A word spoken at the right time

NORSK, русский, Română, ქართული, Українська

King Solomon is the author of today’s headline, and the full proverb goes like this:

Like apples of gold in settings of silver
Is a word spoken at the right time.
Prov 25:11

It is simple to envisage the beauty and value of this jewellery or piece of art, and if you really have experienced being helped by a word spoken at the right time, you know that it can be more valuable than both gold and silver.

It has happened to me many times d uring my life, and that is why I also want God to speak through me so that other people can experience the blessing of being affirmed by God.

When I was a young lieutenant I got married to a beautiful young salvationist. It was love at first sight and we have been married for more than 40 years. The only inconvenience with the arrangement was that Magna was not an officer when we got married, which meant that I had to resign my officership. However, together we continued to serve as corps-leaders, and even though I was told that I had let the Army down I did not feel that had let God down in any way. That feeling came strongly a few months later. I was driving my car and lost control over it, and ended up in a severe accident. Magna escaped without a scratch, but I was seriously injured – and ended up in hospital for several weeks and had to undergo surgery twice. The reason why I felt I had let God down – and thereby confirmed that I also had let the Army down, was that I did not have a driving licence. I felt like a complete failure and that God never could use me anymore.

After being released from hospital and still on crutches I attended a large camp-meeting. There must have been 5-10.000 people in the congregation. Low in spirit we found some places far back in the hall. When the pastor Stanley Sjøberg from Sweden stood up to preach he said something like this:

Before I start my sermon this evening I have a message to a person in the congregation. You think that God has rejected you and that he will never be able to use you because you have broken the law, driven a car without a license and injured yourself in so doing. God wants you to know that you are forgiven and he will restore you into ministry.

For me these words were “like apples of gold in settings of silver” – therefore, I also know how important it is to eagerly desire to speak words that can bring healing to broken people.

‘Manna’ for today:

I want to speak a word in the right time!

Do you?
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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

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

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

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