“We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses.” 2 Cor. 6:3-4. Paul encountered many tribulations and situations in his ministry for God, as the apostle to the Gentiles, overseeing the churches and preaching the word of God. He was in needs, experienced distresses, sorrows, suffered many stripes, was in imprisonments, in tumults, had to work hard night and day, was poor, but also experienced abundance. He experienced much dishonor from people who despised him and opposed him, but he also received honor as the apostle to the Gentiles. He experienced good report and evil report. Even among the Corinthians he experienced contempt. In all these different circumstances, Paul was vigilant that the ministry might not be blamed. It’s not all these different circumstances and tribulations that cause our ministry to be blamed, but when we don’t cleanse ourselves from what comes from the flesh, then our ministry will be blamed. For example, if we are disturbed because others have a bad impression of us, our thoughts will no longer be centered around God’s will in our ministry, but instead around what others are saying about us or how we can clear our name. Then our ministry will be blamed and we will lose the grace that is over our ministry. Paul had labored more abundantly than they all, but took no honor for this; instead he could say that it was not him, but the grace of God that was with him. 1 Cor. 15:10. There are many people who work a lot for the church and for others, but if God does not receive the honor, grace will depart from them, and their ministry will be blamed if they don’t understand to purify themselves. “As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed.” 2 Cor. 6:9. If we entertain a little bit of enjoyment in our thoughts that we have become somewhat well-known, then we have come out of our first love towards Christ and grace will depart from us. If we do not take this seriously and if we do not purify ourselves and bring every thought captive to the obedience to Christ so that we commend ourselves in all things as servants of God, then our ministry will be blamed. It is sin that causes blame—those things that come from our flesh and are permitted to live! This is extremely serious! A little leaven leavens the whole lump. Even if others don’t notice, God’s eyes are like flames of fire and He withdraws His anointing when our hearts are not pure. We must be zealous for God in our ministry! Anything that cannot abide God’s light must be put on the cross. So, here we must remain faithful in the cleansing. Paul was among those who were not disqualified. Ch. 13:5-6. Everything that caused offense, every tainted thought was cleansed out. Therefore, Paul could say: “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” 1 Cor. 11:1. We must also be able to say this after fulfilling our ministry!Tore Gangsøy

Jesus’ word in John 16:33 is one of the most liberating messages mankind could receive. The time had come, as was prophesied by Isaiah in Isa. 61:1-3, “To proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; . . . to console those who mourn in Zion.” Paul writes in Rom. 8:19-21, that all creation eagerly waits for the glorious liberty of the children of God. We can ask, “What is the liberty that all of creation longs for?” It longs for freedom from what we are enslaved to, freedom from the pain that sin has brought into mankind, into society, into families and marriages, freedom from our sinful nature. It longs for freedom from the spirit that is at work in the sons of disobedience. There is a loud cry for freedom in the world today, but it is a false freedom. People want freedom to have their own opinions, to do what they want and to live how they want. The human will is unable to create perfect unity, peace or freedom for mankind. We can see how the world strives to make it happen, and enormous resources are spent, but to no avail. Hopelessness and chaos prevail, and the god of this world has blinded the people. What can truly set us free is God’s will, and this will works through the word of the cross. It is only by following the prophetic word that we can be part of liberating all creation. Peter writes in 2 Pet. 1:21, “For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” Here we see that human will can’t accomplish anything in the kingdom of God. God said to the prophet Jeremiah, “‘Is not My word like a fire?’ says the Lord, ‘and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?’” Ch. 23:29. It was the word of God that Jesus lived every single day, which crushed and destroyed, so what was divine could be revealed. Obedience to the word of God led Him to the day when He could say, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. And that is precisely the reason why He came in flesh and blood like the children, and He humbled Himself, taking up His cross daily, so that He could send the Spirit of truth to His brothers. Now the time has come for the same word to crush the mountains of flesh in my life, all that is hard and that is all about me, myself and mine. For that to take place, I have to humble myself under His will, which brings me into the sufferings of Christ. This is precisely where liberation takes place. When I suffer with Him, I will also live with Him. This is the freedom such ones long for, all those who want to follow Jesus. This is what discipleship is all about: coming to freedom yourself and then helping to set others free; leading the elect to Christ and to His body—those who have a heavenly calling!Dagfinn Lindberg

