God’s good law is true and perfect; It refreshes soul and mind. All the simple are bid welcome. Timeless wisdom there you’ll find. All the Lord’s decrees are faithful; His commands are right and true. You won’t stumble or grow weary If His Word abides in you. God’s commands dispel the darkness— Pow’r and Spirit there abide; They bring life to desert starkness, For they have life’s force inside. Far more worth than finest treasure Is God’s law, so pure and right. ’Tis God’s wisdom in full measure: Depth and width and length and height. Words of truth make clear our vision; Holy, pure, and firm they stand. We will bow in glad submission. Our reward comes from God’s hand. God’s commands dispel the darkness— Pow’r and Spirit there abide; They bring life to desert starkness, For they have life’s force inside. Laws of God bring joy exceeding— Honey’s sweetness can’t compare. Strength they give—our pathway leading. Peace and rest in God grow there. Lord, I pray, in each endeavor: May Your laws direct my way. So in thought and word, I ever Please You, Jesus, come what may. God’s commands dispel the darkness— Pow’r and Spirit there abide; They bring life to desert starkness, For they have life’s force inside.Ole Jermund Pedersen

“But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matt. 6:20-21. Heavenly treasures are not earthly or material things. Each commandment is a heavenly treasure. These heavenly treasures can become ours if we hold on to them during the trials of life. They are a rich gift from our God, a rock on which to build our lives. They are valuable, like the most precious diamonds or pearls. Through the commandments, we have been given a “Jacob’s ladder” that reaches up to heaven, where Jesus Himself entered by walking according to the same commandments. That is also what Aksel J. Smith wrote about in his song, no. 321 in Ways of the Lord. Many of us live in a church environment where these treasures are present in abundance. We are able to eat from a richly prepared table, spiritually speaking. Those who allow the commandment to break all ties with the lusts of the flesh and their self-will, have understood to invest in a life according to the requirements of the commandment by committing their own lust and their own will into death. They have made use of these opportunities, faithfully gathering treasures in heaven. They possess a life that is lived according to God’s commandments and before His face, which consists of the treasures they have laid up in heaven. How is it with us? Do we also gather treasures? Are we laying hold of today’s opportunities in the same way? Do we add victory to victory as we deny ourselves every day, take up our cross, and carry out the will of God? Those who live to gain approval from people, do not store up treasures in heaven. It is through a hidden life with Christ in God that we gather treasures in heaven, while earthly-minded people gather treasures on earth. Having a good reputation, recognition, fame, and honor are what matter most to them. The desire for these things gives many people the strength to excel in what they are praised for, but when they do it for people, they have already received their reward. This praise is their treasure; it is earthly and it disappears along with the people who give it to them. Eccles. 4:4. In Col. 3:2, we are exhorted to set our minds on things above, not on things on the earth. The testimony of God is found above; but we get the testimony of man here on earth. “But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” Matt. 6:17-18 Why are so many believers so overwhelmingly attached to what is earthly, and are troubled, worried, and offended by so many things? It is because it has not yet become important for them to be hidden from people and to only give account to their heavenly Father. In the assurance of our Father’s care for us and His attention to our hidden lives, faithfulness to the commandments is of crucial importance, right down to the hidden thoughts and intents of our hearts. By this obedience, which is not witnessed by people, eternal heavenly treasures are created, and where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.Åge Leth

Pilate asked Jesus if He was the King of the Jews, and Jesus replied, “My kingdom is not of this world.” Where, then, was His kingdom? Pilate asked again: “Are You a king then?” Jesus replied, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” John 18:37. He is also called Faithful and True, and He is called the Word of God. Rev. 19:11,13. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Ever since the serpent deceived Eve with his cunning and led mankind to its downfall by unbelief in the word, there has been a struggle between truth and lies. God’s judgment was clear: “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall crush your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” Gen. 3:15. [Norw.] In order to crush the serpent’s head, a Savior was needed, and God sent His own Son, manifested in the flesh. When Jesus testified before Pontius Pilate, His work would soon be finished and the victory would be won. He reclaimed the royal power, so that not even death could hold Him. The truth had overcome, and God’s word and will had been carried out without a single failure. Now the kingdom of heaven could be proclaimed—consisting of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. He is this King who humbled Himself under the will of the Father, who gave Himself as a gift—a sacrifice—to the point of death, even the death of the cross. He made a final reckoning with the serpent of old, the devil, the father of lies. All those who sought their own, all those who wanted to rise to new heights in order to be seen by others, all those who wanted to profit at the expense of others, etc., etc., and were not willing to acknowledge their sin—became His adversaries—men who envied Him. And in this way He also endured hostility from sinners. But to all those who acknowledged their sins and agreed with the truth and repented, to them He opened up the kingdom of heaven. Jesus promised His disciples that He would not leave them orphans. When the Holy Spirit was sent on the day of Pentecost, all those who loved the truth were clothed with power from on high. Jesus prayed for His disciples: “Sanctify them by Your truth; Your word is truth.” John 17:17. “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.” John 16:13-14. Here we see that Jesus—in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge—opens His entire treasure trove to us through the Spirit of truth. And through the cross of Christ, through the sufferings of Christ, and through the death of Christ, we have the opportunity to lay hold of these true treasures as our own possession. All things are through Him and to Him. The church “is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” 1 Tim. 3:15. Also today, the church has emerged as the pillar and ground of truth. It is the city set on a hill, that shines in the darkness of lies that is descending upon the earth. The light of truth shines there, which is able to overcome the father of lies and the very essence of falsehood. It is a safe dwelling for all upright and truth-loving people. In the light of truth, under the powerful influence of the word, we become conformed to our King and Master. It is under the judgment of the light and through self-acknowledgment that truth takes root in a human heart and can transform those who receive it into the image of the Son. In the end times, lies will gain power on earth to a particularly great degree. Anyone who does not receive the love of truth will then be deceived. God Himself will send them a strong delusion, that they should believe the lie. 2 Thess. 2:11. That is the consequence of not loving the truth and consecrating the King of truth as Lord upon the throne of their heart. The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders. This is he who the Lord Jesus, the King of truth, will consume with the breath of His mouth and will destroy with the brightness of His coming. There is no doubt where the power and victory are found—they are in Christ. “But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.” 2 Thess. 2:13.Lars Håkon Halvorsen

“For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Col. 3:3. Paul writes this as if it were a given. But is that how it is for me? When I become anxious, worried, and everything is all about me—where is my life then? Is my life hidden with Christ, or am I the center of attention? Paul writes, “For to me, to live is Christ . . .” Phil. 1:21. What does “to live” mean for me? After Paul met Jesus, he had no doubt. The One who revealed Himself was not only Lord, but He became life itself. If we are to live this hidden life with Christ, our minds must be set on things above. Col. 3:2. Even then, though, we know all too well that we still carry about a body of sin with us. That’s why the exhortation follows, “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth . . .” Col. 3:5. The old must give way—not by our own power, but because we have died with Christ. And Jesus has not left us alone either. He said, “I will come to you,” and He asked the Father to send the Holy Spirit—the Spirit of truth—to be with us and in us. John 14:16-17. Do we understand how privileged we are? The Spirit is not an extra support for just a select few; He is essential for anyone who wants to lay hold of the life of Jesus. “He will teach you all things.” In God’s light, it becomes clear what dwells within us: foolishness, self-centeredness, and words and deeds we do that do not align with the life of Christ. That is why what we sing in one of the songs is so comforting: “But if, in the light, we acknowledge our sin, then wisdom, by faith, comes where folly has been.” WotL 377, V3. That is when it is crucial to be in our rightful place, in the light, and in a spirit that loves the truth and does not draw back when the Spirit speaks. “When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” Col. 3:4. When I truly believe this word, I no longer need to defend myself. I don’t need to fight for my own position or opinion. It is precisely in situations where we feel we are losing face, honor, or our sense of security that we have the opportunity to live in complete surrender to Him. “Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.” 