of similarities between ‘living’ and ‘walking’. I live because I am alive. I don’t have to tell my heart to beat or my lungs to draw the breath – it is all part of being alive. Likewise, when I have learned to walk, I do not need to think about how I stand up and start to move my legs to get the correct movement to reach my destination. I only need to know where I am going, simply because the ‘art of walking’ is an integrated part of my life.

When Paul beseech me to walk and live worthy of the calling with which I was called, he continues to outline what he sees this to be. When you read it (1), you will discover that he makes a list of the attributes of Jesus. It is all about walking like Jesus in the world today. That is the normal Christian life (2). It is impossible without him, yet he will not do it without us. When we start walking in this way, it becomes an integral part of us – we do it without thinking about it, or even knowing about it (3). We will look at several of these attributes of walking in the weeks to come.

‘Manna’ for today:

Learning how to walk – like Christ

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(1) Eph 4:1-16

(2) “The Normal Christian Life” is another book of Watchman Nee – the author of “Sit, Walk, Stand”. Nee’s books have meant a lot for me on my personal spiritual journey. 

(3) “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? …” Matthew 25:37-40

Knowing who I am

When we were installed as territorial leaders in Eastern Europe territory in January 2018, I said the following in my sermon: “If I do not know who I am and why I am here, I am a danger for the mission of The Salvation Army!”

You cannot go into a spiritual battle without knowing who you are and why you are in the battle. That is why the Bible contains so much teaching about the identity in Christ and the mission we are called to be a part of.

This matter is Paul’s main focus in the letter to the Ephesians. He starts with describing our identity in Christ and continues to teach about what this means in practice for the mission. Finally, he writes about how this equips us for being able to stand in the spiritual battle. Watchman Nee has taken the essence of Ephesians and presented it as three important step in spiritual development. His book is “Sit, Walk, Stand!” and ‘sitting’ has all to do with the identity = our status in Christ:

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.
Eph 2:6 (1)

Some years ago, a man who was possessed with evil came so close to me that his nose touched my nose. There had been no conversation between us, yet he swore and cursed me and said I was a man of the devil. Because I know who I am in Christ, I could calmly speak to the evil spirit and said: “You know who I am. You know that I am in Christ and that there is nothing you can do to me!” 

The man screamed and waved his arms so that my glasses were thrown to the pavement, and then the man ran off. I was unhurt and even my glasses were OK. It was not a pleasant experience, however, it was good to see that even though the evil spirits are ‘liars’ like their ‘father’ (2), they know what is true when you confront them with truth. When we know who we are in Christ, we can do what James encourages us to do: 

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:7

‘Manna’ for today:

Jesus is the truth and he is stronger than the ‘father of lies’ (2)

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(1) If you read Eph 1:1-14, please notice how many times Paul writes “in Christ”, “in Him” ….
(2) When he (the devil) lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
John 8:44

‘…without us God will not’

The headline is the last part of St. Augustine’s famous saying:

‘Without God we cannot, but without us God will not!’

There is substantial Biblical support for the first part of the quote. In the parable of the vine Jesus focused on the importance of bearing fruit and stated:

apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5b

There is no doubt that God can without us. When the Pharisees asked Jesus to rebuke the disciples who praised him when he entered Jerusalem on Palm-Sunday, Jesus answered:

“Listen—if they were silent, the very rocks would start to shout!”
Luke 19:40

However, Augustine was right, God wants to work in us and through us (1). Many years back I listen to a devotion by Bill Himes on the proclamation “No rock is going to cry in my place!” – a man who has dedicated all his talents and all that he is to God, has credibility when he makes a statement like that (2). William Booth had the same conviction and dedication, that is why he could say: “I am a move of God!”.

When I think about “a move of God”, a chess-board is the first image that pops up in my mind. During my first year at the Training College in 1974, the second year Cadets of the Soldiers of the Cross session prepared a drama for their commissioning in Royal Albert Hall. The drama followed the music of the piece "The Holy War" (3) played by The International Staff Band, while the cadets acted a game of chess symbolising the fight between good and evil. 

The performance was powerful. However, the spiritual war is not a performance, it is real. Without God we cannot, without us God will not. We are a move of God in the world in our time, and that means war with the weapons of love. The terrible beauty of the cross, is its testimony about love conquering evil. That testimony is still the content of God's moving in and through his followers 2000 later.

‘Manna’ for today:

A move of God, will always be a move of love.