“There was a little city with few men in it; and a great king came against it, besieged it, and built great snares around it. Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that same poor man.” Eccles. 9:14-15. This poor man felt a sense of responsibility and this became the city’s salvation. He had lived near to the Lord and received wisdom. The wise man certainly managed just fine without being remembered. But fortunate is the city, the country, the church and the family that has a wise man or woman in its midst, someone who has chosen to take responsibility by living a godly life and remaining close to the Lord. When the storms come they are there with their calm and their wisdom—with liberating words from heaven. “I have given help to one who is mighty,” writes the Psalmist. Ps. 89:19. The mightiest of all is Jesus Christ. Words from Him can liberate us and then we can also be of help to others. There can be difficult and tangled “knots” in a human heart. They can seem impossible to unravel. And there can be conflicts between spouses, family members, even between brothers and sisters. But the word of the cross can set you free. That’s where the wisdom lies. If you experience the power of the word of the cross for yourself, you can grow and become a great help in your surroundings. You partake of wisdom and can tell about your faith in the word of life, which is the strongest power in the universe. This resolves matters, so it becomes peaceful and good—resulting in fellowship. We sing in one of our songs, no. 70, verse 4 in WotL. “So let us be for Christ a useful vessel for every soul we meet throughout our days, so we can show them Jesus and His vic’try, that hearts be turned from grief to songs of praise.” Such ones are tremendously important men and women, and they become useful in Christ Jesus. Think that you can receive grace to live your life in such a way that you are able to turn a heart from grief to songs of praise. Let us seek to grow up and become such valuable people.Anders Kristensen

“But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.” Gal. 6:14-15. It is only what the gospel has accomplished in us that has any value in eternity—and we can also say here in this life. Jesus says in Matt. 7:22-23, “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” To this we could add many more works that we think have value humanly speaking, such as self-sacrifice and “good” works of many different kinds. It’s only a new creation that is of value! If the death of Christ doesn’t work in us in all that we do—which is the condition for the growth of the new creation—then only a work of man will remain after we are gone. Paul writes in 1 Cor. 3:14-15, “If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” If we are to receive a reward, what we build must be made of “spiritual building material” that will endure when the fire comes. When we face trials—and we all do—many of us manage to deal with them in a seemingly good way in our human strength. But what takes place in us—the growth that comes about through the death of Christ, can vary greatly. The one person finds impatience, demands and stinginess that dwell in their human nature and puts it to death. The other “suppresses” their impatience, demands and stinginess in order to maintain “a nice facade” and to receive honor from people. We can say that these are two buildings that appear to be identical, and many good words will likely be said at birthday celebrations throughout both of their lives, but the one building endures when the fire comes, resulting in a reward—the bride of Jesus Christ—while the other building is burnt up and the reward is lost. May we be among the wise virgins who will celebrate the wedding with the Bridegroom—as His bride.Egil Stene

