A new day of outpouring of the Spirit
The Spirit is impressing on me very strongly these days that we are entering into a new day of outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The people of God will be refreshed and recharged with power to produce evidences of the resurrection of Jesus Christ like we read in the book of Acts the early believers did. At that time the apostles were testifying to the resurrection of Christ with great conviction and power, and there was great grace upon them all. Then God did some outstanding miracles to demonstrate that Jesus of Nazareth is alive and that he is the Messiah � the Christ of God.
We will see the same thing happen again! God will release his healing power among his people and the covenant community will be a healing centre. But we will not only see healings take place in an unusual way, we will experience the protective power of the blood of Christ in a new way to be able to live in health! It is greater to live in health and strength enjoying the blessing of God than to need healing and received it! It will be a powerful testimony to the world to see the covenant community live in health when the health is declining in the society in spite of the longer lifespan which is normal to expect today in our western world. The Christian lifestyle is a healthy one. But the Spirit-filled, - the Spirit-refreshed life, is even more healthy, restoring health to our entire being! In days ahead it will become more evident to the world that there is a segment of society that is displaying health and strength of life in a way that is astonishing to the outside people, even to the politicians and researchers alike.
This new day of outpouring of the Spirit will make the covenant community seethe with life. There will be a great variety of creative initiatives to reach the present generation with the gospel of the Kingdom. Ordinary people will confidently share the good news of the resurrection of our Lord with their friends and workmates and bring healing to the sick by the laying on of hands. New cell-groups will be formed everywhere in the neighbourhood, at schools, in universities, at workplaces etc. More than everything our homes will be the place of worship and evangelism. We will invite friends for meals and we will have all kinds of celebrations in our big houses or small flats where the presence of God will be manifest. People in great numbers will come to know the Lord as their Saviour and Healer! The word of the Lord will advance from house to house and we will see a great change take place in our housing estates and downtown areas of living.
The prophetic Spirit will be released among the people of God in a new way in these days of refreshing! Young believers will prophesy with great power and old believers will overflow with prophetic insight to further the gospel in this day of outpouring! The Spirit will lead some people to move to new places to open up new churches and wherever the go led by the Spirit they will succeed! These are adventurous days! These are exciting days! These are days of expansion. These are days of bold exploration! These are days of great harvest!
September 30, 2003
September 29, 2003
Wonderful weekends in the presence of God
Wonderful weekends in the presence of God
The last two weekends have been wonderful weekends of the presence of God. Before we went to England we experienced the blessing of God in the meetings in the church in Bergen. I am very encouraged by the Spirit by what I am sensing in my spirit of what the Spirit is doing among his covenant people in our city. We are living in a time of refreshing and branching out! We are in the midst of harvesting the plentiful harvest of God in our district.
This morning I was reminded of a word from Genesis 27:27-28: �The smell of my son is the good smell of the open fields that the Lord has blessed. May God always give you plenty of dew for healthy crops and good harvests of grain and wine. May many nations become your servants.�
This last weekend we have been in England attending a conference for leaders arranged by �Ministries without borders�. It was a blessed time with foundational teaching and good fellowship with faithful servant of God from many nations around the world. Saturday Keri Jones was sharing his heart with us in a very challenging way and we also had good reports from India by Peter Masih, Zephry D�Souza and Chandrakant Chavada. They are all tremendous servants of God with fruitful ministries in various parts of India. I am always touched when I am listening to their testimonies and reports of what God is doing in that great nation of India.
Sunday night I attended an outreach meeting in a cinema in Leicester arranged by the new multi-cultural church that my son in law, Daljinder Padam, is starting. Much less people than expected turned out for the meeting but about 20 non-Christians came. Many of the newcomers asked for prayer and the new church has some very good contacts to follow up. We were all encouraged by the outcome of the evening in the cinema!
The last few days have been packed with meetings from morning to evening. Therefore I have not found time to write any blog for several days. However the last blog I sent I sent from a wireless connection at the University in Coventry. I was so happy that I was able to connect through this new device that I just had installed a few days before we went to England! The technology is getting more and more developed to help us communicate the gospel of the Kingdom to the ends of the world. I am so grateful to the Lord that I am living in times like this with so many new inventions to use for the advance of the Kingdom of God.
The last two weekends have been wonderful weekends of the presence of God. Before we went to England we experienced the blessing of God in the meetings in the church in Bergen. I am very encouraged by the Spirit by what I am sensing in my spirit of what the Spirit is doing among his covenant people in our city. We are living in a time of refreshing and branching out! We are in the midst of harvesting the plentiful harvest of God in our district.
This morning I was reminded of a word from Genesis 27:27-28: �The smell of my son is the good smell of the open fields that the Lord has blessed. May God always give you plenty of dew for healthy crops and good harvests of grain and wine. May many nations become your servants.�
This last weekend we have been in England attending a conference for leaders arranged by �Ministries without borders�. It was a blessed time with foundational teaching and good fellowship with faithful servant of God from many nations around the world. Saturday Keri Jones was sharing his heart with us in a very challenging way and we also had good reports from India by Peter Masih, Zephry D�Souza and Chandrakant Chavada. They are all tremendous servants of God with fruitful ministries in various parts of India. I am always touched when I am listening to their testimonies and reports of what God is doing in that great nation of India.
Sunday night I attended an outreach meeting in a cinema in Leicester arranged by the new multi-cultural church that my son in law, Daljinder Padam, is starting. Much less people than expected turned out for the meeting but about 20 non-Christians came. Many of the newcomers asked for prayer and the new church has some very good contacts to follow up. We were all encouraged by the outcome of the evening in the cinema!
The last few days have been packed with meetings from morning to evening. Therefore I have not found time to write any blog for several days. However the last blog I sent I sent from a wireless connection at the University in Coventry. I was so happy that I was able to connect through this new device that I just had installed a few days before we went to England! The technology is getting more and more developed to help us communicate the gospel of the Kingdom to the ends of the world. I am so grateful to the Lord that I am living in times like this with so many new inventions to use for the advance of the Kingdom of God.
September 26, 2003
Branching out
Branching out
We are living in exciting prophetic times. The Branch has arrived. Under him, wherever he is, there will be a branching out and a wonderful growth. We are living in times of new shoots, new expression of life among God's people!
God has really been so good to his people in visiting them in seasons of refreshment during this age of restoration. Everything that God has spoken will come to pass according to His eternal plan and purpose!
These are days of new beginnings. These are days of branching out. These are days of expansion. These are days of new life being birthed among God's people. These are days of harvesting!
We are living in exciting prophetic times. The Branch has arrived. Under him, wherever he is, there will be a branching out and a wonderful growth. We are living in times of new shoots, new expression of life among God's people!
God has really been so good to his people in visiting them in seasons of refreshment during this age of restoration. Everything that God has spoken will come to pass according to His eternal plan and purpose!
These are days of new beginnings. These are days of branching out. These are days of expansion. These are days of new life being birthed among God's people. These are days of harvesting!
September 22, 2003
Small paper pieces of love
Small paper pieces of love
Solveig has been away visiting our children and grandchildren in the northern part of Norway. It has been some busy days for me because Michal Solheim from Sortland has been here to teach us how to operate a dynamic web site.
But my sweet Solveig has be present through some small pieces of paper that she had left for me in different places. The first night alone I found a card in my bed with loving greetings from my wife. Then I found these wonderful encouraging messages written on yellow pieces of paper with a sticker heart on many different places. It is wonderful to discover that even though your wife is far away she is still present with me because of her creative love!
Solveig has been away visiting our children and grandchildren in the northern part of Norway. It has been some busy days for me because Michal Solheim from Sortland has been here to teach us how to operate a dynamic web site.
But my sweet Solveig has be present through some small pieces of paper that she had left for me in different places. The first night alone I found a card in my bed with loving greetings from my wife. Then I found these wonderful encouraging messages written on yellow pieces of paper with a sticker heart on many different places. It is wonderful to discover that even though your wife is far away she is still present with me because of her creative love!
September 19, 2003
Learning to operate a new web site
Learning to operate a new web site
Today some of the leaders in the church have been together to learn how to operate the new web site on a dynamic platform. We have taken a lot of time to learn to run an interactive community site.
God has given us a tremendous tool in this program enabling us to communicate with the wider society of the web in a new way. God has called us to use all means to get out the message and to form communities in every area of the world, inclusive of the world wide web!
Today some of the leaders in the church have been together to learn how to operate the new web site on a dynamic platform. We have taken a lot of time to learn to run an interactive community site.
God has given us a tremendous tool in this program enabling us to communicate with the wider society of the web in a new way. God has called us to use all means to get out the message and to form communities in every area of the world, inclusive of the world wide web!
September 17, 2003
Interpreting the Bible
Interpreting the Bible
The last two days I have spent with the students at Bergen Bible School. We have been looking at how to interpret the Bible correctly in letting the Bible speak for itself and not read our preconceived ideas into the text. We have had a good time with fruitful dialogue and discussion.
In the last session two of the students presented two different views on the interpretative practice of a well-known preacher. That was a very interesting time!
The last two days I have spent with the students at Bergen Bible School. We have been looking at how to interpret the Bible correctly in letting the Bible speak for itself and not read our preconceived ideas into the text. We have had a good time with fruitful dialogue and discussion.
In the last session two of the students presented two different views on the interpretative practice of a well-known preacher. That was a very interesting time!
September 16, 2003
Visiting the family-church
Visiting the family-church
During the weekend Solveig and were visiting the family-church in Sandnes. We have been with these wonderful people before and it was great to see them again.
This church was started by Jon Arve and Gunn Bjørg Lunde about two years ago and they have already 10 cell-groups.
It is kind of a special feeling to me to be with this kind of a church at my "home-place" - the place that I had my up bringing but left more than forty years ago to preach the gospel. It feels very good to be back and to share the word of God with these god-loving people.
It is a very young church with a lot of young people reaching out to the younger generation. They are running aSaturdayy-bible-school with about 130 enrolled students from many different churches in the area. I was teaching them on how to interpret the Scriptures.
Sunday night they were having a worship service attended by 100 to 150 people. There was a strong sense of the presence of God and anopennesss to the ministry of the word of God.
I am fully convinced that the church will flourish and be a blessing to the whole area. I have a strong sense of a time of visitation for the whole region of Jæren and many people will come to know the Lord!
During the weekend Solveig and were visiting the family-church in Sandnes. We have been with these wonderful people before and it was great to see them again.
This church was started by Jon Arve and Gunn Bjørg Lunde about two years ago and they have already 10 cell-groups.
It is kind of a special feeling to me to be with this kind of a church at my "home-place" - the place that I had my up bringing but left more than forty years ago to preach the gospel. It feels very good to be back and to share the word of God with these god-loving people.
It is a very young church with a lot of young people reaching out to the younger generation. They are running aSaturdayy-bible-school with about 130 enrolled students from many different churches in the area. I was teaching them on how to interpret the Scriptures.
Sunday night they were having a worship service attended by 100 to 150 people. There was a strong sense of the presence of God and anopennesss to the ministry of the word of God.
I am fully convinced that the church will flourish and be a blessing to the whole area. I have a strong sense of a time of visitation for the whole region of Jæren and many people will come to know the Lord!
September 15, 2003
Connected
Connected
What a blessing to be back home and be connected to the great world of Internet! I miss it very much when I am not able to connect to the net and feel on my pulse some of what is going on in this wonderful world I have become part of. I miss my friends and their comments and I miss their emails.
Today I have had a real feast! I have been reading all my emails and I have been blessed. I don't find words to express my deep emotions after reading a message from one of my dear sons. Each word went straight to my father heart and touched me deeply. I was filled with thankfulness and praise to God who has given me such a wonderful son. In fact all my children makes me feel proud, humble and grateful! God has been so good to me!
What a blessing to be back home and be connected to the great world of Internet! I miss it very much when I am not able to connect to the net and feel on my pulse some of what is going on in this wonderful world I have become part of. I miss my friends and their comments and I miss their emails.
Today I have had a real feast! I have been reading all my emails and I have been blessed. I don't find words to express my deep emotions after reading a message from one of my dear sons. Each word went straight to my father heart and touched me deeply. I was filled with thankfulness and praise to God who has given me such a wonderful son. In fact all my children makes me feel proud, humble and grateful! God has been so good to me!
Cell-group leader's gathering
Cell-group leader�s gathering
Tuesday night last week in Skien I met with the cell-group leaders of the covenant community in Skien. It was a gathering hat was full of life! God told me not to preach to them but to dialogue with them. Then Solveig told me the same! And when we arrived Arve, the leading elder, started the gathering by asking all to give a short report on the group they were leading and the challenges they were facing. That was the way I had planned to start anyway! It was like the Lord arranged everything to be sure that I did what he told me!
I was very much encouraged by the reports I heard. All the leaders and their assistants seemed to be in a very good heart and their reports was down to earth and real. They all reported their challenges honestly and in faith! They all had a desire to reach out and win new people for the Lord.
During the time of dialogue we really experienced the presence of the Lord among us and he spoke clearly to us through one another! I think all participated in a very good way and we were able to share some valid insight with one another.
We were reminded of the most important thing, that which ought to be our first priority, namely our daily walk with God. One thing is essential, that is to sit before the Master, hanging on to every word he says! It is not a life of frenzy activity that will cause us to be fruitful for the Lord, but only a life of responsive obedience to the voice of God. I am convinced that these cell-group leaders will be fruitful in their walk with the Lord and in their cell-groups.
Tuesday night last week in Skien I met with the cell-group leaders of the covenant community in Skien. It was a gathering hat was full of life! God told me not to preach to them but to dialogue with them. Then Solveig told me the same! And when we arrived Arve, the leading elder, started the gathering by asking all to give a short report on the group they were leading and the challenges they were facing. That was the way I had planned to start anyway! It was like the Lord arranged everything to be sure that I did what he told me!
I was very much encouraged by the reports I heard. All the leaders and their assistants seemed to be in a very good heart and their reports was down to earth and real. They all reported their challenges honestly and in faith! They all had a desire to reach out and win new people for the Lord.
During the time of dialogue we really experienced the presence of the Lord among us and he spoke clearly to us through one another! I think all participated in a very good way and we were able to share some valid insight with one another.
We were reminded of the most important thing, that which ought to be our first priority, namely our daily walk with God. One thing is essential, that is to sit before the Master, hanging on to every word he says! It is not a life of frenzy activity that will cause us to be fruitful for the Lord, but only a life of responsive obedience to the voice of God. I am convinced that these cell-group leaders will be fruitful in their walk with the Lord and in their cell-groups.
September 11, 2003
Trouble with my mobile connection
Trouble with my mobile connection
The last few days I have had some trouble with my mobile connection to my laptop computer. I have still not been able to figure out what is wrong. Happily I am now able to get connected through the hosts we are staying with.
Therefore I am just posting a short message today to say that I am stiil alive and well! God has been very good to us while we have been here in Skien and I will hopefully be able to post a full report later. I have been encouraged during my visit to the covenant community in this town.
The last few days I have had some trouble with my mobile connection to my laptop computer. I have still not been able to figure out what is wrong. Happily I am now able to get connected through the hosts we are staying with.
Therefore I am just posting a short message today to say that I am stiil alive and well! God has been very good to us while we have been here in Skien and I will hopefully be able to post a full report later. I have been encouraged during my visit to the covenant community in this town.
September 09, 2003
Golden nuggets
Golden nuggets
This morning I was reading my Message Bible again. I have now finished the Old Testament and started to read the New Testament once more. This Bible is really good to read for personal devotion. I thank God for Eugene Peterson and his wonderful work of paraphrasing the Bible and putting it into the language of today.
These are some of the golden nuggets I picked this morning from chapter 11-12:
Walk with me and work with me � watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.
Keep company with me and you�ll learn to live freely and lightly.
I prefer a flexible heart to an inflexible ritual.
It�s your heart not dictionary, that gives meaning to your words. A good person produces good deeds and words season after season.
Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation.
Obedience is thicker than blood. The person who obeys my heavenly Father�s will is my brother and sister and mother.
Lord, please teach me the unforced rhythm of grace!
Lord, please show me how to live freely and lightly!
Lord, please give me a good heart overflowing with good words!
Lord, please teach me the life of obedience and glad surrender to your will in all circumstances!
This morning I was reading my Message Bible again. I have now finished the Old Testament and started to read the New Testament once more. This Bible is really good to read for personal devotion. I thank God for Eugene Peterson and his wonderful work of paraphrasing the Bible and putting it into the language of today.
These are some of the golden nuggets I picked this morning from chapter 11-12:
Walk with me and work with me � watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.
Keep company with me and you�ll learn to live freely and lightly.
I prefer a flexible heart to an inflexible ritual.
It�s your heart not dictionary, that gives meaning to your words. A good person produces good deeds and words season after season.
Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation.
Obedience is thicker than blood. The person who obeys my heavenly Father�s will is my brother and sister and mother.
Lord, please teach me the unforced rhythm of grace!
Lord, please show me how to live freely and lightly!
Lord, please give me a good heart overflowing with good words!
Lord, please teach me the life of obedience and glad surrender to your will in all circumstances!
September 08, 2003
Apostolic wedding
Apostolic wedding
This weekend Solveig and I have been in Skien to attend an apostolic wedding. It was The Millennium Wedding. In the previous millennium I never attended any apostolic wedding but this weekend I had the privilege of attending the wedding of the apostle Noralv Askeland and his chosen bride, Tone Midgaard. What a privilege!
The wedding ceremony was conducted in the big and kind of heavy state-church building with the two towers in the middle of the town. Personally I don�t understand that anybody can find it romantic to be married in such a building! But obviously many people from free churches prefer to be married in a state-church building and not in the building they normally worship God in. It is a mystery to me!
However, the wedding ceremony was conducted very well by pastor Terje Dahle. He was assisted by good singers and the apostle Keri Jones who gave the wedding speech. The bride walked alone the long aisle to be met by the groom at the front and led to her seat. She was absolutely magnificent beautiful! It was a moving moment when they entered into covenant with one another. Before they marched out of the building they received prayer, blessing and prophetic words that must have been strengthening to them.