1 Pet. 4:19. It is clear that this will cost me sufferings, but this is precisely where a pathway opens up for me that leads to rest. “Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest.” Heb. 4:11. Rest is not found in being passive, but rather in surrender and complete trust. When something affects our name, reputation, or pride, we need to cast it on Him who can bear it, and who truly does bear it; and then we need to continue to do good—in His power, so that His life can increasingly permeate our lives. Then it will be as Paul expresses it, that, “. . . in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: . . . by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true.” 2 Cor. 6:4,8. A hidden life with Jesus is a life of complete surrender to the will of God. Therefore, we need to dare to test ourselves in the various circumstances of life: “Is it really Christ who lives in me?” Then we will also be revealed with Him—in glory. Col. 3:4.Magne Larsen

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren.” Heb. 2:9-11. Who do we see when the pressures of life come over us? Do we see Jesus? The One who was made a little lower than the angels, and who for the suffering of death, was crowned with glory and honor, because He gave His life in every situation. The fear of death, or the fear of losing His own life, had no power over Him. He had this goal of bringing many sons to glory as a clear vision set before Him. What a glorious Captain we have, who never once avoided suffering, but who was obedient every time, in every situation. He tasted death for everyone. This is a death to self-will. What an example we have of someone who went the full distance in sanctification. Now is our time to go on this way of sanctification. We have a great High Priest who is not ashamed to call us brethren. We are going on the same way that He did, where we find our will in home life, church life and also at our place of work. “For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:2. I can often see my own will as life unfolds and I come under pressure. This is the “now,” when I have the opportunity for my will to be bent. It becomes clear that “now” is the accepted time for me to work out my salvation with fear and trembling. “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” Ps. 34:4-8. The mindset to seek the Lord brings great reward. He will save me from my fears—the fear of death—in other words, the fear of giving up my will. But when I see Jesus, I am not ashamed, because I see the way out of the poverty that comes from living for myself. I know that my Lord has gone the same way. He knows how I can be saved out of all my troubles—from my incredibly strong human will that needs to be bent, so that I can do the will of the Father. When I see Jesus, and begin walking on this way of salvation, Jesus also sees me, and He encamps around me to save me. He shows me the way that will deliver me from all of these strong forces in my flesh. Step by step, as my will is being bent, I taste and see that the Lord is good. The old is being taken away, making room for something new—gentle, warm, kind, and patient—replacing all that was hard, cold, stiff and grumpy—everything that once was commonplace! What wisdom it is to put my trust in a loving Captain of my salvation, who has a plan to completely transform me so that I am unrecognizable. This truly is a new creation!Andrew Williams

“No one can be sanctified without diligently taking heed to himself. By examining myself in the light of the Spirit, I gain knowledge about myself and about God.” J. O. Smith began the article “God’s Way—Sanctification” with these words in 1929. If I want to grow up to be like Him in whom all the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily (Col. 2:9), self-examination in the light of the Spirit must become my normal way of life. Or, as Br. Smith writes about Paul, I am learning to study myself as a person. That means that I reflect afterwards, (Prov. 2:11 [Norw.]), think about my ways (Ps. 119:59) and let the Holy Spirit teach me (John 14:26 & 16:13). The Spirit does not beat the air. His judgments are precise, persuasive and perfectly accurate. This is, of course, painful. “Was I really that thoughtless? That ignorant? So brutish? So blind? So stupid?” Each of these actions, words and thoughts that the Spirit judges is one small piece in a much bigger picture—a picture of me which has always been there, but which I’ve previously been oblivious of. However, it has now become manifest and I have “found my life”. Matt. 10:39. This picture consists of deep-seated tendencies that characterize me, affect me, and which cause me—against my will—to behave like a “mere man” (1 Cor. 3:3). The more I embrace this scrutiny, the more I experience as Job did, that “I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42:6. But, as