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(1) See: The revolutionary third move
(2) Bill Himes is a composer and song-writer. His song “All that I am” is sung all over the world.
(3) Brass-enthusiasts will know this beautiful and demanding piece of Ray Steadman Allen written for the Salvation Army’s Centenary Celebration in 1965.

“I am a move of God!”

Last week God blessed us richly during the Officers’ Development Conference in Eastern Europe. The last time all officers in the territory took part in this kind of event was in 2013, so it was great to have an opportunity to meet in this way. Anointed by The holy spirit, our guests, Commissioners Heidi and Brad Bailey, shared from their knowledge, experience and hearts in a way that moved us all. The theme for the conference was related to our focus on momentum, and in one of the sessions Commissioner Brad shared this quote from William Booth:

“I am not waiting for a move of God; I am a move of God!”

A vital part of the DNA of a disciple of Jesus is captured in this statement. God is the impulse, and a disciple moves on that impulse and becomes ‘a move of God’!

Paul was very clear that his identity is in Christ, but also focused on the fact that Christ lived in him:

… it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Gal 2:20

During the conference last week, we used the song “We are Jesus in our time!” (1), which I wrote in 2014 together with Commissioner Dick Krommenhoek (2). The text tries to capture the mystery that you and I are his body in the world today and the radical conclusion is that we therefore become ‘Jesus’ in our time right where we are.

On the day of Pentecost God moved in such a way that I do not need to wait for another move. When we have received The holy spirit, he lives in us and we can all say:

‘Manna’ for today:

I am a move of God!

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(1) Jesus in our time

When Jesus comes to town and passes down my local street, 
Will my neighbours even notice the event?
Yet there's an awesome mystery that all believers meet:
It is me, it is me he has sent!

Our Master has a strategy,quite radical, by far:We are 'Jesus' (3x) In our time, Where we are.

When Jesus takes the risk of using me and you today,
I can hardly understand it, but he dares!
Thank God, he's also promised he will guide us on our way,
So I know, so I know that he cares.

When Jesus asks me to reveal his love for all to see,
Will my answer be reliable and true?
'When I walk through your town' he asks 'wherever you may be,
Will they see, will they see me in you?'

(2) Link to the sheet music

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

To live the life of the Resurrection

NORSK
Since many of us are still in Easter modus I want to post the question:

“Have you ever thought about the Spirit’s role in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ?”

If I was to ask this question in a Bible study, I am sure that some would answer “Yes!” – and if you have followed this blog for a while, you will know that the Spirit is the giver of life. The creation story tells us that it was the breath of God that brought Adam to life (1) and if you are attending The Salvation Army, you are likely to have stated that you believe in the regeneration by the Holy Spirit (2).

Paul prayed many prayers for the Ephesians, and in one them he prays: that you may know God’s:

“… incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead…”
Eph 1:19-20

Jesus was clear that this power is The holy spirit (3). So when I tomorrow greet the people I meet with the statement: “Christ is risen!”, I am also believing and confirming the mystery that the power that raised him from the dead is for me. Therefore, being conscious of the fact that I as a believer is living the life of the Resurrection even as I live my life here on earth, becomes vital for the continuous unwrapping of the gifts of the Spirit.

‘Manna’ for today:

To live the life of the Resurrection, means to pass on the power of The holy spirit

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(1) Genesis 2:7
(2) “We believe that repentance towards God, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and regeneration by the Holy Spirit, are necessary to salvation” The Salvation Army’s seventh doctrine.
(3) Acts 1:8

“Keep the fire burning – don’t wait for the others!”

NORSK
Part of the unwrapping of the gift of the Spirit, is to confirm that you have done it. This is in line with the Biblical principle of believing in your heart and confessing with your mouth (1). However, it is very important that we confirm each other as well.

When I last week wrote that I was given an opportunity to testify about the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the annual Congress in 1973, several people came and confirmed what I had shared. One of them was the main speaker at the Congress, General Clarence Wiseman. He came down to me and some other young people and said: “Keep the fire burning – don’t wait for the others!”

Very often we lose momentum because we are waiting for everyone to be part of the same move at the same time. It will never happen that ‘all’ are part of the same move. When a considerable number of people are on the same move, it is called revival. However, even in times of revival there will be people who distance themselves from the ‘movement’. General Wiseman knew that, and he encouraged and confirmed the young people ‘on fire’ for the Lord.

Some months ago I wrote a series on the mentoring relationship between Paul and Timothy (2). Several of the more than 90 blogs touched the importance of confirmation and affirmation that is so evident in the letters. It is for example encouraging to see how Paul confirmed Timothy as

"my true son in the faith"
1 Timothy 1:2a (3)

and how he confirmed the gift of the Spirit in Timothy:

I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:6-7 (4)

It shows how important it is to confirm those who are moving in the right direction.