There had been some rumours that there was going to be a short reception only and not the traditional long Norwegian wedding celebration. To our great joy that rumour turned out to be untrue! The wedding celebration lasted for at least 8 hours! Most of that time we sat at the tables enjoying a most extraordinary meal! More than 20 different dishes were served! It is impossible to remember all the exotic names. But we had appetizers, starters, main courses, multiple deserts etc. The meal was a culinaric gourmet experience! Most of the dishes were small but neatly arranged on big plates like a piece of art! Obviously it was not the meaning that the guests should be full, but that they should have an extraordinary gourmet experience they never would forget! After the main meal that took most of the time we were together, only interrupted by numerous speeches and some songs, there was another big meal of the most delicious cakes. A very long table was loaded with all kind of different and good looking cakes! What a feast!
When we went home 01.30 in the morning we all agreed that it had been a wedding worthy a Norwegian Apostle!
This weekend Solveig and I have been in Skien to attend an apostolic wedding. It was The Millennium Wedding. In the previous millennium I never attended any apostolic wedding but this weekend I had the privilege of attending the wedding of the apostle Noralv Askeland and his chosen bride, Tone Midgaard. What a privilege!
The wedding ceremony was conducted in the big and kind of heavy state-church building with the two towers in the middle of the town. Personally I don�t understand that anybody can find it romantic to be married in such a building! But obviously many people from free churches prefer to be married in a state-church building and not in the building they normally worship God in. It is a mystery to me!
However, the wedding ceremony was conducted very well by pastor Terje Dahle. He was assisted by good singers and the apostle Keri Jones who gave the wedding speech. The bride walked alone the long aisle to be met by the groom at the front and led to her seat. She was absolutely magnificent beautiful! It was a moving moment when they entered into covenant with one another. Before they marched out of the building they received prayer, blessing and prophetic words that must have been strengthening to them.
There had been some rumours that there was going to be a short reception only and not the traditional long Norwegian wedding celebration. To our great joy that rumour turned out to be untrue! The wedding celebration lasted for at least 8 hours! Most of that time we sat at the tables enjoying a most extraordinary meal! More than 20 different dishes were served! It is impossible to remember all the exotic names. But we had appetizers, starters, main courses, multiple deserts etc. The meal was a culinaric gourmet experience! Most of the dishes were small but neatly arranged on big plates like a piece of art! Obviously it was not the meaning that the guests should be full, but that they should have an extraordinary gourmet experience they never would forget! After the main meal that took most of the time we were together, only interrupted by numerous speeches and some songs, there was another big meal of the most delicious cakes. A very long table was loaded with all kind of different and good looking cakes! What a feast!
When we went home 01.30 in the morning we all agreed that it had been a wedding worthy a Norwegian Apostle!
September 04, 2003
Re-installing my Bible program
Re-installing my Bible program
Yesterday and the day before I have been working hard to re-install my Bible program. Yesterday I succeeded to my great pleasure to get help on the support telephone to put everything into right functional order! I am so blessed to have my big Logos Bible Software installed on my new laptop computer. It is such a tremendous blessing to have a tool like that installed on the laptop which I bring with me everywhere! I am very pleased with the service and telephone support I have received at the Logos Bible Research centre, but the technical support via email is very slow!
I have used the Logos Bible Software for a long time and I can really recommend it to all Bible students! There are more and more resources being made available on the Libronix platform which the Logos program is built on.
A lot of free resources are available as well at E4 Group and I recommend everyone to get some of these CDs that the E4Group offer. It is a good way to get to know the Libronix platform as well.
Yesterday and the day before I have been working hard to re-install my Bible program. Yesterday I succeeded to my great pleasure to get help on the support telephone to put everything into right functional order! I am so blessed to have my big Logos Bible Software installed on my new laptop computer. It is such a tremendous blessing to have a tool like that installed on the laptop which I bring with me everywhere! I am very pleased with the service and telephone support I have received at the Logos Bible Research centre, but the technical support via email is very slow!
I have used the Logos Bible Software for a long time and I can really recommend it to all Bible students! There are more and more resources being made available on the Libronix platform which the Logos program is built on.
A lot of free resources are available as well at E4 Group and I recommend everyone to get some of these CDs that the E4Group offer. It is a good way to get to know the Libronix platform as well.
September 01, 2003
Students
Students
Sunday after we had six students for dinner after the morning service in the church. Solves had prepared a traditional Norwegian meal which they all seemed to enjoy. The weather was extraordinary good and we spent the whole afternoon on our big veranda. We enjoyed the beautiful view and the delicious food Solves kept serving us. Some of the students were very helpful to her and other wanted to talk to me a number of subjects. We had a wonderful time together.
Today I have spent five hours with the Bible school students talking about being able to understand the Bible, or how to interpret the Scripture in the right way. Hermeneutic was the subject today.
I like being with young people! I like to challenge them to think for themselves and not only accept the opinion of others. The students are asking good questions and don't take things for granted! I like that.
Sunday after we had six students for dinner after the morning service in the church. Solves had prepared a traditional Norwegian meal which they all seemed to enjoy. The weather was extraordinary good and we spent the whole afternoon on our big veranda. We enjoyed the beautiful view and the delicious food Solves kept serving us. Some of the students were very helpful to her and other wanted to talk to me a number of subjects. We had a wonderful time together.
Today I have spent five hours with the Bible school students talking about being able to understand the Bible, or how to interpret the Scripture in the right way. Hermeneutic was the subject today.
I like being with young people! I like to challenge them to think for themselves and not only accept the opinion of others. The students are asking good questions and don't take things for granted! I like that.
August 29, 2003
A life of responsive obedience
A life of responsive obedience
As I was reading in my Message Bible this morning again, God spoke to me through some words in the book of the prophet Zechariah. This prophet of God shared with the prophet Haggai the task of getting the people of God to rebuild the ruined temple of God. Their prophetic ministry brought the people out of their self-preoccupation and got them working together as a people of God to fulfil and work out His purpose in the world!
Through eight visions God provided the people with images of their magnificent identity as God�s people and gave credibility to the long-term purposes of God being worked out in their life. The fresh images of a sovereign God stirred the people, motivated them and released energy within them to do the work of God in their generation.
The message of God was simply this: Be alert! There is a man among you whose name is Branch. He will branch out from among you and build the temple of God. When he has branched out and built the temple of God he will assume the role of royalty. He will take his place on the throne and rule � a priest sitting on the throne! � showing that king and priest can coexist in harmony. Then people from faraway places will come to join in working out the worldwide purposes of God in the earth!
All this follows as the people of God put their minds to a life of responsive obedience to the voice of God!
This is the crux of the matter! Only a life of responsive obedience to the voice of God will make us partakers of the promises of God and enable us to become instruments of God in the realisation of His plan and purpose!
Therefore the word of the Lord came to me again this morning: Be alert! God wants His covenant community to be the cooperative Branch. The constant branching out to establish new covenant communities is the sign of His presence among His people. Those who branch out will gain respect and assume the role of corporate leadership as they mirror the creative and redemptive community of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit! Togetherness is a key word in the move of the Spirit in these days of branching out! Together we need to put our minds to a life of responsive obedience to the voice of our God. Then we will together see the purpose of God be accomplished in the world in our generation!
As I was reading in my Message Bible this morning again, God spoke to me through some words in the book of the prophet Zechariah. This prophet of God shared with the prophet Haggai the task of getting the people of God to rebuild the ruined temple of God. Their prophetic ministry brought the people out of their self-preoccupation and got them working together as a people of God to fulfil and work out His purpose in the world!
Through eight visions God provided the people with images of their magnificent identity as God�s people and gave credibility to the long-term purposes of God being worked out in their life. The fresh images of a sovereign God stirred the people, motivated them and released energy within them to do the work of God in their generation.
The message of God was simply this: Be alert! There is a man among you whose name is Branch. He will branch out from among you and build the temple of God. When he has branched out and built the temple of God he will assume the role of royalty. He will take his place on the throne and rule � a priest sitting on the throne! � showing that king and priest can coexist in harmony. Then people from faraway places will come to join in working out the worldwide purposes of God in the earth!
All this follows as the people of God put their minds to a life of responsive obedience to the voice of God!
This is the crux of the matter! Only a life of responsive obedience to the voice of God will make us partakers of the promises of God and enable us to become instruments of God in the realisation of His plan and purpose!
Therefore the word of the Lord came to me again this morning: Be alert! God wants His covenant community to be the cooperative Branch. The constant branching out to establish new covenant communities is the sign of His presence among His people. Those who branch out will gain respect and assume the role of corporate leadership as they mirror the creative and redemptive community of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit! Togetherness is a key word in the move of the Spirit in these days of branching out! Together we need to put our minds to a life of responsive obedience to the voice of our God. Then we will together see the purpose of God be accomplished in the world in our generation!
August 26, 2003
The time of your life
The time of your life
Solveig and I have just returned home for Cardiff in Wales where we have attended The Time of Your Life conference for the weekend. We had a very good time in Cardiff and enjoyed the hospitality of Hazel and Bryan Shutt.
The meetings were held in All Nations Centre which were packed for the occasion. The ministry of the word was good and edifying and the worship time was refreshing. During the days we were together there was a clear sense of the presence of God.
Discussion on marriage, divorce and remarriage
From Monday to Tuesday evening we have been together in the pastoral network of Bergen to look at the Scripture to find common understanding of the teaching on marriage, divorce and remarriage.
Stig Magne Heitman and myself had been designated the responsibility of preparing a paper to present our understanding for the group of pastors. Both of us were well prepared and was able to give reason for our belief. We had a very provoking and interesting time together as we look at the many problems we are facing in today's society and how to help people to live according to the standard of God.
As usually when we are together there is a genuine trust and respect for each other which enables us to relax and have fun in the midst of serious theological discussion! I don't think there are many forums like this one ,where people from so many different churches can meet together for deep conversations on difficult subjects with such high theological quality.
Solveig and I have just returned home for Cardiff in Wales where we have attended The Time of Your Life conference for the weekend. We had a very good time in Cardiff and enjoyed the hospitality of Hazel and Bryan Shutt.
The meetings were held in All Nations Centre which were packed for the occasion. The ministry of the word was good and edifying and the worship time was refreshing. During the days we were together there was a clear sense of the presence of God.
Discussion on marriage, divorce and remarriage
From Monday to Tuesday evening we have been together in the pastoral network of Bergen to look at the Scripture to find common understanding of the teaching on marriage, divorce and remarriage.
Stig Magne Heitman and myself had been designated the responsibility of preparing a paper to present our understanding for the group of pastors. Both of us were well prepared and was able to give reason for our belief. We had a very provoking and interesting time together as we look at the many problems we are facing in today's society and how to help people to live according to the standard of God.
As usually when we are together there is a genuine trust and respect for each other which enables us to relax and have fun in the midst of serious theological discussion! I don't think there are many forums like this one ,where people from so many different churches can meet together for deep conversations on difficult subjects with such high theological quality.
August 21, 2003
The rain is pouring down
The rain is pouring down
The summer is definitely over for us this year. Now the rain is pouring down. The heaven lavish the wet element from above on us!
To me it is a sign of what is going to take place in the invisible realm. Our nation has become a desert of materialism and consumerism. People have gone dry and unfruitful. There is a growing hunger for spiritual realities in this society starved on God-realities! Even the more charismatic churches seem to have gone dry in the routine of predictable worship services. The interruptions and surprises of the Spirit seem to be missing.
The heavy rain is a reminder to me of the promises of God to pour out the Spirit on dry ground. It is an encouraging demonstration of the all pervading manifest presence of the Spirit to be expected in the days to come.
As we humble ourselves and pray heartfelt prayers God will have mercy on us and come in a powerful way to our nation so the desert may blossom and our people will produce the fruit of repentance and salvation!
The summer is definitely over for us this year. Now the rain is pouring down. The heaven lavish the wet element from above on us!
To me it is a sign of what is going to take place in the invisible realm. Our nation has become a desert of materialism and consumerism. People have gone dry and unfruitful. There is a growing hunger for spiritual realities in this society starved on God-realities! Even the more charismatic churches seem to have gone dry in the routine of predictable worship services. The interruptions and surprises of the Spirit seem to be missing.
The heavy rain is a reminder to me of the promises of God to pour out the Spirit on dry ground. It is an encouraging demonstration of the all pervading manifest presence of the Spirit to be expected in the days to come.
As we humble ourselves and pray heartfelt prayers God will have mercy on us and come in a powerful way to our nation so the desert may blossom and our people will produce the fruit of repentance and salvation!
August 20, 2003
Praying pastors
Praying pastors
This morning I met with the pastors of Bergen for prayer again after our summer vacation. It is a wonderful privilege to meet with these praying pastors. I enjoy praying with them or just listening to their heartfelt prayers uttering my amens! Pastors who prays together stay together!
This morning I met with the pastors of Bergen for prayer again after our summer vacation. It is a wonderful privilege to meet with these praying pastors. I enjoy praying with them or just listening to their heartfelt prayers uttering my amens! Pastors who prays together stay together!
August 19, 2003
New batch of students
New batch of students
Today I met a new batch of students at Bergen Bible School. They seemed to be a very good batch, some more mature than others and some more colourful than others, but together they will have a good time the next ten months.
A bucket full of plums
Yesterday I harvested my plum-tree for the first time ever! I was a very pleasant experience to pick the plums from my own plum-tree. I filled my bucket (10 liters) with delicious Opal-plums. What a wonderful blessing! Next year I expect even more! My wife has already made some wonderful jam of plums. That jam brought the taste of grace and love mixed with faithfulness and made the plums even more delicious! What a blessing to be married with the best wife in the world!
A surprising letter
I have just received a very surprising letter from an unknown fellow from USA. I have no idea how in the world he could get my address. He seemed to be a new believer with his grandparents coming from Norway. Now he was studying norsk (Norwegian) and preparing for ministry! I wonder what the Lord will do through this contact? I wonder what the Lord will do for this young man, and I wonder what he will do through this Norwegian descendant in USA in days ahead?
Today I met a new batch of students at Bergen Bible School. They seemed to be a very good batch, some more mature than others and some more colourful than others, but together they will have a good time the next ten months.
A bucket full of plums
Yesterday I harvested my plum-tree for the first time ever! I was a very pleasant experience to pick the plums from my own plum-tree. I filled my bucket (10 liters) with delicious Opal-plums. What a wonderful blessing! Next year I expect even more! My wife has already made some wonderful jam of plums. That jam brought the taste of grace and love mixed with faithfulness and made the plums even more delicious! What a blessing to be married with the best wife in the world!
A surprising letter
I have just received a very surprising letter from an unknown fellow from USA. I have no idea how in the world he could get my address. He seemed to be a new believer with his grandparents coming from Norway. Now he was studying norsk (Norwegian) and preparing for ministry! I wonder what the Lord will do through this contact? I wonder what the Lord will do for this young man, and I wonder what he will do through this Norwegian descendant in USA in days ahead?
August 18, 2003
God doesn't lose his temper
God doesn't lose his temper
I have been reading the prophet Nahum today. What a powerful presentation he gives us of the Almighty!
When Nahum delivered his prophetic words to the people of Israel, Assyria with its capital Nineveh, appeared to be invincible. A world free of Assyrian domination was unimaginable. The prophetic task of Nahum was to make it imaginable, - to free the people of God from Assyrian paralysis. Free them from unbelief to believe in and pray to a sovereign God. Through his preaching, his Spirit-born metaphor's, his God-shaped syntax, he knocked Assyria off her high horse, and enabled the people of God to understand what was really going on!
God is in serious business. He won't be trifled with. He avenges his foes. He stands up against his enemies, fierce and raging.
But God doesn't lose his temper! He's powerful, but it's a patient power!
I have been reading the prophet Nahum today. What a powerful presentation he gives us of the Almighty!
When Nahum delivered his prophetic words to the people of Israel, Assyria with its capital Nineveh, appeared to be invincible. A world free of Assyrian domination was unimaginable. The prophetic task of Nahum was to make it imaginable, - to free the people of God from Assyrian paralysis. Free them from unbelief to believe in and pray to a sovereign God. Through his preaching, his Spirit-born metaphor's, his God-shaped syntax, he knocked Assyria off her high horse, and enabled the people of God to understand what was really going on!
God is in serious business. He won't be trifled with. He avenges his foes. He stands up against his enemies, fierce and raging.
But God doesn't lose his temper! He's powerful, but it's a patient power!
August 15, 2003
Prophetic gathering
Prophetic gathering
This morning I met with some of my fellow prophets just to talk together and spend time together to strengthen our friendship. We had a very good time with open and honest sharing with one another on how to help each other in our ministry for the Lord and his people. We evaluated some joint gatherings and our contributions in those. Very helpful feedback, very sharp and to the point. We have made a plan for meeting regularly to seek God together and to search the Scripture to learn more about the ministry of the prophets together.
We want to work closer together to be able to be of greater help to the work of God and the apostles with whom we are working. Changes are on the way, how do we handle them or even cause them to happen? Which are the new steps to take in the work of God? Which are the new places to do pioneering work? How can we help in equipping and releasing new ministries? The challenges are multiple! And the grace of God is sufficient!
God is so good! It is exciting to serve him in this time of ours!
This morning I met with some of my fellow prophets just to talk together and spend time together to strengthen our friendship. We had a very good time with open and honest sharing with one another on how to help each other in our ministry for the Lord and his people. We evaluated some joint gatherings and our contributions in those. Very helpful feedback, very sharp and to the point. We have made a plan for meeting regularly to seek God together and to search the Scripture to learn more about the ministry of the prophets together.
We want to work closer together to be able to be of greater help to the work of God and the apostles with whom we are working. Changes are on the way, how do we handle them or even cause them to happen? Which are the new steps to take in the work of God? Which are the new places to do pioneering work? How can we help in equipping and releasing new ministries? The challenges are multiple! And the grace of God is sufficient!