“‘Fear not, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel! I will help you,’ says the Lord and your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. ‘Behold, I will make you into a new threshing sledge with sharp teeth; you shall thresh the mountains and beat them small, and make the hills like chaff.’” Isa. 41:14-15. From a lowly worm to a sharp new threshing sledge! Without a doubt, this is something completely new—an incredible transformation. Faith in the power of God results in miracles within us. Abraham was strengthened in faith because he gave glory to God. He didn’t place his confidence in himself or his own strength. He believed that God was mighty, and was able to fulfill the promise He had given him. The promises for us are the greatest and most precious—divine nature. 2 Pet. 1:3-4. This is something completely new that has never existed in our lives before. New thoughts, new, pure motives, rejoicing over the progress of others and receiving grace over their lives. We would have to agree that this is something completely new. It is a hunger and longing for the life of Jesus that drives us forward. It is very easy to become a bit rich and satisfied “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Jas. 1:5. This is a tremendous comfort and a tremendous hope! This concerns everything we are lacking. We can pray that God will supply all our need. Phil. 4:19. But if we’re rich and satisfied, then we won’t have very much to ask for. We must not be lagging in our diligence and zeal—but fervent in our spirit, and then, and only then, can we be transformed. “Men of high degree are a lie; if they are weighed on the scales, they are altogether lighter than vapor.” Ps. 62:9. Think that God has chosen us for salvation, which is transformation, and that He truly can do a miracle within us. He will do something completely new. Selfishness and self-love can be threshed and crushed and become like chaff. This will be completely destroyed in our lives. It is threshed and crushed by the acknowledgment of my own sin and folly. This fulfills what is written in Rom. 16:20. “And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.” This is a work of God—something completely new. “Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isa. 43:19. This is the hope of salvation, a completely new life. When we are raised out of the water after baptism, it is so we can walk in newness of life. Rom. 6:4. What was old is gone, behold everything has become new. This must be living for us in our hearts. Nothing happens randomly or by chance. Everything is according to God’s plan of salvation for us. We must learn to bow ourselves under the mighty hand of God—the God of miracles. None of us know what we need for this salvation. It is only God, the captain of our salvation, who knows. We must not oppose how God works with us in our lives. That would be pride and great folly.Kristian Bekkevold

“But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.” Rom. 15:29. Paul was absolutely convinced of this and certain of this, and he could say with great boldness: “I know!” How was he able to do this? He gives an explanation in his personal testimony in Gal. 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ; 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.” How is it with us, in the places where we come? Do I have the same assurance that I will come with a fullness of the blessing of Christ, rather than with my own thoughts and opinions? What was possible for Paul is also possible for us today. It was by bearing the cross of Christ that Paul came to this assurance in which he boasted. He experienced that when he carried Jesus’ death with him in his body, it resulted in the life of Christ—and that is what makes it blessed wherever we come. I need to come to an end of living for myself, seeking my own, thinking about what can benefit me, what I can gain for myself, etc. It is when this “self” in all its forms is on the cross, that the blessing comes forth. It should be a simple choice! Paul writes in Rom. 15:14: “Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.” When knowledge is applied in my life, goodness becomes a fruit of the cross I bear, and then the blessing comes that enables me to exhort and help people on their way. The personal battle that I am fighting gives me hope for those I meet. I get to experience, through obedience to the knowledge, that the life of Christ comes forth, not my opinions and my human nature. It is not knowledge alone that accomplishes this, but obedience to the knowledge, so that it is carried out and brings forth the blessing—the life of Christ. In WotL no. 30, V. 3, Thorleif Hansen writes: “Be glorified, O Father, now among us, in holiness, in righteousness and pow’r. And let the name of Jesus be triumphant; dear God, reward His sufferings this hour.” How can this be done if there are no bodies in which His death is active, such that Jesus’ life can come forth and be triumphant? Then my life will be a reward for the battle that Jesus waged in His days—that same battle that all the faithful ones have waged after Him. Those who endure in this battle will always come with a fullness of the blessing of Christ. They will be able to exhort, comfort and help so that those who long for freedom from sin can find their way—but for others it often may not seem to be a blessing. Further on in the song it says: “Grant that the Gospel of the cross may flourish, that sinners bow before Thee at Thy feet. O may Thy people in Thy fear be nurtured and for their great inheritance made meet.” To grow up and become a teacher of godliness is not something you can study your way to; it is something I have live my way to. I have to partake in the life of Christ to be able to bring it forth in Spirit and power so that it results in repentance and hope! Then we have a fullness of the blessing of Christ that we can come with. Paul gives us a great hope by his boldness—when we think about his hatred of Christians and his life before his conversion—that he could boldly proclaim that he would come with a fullness of the blessing of Christ. The same thing is possible for us today, but each one of us must wage the same personal battle that Paul did. The end result will be according to the effort we put into it.Øystein Haukelidsæter