‘Manna’ for today:

I want to confirm people who are on the right track

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(1) Romans 10:9-10
(2) You find link to the English version HERE
(3) In English see “Affirmation and accountability”
(4) In English see: “A mentor is clear and direct”

How do I unwrap the gifts of the Spirit?

When I was baptized in the Spirit at the age of 16, I wanted to share this blessing with as many as possible. Therefore, I said to the Lord: “If you want me to tell the Army about this, you need to give me an opportunity to do so at the territorial congress next summer!” 

– I did not tell anybody about this agreement, and even though I have been involved in many congresses since I was 16, I have only once been asked to give my testimony. It happened the ‘next summer’. In 1973 I stood in large sports-hall testifying to the big crowd about what I had received and that it is available for all believers. “He has already given it. However, the gift has to be unwrapped!” was my message 45 years ago, and it is still the same.

If you have already accepted the fact that the gift has your name-tag on it, you are already moving towards the process of unwrapping the gift. The day I surrendered my life to Jesus and in doing so also was determined that this was a lifelong commitment, I was convinced about one thing:

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Luke 6:38

In my understanding this was very straight forward. If I gave Jesus my life, he would give me his. If I gave him my gifts, he would give me his. If I forgave, he would forgive and so on (1).

It was just a matter of starting on the journey of exploring. I read about how other people had received the gift of the Spirit and I realized that they were very ordinary people, just as I am. It fitted the biblical image of the first disciples as very ordinary, and of the very human people making up the first body of believers as portrayed in Acts of the Apostles and Paul’s letters.

After having accepted that this is for me, the next step is to count it as an integral part of my new life in Christ. One simple example: 

If I am in Christ and he is in me, it means that when I pray for people and lay my hands on them, the hands become the hands of Christ. It is a new way of thinking; it is part of the unwrapping of the gift of Spirit.

‘Manna’ for today:

Walking in the Spirit is an ongoing journey of exploration.

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(1) The Lord’s prayer – Matthew 6:12

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

Go for ‘the gifts’ in an excellent way!

The fourth important factor influencing movement (1), is the spiritual gifts. We can read about how the disciples used such gifts, and Paul teaches about the gifts of the Spirit in several of his letters. When he wrote to the Corinthians, he expressed how he thanked God for them because of the grace he had given them in Jesus, and then he continued:

For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge - God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.
1 Cor 1:5-7

When I read the whole letter, it quickly becomes clear that even if they did not lack any spiritual gift, they were far from perfect. This is sad, and at the same time a comfort. Spiritual gifts are not something you receive because of long and faithful service and holy living. I have met people who have become proud of their spirituality when they become aware their spiritual gift. In fact, they are gifts given by grace for people to honour God with them, and not bring attention to themselves.

From Acts we know that the gifts cannot be bought (2), however, Paul encourages us in this way:

Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.
And yet I will show you the most excellent way.
1 Cor 12:31

When Paul places the gifts subordinate to the most excellent way, he places them where all ministry belongs. The most excellent way is the way described in the 13 chapter – the way of love.

If I operate with spiritual gifts without love, it will be power out of control. God’s love is stronger than any destructive force. Human intentions may be the very best, but if they are not driven by God’s love it will in best case scenario lead to nothing. Abuse of spiritual power, is as evil as any power abuse. That is why God also respect free will of every human being. It is important for me to make these statements, because I will continue to write on this subject for some time.

‘Manna’ for today

Go for ‘the gifts’ in an excellent way!

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(1) These four ‘internal’ factors are:
1) Passion, 2) Personality 3) Talents and 4) Spiritual gifts
(2) The story about Simon the Sorcerer Acts 8:9-24

Talents as fuel for movement

In his beautiful song “All that I am”, Bill Himes prays: “Take every passion, every skill, take all my dreams and bend them to your will” (1). In this sentence he touches three of the four important factors influencing my movements as a disciple of Jesus: Passion, Skills (or Talents) and ‘Dreams and Will’ which are part of my personality.

It is interesting that Jesus did not seem to be very concerned about talents when he called his disciples. He seemed to be more focused on “availability” than anything else. Discipleship is primarily a call to follow after him. Availability was the ‘talent’ the first twelve disciples had in common; availability was the common factor for the workers in the parable of the vineyard (2).