God is so good! It is exciting to serve him in this time of ours!
August 14, 2003
Two pleasant surprises
Two pleasant surprises
Today I have had two pleasant surprises. I have been working on a paper on marriage, divorce and remarriage for the Bergen Pastoral Network for a few days. As I was working at Gullbotn this morning the apostle and dear friend Noralv Askeland came to my office accompanied by Tone Midgaard, his wife to be, to give me a warm cup of tea! What a pleasant surprise! After a short but good talk I was left to my work as I was enjoying my tea! It was a real blessing! It made my writing go easier!
Then I had a very warm and nice email from another apostle and dear friend, Keri Jones. I had just sent him some information concerning some "business matters" a few days ago and didn't expect a reply at all! Then he sent me this personal email that warmed my heart! What a pleasant surprise! What a blessing!
Apostles are very kind and caring people! Therefore they often bring pleasant surprises! I thank God for giving us apostles like Keri Jones and Noralv Askeland. Their surprising kindness has brought encouragement and strength to many people. May God reward them abundantly!
Today I have had two pleasant surprises. I have been working on a paper on marriage, divorce and remarriage for the Bergen Pastoral Network for a few days. As I was working at Gullbotn this morning the apostle and dear friend Noralv Askeland came to my office accompanied by Tone Midgaard, his wife to be, to give me a warm cup of tea! What a pleasant surprise! After a short but good talk I was left to my work as I was enjoying my tea! It was a real blessing! It made my writing go easier!
Then I had a very warm and nice email from another apostle and dear friend, Keri Jones. I had just sent him some information concerning some "business matters" a few days ago and didn't expect a reply at all! Then he sent me this personal email that warmed my heart! What a pleasant surprise! What a blessing!
Apostles are very kind and caring people! Therefore they often bring pleasant surprises! I thank God for giving us apostles like Keri Jones and Noralv Askeland. Their surprising kindness has brought encouragement and strength to many people. May God reward them abundantly!
August 11, 2003
Vacation is over
Vacation is definitely over
Today my vacation time is definitely over! This summer Solveig and I have been able to have a real vacation! First we spent two weeks in Spain and now we have had two weeks at home. I have really enjoyed my vacation this summer. The two last weeks I have been able to do a lot of bodily work in my garden and it has been like medicine for me! God is so good!
This first day at work I have spent in making some arrangement for event to come and to read through two manuscripts in the School of the Word series and submit my comments to the editorial board. I have also been working on a paper on marriage, divorce and remarriage to be presented to the pastoral network in Bergen very soon.
This evening we are going to see some people and we look forward to having a good time with them!
Today my vacation time is definitely over! This summer Solveig and I have been able to have a real vacation! First we spent two weeks in Spain and now we have had two weeks at home. I have really enjoyed my vacation this summer. The two last weeks I have been able to do a lot of bodily work in my garden and it has been like medicine for me! God is so good!
This first day at work I have spent in making some arrangement for event to come and to read through two manuscripts in the School of the Word series and submit my comments to the editorial board. I have also been working on a paper on marriage, divorce and remarriage to be presented to the pastoral network in Bergen very soon.
This evening we are going to see some people and we look forward to having a good time with them!
August 08, 2003
Visiting the Norwegian Book-town
Visiting the Norwegian Book-town
The last few days Solveig and I have been on a nice trip to the Norwegian Book-town located in Fj�rland in beautiful Fjordlands in the western part of Norway! The journey is in itself a wonderful experience as the scenery is breath taking and overwhelmingly beautiful!
In this small village we found 12 book shops with a great variation of all kinds of books. It was a good experience to spend time searching for some treasures and to find them! I spent more money than I had planned but I have always looked at buying books as a wise investment so I don't regret anything!
The last few days Solveig and I have been on a nice trip to the Norwegian Book-town located in Fj�rland in beautiful Fjordlands in the western part of Norway! The journey is in itself a wonderful experience as the scenery is breath taking and overwhelmingly beautiful!
In this small village we found 12 book shops with a great variation of all kinds of books. It was a good experience to spend time searching for some treasures and to find them! I spent more money than I had planned but I have always looked at buying books as a wise investment so I don't regret anything!
August 03, 2003
A tragedy
A tragedy
For about two months now I have been working hard on my spare time to build our new community site. I made a lot of material available and was well on my way to have a very functional community site. We had already many visitor and a growing number of members of our community.
A tragedy has happen. Everything is lost due to an accident at the provider's server. All the work seems to be in vain. The people how seized the opportunity to download some of the resources are happy!
However I will not give up! I plan to start all over again but I am not sure I will use the same program or the same service provider!
For about two months now I have been working hard on my spare time to build our new community site. I made a lot of material available and was well on my way to have a very functional community site. We had already many visitor and a growing number of members of our community.
A tragedy has happen. Everything is lost due to an accident at the provider's server. All the work seems to be in vain. The people how seized the opportunity to download some of the resources are happy!
However I will not give up! I plan to start all over again but I am not sure I will use the same program or the same service provider!
July 30, 2003
A busy holiday
A busy holiday!
Today I have no feeling of holiday at all! In fact from early morning I have been at work. First I had to read and evaluate some manuscripts sending feedback to the coordinator of the publishing effort of Ministries Without Borders. Then I had a phone call from someone needing some counseling. We had that person come around to our home for a good talk to sort out things. Almost as soon as that was over I had to sit down with another person at the office to talk through the situation that person was going through. It has really been a full day of work on this busy holiday!
"The paths of the Lord are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. (Hosea 14:9)
Visit Erling and Solveig Thu Community site
Today I have no feeling of holiday at all! In fact from early morning I have been at work. First I had to read and evaluate some manuscripts sending feedback to the coordinator of the publishing effort of Ministries Without Borders. Then I had a phone call from someone needing some counseling. We had that person come around to our home for a good talk to sort out things. Almost as soon as that was over I had to sit down with another person at the office to talk through the situation that person was going through. It has really been a full day of work on this busy holiday!
"The paths of the Lord are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. (Hosea 14:9)
Visit Erling and Solveig Thu Community site
July 29, 2003
A wonderful day
A wonderful day!
By the grace of God it has been another wonderful day. I have been able to do a lot of work in the garden and Lasse who lives downstairs helped me a lot. An extra blessing was to have Jakob come to help me dig as well!
Solveig went with Bente to pick blueberries. They had a good time but didn't find much blueberries!
When Josef came with his family we had a nice barbecue and we enjoyed the time with them all.
I have filled the garage with wood that I need to cut to be able to keep the house warm the coming winter. The wood gives heat many times. First when we bring it home, next when we cut it, and finally when we put it into our stove or open fireplace in our living room!
Visit Erling and Solveig Thu Community site
By the grace of God it has been another wonderful day. I have been able to do a lot of work in the garden and Lasse who lives downstairs helped me a lot. An extra blessing was to have Jakob come to help me dig as well!
Solveig went with Bente to pick blueberries. They had a good time but didn't find much blueberries!
When Josef came with his family we had a nice barbecue and we enjoyed the time with them all.
I have filled the garage with wood that I need to cut to be able to keep the house warm the coming winter. The wood gives heat many times. First when we bring it home, next when we cut it, and finally when we put it into our stove or open fireplace in our living room!
Visit Erling and Solveig Thu Community site
July 28, 2003
Vacation at home
Vacation at home
Today I started some days of vacation at home. As a house owner there are always lots of work to do! I have been working hard in the garden today. It is so good to be able to use the body for some heavy work. God is so good that he has created us like that! I love to use my hands to work and sweat, having my mind free to wander everywhere or just be present with me in my hard bodily work!
Visit Erling and Solveig Thu Community site
Today I started some days of vacation at home. As a house owner there are always lots of work to do! I have been working hard in the garden today. It is so good to be able to use the body for some heavy work. God is so good that he has created us like that! I love to use my hands to work and sweat, having my mind free to wander everywhere or just be present with me in my hard bodily work!
Visit Erling and Solveig Thu Community site
July 27, 2003
Wedding celebration
Wedding celebration
Thursday I went down to the staving area to attend a wedding celebration Friday night and visit relatives for the weekend. I ha d hoped that I would be able to bloc from there but it didn't work out.
however, we had a very nice time at the wedding of Else and Simon Levin slog�rd at J�rgarden Kvalbein at Brusand. Nearly 100 guests attended the wedding celebration that started at 18.00 and ended 01.30 in the morning! The Norwegians love long wedding celebrations! We were served very good food, plenty of very good food! We had one meal after the other! Then we had a lot of speeches in between!
It is always nice to visit relatives when we are "home" at J�ren! We had a good time with all of Solveig's sisters. I cycled to see my brother Sigurd and his wife Marit. Solveig and I were also able to spend some time with my aunt Sara who is now 91 years old. Solveigs mother is in good health at the age of 86, but is becominglittletle bit forgetful!
We went together with Solveig's sister Solv�r and her husband Egil Toft. They live here in the Bergen region. We enjoyed a nice travel with them today and arrived home in the afternoon.
Visit Erling and Solveig Thu Community site
Thursday I went down to the staving area to attend a wedding celebration Friday night and visit relatives for the weekend. I ha d hoped that I would be able to bloc from there but it didn't work out.
however, we had a very nice time at the wedding of Else and Simon Levin slog�rd at J�rgarden Kvalbein at Brusand. Nearly 100 guests attended the wedding celebration that started at 18.00 and ended 01.30 in the morning! The Norwegians love long wedding celebrations! We were served very good food, plenty of very good food! We had one meal after the other! Then we had a lot of speeches in between!
It is always nice to visit relatives when we are "home" at J�ren! We had a good time with all of Solveig's sisters. I cycled to see my brother Sigurd and his wife Marit. Solveig and I were also able to spend some time with my aunt Sara who is now 91 years old. Solveigs mother is in good health at the age of 86, but is becominglittletle bit forgetful!
We went together with Solveig's sister Solv�r and her husband Egil Toft. They live here in the Bergen region. We enjoyed a nice travel with them today and arrived home in the afternoon.
Visit Erling and Solveig Thu Community site
July 23, 2003
The centrality of worship
The centrality of worship
I have been reading in Ezekiel 40-48 today and once again been struck by the centrality of worship. God wants his people to worship him in spirit and truth. He wants to dwell among his people and to raise his throne in their midst. Therefore he is commissioning the prophet to tell the people of God all about the temple, so they can see the design and meaning and live by its design and intent.
"This is the law of the Temple: As it radiates from the top of the mountain, everything around it becomes holy ground. Yes, this is the law, the meaning, of the Temple."
The Sanctuary of God and the city will be at the centre of the entire land, at the dedicated area, set apart for holy purposes. The "holy square" includes the part set aside for the city as the sanctuary, Temple, and the city belong together. Worship is the basic and most important activity carried out by any human beings. The covenant community of God is a worshipping community. When the people of God worship, his presence is manifested in glorious ways among them. When the covenant people worship in spirit and truth there is a glorious radiation from them sanctifying the society in which they live. When the people of God worship rivers of life-giving waters will flow into society and life will flourish.
Visit Erling and Solveig Thu Community site
I have been reading in Ezekiel 40-48 today and once again been struck by the centrality of worship. God wants his people to worship him in spirit and truth. He wants to dwell among his people and to raise his throne in their midst. Therefore he is commissioning the prophet to tell the people of God all about the temple, so they can see the design and meaning and live by its design and intent.
"This is the law of the Temple: As it radiates from the top of the mountain, everything around it becomes holy ground. Yes, this is the law, the meaning, of the Temple."
The Sanctuary of God and the city will be at the centre of the entire land, at the dedicated area, set apart for holy purposes. The "holy square" includes the part set aside for the city as the sanctuary, Temple, and the city belong together. Worship is the basic and most important activity carried out by any human beings. The covenant community of God is a worshipping community. When the people of God worship, his presence is manifested in glorious ways among them. When the covenant people worship in spirit and truth there is a glorious radiation from them sanctifying the society in which they live. When the people of God worship rivers of life-giving waters will flow into society and life will flourish.
Visit Erling and Solveig Thu Community site
July 22, 2003
The Bible week is over
The Bible week is over
Late last night I arrived home after a long drive of many hours (12) from Stokke to Skjæveland to Bergen. Solveig is staying with her Mother for some days and I will join her at the weekend for a wedding celebration.
We had a very good time at Stokke at the Bible week. All the six hundred plus people who attended were excited and wanted to come back for another Bible week next year! Many people were touched by the Spirit of God in various ways to renewal and healing. Several people came to Christ and were baptised.
The venue for the Bible week is a beautifulplacee fitting for a gardening school. The big lawns and all the bright flowers made it a very pleasant surrounding to experience the presence of God among his people during the whole day.
Visit Erling and Solveig Thu Community site
Late last night I arrived home after a long drive of many hours (12) from Stokke to Skjæveland to Bergen. Solveig is staying with her Mother for some days and I will join her at the weekend for a wedding celebration.
We had a very good time at Stokke at the Bible week. All the six hundred plus people who attended were excited and wanted to come back for another Bible week next year! Many people were touched by the Spirit of God in various ways to renewal and healing. Several people came to Christ and were baptised.
The venue for the Bible week is a beautifulplacee fitting for a gardening school. The big lawns and all the bright flowers made it a very pleasant surrounding to experience the presence of God among his people during the whole day.
Visit Erling and Solveig Thu Community site
July 18, 2003
Bible week at Stokke
Bible week at Stokke
Wednesday the Bible week at Stokke started. I was ministering the word of God in the opening meeting. About 550 were gathered in the big green house. Six hundred pluss have registered and many visitors from the surrounding area are attending the meetings. Lot of people arrived even after the meeting. There is expectancy in the air. People are hungry for God. In the opening meeting we could feel the presence of God. Spiritual gifts were in operation and people were touched by the Spirit of God.
I was ministering on change. God is the unchangeable, almighty God who changes everything according to his plan and purpose. The entire Bible is a document of change, from nothingness to the fullness of creation, from chaos to order, from darkness to light, from ugliness to beauty! That is the way God is working throughout history! We don�t understand the theology of the Bible if we don�t accept that change is the most important dynamic of the Kingdom that God has given to his people! We must go beyond accepting change as part of reality to become a people that cause change to take place in line with the plan of God!
The Powerpoint presentation will soon be made available for downloads on our community site!
Thursday morning it was terrible hot in the green house! Some said it was 35 degrees and some said 40 degrees! To all of us Norwegians it was terrible hot. Still we were able to enjoy the teaching of Knut Osland and Arne G. Skagen. They were both ministering on bringing out the gospel to all people. They both did an excellent job. Arne came on after Knut and it was hard for many people to concentrate in the heat. However Arne managed to keep everyone awake and alert by his good humour and his stories!
In the afternoon Solveig and I managed to take a short trip to the sea for a bath. It was so good to swim in the lukewarm sea and just dry in the sun afterward.
Keri Jones was ministering the word of God in the evening meeting. He used the story in Luke 5 when Jesus called three apostles to teach us to fish for people! As usually Keri was excellent! He is full of life and joy, and he likes to challenge all our religious ideas to make us real followers of Christ! There was great excitement and joy when he finished his message.
Visit Erling and Solveig Thu Community site
Wednesday the Bible week at Stokke started. I was ministering the word of God in the opening meeting. About 550 were gathered in the big green house. Six hundred pluss have registered and many visitors from the surrounding area are attending the meetings. Lot of people arrived even after the meeting. There is expectancy in the air. People are hungry for God. In the opening meeting we could feel the presence of God. Spiritual gifts were in operation and people were touched by the Spirit of God.
I was ministering on change. God is the unchangeable, almighty God who changes everything according to his plan and purpose. The entire Bible is a document of change, from nothingness to the fullness of creation, from chaos to order, from darkness to light, from ugliness to beauty! That is the way God is working throughout history! We don�t understand the theology of the Bible if we don�t accept that change is the most important dynamic of the Kingdom that God has given to his people! We must go beyond accepting change as part of reality to become a people that cause change to take place in line with the plan of God!
The Powerpoint presentation will soon be made available for downloads on our community site!
Thursday morning it was terrible hot in the green house! Some said it was 35 degrees and some said 40 degrees! To all of us Norwegians it was terrible hot. Still we were able to enjoy the teaching of Knut Osland and Arne G. Skagen. They were both ministering on bringing out the gospel to all people. They both did an excellent job. Arne came on after Knut and it was hard for many people to concentrate in the heat. However Arne managed to keep everyone awake and alert by his good humour and his stories!
In the afternoon Solveig and I managed to take a short trip to the sea for a bath. It was so good to swim in the lukewarm sea and just dry in the sun afterward.
Keri Jones was ministering the word of God in the evening meeting. He used the story in Luke 5 when Jesus called three apostles to teach us to fish for people! As usually Keri was excellent! He is full of life and joy, and he likes to challenge all our religious ideas to make us real followers of Christ! There was great excitement and joy when he finished his message.
Visit Erling and Solveig Thu Community site
July 15, 2003
Acting out of what I am
Acting out of what I am
I have been reading and meditating in the scriptures of the prophet Ezekiel recently. He saw visions of God and became the spokesman of God. He was sent to bring messages of judgment and hope. The other day some words of God struck me, and have been working in me continuously ever since.
In Ezekiel 20 God is saying: "I acted out of who I am, not by how I felt, so that I might be honored and not blasphemed by the nations."
The last week I have felt miserable. I have been in the mire of despair, and I have seen no way out. I have felt like a total failure, falling short in all areas. The enemy has tried hard to make me give up. With my heart and mind I have know with myself that it doesn't help to give up, and that my feeling of being a failure doesn't give the true picture of my situation. Still it has been a struggle to overcome the bombardment of negative thoughts and emotions.
When I read these word of God about acting out of who I am, and not by what I feel, I was strengthened and empowered to make a decision of how to act in accordance with what God has made me irrespectively of how I feel! It is not a new revelation, it is something I have known a long time, but it had been clouded by my swinging emotions. When I read what God said, I was comforted and encouraged. A new strength came to my inner being, a fresh determination, a peaceful rest in the grace of God.