We live in a time when, to a great extent, people are self-willed, lovers of themselves, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. 2 Tim. 3:1-5. May none of us live in such a way, but instead serve God and diligently seek to be humble and pure in heart. Then we will partake of a life of content that overflows with goodness and care for people, and that looks out for the interests of others. Let us work out our own salvation with fear and trembling! Not just in the presence of others, but even more so when no one is watching and paying attention to us. Phil. 2:12. The life of Christ means everything to such genuine and true disciples. They follow Jesus on the way of humility. It is written in Phil. 2:1-4, “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” When we look out for the interests of others, our lives gain a much broader perspective. The consolation in Christ is that we partake in divine nature, when we are quick to humble ourselves. Jesus’ disciples are not concerned with promoting themselves, or seeking something for themselves. In all that we do, may we be without self-interest, and may it be for the good of the body of Christ. In this way we follow Jesus Christ on the way of life unto glory and honor. Then we have an inheritance that does not fade away which is awaiting all the faithful ones who have followed Jesus in all the situations of life. 1 Pet. 1:4. May we all be diligent here in our personal lives, so that we are not put to shame on that Day, but that we can reap a full spiritual reward now in the days of our flesh.Kjell Stadven

The Bible uses many images to describe Jesus’ great battles and victories. The prophet Isaiah used the image of a winepress. After the grapes were harvested, they were placed in a winepress where pressure was applied to extract the juice from the fruit. Isaiah writes in Ch. 63:3, “I have trodden the winepress alone, and from the peoples no one was with Me. For I have trodden them in My anger, and trampled them in My fury; their blood is sprinkled upon My garments, and I have stained all My robes.” There was a tremendous battle! Every day, Jesus had a day of vengeance against all the enemies in the flesh of David, and in this winepress they were destroyed one by one until the entire work was completed. Now we are in our winepress. We can’t say that we don’t have anyone with us in this battle. We receive tremendous support in the brotherhood—through the preaching of the gospel, by good examples, and through all encouragement to that which is good. But nonetheless, we too, like Jesus, must tread alone. No one else can jump into our winepress and fight the battle in our place. This is important to understand. As a result, my demands and expectations on others also disappear. I have to fight my own battle. It is the same in our service of others, including those who are nearest and dearest to us. We can and must strengthen the others in their battles, but we cannot fight the battle for them. It is a vast land, with tremendous possibilities, that we are to take possession of, but for that to happen, many “children of Anak” must be overcome in our winepress. That’s why it is vital that we don’t remain in the same place, struggling with the same thing, year after year. We must win a complete victory and take new land! We need to move around in the winepress, and take up the fight in matters that may have been neglected. By trampling there, victory and good fruit will come, even in these areas. The result of this battle, in our winepress, is this good cup, which we bless. 1 Cor. 10:16. It really does bring a blessing. It is the result of having persevered faithfully in our situations and having lived a hidden life with God. By persevering in the same battle that Jesus waged and with the same attitude that He had, we have come to something completely new. Praise be to Him who was faithful in His winepress, even though no one was with Him. There, He opened a way for us so that we have the hope of attaining the same victory.Kåre Myrland

Ps. 16:1-2 testifies of a deep longing for God: “Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust. O my soul, you have said to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord, my goodness is nothing apart from You.’” We should search our own hearts to ensure that we have the same longing and desire that David had. When we receive God’s blessings, it can be easy to start nurturing ourselves or seeking earthly things. David feared God, and this fear of God helped him to stay away from evil and not to exalt himself. We all face different trials and situations that we may not fully understand. But do we seek refuge in God in such moments? Then we will get fellowship with David and experience God’s goodness in the midst of these situations. With such an attitude, we will not be offended or dissatisfied, harbor envy within or make demands on others. When we live our lives with God and fear Him with all our heart, we will also cry out: “Preserve me, O God!” In this groaning we find answers to all our situations of life, and God can reveal Himself to us to a deeper degree. “For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.” Heb. 12:6. The apostle John gives us comfort and hope when he writes about the great love God has shown us by calling us His children. 1 John 3:1. He assures us that we can become like Jesus: “But we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” V. 2. Think to be able to see Jesus as He really is! Is this something we remind ourselves about when trials come? Our hope is to see Jesus, and when we are conscious of this in everything we encounter, we will understand that “everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” V. 3. It’s a blessing in our homes and in the church when there are people who live with such a hope. They are steadfast in this cry: “Preserve me, O God!” In this way they create a pleasant and heavenly atmosphere around them. Such people find the path that leads to life and they experience joy in the midst of the trials of life. “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Ps. 16:11. Let us be among them!Marc Tombre