But when availability is announced, like Himes does in his song: “My all I give, Lord, for you I’ll live, Lord, come what may” (1) – God wants us to use all our talents to spread His love.

My greatest desire is to see people saved through faith in Jesus Christ. This can happen in many denominations. However, one of my reasons choosing The Salvation Army is because it gives me an arena where I can use all my talents.

I have some small talents in many areas. I love to write, and I have been trusted with opportunities to do so. I love to play musical instruments, and in The Salvation Army I have had almost unlimited possibilities of using my limited skills. I love languages and I have been sent to places where I have been able to use languages I did not think would be within my reach to learn. I love to use tools, build and repair properties – and guess what… yes, of course it has been useful. I love to be with people and share thoughts and life with them…. The list is long. Fortunately in God’s kingdom one person does not need to do everything himself because he is part of a body of believers with extreme reserves of talents.

Do you think that the boy who placed his five loaves and two fishes in the hands of Jesus had foreseen what was going to happen? (3)  Neither should you judge the value of your talents before you place them in the same hand.

‘Manna’ for tody:

Do it – and be surprised by God!

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(1) Link to the English text HERE - Youtube
(2) Matthew 20:1-16
(3) John 6:1-13

Four factors influencing movement

When I last week wrote about passion, I introduced the first of four factors of importance for my mission as a follower of Christ:

1) Passion
2) Personality 

3) Talents
4) Spiritual gifts

They are all part of my identity as a disciple. Today I want to share a few thoughts about personality. When I read how Jesus chose the twelve disciples who he should train for three years, I am so glad to discover how different personalities they had. I am also grateful to Luke for reminding us that

The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others.
Luk 8:1b-3

Like their male colleagues, the women were very different both with regard to personality, social background and status. Sometimes I meet people who have lost momentum because they say: 

“I am not like that!” 

They compare themselves with other Christians and think that their personality does not fit in. When we look at the first group of followers, we see that there were no status, gender or personality issues. An extrovert and impulsive Peter could easily walk alongside an introvert Thomas who needed time to check out more facts before he was ready to move. There was space close to Jesus for both of them - when Thomas moved, he moved in the right direction. Peter sometimes also moved in the wrong direction. All the same, realising he was on the wrong track, there was a way back to Jesus even for Peter. In close relationship with Jesus, our personalities will be refined and the beautiful nuances preserved.

‘Manna’ for today:

In Jesus there is room for everyone.

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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

A new move!

When we read the stories of the Old Testament, it is not difficult to see how God is moving in and through his chosen people, and how he also reveals to them what his plans are. The author of the letter to the Hebrews has captured this and described it in this way:

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.
Hebrews 1:1-2

The belief that Jesus Christ was present in God – the ‘first mover’ – when the world was created, was very important for the first followers of the Way, who later were called Christians. When God became flesh, his presence and identification with his creation became even more evident. God was not just a distant Creator, but lived as a human being among ordinary people, “tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin” (1).

The prophets saw that this would happen, and Isaiah described it in this way:

For this is what the high and exalted One says—
he who lives forever, whose name is holy:
“I live in a high and holy place,
but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly
and to revive the heart of the contrite.
Isaiah 57:15

Therefore, the birth of Jesus Christ is so vital for the Christian faith and for the momentum of God’s plan of salvation. In the incarnation the first mover is giving his creation a new move. Some of Jesus’ last words were: “Go therefore…” 

- If we do not grasp the mystery of the incarnation, but still want to do what he asks us to do, we are likely to try to move but with the parking-brakes on. More about incarnation in the reflection on the ‘third move’ next week.

‘Manna’ for today:

I move because He is with me always (2)

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(1) Hebrews 4:15b

(2) Matthew 28:20

Keep moving!

We have just moved again. Not very far this time. Our new apartment is approximately 3 km away from where we have lived for the past 2,5 years. In addition, I have moved office – I carried my stuff across to the other side of the corridor. 

I am moving because of moves in our movement. Christianity is not a religion; it is a motion, a movement. Therefore, The Salvation Army is first and foremost a movement that sets people in motion.

We know that there is motion in the world; whatever is in motion is moved by another thing; this other thing also must be moved by something. For Thomas Aquinas (1) this developed into one of his philosophical arguments for God’s existence. Because motion takes place there must have been a ‘first mover’ and for Aquinas this ‘first mover’ is God. Since God is infinite, Aquinas consider him as the ‘immovable mover’.

So, when we chose the Latin word ‘Momentum’ as our motto, it is to remind us about the fact that Christians are supposed to be moving on the impulse from the first mover – every day! What this means in practical terms, I will elaborate on in my blog once a week.