I am a child of God. I am saved. I am forgiven. I am a new creation in Christ. I am the handi-work of God. I am a servant of God. I am a prophet of God. I am chosen by God to bring his message to his people. I am called to serve the purpose of God in my generation, - in my life-time. I will certainly act out of who I am, and not by what I feel!
Visit Erling and Solveig Thu Community site
I have been reading and meditating in the scriptures of the prophet Ezekiel recently. He saw visions of God and became the spokesman of God. He was sent to bring messages of judgment and hope. The other day some words of God struck me, and have been working in me continuously ever since.
In Ezekiel 20 God is saying: "I acted out of who I am, not by how I felt, so that I might be honored and not blasphemed by the nations."
The last week I have felt miserable. I have been in the mire of despair, and I have seen no way out. I have felt like a total failure, falling short in all areas. The enemy has tried hard to make me give up. With my heart and mind I have know with myself that it doesn't help to give up, and that my feeling of being a failure doesn't give the true picture of my situation. Still it has been a struggle to overcome the bombardment of negative thoughts and emotions.
When I read these word of God about acting out of who I am, and not by what I feel, I was strengthened and empowered to make a decision of how to act in accordance with what God has made me irrespectively of how I feel! It is not a new revelation, it is something I have known a long time, but it had been clouded by my swinging emotions. When I read what God said, I was comforted and encouraged. A new strength came to my inner being, a fresh determination, a peaceful rest in the grace of God.
I am a child of God. I am saved. I am forgiven. I am a new creation in Christ. I am the handi-work of God. I am a servant of God. I am a prophet of God. I am chosen by God to bring his message to his people. I am called to serve the purpose of God in my generation, - in my life-time. I will certainly act out of who I am, and not by what I feel!
Visit Erling and Solveig Thu Community site
July 14, 2003
Listening to a young student preaching
Listening to a young student preaching
Yesterday morning a young student, Tor Eivind Nyg�rd, was preaching at the service at Kristent Fellesskap in Bergen. I was very much blessed by his ministry. He was sharing on how to be refreshed and strengthened by the word of God.
As I was listening to him opening up the Scriptures and sharing his insights born out of his own experience, I was filled with thankfulness. It is a privilege to listen to such fine ministry and it is a great blessing to see quality young men like him come forth among us. It is really the grace of God towards us.
I was bless by the way he used the Scriptures. I was blessed by the personal touch in all he shared. I was also very touched by the way he honoured those other young leaders with whom he had been working. Tor Eivind is a fine young man, he is a true follower of Jesus Christ, a man of stature, a man of quality, a servant of God with a exciting future!
Visit Erling and Solveig Thu Community site
Yesterday morning a young student, Tor Eivind Nyg�rd, was preaching at the service at Kristent Fellesskap in Bergen. I was very much blessed by his ministry. He was sharing on how to be refreshed and strengthened by the word of God.
As I was listening to him opening up the Scriptures and sharing his insights born out of his own experience, I was filled with thankfulness. It is a privilege to listen to such fine ministry and it is a great blessing to see quality young men like him come forth among us. It is really the grace of God towards us.
I was bless by the way he used the Scriptures. I was blessed by the personal touch in all he shared. I was also very touched by the way he honoured those other young leaders with whom he had been working. Tor Eivind is a fine young man, he is a true follower of Jesus Christ, a man of stature, a man of quality, a servant of God with a exciting future!
Visit Erling and Solveig Thu Community site
July 12, 2003
The noise of Grandchildren
The noise of Grandchildren
Two of our grandchildren, Jakob and Sara, have been staying wit us for the last few days. They are filling our house and the whole neighbourhood with a sound of joyful life and excitement as fitting for grandchildren!
I hope the neighbours enjoy the sound as much as I do. It is the sound of a great future already born! It is the sound of hope for a new tomorrow. It is the sound of children enjoying the grace of God. It is the sound of the present mercy towards us, a fruitful life in the love of God!
Visit Erling and Solveig Thu Community site
Two of our grandchildren, Jakob and Sara, have been staying wit us for the last few days. They are filling our house and the whole neighbourhood with a sound of joyful life and excitement as fitting for grandchildren!
I hope the neighbours enjoy the sound as much as I do. It is the sound of a great future already born! It is the sound of hope for a new tomorrow. It is the sound of children enjoying the grace of God. It is the sound of the present mercy towards us, a fruitful life in the love of God!
Visit Erling and Solveig Thu Community site
July 10, 2003
Cell group
Cell group
Yesterday our cell group joined with another cell group since so many are away on holiday. Solveig and thoroughly enjoyed being with the new cell group. Bodil Dahl was leading the gathering in a wonderful way and all participated in one way or another. I was very blessed by the presence of God and the warm relationship among the new group. Solveig and I were the only ones from our own cell group that could come but we didn't regret that we went.
There is something beautiful about the fellowship with God's people that is difficult to explain in human words because coming together in small or larger gatherings to meet with God and one another is of such great value. There is a joyful lightness, a peaceful joy, a holy love, and a sacred appreciation of one another that takes us out of this world and allow us to enjoy heaven on earth a few hours.
God is so good!
Visit Erling and Solveig Thu Community site
Yesterday our cell group joined with another cell group since so many are away on holiday. Solveig and thoroughly enjoyed being with the new cell group. Bodil Dahl was leading the gathering in a wonderful way and all participated in one way or another. I was very blessed by the presence of God and the warm relationship among the new group. Solveig and I were the only ones from our own cell group that could come but we didn't regret that we went.
There is something beautiful about the fellowship with God's people that is difficult to explain in human words because coming together in small or larger gatherings to meet with God and one another is of such great value. There is a joyful lightness, a peaceful joy, a holy love, and a sacred appreciation of one another that takes us out of this world and allow us to enjoy heaven on earth a few hours.
God is so good!
Visit Erling and Solveig Thu Community site
July 09, 2003
Working at Gullbotn
Working at Gullbotn
Today Solveig and I have been working at Gullbotn which is our apostolic house, the base for the apostolic team which we are a part of.
I have been doing some editorial work on some books due to be published by "Ministries without Borders". Several books covering very relevant subjects will be made available soon - hopefully! There are a team of writers and an international editorial board. As soon as the books are ready for publication and distribution I will bring information on that.
Visit Erling and Solveig Thu Community site
Today Solveig and I have been working at Gullbotn which is our apostolic house, the base for the apostolic team which we are a part of.
I have been doing some editorial work on some books due to be published by "Ministries without Borders". Several books covering very relevant subjects will be made available soon - hopefully! There are a team of writers and an international editorial board. As soon as the books are ready for publication and distribution I will bring information on that.
Visit Erling and Solveig Thu Community site
July 08, 2003
Visions of God
Visions of God
Ezekiel, the prophet among the exiles, saw visions of God. The word of God came to him and the hand of the Lord came upon him that day! It is challenging reading to read about his encounter with the Glory of God.
The moment he heard the voice of God, the Spirit entered him and put him on his feet. As God spoke, the prophet listened.
He was told by God to get God's words inside him. He was to listen to them obediently; to make them his own. Then he was to go and speak to his people the message of God.
This is the way we are all intended to live: Listening obediently, make the word of God our own, live it out and then speak it boldly to the people we are living among!
Visit Erling and Solveig Thu Community site
Ezekiel, the prophet among the exiles, saw visions of God. The word of God came to him and the hand of the Lord came upon him that day! It is challenging reading to read about his encounter with the Glory of God.
The moment he heard the voice of God, the Spirit entered him and put him on his feet. As God spoke, the prophet listened.
He was told by God to get God's words inside him. He was to listen to them obediently; to make them his own. Then he was to go and speak to his people the message of God.
This is the way we are all intended to live: Listening obediently, make the word of God our own, live it out and then speak it boldly to the people we are living among!
Visit Erling and Solveig Thu Community site
July 07, 2003
New community site
New community site
Solveig and I are in the process of developing a new community site. You are welcome to join our community and take advantage of the resources made available there.
Visit Erling and Solveig Thu Community site
Solveig and I are in the process of developing a new community site. You are welcome to join our community and take advantage of the resources made available there.
Visit Erling and Solveig Thu Community site
A wonderful Bible Week
A wonderful Bible Week
We arrived back home last night after a wonderful Bible Week in Harstad.
It was so good to see all the young people who met with the Lord. Many of them committed themselves to Christ and were baptized in water and in the Spirit. God is doing something very good among the young people in the North.
It was very encouraging to see the growth of the church in Harstad. Torbj�rn and Hulda Hansen are doing a great job in leading that work!
Terje Dahle is leading the work in the northern region of Norway and God has given him great grace and insight.
We arrived back home last night after a wonderful Bible Week in Harstad.
It was so good to see all the young people who met with the Lord. Many of them committed themselves to Christ and were baptized in water and in the Spirit. God is doing something very good among the young people in the North.
It was very encouraging to see the growth of the church in Harstad. Torbj�rn and Hulda Hansen are doing a great job in leading that work!
Terje Dahle is leading the work in the northern region of Norway and God has given him great grace and insight.
July 04, 2003
40th anniversary of faithful love
40th anniversary of faithful love
Today Solveig and I celebrate our 40th anniversary of faithful love. Forty years ago we exchanged rings and promised to be faithful to one another. We are still in love!
This morning Solveig gave me a yellow card with wonderful love declarations and a joyful commitment for another forty years! Later she went to town to by me Sm�rbukk caramels and my favourite love berries; Norwegian strawberries; with a big card with this definition of love: Love is a fruit that is in season the whole year. Love may be picked by all hands and knows no limit!
My wife is the most wonderful wife in the world! She is God�s gift to me and has made my life a happy and meaningful life. I am for ever thankful to the Lord for his gift to me. And I don�t find words to express my admiration, affection or deep love for my wife.
Today Solveig and I celebrate our 40th anniversary of faithful love. Forty years ago we exchanged rings and promised to be faithful to one another. We are still in love!
This morning Solveig gave me a yellow card with wonderful love declarations and a joyful commitment for another forty years! Later she went to town to by me Sm�rbukk caramels and my favourite love berries; Norwegian strawberries; with a big card with this definition of love: Love is a fruit that is in season the whole year. Love may be picked by all hands and knows no limit!
My wife is the most wonderful wife in the world! She is God�s gift to me and has made my life a happy and meaningful life. I am for ever thankful to the Lord for his gift to me. And I don�t find words to express my admiration, affection or deep love for my wife.
July 03, 2003
Bible Week in Harstad
Bible Week in Harstad
Yesterday we arrived in Harstad for our Bible Week. Torbj�rn Hansen whom is lead the church in Harstad welcomed us at the airport and took us home to serve us a delicious salmon for dinner before we were taken to Trondanes Frilyndte Folkeh�gskule.
We had a good time when we were together last night and this morning in the seminar. The word of God is being taught in a practical and challenging way. When Arne was teaching us to preach the gospel he was able through a word of knowledge to bring an unsaved participant in the seminar to the Lord!
Hallelujah! God is so good!
Yesterday we arrived in Harstad for our Bible Week. Torbj�rn Hansen whom is lead the church in Harstad welcomed us at the airport and took us home to serve us a delicious salmon for dinner before we were taken to Trondanes Frilyndte Folkeh�gskule.
We had a good time when we were together last night and this morning in the seminar. The word of God is being taught in a practical and challenging way. When Arne was teaching us to preach the gospel he was able through a word of knowledge to bring an unsaved participant in the seminar to the Lord!
Hallelujah! God is so good!
July 01, 2003
Team gathering
Team gathering
Since Monday the apostolic team has been together for seeking God and do some planning. We have had a very beneficial time as we have been sharing with each other and looked at the strategy for days ahead.
Tomorrow we go to Harstad for our Bible Week for the northern part of Norway. We will be enjoying the presence of God as well as the midnight-sun and the magnificent scenery.
I am also developing a new community web-site. Please visit www.erlingthu.no
Since Monday the apostolic team has been together for seeking God and do some planning. We have had a very beneficial time as we have been sharing with each other and looked at the strategy for days ahead.
Tomorrow we go to Harstad for our Bible Week for the northern part of Norway. We will be enjoying the presence of God as well as the midnight-sun and the magnificent scenery.
I am also developing a new community web-site. Please visit www.erlingthu.no
June 30, 2003
A divine appointment
A divine appointment
This weekend I have been visiting Lyngdal in the southern part of Norway together with Per Erik Olsen. We had a wonderful time with the church there. They are taken some important steps forward an they are experiencing the blessing of God.
While I was there I met two former student from the Bible School in Sarons Dal, Kvinesdal. I had been teaching them in 1980. Now one was a pastor in a church at Sola nearby Stavanger and the other one was the general secretary for a network of 1200 churches in Kenya. I was a divine appointment to meet these two servants of God! I am looking forward to our next time together.
While in Lyngdal I also met one of my close co-workers from my time in Troens Bevis Kvinesdal. It was like we never had been apart. I was really blessed by that encounter and believe that we will see one another more often in the days ahead!
God is so good!
This weekend I have been visiting Lyngdal in the southern part of Norway together with Per Erik Olsen. We had a wonderful time with the church there. They are taken some important steps forward an they are experiencing the blessing of God.
While I was there I met two former student from the Bible School in Sarons Dal, Kvinesdal. I had been teaching them in 1980. Now one was a pastor in a church at Sola nearby Stavanger and the other one was the general secretary for a network of 1200 churches in Kenya. I was a divine appointment to meet these two servants of God! I am looking forward to our next time together.
While in Lyngdal I also met one of my close co-workers from my time in Troens Bevis Kvinesdal. It was like we never had been apart. I was really blessed by that encounter and believe that we will see one another more often in the days ahead!
God is so good!
June 27, 2003
Bothering to meet with God
Bothering to meet with God
God was saying some staggering things to his servant Jeremiah, the prophet, as he was talking about the other prophets around in his days. God was charging them of telling lies and grandiose delusions as they were swapping dreams with one another, feeding on each other's delusive dreams. God was sad by the fact that they did not bother to meet with him!
Have any of these prophets bothered to meet with me, the true God? - bothered to take in what I have to say? - listen to and then lived out my word?
If they'd have bothered to sit down and meet with me, they'd have preached my Message to my people. They'd have gotten them back on the right track, gotten them out of their evil ruts.
Then God goes on to charge his true prophets with these words:
But you prophets who have a message from me - tell it truly and faithfully. Let your words change them. Don't change your words to suit them.
Oh, Lord make me bold in proclaiming your truthful words and not shrink back in fear of the consequences I may have to face! Lord, help me to speak words that change people, - words that bring them back on the right track with you! Help me to take time and make effort to bother to sit down and meet with you!
God was saying some staggering things to his servant Jeremiah, the prophet, as he was talking about the other prophets around in his days. God was charging them of telling lies and grandiose delusions as they were swapping dreams with one another, feeding on each other's delusive dreams. God was sad by the fact that they did not bother to meet with him!
Have any of these prophets bothered to meet with me, the true God? - bothered to take in what I have to say? - listen to and then lived out my word?
If they'd have bothered to sit down and meet with me, they'd have preached my Message to my people. They'd have gotten them back on the right track, gotten them out of their evil ruts.
Then God goes on to charge his true prophets with these words:
But you prophets who have a message from me - tell it truly and faithfully. Let your words change them. Don't change your words to suit them.
Oh, Lord make me bold in proclaiming your truthful words and not shrink back in fear of the consequences I may have to face! Lord, help me to speak words that change people, - words that bring them back on the right track with you! Help me to take time and make effort to bother to sit down and meet with you!
June 26, 2003
Clean up your act
Clean up your act
Something has struck me while I have been reading in Isaiah and Jeremiah. Over and over again God is saying that he is tired of their performance religion. God doesn't want our sacrifices as such, he doesn't want our worship services as such, he doesn't want our singing as such. Rather God is very clear on what he wants:
Clean up your act - the way you live, the things you do - so I can make may home with you! Only if you do a total spring cleaning on the way you live and treat your neighbours, only if you quit exploiting street people and orphans and widows, no longer taking advantage of innocent people, - only then I will move into your neighbourhood and make your country my permanent home, my temple!
It is the way we live and fail to listen that leads us into troubles. Jeremiah gave this complaint: It's because our leaders are stupid. They never asked God for counsel, and so nothing worked right and the people are scattered all over.
Over and over again God is saying to the people: Obey what I tell you. Do exactly what I command you. Your obedience will close the deal. You'll be mine and I'll be yours. Listen to the terms of my covenant and carry them out!
God is calling us to live a holy life before him. A listening heart, a responsive spirit and joyful obedience are what is needed to enjoy the blessing of God's wonderful presence!
Something has struck me while I have been reading in Isaiah and Jeremiah. Over and over again God is saying that he is tired of their performance religion. God doesn't want our sacrifices as such, he doesn't want our worship services as such, he doesn't want our singing as such. Rather God is very clear on what he wants:
Clean up your act - the way you live, the things you do - so I can make may home with you! Only if you do a total spring cleaning on the way you live and treat your neighbours, only if you quit exploiting street people and orphans and widows, no longer taking advantage of innocent people, - only then I will move into your neighbourhood and make your country my permanent home, my temple!
It is the way we live and fail to listen that leads us into troubles. Jeremiah gave this complaint: It's because our leaders are stupid. They never asked God for counsel, and so nothing worked right and the people are scattered all over.
Over and over again God is saying to the people: Obey what I tell you. Do exactly what I command you. Your obedience will close the deal. You'll be mine and I'll be yours. Listen to the terms of my covenant and carry them out!
God is calling us to live a holy life before him. A listening heart, a responsive spirit and joyful obedience are what is needed to enjoy the blessing of God's wonderful presence!
June 25, 2003
Stand at attention!
Stand at attention!
As I started to read the book of the prophet Jeremiah this morning I was struck by the simple fact stated in the first verses about the word of God coming to the prophet. God's Message began to come to him during the reign of one king. It continued to come to him during the reign of the next king. And it continued to come to him during the third king! What a man of God! He was faithfully serving God as his mouth during the reign of three kings! I wonder how that could happen?