It is a great grace and mercy from God that we have been able to hear His word, and by faith have been given an open door into salvation and development. “Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.” Jas. 1:18. What a calling and perfect gift has been given to us from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. It is now up to us to make our call and election sure, by nourishing ourselves and growing by the same words of truth. Everything that comes on our way is a perfect gift from the Father of lights, sent to educate us and to serve us in our heavenly calling. “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’” John 8:31-32. Jesus also said: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” Ch. 14:15. The word “if” gives a clear and definite understanding that only those who abide in His word and who keep His commandments have love for Him in their hearts and can be His disciples. “Most men will proclaim each his own love, but who can find a faithful man?” [Norw.] Prov. 20:6. Someone who is faithful in love and truth is someone who remains in the simplicity that is in Jesus Christ and is obedient to the laws written in their heart and mind. How I deal with my situations and temptations becomes a test of whether I really love Jesus, whether I have an inner longing to hear the voice of the Bridegroom and to get to know Him. There are many thoughts that rise up in the situations we encounter, where we can find our human reactions. How important it is to examine ourselves and to be honest: Where do these thoughts come from? What is my intention with them? Is it care and brotherly love that produces them, or is there something I want for myself? Because, in the midst of my desire to do what is good, it is easy for there to be some traces of my own self-importance and honor, my own strength and human will—things that God hates. It is written about the disciples who were with Jesus that a dispute [thought, Norw.] arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. These thoughts of greatness have destroyed so many people, and if they are permitted to live, they will lead people on the paths of sin and death. Jesus followed precisely the opposite path, and He invites us to follow Him. Paul exhorts us: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Phil. 2:5-8. May we have great poverty in our spirits, so that by the fear of God we allow the word of truth, through the Spirit of truth, to speak to us and instruct us, and judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” Ps. 107:19-21. How great the liberation and transformation will be when the word of obedience mixes with faith in our hearts. “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35.Øyvind Baltzersen

“For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.’” Isa. 57:15. What a comfort this is to a wholehearted disciple, who encounters everything imaginable in the midst of life’s tribulations. We become aware of our limitations, our poverty and God’s chastisement over our lives. If we are humble and allow ourselves to be molded and formed, then no less than God Himself makes His dwelling within us. Then God can begin His work within me; He can do a transformation, a miracle. I walk on this way, where I become a partaker in the virtues of Christ—the greatest thing a person can attain on earth. God is sovereign. He does not share His dwelling with others who have a different agenda. “For our God is a consuming fire.” Heb. 12:29. All sin and wickedness will be consumed where God dwells. That is why it is important for us, who have chosen to serve God, to keep our hearts pure at all times. This requires a daily battle, where I take up my cross every day and deny myself. If I join this battle with all my heart, then I can, despite life’s many different trials and tribulations, sing along to the song in AB 639: “No, never alone; no, never alone; He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone.”Keld Ole Borch