So how did it start?

The Creation-story tells us that the earth was formless, empty and in darkness:

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Gen 1:3

What a move! This was not the creation of the sun. This was God placing himself in the middle of his creation. The first mover had moved. The first motion had begun. John captured this in his writings: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all (2), and in prologue of the gospel where he described the coming of the Word, he wrote: In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind (3).

‘Manna’ for today

Let us live, move and have our being in the light and the life of the first mover. (4)

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(1) Tommaso d'Aquino was an Italian Dominican Friar who lived from 1225 to 1274.

(2) 1 John 1:5

(3) John 1:4

(4) Acts 17:28

Marathon and Momentum

NORSK
Today is the annual Oslo Marathon and if I were in Norway, I would have taken part - at least in the 10 km. It's been four years since I last ran and there are several reasons for me not taking part over the past years: 

In the autumn of 2014 we had just arrived Stavanger and all weekends were busy with meetings and events for the new DCs. By 2015, we had just arrived Moldova, and the same matters with a full program were again valid. Mind you, it would have been irresponsible to spend a lot of savings on traveling for at least 8 hours to Oslo just for the sake of running 21 km. 

In the autumn of 2016 I was happy for just being able to walk 5 km (1).

This morning I was up early and ran 10 km at the average speed of 5:28 per km. By comparison, I had 5:27 as average speed at the Oslo half marathon in 2013. For me it is a small miracle that today's 10 km held the same speed.

Today's run is not really an achievement in itself, I just ran and enjoyed it. But the way to get there has costed pain and discomfort, mixed with careful optimism when I noticed progress. I just needed to keep the momentum. 18 months ago, I sometimes doubted that I would be able to run again, and the doctors could not give me any promises. The reason why I chose to challenge the knee's protests, is the sense of physical, and even more important, of mental well-being that I get from running. I had to sacrifice something to achieve something good. 

Furthermore, the reason for me writing this blog is simply that this period of getting back in shape, contains a principle that is valid in most areas of life - even the spiritual area.

Salvation is free, but discipleship is costly, was one of Bonhoeffer’s statements. If I want to experience the good progress or the momentum, which actually is Latin for a move in the right direction, then I must be willing to pay the price. And that price is not a one-time-effort, but a conscious daily choice.

I revert to the example of running. Although I am a morning bird, I have never liked running in the morning. However, in this part of the world with temperatures between 30 and 40 degrees for more than four months in the summer, it is hazardous to run during the day and evening. Then, I can either choose to scrap running or run when I do not like running. Eventually it has become OK to run in the morning - at least when I think of the option of running in + 35.

I am going to focus on "Momentum" in the next months – that does not mean that I return to daily blogging, however, I will probably post some thoughts now and then. It was Jesus who started the motion when he commanded the disciples: "Go therefore!" Matthew 28:19 - and Paul urged his readers:

Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.
Phil 3:16 (The Message)

When that happens, I believe for a revival in Eastern Europe and Half-marathon in Oslo in the autumn of 2018.
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(1) My knee was badly damaged in a terrorist-attack 12 Jan 2016

Confession causes movement

NORSK
Peter’s journey up to Jerusalem began close to Caesarea Philippi. I will not spend time to reflect on why the start happened just there, but I do not think it was accidental. For although the geographical journey was necessary, it was Peters spiritual journey that took off from that place.

Peter had followed Jesus for some time. He was a faithful disciple, but had he grasped what the journey was all about? Only God knows.
Jesus had asked the disciples a couple of important questions:

“Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

And the disciples gave report on what people thought about Jesus.
I think there were at least two reasons why Jesus asked this question:

1. He wanted to know whether the disciples were aware of what the people around them had on their minds. I think he has the same concerns with regard to his disciples today too.
2. He wanted to know whether or not the disciples were affected by the public opinion about Jesus, or whether or not they were able to stand up for what they believed. I think he has the same concerns with regard to his disciples today too.

Because his next question was:

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” (1)

Peter was the first to respond. Although I am aware that he was very impulsive and often acted before he thought, but he made a confession which had enormous consequences, and I do not think that it came easy. Firstly, it started off his own journey to Jerusalem, but it also seems as though he gave Jesus the signal: ‘Now you can start your journey too!’

I will return to Peter’s confession tomorrow, but today I declare that confession causes movement. If it does not create movement, there is a risk that profession only empty phrases.

Today 'manna'

Confession causes movement

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(1) The Bible passage:

13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Matt 16:13-15