Br. Smith wrote, knowledge of myself is only half the picture. I also get to know God. In Judaism, there are two small boxes called tefillin which contain passages from the Law. These were to be worn on the upper arm close to the heart, and on the forehead between the eyes, as a remembrance not to depart from God’s word. This is, figuratively speaking, also relevant to me today. Only now the Spirit writes God’s word in my mind and on my heart. Jer. 31:33 & Heb. 10:16. I must be obedient to this word, so I can turn my feet to His testimonies and make haste to keep His commandments. Ps. 119:59-60. I do this precisely in those areas in which the Spirit has judged my actions. It is written that the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1. That is, therefore, how I get to know Him—by obeying His word. It is not enough to superficially shrug off my sin and folly as “just another deed of the body.” On the contrary, I must sorrow over it and work out my own salvation with seriousness! I have become conscious of sin in my flesh. Now, I must consciously obey the word and walk circumspectly. Not as a fool who continues to behave in the same old way, but as a wise man who is being transformed into the image of Jesus Christ through my obedience! Great zeal and watchfulness are required here so that the sin which was previously unconscious for me can be front and center of my conscious mind. When Jesus trampled His enemies in His anger and covered all His garments in their blood, He was driven by a tremendous inner zeal to destroy the sin which dwells in human flesh. Isa. 63:3-6. That same spirit must burn within me if I am to close the gap between my life and the Master’s, in those very areas the Spirit has pointed out. It is an immense privilege to be under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and by God’s grace to reach forward to those things in Christ Jesus I have not yet obtained. Phil. 3:12-14. Let us not waste that grace but love to take heed to ourselves and the doctrine which is mighty to save our souls. If we are zealous here, we are on the way everlasting and can boldly cry, like David: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Ps. 139:23-24.Steve Chadwick

In the church, we experience glorious fellowship with sincere, God-fearing people, genuine love, peace, and unity. But even here we encounter circumstances that can hurt us, make us feel insecure and disappoint us. Perhaps a decision is made that we cannot understand. A thoughtless word spoken that hits us hard. Or just a feeling: “I don’t quite belong, I’m not noticed, I’m not understood.” And suddenly thoughts pop into our heads: A distance. A slight bitterness. A hint of mistrust. When we encounter weaknesses, mistakes, tensions, and injustices, we see our own nature: Envy, impatience, withdrawal, accusation . . . This is precisely where the problem lies—not in my surroundings, not in the other people who deal with me and my faults, but in me, in my flesh! “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleaness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Gal. 5:19-21. “Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.” Heb. 12:15. Let us watch out that we don’t start glancing critically at people, that our love doesn’t grow cold. My children, those closest to me, the ones we love so much and only want the best for, we also put them at risk of falling out of love and getting offended. Jesus asks us: “For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?” Matt. 5:46. Divine love manifests itself when there is no response. When misunderstandings continue. Where wounds do not heal immediately. “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matt. 5:44-45. He exhorts us to remain in love just as our Father in heaven does. He makes His sun rise on the evil and the good—even on those who don’t notice me, who I don’t feel understand me or like me. It rises on those who I find to be either sympathetic or unsympathetic. “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Matt. 5:48. Everyone who follows this rule, who purifies themselves just as He is pure, will experience fellowship, peace, and mercy. Paul describes it so clearly: “Put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” Col. 3:12-14. A gentle response. A friendly look. Listening. To esteem the other person, who I “don’t like very much,” better than myself. To forgive from the heart, knowing that I myself have received so much forgiveness. Then hardness and mercilessness disappear. Then everything that separates us disappears. In this way, we help to forge bonds of fellowship in our surroundings. “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” John 17:20-21. Our unity is a powerful testimony of the work God is doing in us and among us. May God give us grace and strength to grow in love and unity. Then our children and our loved ones, will experience that purity and unity are increasing in the brotherhood, and that the life of Jesus is becoming manifest. In this way, through our example, they can come to faith in Him.Nathanael Grimes