“The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.” Ps. 34:15. “Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright; for the future of that man is peace.” Ps. 37:37. When we think about the fact that the kingdom of God consists of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, then these should be things that we pursue. 2 Tim. 2:22 and Heb. 12:14. We are to pursue peace and sanctification, and we have heard in the preaching of the word that peace will come as a result of sanctification. God’s word is very clear regarding peace and strife. We can see this in David’s psalms, in Jesus’ words and His exhortations, and in the letters of the apostles. Jesus is called the Prince of Peace, and He will establish a kingdom of peace. He will crush the Family of Strife. It is striking what is written about how Edom would be His possession and subjected to Him. Num. 24:17-18. If this peace is to become my possession, Edom must be subject to me. “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Eph. 4:3. Then we must walk worthy of our calling, in all lowliness. V. 1-2. “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?” Jas. 4:1. Within these desires there is the urge to assert yourself, to take a little revenge, to seek personal honor and gain, and wanting to be right. Every disciple of Jesus who has taken up a battle against these things, will experience that these strong forces exist within a human being. When we then use the word of God, which is sharper than any two-edged sword, it will pierce and divide in our lives, giving us spiritual insight. To be spiritually minded is life and peace. Heb. 4:12 and Rom. 8:6. “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27. What an exhortation! The peace that the world wants to give is freedom for our lusts and desires. But when these desires are on the cross, there will be true peace. We sing in song number 118 in WotL about the man of peace: “But hand in hand with the God of peace, he fights till sin does cease.” The sword must be used against the sin in our own flesh. How foolish it is to fight for our rights and our own opinions! How foolish to always contradict and constantly object. Timothy was to remind them, even to charge them, not to strive about words to no profit. We need such reminders. 2 Tim. 2:14. And in 1 Tim. 6:4 we read about being obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come, among other things, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds. Suspicion and arguments over words create a tremendous amount of unrest. May we therefore seek peace, and pursue it. Then we belong to the Family of Peace and we will forever be together with the Prince of Peace.Alf Henry Johnsen

This is what we sing in WotL no. 225, written so wonderfully by Elihu Pedersen. [Eng: May I show forth Thy love to me.] Yes, God is truly good. He allows all things to work together for my best. Rom. 8:28. He has, through His Son, my Lord Jesus Christ, opened a way so that I can always be happy, joyful and thankful. What else do people seek after in this world? No matter where I am placed on earth, the job I have, the ministry I have—I can rejoice and be glad that my life has been turned from darkness to light. I can rejoice in various trials. I can rejoice over what God has given, and I can rejoice in what He will give, because I have received an inheritance together with those who are sanctified by faith in Jesus Christ. I have received faith that through Christ, a new man will be created in me that is worthy to sit with Him on eternal thrones. Acts 26:18, 1 Pet. 1:6, Gal. 6:15. Yes, in truth, God has only been infinitely good to me, but do those who are closest to me notice that this really is how it is for me? If I am truly convinced of God’s goodness, why do they still experience the same old hardness and self-righteousness from me? Those closest to me are most familiar with my weaknesses, and they are the ones who suffer most from them. If I want to prove that God is good, that the gospel is true, and that it’s also available to those who are closest to me, then I have to prove it through my life. I have to take this seriously, so that my loved ones don’t have to constantly suffer from my nature and old tendencies. I need to be watchful and put to death the deeds of the body by the Spirit so that they come to an end. Rom. 8:13. In this way, God’s nature can instead be formed in me, and those around me can experience God’s goodness—through me. They will be able to see for themselves that God can work miracles, that God can transform such a hard and wretched person like me into something good—something divine. Not only at home, but anywhere on earth where people meet me, they will encounter the same proof: a happy Christian, who is exceedingly thankful for what God has done for him, one who only becomes happier and happier as time and situations go by, and as the Day when he will meet his Bridegroom draws near. Only our lives can prove this.Ketil Christensen

What a word of salvation this is when we encounter sufferings in everyday life! When you are suffering, you usually hope to get out of it as quickly as possible. But here we have a word that shows a way to heaven. When I suffer, I can pray to God, as it says in Phil. 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” We see here that God wants to give us His peace in our sufferings, and to keep our thoughts in Christ Jesus. What a solution when we must suffer in the situations of daily life! You can often wish that God would spare you from suffering and difficult situations. You do not think of your Creator, as it is written in Job 35:10. “But no one says, ‘Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night?’” When we suffer, we can learn to sing songs of praise to our Maker, to rest in suffering and wait for the Lord’s help. “The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Job 33:4. “But there is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.” Job 32:8. May God help me to keep this before me in my daily life, to live quietly before Him until He returns. Praise be His name!Victor Sandanassamy