Well, Jeremiah quickly explains how God called him and commissioned him for his ministry by reminding him that he was chosen before he was born to be a prophet to the nations. Then God touched him and put his words in his mouth and told him to speak it boldly!
Jeremiah was very young when he had this encounter with God. He felt like a boy, unfit for such a high calling. But God told him something that was to become the key to the success of his ministry:
Stand at attention while I prepare you for work!
This is the key to any successful ministry: To stand at attention and allow God to prepare us. When we listen to God attentively the words of God are transforming us. We are not only receiving words to pass on to others but the words of God penetrate our innermost being and changes us. When we have allowed the word of God to work in us we will be used by God to speak his transforming word to peoples and nations!
Stand at attention while God prepare you for work!
As I started to read the book of the prophet Jeremiah this morning I was struck by the simple fact stated in the first verses about the word of God coming to the prophet. God's Message began to come to him during the reign of one king. It continued to come to him during the reign of the next king. And it continued to come to him during the third king! What a man of God! He was faithfully serving God as his mouth during the reign of three kings! I wonder how that could happen?
Well, Jeremiah quickly explains how God called him and commissioned him for his ministry by reminding him that he was chosen before he was born to be a prophet to the nations. Then God touched him and put his words in his mouth and told him to speak it boldly!
Jeremiah was very young when he had this encounter with God. He felt like a boy, unfit for such a high calling. But God told him something that was to become the key to the success of his ministry:
Stand at attention while I prepare you for work!
This is the key to any successful ministry: To stand at attention and allow God to prepare us. When we listen to God attentively the words of God are transforming us. We are not only receiving words to pass on to others but the words of God penetrate our innermost being and changes us. When we have allowed the word of God to work in us we will be used by God to speak his transforming word to peoples and nations!
Stand at attention while God prepare you for work!
June 24, 2003
What God is looking for
What God is looking for
This morning I finished reading the last chapters of the prophet Isaiah who is my favorite prophet. I read so many encouraging promises this morning and I am delighted to be part of the fulfillment of the prophecies of God for these last days.
In the last chapter (66:2) God is saying that he made heaven and earth and that we can build no house for him, however there is something he is looking for:
A person simple and plain, reverently responsive to what I say!
As I read this a prayer was form in my heart: Oh, Lord, let me be such a person. Help me to be simple and plain, not sophisticated or complicated. Give me a willing and responsive heart, and make me bold and brave in obeying you! Teach me to always fear you so that I reverently respond to you by doing what you say!
This morning I finished reading the last chapters of the prophet Isaiah who is my favorite prophet. I read so many encouraging promises this morning and I am delighted to be part of the fulfillment of the prophecies of God for these last days.
In the last chapter (66:2) God is saying that he made heaven and earth and that we can build no house for him, however there is something he is looking for:
A person simple and plain, reverently responsive to what I say!
As I read this a prayer was form in my heart: Oh, Lord, let me be such a person. Help me to be simple and plain, not sophisticated or complicated. Give me a willing and responsive heart, and make me bold and brave in obeying you! Teach me to always fear you so that I reverently respond to you by doing what you say!
June 23, 2003
Listen well
Listen well
I have been reading in my new leather bound Message Bible the last few months. At vacation I finished reading the Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and now I am well on my way with the prophet Isaiah. I love reading and meditating on the word of God. This morning I was reminded again to listen well for the voice of God, when reading the Bible and while I am walking through life. God is constantly speaking to us his life-giving and life-nourishing word. This is what the word of God says:
Listen to me, listen well: Eat only the best, fill yourself with only the finest.
Pay attention, come close now, listen carefully to my life-giving, life-nourishing word.
Listen well! This is important! Take in only the best! Fill yourself only with the finest thoughts! Listen carefully, really pay attention to the life-nourishing word of God!
I have found that when I neglect to listen to God and don't take time to fill myself with his life-giving words my strength withers away and I am dried up spiritually. But when I take time to listen to God and eat his life-nourishing word all my senses stay alert and I am enjoying the blessings of the abundant life in Christ!
I have been reading in my new leather bound Message Bible the last few months. At vacation I finished reading the Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and now I am well on my way with the prophet Isaiah. I love reading and meditating on the word of God. This morning I was reminded again to listen well for the voice of God, when reading the Bible and while I am walking through life. God is constantly speaking to us his life-giving and life-nourishing word. This is what the word of God says:
Listen to me, listen well: Eat only the best, fill yourself with only the finest.
Pay attention, come close now, listen carefully to my life-giving, life-nourishing word.
Listen well! This is important! Take in only the best! Fill yourself only with the finest thoughts! Listen carefully, really pay attention to the life-nourishing word of God!
I have found that when I neglect to listen to God and don't take time to fill myself with his life-giving words my strength withers away and I am dried up spiritually. But when I take time to listen to God and eat his life-nourishing word all my senses stay alert and I am enjoying the blessings of the abundant life in Christ!
June 21, 2003
Vacation is over
Vacation is over!
I am sitting at the airport in Copenhagen on my way back to Bergen. Vacation is over and a busy weekend is waiting with wedding-celebration and Bible School graduation. In addition David, our third son, and his family are waiting for us. They have been staying in our house one week while we have been away. I am looking forward having time to play with Jonathan our grandson.
The last week in Spain disappeared very fast. We enjoyed the beaches (la playas) and the markets, as well as the fresh peaches, plums, grapes, oranges, figs, apricots, cherries, strawberries and nectarine. I even found time for reading! I have been reading “Thinking for a Change” by John C. Maxwell and “Theology for the Community of God” by Stanley J. Grenz. The theology I enjoy the most and I can really recommend that book on systematic theology from a relevant evangelical perspective.
I am looking forward to being connected to the Internet again through my new broadband connection at home. I feel cut of from my world when I am not able to daily enter that world of interconnectedness and community.
I am now back in Bergen. Cold rain is pouring down. It feels like winter! But it is good to be home!
I am sitting at the airport in Copenhagen on my way back to Bergen. Vacation is over and a busy weekend is waiting with wedding-celebration and Bible School graduation. In addition David, our third son, and his family are waiting for us. They have been staying in our house one week while we have been away. I am looking forward having time to play with Jonathan our grandson.
The last week in Spain disappeared very fast. We enjoyed the beaches (la playas) and the markets, as well as the fresh peaches, plums, grapes, oranges, figs, apricots, cherries, strawberries and nectarine. I even found time for reading! I have been reading “Thinking for a Change” by John C. Maxwell and “Theology for the Community of God” by Stanley J. Grenz. The theology I enjoy the most and I can really recommend that book on systematic theology from a relevant evangelical perspective.
I am looking forward to being connected to the Internet again through my new broadband connection at home. I feel cut of from my world when I am not able to daily enter that world of interconnectedness and community.
I am now back in Bergen. Cold rain is pouring down. It feels like winter! But it is good to be home!
June 13, 2003
Connected at last!
Connected at last!
I have been trying to get connected to the internet to send my blogs while I have been here in Spain but so far I have not been able to find a single internet-cafe. But due to the kindness of my friend Leif Erik I am now connected to the world again and it feels good!
God is so good! He looks after all our needs!
I have been trying to get connected to the internet to send my blogs while I have been here in Spain but so far I have not been able to find a single internet-cafe. But due to the kindness of my friend Leif Erik I am now connected to the world again and it feels good!
God is so good! He looks after all our needs!
Visiting places in Spain
Visiting places in Spain
The last few days we have been visiting many nice places in Spain. One day we went to Cartagena and Mazarron about one and a half hour drive south from Ciudad Quesada where we are staying in my brother�s wonderful flat. Another day we went to Guadelest, Calpe, Benidorm, Altea and many more places. The old town of Altea was very beautiful with the narrow streets and the white houses and the cathedral with the blue dome standing out � above the rest of the city. The last few days we have seen a lot of beautiful places.
Everyday we have been bathing in the sea! Yesterday we hade some big waves that made Solveig scared. She is a much better swimmer than me but I felt good to be far better in handling the challenging waves of the sea.
The temperature is high, about thirty degrees, but the fresh breeze makes it even enjoyable!
The most refreshing though is the mornings with the Word of God. I am reading in the Message Bible at the moment and am being blessed and refreshed by the word. This morning I read about the new government of love that God will establish. A ruler we can depend upon will head this government. He will be a ruler passionate for justice and a ruler quick to set things right! I am so happy that I know the Ruler and am part of his kingdom!
The last few days we have been visiting many nice places in Spain. One day we went to Cartagena and Mazarron about one and a half hour drive south from Ciudad Quesada where we are staying in my brother�s wonderful flat. Another day we went to Guadelest, Calpe, Benidorm, Altea and many more places. The old town of Altea was very beautiful with the narrow streets and the white houses and the cathedral with the blue dome standing out � above the rest of the city. The last few days we have seen a lot of beautiful places.
Everyday we have been bathing in the sea! Yesterday we hade some big waves that made Solveig scared. She is a much better swimmer than me but I felt good to be far better in handling the challenging waves of the sea.
The temperature is high, about thirty degrees, but the fresh breeze makes it even enjoyable!
The most refreshing though is the mornings with the Word of God. I am reading in the Message Bible at the moment and am being blessed and refreshed by the word. This morning I read about the new government of love that God will establish. A ruler we can depend upon will head this government. He will be a ruler passionate for justice and a ruler quick to set things right! I am so happy that I know the Ruler and am part of his kingdom!
Building people or building organisations?
Building people or building organisations?
When I talked with Leif Erik at the community pool the other day he said something that made me very grateful. He said: �There is a bright future for you and your co-workers and the way you are working in planting and nurturing churches, for you are building people not organisations!�
In humble thankfulness I felt good about what he said. It confirmed to me that �the name of the game is people� and that in some way that can be seen in the way our apostolic team function! It is all due to the grace and goodness of God towards us that we have been able to stay faithful to that fundamental focus on people to bring out the best in them. I am so grateful to God to be able to work with apostles like Keri Jones and Noralv Askeland. They have a special grace from God in causing people to work together complementing each other.
Here I am in Spain having a wonderful holiday, relaxing with my wife, and then the Lord reminds me of his goodness towards us at home in being able to work together with men of integrity and godly ambitions only. God is so good!
When I talked with Leif Erik at the community pool the other day he said something that made me very grateful. He said: �There is a bright future for you and your co-workers and the way you are working in planting and nurturing churches, for you are building people not organisations!�
In humble thankfulness I felt good about what he said. It confirmed to me that �the name of the game is people� and that in some way that can be seen in the way our apostolic team function! It is all due to the grace and goodness of God towards us that we have been able to stay faithful to that fundamental focus on people to bring out the best in them. I am so grateful to God to be able to work with apostles like Keri Jones and Noralv Askeland. They have a special grace from God in causing people to work together complementing each other.
Here I am in Spain having a wonderful holiday, relaxing with my wife, and then the Lord reminds me of his goodness towards us at home in being able to work together with men of integrity and godly ambitions only. God is so good!
Meeting friends in Spain
Meeting friends in Spain
Today I met an old friend of mine, Leif Erik Ranvik, and his wife Kristin. I met him first time many years back at an Easter conference at Sarons Dal. At that time he lived in H�nefoss. He became a partner in literature evangelism. After I left Kvinesdal he worked with Aril Edvardsen for about three years in the television department. The last years we have not met often. However my joy was great to discover that he lives just across our community swimming pool. Today we were able to catch up on each other a little bit. My friend has been operated for cancer and is now on a pension enjoying the blessing of God in Spain.
After talking to him I was filled with thankfulness to the Lord for his goodness and kindness towards us. During times of trials and difficulties he has been our refuge and fortress. When I look back on my life I am filled with gratefulness to God for his mercy and faithfulness towards us. The faithfulness of God, in joining us to faithful friends and servants of God, I can�t find appropriate words to express my gratitude. My friends have enlarged and enriched my life beyond comprehension and I am for ever grateful to God for his goodness towards me and my wife. God is so good!
Today I met an old friend of mine, Leif Erik Ranvik, and his wife Kristin. I met him first time many years back at an Easter conference at Sarons Dal. At that time he lived in H�nefoss. He became a partner in literature evangelism. After I left Kvinesdal he worked with Aril Edvardsen for about three years in the television department. The last years we have not met often. However my joy was great to discover that he lives just across our community swimming pool. Today we were able to catch up on each other a little bit. My friend has been operated for cancer and is now on a pension enjoying the blessing of God in Spain.
After talking to him I was filled with thankfulness to the Lord for his goodness and kindness towards us. During times of trials and difficulties he has been our refuge and fortress. When I look back on my life I am filled with gratefulness to God for his mercy and faithfulness towards us. The faithfulness of God, in joining us to faithful friends and servants of God, I can�t find appropriate words to express my gratitude. My friends have enlarged and enriched my life beyond comprehension and I am for ever grateful to God for his goodness towards me and my wife. God is so good!
Vacation in Spain
Vacation in Spain
Since Thursday morning we have been enjoying ourselves in Spain. We left Bergen Wednesday the 4th of June for a long journey for Copenhagen, Madrid, Alicante and eventually Ciudad Quesada. We arrived here at midnight and the next morning we slept until 9.30 in the morning! It has never happened before as far as can remember that we have been sleeping that long!
My younger brother, Harald, has a flat that we are renting for two weeks. We have been here once before and enjoyed it so much that we wanted to come back for a relaxing holyday! We are close to many beautiful beaches and we have already bathed in the blue Mediterrainian Sea. The temperature was nice and the waves refreshing.
More than anything else so far I have enjoyed the fresh fruits and vegetables. At home we are told that if we have five different kinds of vegetables or fruits a day it will be very healthy. This morning we had strawberries, cherries, plums, apricots, paprika, and tomatoes. For lunch we had a wonderful salad made of seven different vegetables! The vegetable markets are an experience in itself, the variety is great and the prices are low! We are here in just the right time!
Since Thursday morning we have been enjoying ourselves in Spain. We left Bergen Wednesday the 4th of June for a long journey for Copenhagen, Madrid, Alicante and eventually Ciudad Quesada. We arrived here at midnight and the next morning we slept until 9.30 in the morning! It has never happened before as far as can remember that we have been sleeping that long!
My younger brother, Harald, has a flat that we are renting for two weeks. We have been here once before and enjoyed it so much that we wanted to come back for a relaxing holyday! We are close to many beautiful beaches and we have already bathed in the blue Mediterrainian Sea. The temperature was nice and the waves refreshing.
More than anything else so far I have enjoyed the fresh fruits and vegetables. At home we are told that if we have five different kinds of vegetables or fruits a day it will be very healthy. This morning we had strawberries, cherries, plums, apricots, paprika, and tomatoes. For lunch we had a wonderful salad made of seven different vegetables! The vegetable markets are an experience in itself, the variety is great and the prices are low! We are here in just the right time!
June 04, 2003
A tribute to Bryn Jones
A tribute to Bryn Jones
- my speech at the memorial service at Coventry Cathedral 3 June 2003
I am here today to bring a tribute to our beloved friend and apostle of Jesus Christ, Bryn Jones, on behalf of the nearly twenty related churches in Norway, and on behalf of his friend and fellow apostle Noralv Askeland, who wanted to be here today but took our advice to be with his younger daughter at her graduation in the States this very day. But more than anything else, I am here to bring my own tribute to this great servant of God, whom God used in such a wonderful way to enrich and enlarge my life.
Bryn came to Norway at a crucial time for me twenty-eight years ago � in 1975. He was sent by God to rescue me and to save my life. At that time I was hurt, disappointed, and confused. I was in great danger of going astray, but God used Bryn to transform my life and give me a new direction! When I first met him I was left with a feeling in my heart that this foreigner, this man of God, had something that I needed. From the very moment we met I was attracted to him. I was draw to him in my spirit. I felt joined to him. He became like a spiritual father to me and a dear friend. I loved him dearly! I am forever grateful to God for the great impact Bryn had upon my life. Let me share with you some of the reasons why I loved him so much:
Bryn Jones � a great man of God!
Bryn was great because of his love for God and his love for people
He was a God-worshipper and a people-carer
He loved to be in the presence of God and enjoyed the company of people
He found refreshment in meditating on the Word of God and fulfilment when he was able to bring a lost sheep home
I have seen him prostrate before God - And I have seen him boldly confronting men.
I have seen him standing tall as a giant, with is hands touching heaven through his prayers - And I have seen him bending down putting his arm around a sobbing sinner.
I have seen him filled with joy dancing like a wild ox on a platform - And I have seen him in great sadness because people went their own way
Oh � what a great man of God!
Bryn was great because of his investment in people
He looked at people from the perspective of their potentials and not their failures
Through encouragement and words of faith he brought out the best in us
He invested his time and interest in us; making us feel the most important in the world.
He could achieve much in a short time because he was very intense and extremely focused.
He was a master in asking questions to challenge our present thinking or way of doing things
After being with him we were left with new insights and appreciation of spiritual realities.
He was always reminding us that the name of the game is people!
In fact - his entire life was an investment in people
He invested a prophetic zeal for the Kingdom of God in those he met
That will continue to produce fruits - even in generations not yet born!
Oh � what a great man of God!
Bryn was great because he never settled in his quest for the truth
His entire life was an pilgrimage towards the city whose builder and architect is God
He was never afraid of new ideas but loved to blaze new trails
He provoked me to deep thinking and careful study of the Scripture
His open-mindedness was unique � sometimes frightening
But he helped us all to a broader understanding of spiritual truths
And a deeper appreciation of the teaching of the Bible
His prophetic preaching opened new horizons, brought new perspectives and deeper spiritual insights.
He has left with us a rich inheritance of spiritual knowledge and understanding!
He stirred our hearts, enlarged our faith, and motivated us for action!
Oh � what a great man of God!
Bryn was great because he was so human
He was not a high-flying-charismatic-superstar
He was a Welch-man, down to earth and close to people
He was approachable and reachable, he was one of us!
What he lacked in length or tallness he compensated in wideness and broadness!