In Eph. 1:3-6 it is written that God has chosen me from before the foundation of the world and determined that I should be His child. This means that I will receive His life, and partake of divine nature. 2 Pet. 1:3-4. If I have consciously laid hold of faith in my election and have wholeheartedly accepted this offer in reciprocal love for Him, this gives me great steadfastness in my daily battle against my lusts. This gives me a strong consolation that it will succeed, and that God will complete the work He has begun in me until the day of Jesus Christ. Heb. 6:11-20 and Phil. 1:6. It becomes so hopeful and everything takes on a meaning in my daily life—everything I encounter only serves for my best. Rom. 8:28. As a human being, it is impossible for me to improve myself in order to come to such a divine life, but I must be transformed by being obedient to the gospel. In this way, I am gradually transformed from my old, evil self-life into His new, glorious life, which I see with my inner eyes. May I make my calling and election sure, every day, by being vigilant and carrying out the works He has prepared for me, in my daily life, with zeal. 2 Pet. 1:10 and Eph. 2:10. Everything in this world is centered on the elect: both in the earthly and the spiritual. God Himself has chosen them—so who can be against them? Rom. 8:31. The world with its lusts and unrighteousness will pass away, but His elect, who do the will of God, will abide forever. 1 John 2:17 and 2 Pet. 3:13-14.Vito Založnik

Isn’t it normal to grow weary and lose heart? In 2 Cor. 4:16-18 we read, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” What a life! I can continually receive new strength and energy to do what is good! The tribulations, temptations and situations that seemed to be so unpleasant or impossible, I now see as golden opportunities, that are light and but for a moment. This is possible, with the power of God! This leads to an abundant life, as it is written in Matt. 5:41, “And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.” According to my human nature, I can go the first mile, because after all I want to do good; but the second mile is definitely too much for me. Enough is enough; now others should also pitch in, etc. I grow weary and reach the end of my rope. However, if I have surrendered myself completely to God, and have been crucified with Christ, and am finished with all that is great in the world, then I experience how God works in me, both to want to do it and to be able to do it. Suddenly I can say, “I’m happy to go the second mile too.” I do it voluntarily, because God works in me with power and joy. My own limitations are being shattered. This is a far cry from thinking everything is so difficult and that they are demanding that I do the impossible. I come to fellowship in the sufferings of Christ, and completely cease from tormenting myself with self-imposed sufferings. What a glorious life! This will succeed and God will receive all honor for it.Andreas Fächner

In the parable of the true vine, Jesus gives an exhortation and a promise to His disciples: “Abide in Me, and I will abide in you!” [Norw.] And He continues with an important statement: “As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” John 15:4. The entire parable also contains a serious warning: “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.” V. 6. Jesus says clearly that we are meant to bear much fruit, and He emphasizes the condition one more time: “Without Me you can do nothing.” How can this take place? The explanation is in verse 7: “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you . . .” A little later He repeats the same thing: “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love . . .” V. 10. The secret to abiding in Him is that we abide in His word when we encounter the trials and tribulations of life. We see that this parable is marked by a profound seriousness, while offering us hope for a glorious life, one filled with good fruits—the virtues of Jesus. In a passage where he reminds us of the difference between the Jews and the Gentiles, Paul uses the same image of the root and the branches. As Gentiles, we were cut off from partaking of the “root and fatness of the olive tree,” but through salvation in Jesus Christ, it has now become possible for us to draw power and sap from the tree of godliness. We, who by nature are branches on the wild tree, can now be cut off and grafted into the good olive tree. Here, we are also encouraged to take things seriously: “Do not be haughty, but fear,” Paul writes. It is important to realize that this is done by faith: “. . . and you stand by faith.” Rom. 11:16-24. These images of the vine and the olive tree bring to mind the powerful testimony that Paul gave in Gal. 2:20. He regarded himself as being crucified with Christ, i.e. “cut off” from the old and wild tree of self-life. The cross worked powerfully in his life. And the life he now lived in the flesh, he lived by faith in the Son of God. His connection with self-life and self-will had been severed, and he now lived in faith that he had access to “the root and fatness of the olive tree.” Jesus lived in him. He was a true disciple. He bore abundant fruit which was brought forth by the Holy Spirit. He was dead, and his life was hidden with Christ in God. Col. 3:3. Let us consciously build our lives on this foundation. Then we will remain in God’s goodness and we will abide in Him and in His word. Rom. 11:22. Our “wild nature” is kept on the cross and the life of Jesus can be revealed in us—by a living faith!Marc Auchet

Moses told Joshua to fight with Amalek and he did as Moses had said to him. As long as Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed over Amalek, but when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. Spiritually speaking, we need to keep our hands lifted up in our fight against “Amalek”, which is all the enemies in our flesh that can arise in all the various circumstances of life. Then we prevail over the enemy. Then we are in the spirit of faith, and by the power of God we are kept through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Pet. 1:5. When we let our hands down, doubt and unbelief enter in. We rely on our reasoning and feelings, and doubt God’s tremendous power, which passes knowledge, that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we could ask or think. Then our enemies prevail and these spiritual forces influence us so that discouragement and worry seep in and permeate our heart and mind. What was actually meant to serve for my salvation and redemption instead becomes a source of discouragement and despair. Aaron and Hur supported Moses’ hands and held them steady until the sun went down, and Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. We need to be such people who are able to strengthen the faith of each one, so that their hands don’t fall, but are instead held up. This is a glorious task of a mentor! Think to be able to help the young people keep their hands held up throughout their youth time, so that they do not lose faith in their heavenly calling and faith in victory, but instead keep their faith that the remembrance of Amalek can be utterly blotted out. Think to also be able to support the hands of the parents where arms often are not long enough when working with their children and young people, so that they can plant the spirit of faith in the hearts in this incredibly important time of life. In WotL no. 287, V. 3 it says: “O that to souls you of help might be; all things are yours if you just believe. Let your heart burn with the needs you see; lift your hands upward in faith.” It is only such ones who have this living faith who can truly help souls. After all, the goal of our fight of faith is to blot out the remembrance of Amalek. Moses was to impress this upon Joshua. The remembrance of those things which we have put off and put to death can be completely blotted out. A new creation can come forth, renewed day by day in the image of the Creator, which grows up into a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Moses said: “A hand is stretched forth from the throne of the Lord! The Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.” [Norw.] May we believe in this outstretched hand from the Lord. He will strengthen us in our battle against the enemies in our flesh. May we be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Let all excuses fly right out of the door. They are only unbelief, and it was because of unbelief that Israel did not enter the land. We need to fight the good fight of faith and lay hold of eternal life. Then we will taste the glorious fruits of the Promised Land and find rest and peace in the midst of life’s battles and strife. “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Is. 40:28-31.Herman van Dijk

By Elias Aslaksen Because God has commanded the blessing where brothers dwell together. Because I want to see the ones I love. Because I want to hear the ones I love. Because I want to serve the ones I love. Because I want to be served by those I love. Because there your ministry reaches so many people at the same time. To get to know many more truth-loving souls. To show others that they should travel there. To be influenced to an extraordinarily strong degree by the blessed effects of brotherly love. To, once again, see and taste the divine unity and order that reigns there to such a pronounced degree. To be comforted by the sight of all the young people, full of hope, who will carry on after us. To receive many trustworthy insights into what is needed. To be along in meeting this need. Because almost every kind of good opportunity is multiplied there and is readily available in the most practical way. Because money spent to travel there is used in the most profitable and worthwhile way. [Published in Skjulte Skatter, October 1927]