He loved to have a meal with friends and seemed to hate exercising
He was not one of these slick and slim men of a fitness advertisement
He was human � an ordinary man � in the best sense!
Oh � what a great man of God!
Bryn was great because he was a warrior
He was a warrior of the Lord zealous for the Kingdom of God and the people of God
He was at war with denominationalism and sectarianism, as well as legalism and externalism
He worked hard to present the church to God - glorious and radiant
He was at war with hypocrisy and bigotry
As he walked in frankness, honesty, and integrity
He was at war with racism, sexism, and injustice
He fought for human dignity, equality, and liberty
He was at war against human sufferings of all kinds
And he was compassionate about bringing relief to people in distress
Oh � what a great man of God!
Bryn was great because he was a true friend
He was always genuinely interested in me and my family and our welfare
He involved himself as a faithful friend in our lives through words of encouragement and valid criticism
His heartfelt counsel was sweet as healing ointment
Through Bryn I was introduced to my best friends in life
And he rejoiced when new relationships were formed and new friendship developed for me
Oh � what a great man of God!
We will continue to give God thanks because of his life and we will cherish his blessed memory as we follow in his footsteps pursuing God!
From the heart of Erling Thu
- my speech at the memorial service at Coventry Cathedral 3 June 2003
I am here today to bring a tribute to our beloved friend and apostle of Jesus Christ, Bryn Jones, on behalf of the nearly twenty related churches in Norway, and on behalf of his friend and fellow apostle Noralv Askeland, who wanted to be here today but took our advice to be with his younger daughter at her graduation in the States this very day. But more than anything else, I am here to bring my own tribute to this great servant of God, whom God used in such a wonderful way to enrich and enlarge my life.
Bryn came to Norway at a crucial time for me twenty-eight years ago � in 1975. He was sent by God to rescue me and to save my life. At that time I was hurt, disappointed, and confused. I was in great danger of going astray, but God used Bryn to transform my life and give me a new direction! When I first met him I was left with a feeling in my heart that this foreigner, this man of God, had something that I needed. From the very moment we met I was attracted to him. I was draw to him in my spirit. I felt joined to him. He became like a spiritual father to me and a dear friend. I loved him dearly! I am forever grateful to God for the great impact Bryn had upon my life. Let me share with you some of the reasons why I loved him so much:
Bryn Jones � a great man of God!
Bryn was great because of his love for God and his love for people
He was a God-worshipper and a people-carer
He loved to be in the presence of God and enjoyed the company of people
He found refreshment in meditating on the Word of God and fulfilment when he was able to bring a lost sheep home
I have seen him prostrate before God - And I have seen him boldly confronting men.
I have seen him standing tall as a giant, with is hands touching heaven through his prayers - And I have seen him bending down putting his arm around a sobbing sinner.
I have seen him filled with joy dancing like a wild ox on a platform - And I have seen him in great sadness because people went their own way
Oh � what a great man of God!
Bryn was great because of his investment in people
He looked at people from the perspective of their potentials and not their failures
Through encouragement and words of faith he brought out the best in us
He invested his time and interest in us; making us feel the most important in the world.
He could achieve much in a short time because he was very intense and extremely focused.
He was a master in asking questions to challenge our present thinking or way of doing things
After being with him we were left with new insights and appreciation of spiritual realities.
He was always reminding us that the name of the game is people!
In fact - his entire life was an investment in people
He invested a prophetic zeal for the Kingdom of God in those he met
That will continue to produce fruits - even in generations not yet born!
Oh � what a great man of God!
Bryn was great because he never settled in his quest for the truth
His entire life was an pilgrimage towards the city whose builder and architect is God
He was never afraid of new ideas but loved to blaze new trails
He provoked me to deep thinking and careful study of the Scripture
His open-mindedness was unique � sometimes frightening
But he helped us all to a broader understanding of spiritual truths
And a deeper appreciation of the teaching of the Bible
His prophetic preaching opened new horizons, brought new perspectives and deeper spiritual insights.
He has left with us a rich inheritance of spiritual knowledge and understanding!
He stirred our hearts, enlarged our faith, and motivated us for action!
Oh � what a great man of God!
Bryn was great because he was so human
He was not a high-flying-charismatic-superstar
He was a Welch-man, down to earth and close to people
He was approachable and reachable, he was one of us!
What he lacked in length or tallness he compensated in wideness and broadness!
He loved to have a meal with friends and seemed to hate exercising
He was not one of these slick and slim men of a fitness advertisement
He was human � an ordinary man � in the best sense!
Oh � what a great man of God!
Bryn was great because he was a warrior
He was a warrior of the Lord zealous for the Kingdom of God and the people of God
He was at war with denominationalism and sectarianism, as well as legalism and externalism
He worked hard to present the church to God - glorious and radiant
He was at war with hypocrisy and bigotry
As he walked in frankness, honesty, and integrity
He was at war with racism, sexism, and injustice
He fought for human dignity, equality, and liberty
He was at war against human sufferings of all kinds
And he was compassionate about bringing relief to people in distress
Oh � what a great man of God!
Bryn was great because he was a true friend
He was always genuinely interested in me and my family and our welfare
He involved himself as a faithful friend in our lives through words of encouragement and valid criticism
His heartfelt counsel was sweet as healing ointment
Through Bryn I was introduced to my best friends in life
And he rejoiced when new relationships were formed and new friendship developed for me
Oh � what a great man of God!
We will continue to give God thanks because of his life and we will cherish his blessed memory as we follow in his footsteps pursuing God!
From the heart of Erling Thu
June 02, 2003
In loving memory of Bryn Jones
In loving memory of Bryn Jones
Today I have been preparing for my speech at the Memorial Service for Bryn Jones (1940-2003) to be held at Coventry Cathedral 3rd June 2003.
I met Bryn at a crucial time of my life twenty-eight years ago. God sent him to Norway to save my life and put me back on track again. At that time I was hurt, disappointed, and confused. I was in great danger of going astray, but praise God, Bryn came, to set me straight! When I first met him I was left with a feeling on my inside that this foreigner, this man of God, had something that I needed. From the very moment we met I was attracted to him. I was draw to him in my spirit. I felt joined to him.
I will never forget when we sat on the bus in the Northern part of Norway and he started to ask me about myself, my family and my economy. I had been in the ministry for 13 years but no one had ever asked me questions like that. He actually cared for me personally! His care and love melted my heart. When he started to talk about my appearance, my long hair and wild beard my defence had already fallen down. He told me that he used to be a hairdresser when he was a student and he kindly offered to give me a free haircut. I trusted him and submitted my long hair into his hands and had an apostolic haircut. There was almost no hair left after he had used the scissor and my wife was not blessed by my new hairstyle! But to me it was a turning point in life!
During his visit in Norway God used him to give my life a new direction. He helped me to write a priority list for my life, family and ministry that has been governing my life since! Bryn also invited me to come to England to spend time with him there. That first visit in 1975 changed my life radically. I returned home to Norway as a new husband, father and servant of God. God used Bryn to save my life! I will for ever be thankful to God for Bryn!
From that initial life-changing meeting with Bryn in 1975 a close and warm relationship and friendship developed. He was like a spiritual father to me and a faithful friend. He was always genuinely interested in me and my family and our welfare. After I met Bryn I discovered the meaning of true friendship. Through him I was introduced to my best friends in life. I have enjoyed his friendship during the years and benefited tremendously from his apostolic ministry. His prophetic preaching and teaching have opened new horizons, given me new perspectives and deeper spiritual insights. He has stirred my heart, enlarged my faith and motivated me for action.
He was a master in asking questions to help me come to new insights and appreciation of spiritual realities. He provoked me to deep thinking and careful study of the Scriptures. Sometimes his open-mindedness frightened me but normally it helped me to a broader understanding of spiritual truths and a deeper appreciation of the teaching of the Bible
Through Restoration magazine, Harvestime publications, Bible weeks, elders� conferences, team-gatherings for prayer, theological discussions and dialogue, and personal involvement, Bryn has enriched my life and enlarged my understanding of Biblical truths. And not only me but so many leaders from Norway and many other nations as well. He was a Christian statesman, an ambassador of the Kingdom of God. He was the most excellent preacher of the word of faith, envisioning all his hearers. But more than anything else he will be remembered for his love and care for people. He gave his life to people. He invested in people. He has left with us a rich inheritance of spiritual knowledge and insight, and a prophetic zeal for the Kingdom of God, that will continue to produce fruits in generations not yet born! May his life and faith be followed by thousands of believers pursuing God as he did!
Today I have been preparing for my speech at the Memorial Service for Bryn Jones (1940-2003) to be held at Coventry Cathedral 3rd June 2003.
I met Bryn at a crucial time of my life twenty-eight years ago. God sent him to Norway to save my life and put me back on track again. At that time I was hurt, disappointed, and confused. I was in great danger of going astray, but praise God, Bryn came, to set me straight! When I first met him I was left with a feeling on my inside that this foreigner, this man of God, had something that I needed. From the very moment we met I was attracted to him. I was draw to him in my spirit. I felt joined to him.
I will never forget when we sat on the bus in the Northern part of Norway and he started to ask me about myself, my family and my economy. I had been in the ministry for 13 years but no one had ever asked me questions like that. He actually cared for me personally! His care and love melted my heart. When he started to talk about my appearance, my long hair and wild beard my defence had already fallen down. He told me that he used to be a hairdresser when he was a student and he kindly offered to give me a free haircut. I trusted him and submitted my long hair into his hands and had an apostolic haircut. There was almost no hair left after he had used the scissor and my wife was not blessed by my new hairstyle! But to me it was a turning point in life!
During his visit in Norway God used him to give my life a new direction. He helped me to write a priority list for my life, family and ministry that has been governing my life since! Bryn also invited me to come to England to spend time with him there. That first visit in 1975 changed my life radically. I returned home to Norway as a new husband, father and servant of God. God used Bryn to save my life! I will for ever be thankful to God for Bryn!
From that initial life-changing meeting with Bryn in 1975 a close and warm relationship and friendship developed. He was like a spiritual father to me and a faithful friend. He was always genuinely interested in me and my family and our welfare. After I met Bryn I discovered the meaning of true friendship. Through him I was introduced to my best friends in life. I have enjoyed his friendship during the years and benefited tremendously from his apostolic ministry. His prophetic preaching and teaching have opened new horizons, given me new perspectives and deeper spiritual insights. He has stirred my heart, enlarged my faith and motivated me for action.
He was a master in asking questions to help me come to new insights and appreciation of spiritual realities. He provoked me to deep thinking and careful study of the Scriptures. Sometimes his open-mindedness frightened me but normally it helped me to a broader understanding of spiritual truths and a deeper appreciation of the teaching of the Bible
Through Restoration magazine, Harvestime publications, Bible weeks, elders� conferences, team-gatherings for prayer, theological discussions and dialogue, and personal involvement, Bryn has enriched my life and enlarged my understanding of Biblical truths. And not only me but so many leaders from Norway and many other nations as well. He was a Christian statesman, an ambassador of the Kingdom of God. He was the most excellent preacher of the word of faith, envisioning all his hearers. But more than anything else he will be remembered for his love and care for people. He gave his life to people. He invested in people. He has left with us a rich inheritance of spiritual knowledge and insight, and a prophetic zeal for the Kingdom of God, that will continue to produce fruits in generations not yet born! May his life and faith be followed by thousands of believers pursuing God as he did!
June 01, 2003
The joy of being a grandfather
The joy of being a grandfather
There has been no blogging for one full week now as I have been away from home to be a grandfather full time in England! Solveig and I have been with Hanna and Daljinder, their two sons, Taj Kristian and Jai Ruben, and their two months old daughter Sunniva Isher. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time with them.
Our youngest grandchild, Sunniva, is so beautiful that I can't find words to express it! She is a delicate little miracle of God with lots of black hair and a cute round face with wonderful eyes and a smile that will melt an iceberg!! She is such a quiet and content little being. I gave thanks to God for her every time I held her in my arms. God is so good to me! He has given me the joy of being a grandfather and the ability to enjoy it!
Taj Kristian is very practical and a diligent worker even though he is only four and a half years old. He was so busy cleaning the garden and it was my privilege to join him in that work. Then he gathered a lot of wooden material to make something but with no nails it turn out to nothing! Later he had his dad help him making a rocket. His mother was not very pleased when he on his own was painting it with a red colour and spilled some paint on his clothes. He is very clever with his hands and I am sure he has a great future!
Jai Ruben is very active all the time. He is full of life. He is full of joy most of the time, except for when his will is being crossed and he is upset with some of the new changes taking place! He loves books and he loves to talk! Even for him the future is bright!
I enjoyed playing with the boys and talking with them. It brings me great joy to be with them!
When we came home we went directly to a birthday party for Lars Benjamin which is now turning two years old! He is becoming more and more like his father Josef. He is not passive for a moment! He is up and down, in and out - everywhere at all time! This time he seemed to ignore me completely! Solveig had all his attention! He wanted her to join him in everything (it made it more quiet for me). He wanted her to see everything that excited him, and he ran to her for comfort when he had been hurt.
There has been no blogging for one full week now as I have been away from home to be a grandfather full time in England! Solveig and I have been with Hanna and Daljinder, their two sons, Taj Kristian and Jai Ruben, and their two months old daughter Sunniva Isher. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time with them.
Our youngest grandchild, Sunniva, is so beautiful that I can't find words to express it! She is a delicate little miracle of God with lots of black hair and a cute round face with wonderful eyes and a smile that will melt an iceberg!! She is such a quiet and content little being. I gave thanks to God for her every time I held her in my arms. God is so good to me! He has given me the joy of being a grandfather and the ability to enjoy it!
Taj Kristian is very practical and a diligent worker even though he is only four and a half years old. He was so busy cleaning the garden and it was my privilege to join him in that work. Then he gathered a lot of wooden material to make something but with no nails it turn out to nothing! Later he had his dad help him making a rocket. His mother was not very pleased when he on his own was painting it with a red colour and spilled some paint on his clothes. He is very clever with his hands and I am sure he has a great future!
Jai Ruben is very active all the time. He is full of life. He is full of joy most of the time, except for when his will is being crossed and he is upset with some of the new changes taking place! He loves books and he loves to talk! Even for him the future is bright!
I enjoyed playing with the boys and talking with them. It brings me great joy to be with them!
When we came home we went directly to a birthday party for Lars Benjamin which is now turning two years old! He is becoming more and more like his father Josef. He is not passive for a moment! He is up and down, in and out - everywhere at all time! This time he seemed to ignore me completely! Solveig had all his attention! He wanted her to join him in everything (it made it more quiet for me). He wanted her to see everything that excited him, and he ran to her for comfort when he had been hurt.
May 25, 2003
National leadership conference
National leadership conference
Since Friday we have been together at at national leadership conference at Gullbotn. About eighty leaders have been together for the weekend. It has been the most blessed time for fellowship and instruction in the Holy Spirit. I am so grateful to the Lord for his wonderful grace that he has shown towards us. Noralv Askeland is our gracious leader and apostle of Jesus Christ. He has a tremendous ability to cause people to work together and bring out the best in each one of us. To be in a team like this is such a great blessing that I don't find appropriate words to describe it. There is a safe covering of our weaknesses and a liberating drawing out of our strengths releasing the potent giftings in each one of us.
This afternoon Solveig and I are going to England to visit our daughter Hanna and her family. I am looking forward seeing my youngest granddaughter, Sunniva Isher, for the first time!
Since Friday we have been together at at national leadership conference at Gullbotn. About eighty leaders have been together for the weekend. It has been the most blessed time for fellowship and instruction in the Holy Spirit. I am so grateful to the Lord for his wonderful grace that he has shown towards us. Noralv Askeland is our gracious leader and apostle of Jesus Christ. He has a tremendous ability to cause people to work together and bring out the best in each one of us. To be in a team like this is such a great blessing that I don't find appropriate words to describe it. There is a safe covering of our weaknesses and a liberating drawing out of our strengths releasing the potent giftings in each one of us.
This afternoon Solveig and I are going to England to visit our daughter Hanna and her family. I am looking forward seeing my youngest granddaughter, Sunniva Isher, for the first time!
May 23, 2003
Living together in harmony
Living together in harmony!
Today we once more have had the blessed experience of the words of the Psalmist: "How wonderful it is, how pleasant, when brothers live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the fragrant anointing oil. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew."
We have seen the truth in the old saying that people who pray together stay together!
It has been a very fruitful day of planning in the presence of God. We have been able to sharpen one another, encourage one another and also bring necessary correction.
I feel so privileged to be able to work with such men of loving integrity.
God has been so good to me!
Today we once more have had the blessed experience of the words of the Psalmist: "How wonderful it is, how pleasant, when brothers live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the fragrant anointing oil. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew."
We have seen the truth in the old saying that people who pray together stay together!
It has been a very fruitful day of planning in the presence of God. We have been able to sharpen one another, encourage one another and also bring necessary correction.
I feel so privileged to be able to work with such men of loving integrity.
God has been so good to me!
May 22, 2003
Team gathering
Team gathering
Today we have been together as a team at Gullbotn for prayer, seeking the Lord for wisdom and guidance, and for planning for the future. We have had a very good time in the presence of God as well as enjoying one another's company.
We always spend some time in sharing with one another from our personal lives and what we have been doing recently. We report from the places we have been visiting and share observations and insights. This time of sharing is very valuable to us and is absolutely necessary for us to be properly involved in one another's lives and ministries.
Noralv has been sharing insights from 1 Samuel 7 on prayer for the nation and of prayer as the basic foundation for any ministry.
We have also been looking at some of the wise sayings in the Proverbs in the Message version of the Bible on leadership. Here is one of my favourite quotes:
Leadership gains authority and respect when the voiceless poor are treated fairly.
Today we have been together as a team at Gullbotn for prayer, seeking the Lord for wisdom and guidance, and for planning for the future. We have had a very good time in the presence of God as well as enjoying one another's company.
We always spend some time in sharing with one another from our personal lives and what we have been doing recently. We report from the places we have been visiting and share observations and insights. This time of sharing is very valuable to us and is absolutely necessary for us to be properly involved in one another's lives and ministries.
Noralv has been sharing insights from 1 Samuel 7 on prayer for the nation and of prayer as the basic foundation for any ministry.
We have also been looking at some of the wise sayings in the Proverbs in the Message version of the Bible on leadership. Here is one of my favourite quotes:
Leadership gains authority and respect when the voiceless poor are treated fairly.
May 21, 2003
Praying for the city
Praying for the city
Once again we were gather for prayer for the city this morning. Sixteen pastors from eleven different churches spent one hour in prayer together. It is always encouraging to meet together like this to bless our city and give thanks for all people living here. I am convinced that the entire population and every area of righteous activities are influenced for the better because of our prayers. This morning we especially prayed for children and young people - the new generation that is growing forth! We believe that the Spirit of God will move powerfully among the coming generation of our city.
Once again we were gather for prayer for the city this morning. Sixteen pastors from eleven different churches spent one hour in prayer together. It is always encouraging to meet together like this to bless our city and give thanks for all people living here. I am convinced that the entire population and every area of righteous activities are influenced for the better because of our prayers. This morning we especially prayed for children and young people - the new generation that is growing forth! We believe that the Spirit of God will move powerfully among the coming generation of our city.
May 20, 2003
Sound leadership has a moral foundation
Sound leadership has a moral foundation
The Bible is very clear in this respect. Without a moral foundation there can be no sound leadership! Love and truth form a good leader; sound leadership is founded on loving integrity (Proverbs 20:28 The Message). Loving integrity is a wonderful foundation or leadership. People will feel secure and they will follow these leaders safely.
In the apostolic team I have been serving for several years now God has given us leaders with integrity and love. I feel so privileged to work with men of such noble character.
But it is not only the top men that must have a moral foundation of loving integrity, we must all be people like that. It is only a covenant people of loyal love and integrity that will be able to change this world permanently into a better place to live for all!
The Bible is very clear in this respect. Without a moral foundation there can be no sound leadership! Love and truth form a good leader; sound leadership is founded on loving integrity (Proverbs 20:28 The Message). Loving integrity is a wonderful foundation or leadership. People will feel secure and they will follow these leaders safely.
In the apostolic team I have been serving for several years now God has given us leaders with integrity and love. I feel so privileged to work with men of such noble character.
But it is not only the top men that must have a moral foundation of loving integrity, we must all be people like that. It is only a covenant people of loyal love and integrity that will be able to change this world permanently into a better place to live for all!
May 19, 2003
The prophetic word in the process of fulfillment
The prophetic word in the process of fulfillment
During the weekend we were visiting our son, Karl Enok, and his family in Troms�. We had a very good time with them especially on the 17th of May. The weather was beautiful and all the happy people celebrating our national freedom with flags and parading children made it a great day of thankfulness to the Lord for his goodness towards us.
Sunday we were able to worship together with the covenant community in Troms�. We had a very good time together in this colourful fellowship of believers from many nations and backgrounds. When I was with them I was reminded of the prophetic word that we were given several years back concerning the work in Troms�. Now we can see with our own eyes the promise of God materialise. The prophetic word is clearly in the process of fulfillment! It is very exciting to see the word of God coming true in such a wonderful way. This time we met many new people and next time we will meet even more new people for the Lord is adding more and more people to the church to show forth his beauty in manifold ways to draw more people to himself!
During the weekend we were visiting our son, Karl Enok, and his family in Troms�. We had a very good time with them especially on the 17th of May. The weather was beautiful and all the happy people celebrating our national freedom with flags and parading children made it a great day of thankfulness to the Lord for his goodness towards us.
Sunday we were able to worship together with the covenant community in Troms�. We had a very good time together in this colourful fellowship of believers from many nations and backgrounds. When I was with them I was reminded of the prophetic word that we were given several years back concerning the work in Troms�. Now we can see with our own eyes the promise of God materialise. The prophetic word is clearly in the process of fulfillment! It is very exciting to see the word of God coming true in such a wonderful way. This time we met many new people and next time we will meet even more new people for the Lord is adding more and more people to the church to show forth his beauty in manifold ways to draw more people to himself!
May 16, 2003
Do your best
Do your best
Do your best, prepare for the worst, - then trust God to bring victory! (Proverbs 21, The Message)
What a simple life God has called us to live! Each one of us are to do our best according to our abilities and talents. Then we are to think of the worst scenarios and be ready for a total failure! But we don�t stop there! When we have taken a realistic look at the worst thinkable outcome, we trust our faithful and all powerful God to bring victory! What a wonderful way to live, casting all our worries on Him who cares for us!
Do your best, prepare for the worst, - then trust God to bring victory! (Proverbs 21, The Message)
What a simple life God has called us to live! Each one of us are to do our best according to our abilities and talents. Then we are to think of the worst scenarios and be ready for a total failure! But we don�t stop there! When we have taken a realistic look at the worst thinkable outcome, we trust our faithful and all powerful God to bring victory! What a wonderful way to live, casting all our worries on Him who cares for us!
This is our last day at Vann�
This is our last day at Vann�ya!
Today we are going to Troms� to be with our son Karl Enok and his familiy. We have enjoyed our stay with our daughter Ruth Kristin at Vann�ya. But now we will go to have time with our two grandchildren, Kristina and Daniel, and celebrate 17th of May with them.
Last night Solveig and I went for a walk. It is light all night here now. In only a few days the midnight sun will be shining. It is so beautiful to walk at the seaside looking at the majestic snow-covered mountains raising towards the sky on the mainland. At the shore we admire the polished stones in different shapes and colours. The enclosed picture I took around midnight!
Today we are going to Troms� to be with our son Karl Enok and his familiy. We have enjoyed our stay with our daughter Ruth Kristin at Vann�ya. But now we will go to have time with our two grandchildren, Kristina and Daniel, and celebrate 17th of May with them.
Last night Solveig and I went for a walk. It is light all night here now. In only a few days the midnight sun will be shining. It is so beautiful to walk at the seaside looking at the majestic snow-covered mountains raising towards the sky on the mainland. At the shore we admire the polished stones in different shapes and colours. The enclosed picture I took around midnight!
May 15, 2003
Self-control is better than political power
Self-control is better than political power
This morning I was reading in the proverbs again and discovered that: �moderation is better than muscle, and self-control better than political power�! I also was reminded of that �wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights.�
Then I sat down to write an article to our magazine FOLK. As I was writing under the anointing of the Holy Spirit I was able to put into words some fresh insights in presenting the gospel to people in the new age in which we are living. The theme of our next issue of FOLK is about taking the gospel to all people. It will be a very exciting issue with many inspiring stories of how the gospel is transforming lives in our day.
I have been inspired to write as I have been sitting at the window looking out on the harbour of Vannv�g (see the enclosed picture). In between I have been cycling a rather long trip enjoying the scenery of this beautiful part of Norway.
This morning I was reading in the proverbs again and discovered that: �moderation is better than muscle, and self-control better than political power�! I also was reminded of that �wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights.�
Then I sat down to write an article to our magazine FOLK. As I was writing under the anointing of the Holy Spirit I was able to put into words some fresh insights in presenting the gospel to people in the new age in which we are living. The theme of our next issue of FOLK is about taking the gospel to all people. It will be a very exciting issue with many inspiring stories of how the gospel is transforming lives in our day.
I have been inspired to write as I have been sitting at the window looking out on the harbour of Vannv�g (see the enclosed picture). In between I have been cycling a rather long trip enjoying the scenery of this beautiful part of Norway.
May 14, 2003
Trip to Troms�
Trip to Troms�
I am writing this on the plane to Troms�. We left Bergen early in the morning for Oslo and now we are well on the way to the beautiful capital of Northern Norway.
I missed the early prayer meeting with the pastors this morning. However I am sure they had a good time without me but I always enjoy praying with my friends.
Today we are visiting our youngest daughter, Ruth Kristin, which is living in Vann�ya where she is a teacher at the local school. I have only been there once before on a short visit to the island before she moved to live there. On the way to Vann�ya we will have a short stop-over at our son�s house in Troms�. His wife, Ingebj�rg, will come to meet us at the airport and take us home for a short stay before we take a bus to Hansnes and then the ferry to Vann�ya.
My laptop shut down here! When I tried to connect to Internet through my mobile phone on the ferry it shut down again!
Now we have reached Vann�ya and are enjoying the hospitality of Ruth Kristin. We have seen several reindeers on our way to Vannv�g. It is raining and cloudy at the moment. I am sitting at the window overlooking the small fishing harbour. When it stops raining I will take some nice photos of some of these small fishing boats.
I am writing this on the plane to Troms�. We left Bergen early in the morning for Oslo and now we are well on the way to the beautiful capital of Northern Norway.
I missed the early prayer meeting with the pastors this morning. However I am sure they had a good time without me but I always enjoy praying with my friends.
Today we are visiting our youngest daughter, Ruth Kristin, which is living in Vann�ya where she is a teacher at the local school. I have only been there once before on a short visit to the island before she moved to live there. On the way to Vann�ya we will have a short stop-over at our son�s house in Troms�. His wife, Ingebj�rg, will come to meet us at the airport and take us home for a short stay before we take a bus to Hansnes and then the ferry to Vann�ya.
My laptop shut down here! When I tried to connect to Internet through my mobile phone on the ferry it shut down again!
Now we have reached Vann�ya and are enjoying the hospitality of Ruth Kristin. We have seen several reindeers on our way to Vannv�g. It is raining and cloudy at the moment. I am sitting at the window overlooking the small fishing harbour. When it stops raining I will take some nice photos of some of these small fishing boats.
May 13, 2003
Good leadership
Good leadership
A good leader motivates,
doesn�t mislead, doesn�t exploit.
God cares about honesty in the workplace;
your business is his business.
Good leaders abhor wrongdoing of all kinds;
sound leadership has a moral foundation.
Good leaders cultivate honest speech;
they love advisors who tell them the truth.
An intemperate leader wreaks havoc in lives;
you�re smart to stay clear of someone like that.
Good-tempered leaders invigorate lives;
they�re like spring rain and sunshine.
(Peterson, E. H. 2003. The Message : The Bible in contemporary language . NavPress: Colorado Springs, Colo.)
A good leader motivates,
doesn�t mislead, doesn�t exploit.
God cares about honesty in the workplace;
your business is his business.
Good leaders abhor wrongdoing of all kinds;
sound leadership has a moral foundation.
Good leaders cultivate honest speech;
they love advisors who tell them the truth.
An intemperate leader wreaks havoc in lives;
you�re smart to stay clear of someone like that.
Good-tempered leaders invigorate lives;
they�re like spring rain and sunshine.
(Peterson, E. H. 2003. The Message : The Bible in contemporary language . NavPress: Colorado Springs, Colo.)
May 12, 2003
A school in skilled living
A school in skilled living
Reading the Proverbs is like attending a school in skilled living. In fact the Fear-of-God in itself is a school in skilled living. First we learn humility, then we experience glory!
If we love learning, we love the discipline that goes with it! How shortsighted to refuse correction!
An intelligent person is always eager to take in more truth! He knows the value of honesty and integrity!
Truth lasts!
Honesty lasts!
Integrity lasts!
Righteousness lasts!
Kindness lasts!
Love lasts!
Gentleness lasts!
Reading the Proverbs is like attending a school in skilled living. In fact the Fear-of-God in itself is a school in skilled living. First we learn humility, then we experience glory!
If we love learning, we love the discipline that goes with it! How shortsighted to refuse correction!
An intelligent person is always eager to take in more truth! He knows the value of honesty and integrity!
Truth lasts!
Honesty lasts!
Integrity lasts!
Righteousness lasts!
Kindness lasts!
Love lasts!
Gentleness lasts!
May 11, 2003
Communion at the markedplace
Communion at the marketplace
This morning several churches gathered together at the central marketplace in the city of Bergen, Norway to worship Christ, celebrate communion, and proclaim that the beautiful city of Bergen belongs to the Lord!
We had a wonderful time in the presence of God as we started to worship in sunshine and shared the covenant meal as the rain softly fell on us.
Jesus Christ is the Lord of Bergen! Thousands of people will find salvation in days to come!
God is so good!
This morning several churches gathered together at the central marketplace in the city of Bergen, Norway to worship Christ, celebrate communion, and proclaim that the beautiful city of Bergen belongs to the Lord!
We had a wonderful time in the presence of God as we started to worship in sunshine and shared the covenant meal as the rain softly fell on us.
Jesus Christ is the Lord of Bergen! Thousands of people will find salvation in days to come!
God is so good!
May 09, 2003
Prayer on the seven mountains of Bergen
Prayer on the seven mountains of Bergen
Yesterday evening believers from many different churches joined together to climb all the seven mountains surrounding Bergen to pray for the city and bless those in high positions and all the inhabitants of Bergen. Rain was pouring down in heavy showers. The wind was blowing strongly. I guess it was a strong storm on the top. It took me more than an hour to climb the mountain of L�vstakken. My heart was beating heavily. My legs were aching. I felt so tired but I didn't give up! I reached the top!
Inger Margrete and Morten overtook me on the way up. Morten was like a mountain goat running to the top! When the three of us reached the top, there was no one there! It was really storming at the top. We had difficulties in standing. Then we heard the sound of the group that climbed the mountain from a different, easier, direction. They were not on the top! Because of the storm they had settled for another place with less wind.
We eventually joined with then in singing, praising, and praying. We had a wonderful time pronouncing the blessing of God over the city! We were also able to light the bon-fire! We could see nothing of the other believers on the other mountain tops. In fact we could not see the city be cause we were inside the rainy clouds that was covering all of Bergen at the moment.
Like the rainy clouds were covering Bergen the Spirit of God is also covering Bergen making the word of God fruitful in human hearts and drawing people to Christ!
Yesterday evening believers from many different churches joined together to climb all the seven mountains surrounding Bergen to pray for the city and bless those in high positions and all the inhabitants of Bergen. Rain was pouring down in heavy showers. The wind was blowing strongly. I guess it was a strong storm on the top. It took me more than an hour to climb the mountain of L�vstakken. My heart was beating heavily. My legs were aching. I felt so tired but I didn't give up! I reached the top!
Inger Margrete and Morten overtook me on the way up. Morten was like a mountain goat running to the top! When the three of us reached the top, there was no one there! It was really storming at the top. We had difficulties in standing. Then we heard the sound of the group that climbed the mountain from a different, easier, direction. They were not on the top! Because of the storm they had settled for another place with less wind.
We eventually joined with then in singing, praising, and praying. We had a wonderful time pronouncing the blessing of God over the city! We were also able to light the bon-fire! We could see nothing of the other believers on the other mountain tops. In fact we could not see the city be cause we were inside the rainy clouds that was covering all of Bergen at the moment.
Like the rainy clouds were covering Bergen the Spirit of God is also covering Bergen making the word of God fruitful in human hearts and drawing people to Christ!
May 08, 2003
Email from India
Email from India
This morning I had an email from my good and faithful friend, Zephry, from India. I would like to share his email with everyone to show how Bryn Jones was loved all around the world. His life changed many lives! May we all live in such a way that we influence people for the better!
I just read your webblog and was shocked to read of Bryn's going to be with the Lord.
I don't know what to say.I just thank the Lord for enabling me to meet him in 1989. That meeting was so instrumental in changing my life. I thank God that he followed his heart in inviting me to the Acts program even though we were in the Catholic Church. Like you said he was a true friend.
Yes I also rejoice that he was such a giant for the Lord . I am blessed that I had the privilege to know and work with him.
Love Zephry
This morning I had an email from my good and faithful friend, Zephry, from India. I would like to share his email with everyone to show how Bryn Jones was loved all around the world. His life changed many lives! May we all live in such a way that we influence people for the better!
I just read your webblog and was shocked to read of Bryn's going to be with the Lord.
I don't know what to say.I just thank the Lord for enabling me to meet him in 1989. That meeting was so instrumental in changing my life. I thank God that he followed his heart in inviting me to the Acts program even though we were in the Catholic Church. Like you said he was a true friend.
Yes I also rejoice that he was such a giant for the Lord . I am blessed that I had the privilege to know and work with him.
Love Zephry
May 07, 2003
Praying pastors
Praying pastors
Early this morning I attended the weekly prayer meeting for pastors at Kristkirken in Bergen. Eleven of us were gathered for prayer this morning. In the beginning there seemed to be some misunderstanding of who was to lead the gathering but it all worked out very well.
Every week we gather to bless the city and pray for salvation of the people living here. This time we were also praying for the joint meetings and outreaches we are doing during the visit of Ed Silvoso this week.
It is always good to pray together. The Lord is always knitting our hearts together when we pray for his Kingdom to come and his will to be done among us. It is a privilege to be able to seek God together with so many devoted servants of God in this city.
God is good!
Early this morning I attended the weekly prayer meeting for pastors at Kristkirken in Bergen. Eleven of us were gathered for prayer this morning. In the beginning there seemed to be some misunderstanding of who was to lead the gathering but it all worked out very well.
Every week we gather to bless the city and pray for salvation of the people living here. This time we were also praying for the joint meetings and outreaches we are doing during the visit of Ed Silvoso this week.
It is always good to pray together. The Lord is always knitting our hearts together when we pray for his Kingdom to come and his will to be done among us. It is a privilege to be able to seek God together with so many devoted servants of God in this city.
God is good!
May 06, 2003
God's hand
God's hand
Never walk away from someone who deserves help;
your hand is God's hand for that person (Proverbs 3:27)
What a privilege to be God's hand for a person in need! Our good deed can be the miracle of our neighbour; the answer to their prayer!
Never walk away from someone who deserves help;
your hand is God's hand for that person (Proverbs 3:27)
What a privilege to be God's hand for a person in need! Our good deed can be the miracle of our neighbour; the answer to their prayer!
From Charismanews
From Charismanews:
Today I choose to enclose these words about Bryn Jones and his home-going:
Bryn Jones, 63, a well-respected charismatic leader with a worldwide apostolic ministry in England, died of unknown reasons last Thursday during a ministry trip in the San Diego area.
Gareth Duffty, who was traveling with Jones and is part of Jones' Covenant Ministries International (CMI) staff, told Charisma News Service that Jones had just finished taking a nap and was resting in his hotel room.
"I spoke to him a minute before he went to rest, and then he went to be with the Lord," said Duffty, noting that Jones had preached last Wednesday at San Diego's Heart of God Church. "He was healthy and was miraculously healed of a heart condition a couple of years ago. He was recovered and just getting on with ministry. No one anticipated and expected it. It's a deep shock."
Jones founded Coventry-based CMI, which is partly a church-planting organization. It also has apostolic oversight of several churches in the United states and works with churches in Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Larry Tomczak, pastor of Christ the King Church of Greater Atlanta, told Charisma News that Jones was his friend and mentor for 22 years. "He has been my spiritual father for most of my 30 years of ministry," Tomczak, 53, said. "He has also been very instrumental in helping me understand truths concerning apostolic ministry and the values of a New Testament church."
"When my 24-year-old son Justin got the call this weekend of his death, he cried," he added. "Two months ago, he called my son from England to see how he was doing. It was typical of Bryn's caring heart. Bryn was a genuine Christian leader."
Tomczak added that he spoke to Jones about two months ago, and he invited him to minister to his 350-member Georgia congregation this fall. "His death just stunned me because he's only 63," said Tomczak, who plans to attend Jones' memorial service.
Jones was editor of "Restoration" magazine, a respected prophetic publication published by CMI. Born in Aberdare, Wales, Jones is survived by his wife, Edna, and four grown children.
Today I choose to enclose these words about Bryn Jones and his home-going:
Bryn Jones, 63, a well-respected charismatic leader with a worldwide apostolic ministry in England, died of unknown reasons last Thursday during a ministry trip in the San Diego area.
Gareth Duffty, who was traveling with Jones and is part of Jones' Covenant Ministries International (CMI) staff, told Charisma News Service that Jones had just finished taking a nap and was resting in his hotel room.
"I spoke to him a minute before he went to rest, and then he went to be with the Lord," said Duffty, noting that Jones had preached last Wednesday at San Diego's Heart of God Church. "He was healthy and was miraculously healed of a heart condition a couple of years ago. He was recovered and just getting on with ministry. No one anticipated and expected it. It's a deep shock."
Jones founded Coventry-based CMI, which is partly a church-planting organization. It also has apostolic oversight of several churches in the United states and works with churches in Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Larry Tomczak, pastor of Christ the King Church of Greater Atlanta, told Charisma News that Jones was his friend and mentor for 22 years. "He has been my spiritual father for most of my 30 years of ministry," Tomczak, 53, said. "He has also been very instrumental in helping me understand truths concerning apostolic ministry and the values of a New Testament church."
"When my 24-year-old son Justin got the call this weekend of his death, he cried," he added. "Two months ago, he called my son from England to see how he was doing. It was typical of Bryn's caring heart. Bryn was a genuine Christian leader."
Tomczak added that he spoke to Jones about two months ago, and he invited him to minister to his 350-member Georgia congregation this fall. "His death just stunned me because he's only 63," said Tomczak, who plans to attend Jones' memorial service.
Jones was editor of "Restoration" magazine, a respected prophetic publication published by CMI. Born in Aberdare, Wales, Jones is survived by his wife, Edna, and four grown children.
May 05, 2003
Shining bright
Shining bright!
The ways of right-living people glow with light;
the longer they live, the brighter they shine.
Proverbs 4
The ways of right-living people glow with light;
the longer they live, the brighter they shine.
Proverbs 4
The legacy of a man of God
The legacy of a man of God
In the international gathering at Gullbotn this weekend we have had a wonderful time of sharing with one another and retelling our story of how God has been dealing with us and brought us into the present truth and blessing.
Since we had the sad news that our spiritual father, Bryn Jones, had gone to be with the Lord, we spent some time celebrating his life and ministry sharing with one another what Bryn had meant for us. We are so indebted to him in many ways.
Bryn Jones has left a rich legacy of many ministry gifts that has been released through his ministry. He has left a deposit of revelation and insight as well as a zeal for the house of God. Probably thousands of servants of God have been influenced by the ministry of this great man of God. He has left a legacy with us that only the future will prove to be invaluable worth by the fruit still to come.
The legacy of a man of God takes generations to make fully come to its full blossom.
In the international gathering at Gullbotn this weekend we have had a wonderful time of sharing with one another and retelling our story of how God has been dealing with us and brought us into the present truth and blessing.
Since we had the sad news that our spiritual father, Bryn Jones, had gone to be with the Lord, we spent some time celebrating his life and ministry sharing with one another what Bryn had meant for us. We are so indebted to him in many ways.
Bryn Jones has left a rich legacy of many ministry gifts that has been released through his ministry. He has left a deposit of revelation and insight as well as a zeal for the house of God. Probably thousands of servants of God have been influenced by the ministry of this great man of God. He has left a legacy with us that only the future will prove to be invaluable worth by the fruit still to come.
The legacy of a man of God takes generations to make fully come to its full blossom.
May 02, 2003
The ability to find friendship
The ability to find friendship
After I met Bryn Jones I discovered the meaning of true friendship. Through him I was introduced to my best friends in life. I wrote a book called "Friends of Covenant" where I described some of my insight and experience of covenant friendship and loyal love. Here I have enclosed some paragraphs in the beginning of that book. When you read it you will understand why Bryn Jones came to mean so much to me!
The ability to find friendship and develop it at various levels is often connected to a feeling of belonging, not being alone: having someone to relate to, someone willing to listen, someone understanding, someone not ashamed of us, but caring about us, then the steep hill is easier to climb and the burdens easier to carry.
But who has not experienced the bitter loneliness of a crisis of confidence and failure. It hurt to see friends turn their backs and leave when they were most urgently needed. It was unbearable to stumble around, brooding over thoughts and feelings, while friends kept away. Eyes cried for help, and found nothing but indifference. They looked right and left, but nobody was there to care. You had become an alien to your nearest friends.
Once friendless you were exposed to all kinds of rumour and slander without being able to defend yourself. Nobody humbled himself to give you life and strength. Nobody helped you to hold the shield against the burning arrows. Alone you clenched your fists in your pockets. Setting your teeth hard and keeping a stiff upper lip, you stood firm in sheer defiance. You let the steam-roller press you down and it turned you into a doormat.
No, perhaps it was not that way. You couldn't bear being trodden by all the filthy feet. You gave outlet to all the volcanic powers inside you and rebelled against the hypocrisy and wrong. You threw off all the bonds. Bragging you went away - alone.
I never forget it. It marked me for life. I had many friends. I had succeeded in many ways and I was fairly content with life. Then the rumours arose - apparently out of nothing - followed by public slander of being a liar, when defending myself. This was not unbearable, however. It grew worse when I came to realize that nobody wanted to believe me. The rumours were so absurd that I couldn't imagine that they could be believed. But now I found that even people that I reckoned among my best friends believed the religious rumours about one of my sayings, and distrusted me. That was a disappointment that stung deep into my soul - to find that I had been a na�ve fool l living in a castle in the air. Then hopelessness and rebellion arose within me, making all the wounds worse. Helpless, I groped for a way out of the mud - and found what I was looking for: He was a stranger, a foreigner, but cared enough to listen to me, and he believed me. The way he met me and helped me overcome a growing bitterness transformed my life and gave me a new direction. Despite the fact that he lives in another country and we don't see each other often, a friendship was formed that has been growing stronger ever since.
I experienced this, the failure, the disappointment, the broken hope, once, twice, many times. I had thought: Now I am secure, now I have friends. Over and over again I was wrong. It is not good to be rejected or to be sold on sale to the benefit of others. Failure and disappointment hurt. Happy memories took on a bitter taste of void and grief.
However, such is life. Friendship is disappointment. But the painful things can be the breeding ground for new, good, friendship. Friendship is to dare to forgive and forget wrong; to be able to start anew. It is to believe and hope while sowing and letting trust grow. Friendship is to get on your feet again after many collapses and to stumble ahead with both firm and weak steps. It is to swallow defeats such as they are, and with fresh courage and open eyes step into new relationships. You will learn from disappointment when you forget the painful things and do not let yourself be subdued.
Friendship arises from the ashes. It presses on and makes its way through black asphalt paving and stretches towards the warmth of faithful brothers. It blossoms in all seasons and finds no obstacle invincible. Friendship is a dream nobody can rob me of, and it is up to me to let that dream come true.
After I met Bryn Jones I discovered the meaning of true friendship. Through him I was introduced to my best friends in life. I wrote a book called "Friends of Covenant" where I described some of my insight and experience of covenant friendship and loyal love. Here I have enclosed some paragraphs in the beginning of that book. When you read it you will understand why Bryn Jones came to mean so much to me!
The ability to find friendship and develop it at various levels is often connected to a feeling of belonging, not being alone: having someone to relate to, someone willing to listen, someone understanding, someone not ashamed of us, but caring about us, then the steep hill is easier to climb and the burdens easier to carry.
But who has not experienced the bitter loneliness of a crisis of confidence and failure. It hurt to see friends turn their backs and leave when they were most urgently needed. It was unbearable to stumble around, brooding over thoughts and feelings, while friends kept away. Eyes cried for help, and found nothing but indifference. They looked right and left, but nobody was there to care. You had become an alien to your nearest friends.
Once friendless you were exposed to all kinds of rumour and slander without being able to defend yourself. Nobody humbled himself to give you life and strength. Nobody helped you to hold the shield against the burning arrows. Alone you clenched your fists in your pockets. Setting your teeth hard and keeping a stiff upper lip, you stood firm in sheer defiance. You let the steam-roller press you down and it turned you into a doormat.
No, perhaps it was not that way. You couldn't bear being trodden by all the filthy feet. You gave outlet to all the volcanic powers inside you and rebelled against the hypocrisy and wrong. You threw off all the bonds. Bragging you went away - alone.
I never forget it. It marked me for life. I had many friends. I had succeeded in many ways and I was fairly content with life. Then the rumours arose - apparently out of nothing - followed by public slander of being a liar, when defending myself. This was not unbearable, however. It grew worse when I came to realize that nobody wanted to believe me. The rumours were so absurd that I couldn't imagine that they could be believed. But now I found that even people that I reckoned among my best friends believed the religious rumours about one of my sayings, and distrusted me. That was a disappointment that stung deep into my soul - to find that I had been a na�ve fool l living in a castle in the air. Then hopelessness and rebellion arose within me, making all the wounds worse. Helpless, I groped for a way out of the mud - and found what I was looking for: He was a stranger, a foreigner, but cared enough to listen to me, and he believed me. The way he met me and helped me overcome a growing bitterness transformed my life and gave me a new direction. Despite the fact that he lives in another country and we don't see each other often, a friendship was formed that has been growing stronger ever since.
I experienced this, the failure, the disappointment, the broken hope, once, twice, many times. I had thought: Now I am secure, now I have friends. Over and over again I was wrong. It is not good to be rejected or to be sold on sale to the benefit of others. Failure and disappointment hurt. Happy memories took on a bitter taste of void and grief.
However, such is life. Friendship is disappointment. But the painful things can be the breeding ground for new, good, friendship. Friendship is to dare to forgive and forget wrong; to be able to start anew. It is to believe and hope while sowing and letting trust grow. Friendship is to get on your feet again after many collapses and to stumble ahead with both firm and weak steps. It is to swallow defeats such as they are, and with fresh courage and open eyes step into new relationships. You will learn from disappointment when you forget the painful things and do not let yourself be subdued.
Friendship arises from the ashes. It presses on and makes its way through black asphalt paving and stretches towards the warmth of faithful brothers. It blossoms in all seasons and finds no obstacle invincible. Friendship is a dream nobody can rob me of, and it is up to me to let that dream come true.
Bryn Jones has gone home to glory
Bryn Jones has gone home to glory
I was shocked this morning as the news reached us in this international gathering at Gullbotn that our spiritual father, faithful servant of God, and close friend - Bryn Jones - had been taken home to glory.
I met Bryn Jones first tile at a crucial time of my life twenty-eight years ago. God sent him to Norway to save my life and put me back on track again. At that time I was hurt, disappointed, and confused. I was in great danger of going astray, but praise God, Bryn Jones came, sent by God, to set me straight!
Bryn Jones was an apostle of Jesus Christ, dearly loved by thousands of people around the world. He really was a Christian statesman, an ambassador of the Kingdom of God. He was indeed in spirit and truth a Prince in Israel! He was the most excellent preacher of the word of faith envisioning all his hearers.
I don't find words to express my gratitude to God for Bryn Jones and what he has meant to me during all these years since we first met. May his life and faith be followed by thousands more like him!
I was shocked this morning as the news reached us in this international gathering at Gullbotn that our spiritual father, faithful servant of God, and close friend - Bryn Jones - had been taken home to glory.
I met Bryn Jones first tile at a crucial time of my life twenty-eight years ago. God sent him to Norway to save my life and put me back on track again. At that time I was hurt, disappointed, and confused. I was in great danger of going astray, but praise God, Bryn Jones came, sent by God, to set me straight!
Bryn Jones was an apostle of Jesus Christ, dearly loved by thousands of people around the world. He really was a Christian statesman, an ambassador of the Kingdom of God. He was indeed in spirit and truth a Prince in Israel! He was the most excellent preacher of the word of faith envisioning all his hearers.
I don't find words to express my gratitude to God for Bryn Jones and what he has meant to me during all these years since we first met. May his life and faith be followed by thousands more like him!
May 01, 2003
Visiting a new work
Visiting a new work
Yesterday Solveig and I were visiting a new work - a new church - at the island of Stord. The work was initiated by Jan Sigve and Astrid Elin Hystad and they are the natural leaders of the group. We first had a very good time with this wonderful couple in their beautiful home before we went to another home to meet with the new fellowship. It was a pleasant surprise to meet all these eager people. They love the Lord and one another and it was very obvious that they enjoyed being together. I am convinced they have a great growth potential as they continue to build according to God's pattern.
Yesterday Solveig and I were visiting a new work - a new church - at the island of Stord. The work was initiated by Jan Sigve and Astrid Elin Hystad and they are the natural leaders of the group. We first had a very good time with this wonderful couple in their beautiful home before we went to another home to meet with the new fellowship. It was a pleasant surprise to meet all these eager people. They love the Lord and one another and it was very obvious that they enjoyed being together. I am convinced they have a great growth potential as they continue to build according to God's pattern.
International conference
International conference at Gullbotn
Today we gather together at Gullbotn for an international conference.
We will be refreshed together in the presence of God.
We will be nourished together by the word of God.
We will be encouraged together in one another's company.
Together we will enjoy the beauty of God!
Today we gather together at Gullbotn for an international conference.
We will be refreshed together in the presence of God.
We will be nourished together by the word of God.
We will be encouraged together in one another's company.
Together we will enjoy the beauty of God!
Listen for God's voice
Listen for God's voice
As I was reading in the Proverbs this morning God spoke to me from the 3rd chapter:
Listen for GOD's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go!
We don't live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. He is continually speaking his word to uphold us, strengthen us, and refresh us! Listening to the voice of God will keep us on track!
Listening to the voice of God will enable us to minister the grace of God to people meet during the day. When we listen to God we are really useful to him. When we are busy doing our own things we will not see the needs of the people that we are able to meet by the grace of God, nor will we be aware of all the open doors and the golden opportunities coming our way!
I have found that when I humble myself and listen for God's voice I am used of God to bless others.
God is so good!
As I was reading in the Proverbs this morning God spoke to me from the 3rd chapter:
Listen for GOD's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go!
We don't live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. He is continually speaking his word to uphold us, strengthen us, and refresh us! Listening to the voice of God will keep us on track!
Listening to the voice of God will enable us to minister the grace of God to people meet during the day. When we listen to God we are really useful to him. When we are busy doing our own things we will not see the needs of the people that we are able to meet by the grace of God, nor will we be aware of all the open doors and the golden opportunities coming our way!
I have found that when I humble myself and listen for God's voice I am used of God to bless others.
God is so good!
April 30, 2003
The first step in learning
The first step in learning
As I have come to the Proverb in my morning reading of the Scripture, once more I was caught by the profound simplicity of the down to earth wisdom in skilful living presented in that book. I only want to share with you this deep truth:
Start with GOD - the first step in learning is bowing down to GOD!
The first step in learning is bowing down to the one who is All-Wise! To fear God is the beginning of skilful living! Loving God has far-reaching consequences into every area of life! If we start with God we will reach successful completion and fulfillment in God! The one who trust God will never fail because God will take care of him!
God is so good!
As I have come to the Proverb in my morning reading of the Scripture, once more I was caught by the profound simplicity of the down to earth wisdom in skilful living presented in that book. I only want to share with you this deep truth:
Start with GOD - the first step in learning is bowing down to GOD!
The first step in learning is bowing down to the one who is All-Wise! To fear God is the beginning of skilful living! Loving God has far-reaching consequences into every area of life! If we start with God we will reach successful completion and fulfillment in God! The one who trust God will never fail because God will take care of him!
God is so good!
April 29, 2003
An undivided heart
An undivided heart
This morning at the early prayer meeting with the leaders of the church one brother read from Psalm 86 about having an undivided heart. In The Message it reads like this:
Train me, GOD, to walk straight; then I'll follow your true path.
Put me together, one heart and mind; then, undivided, I'll worship in joyful fear.
An old Pentecostal preacher used to explain it an undivided heart as a heart formed like a U - open towards heaven and closed towards the world!
This morning at the early prayer meeting with the leaders of the church one brother read from Psalm 86 about having an undivided heart. In The Message it reads like this:
Train me, GOD, to walk straight; then I'll follow your true path.
Put me together, one heart and mind; then, undivided, I'll worship in joyful fear.
An old Pentecostal preacher used to explain it an undivided heart as a heart formed like a U - open towards heaven and closed towards the world!
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