Scripture says, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life”

We often guard our doctrines, creeds, and religious traditions with great care—and yes! Truth matters. Yet Paul reminds us that even if we possess all knowledge, without love we are nothing.

Jesus did not come to establish another religion. He came to restore us to fellowship with our heavenly Father. Doctrine helps us understand truth, creeds help us express it, and traditions can be good—but none of them are the final destination. The end goal is a living relationship with God.

The danger begins when we know the doctrines of faith but lose the heart of faith—when we become more zealous for our traditions than for God Himself.

Love does not usually disappear in one dramatic moment. It often fades quietly under the weight of busyness, disappointment, distraction, and routine. The hands can be busy serving while the heart slowly stops burning. So make sure guard your heart above all else.

The greatest evidence of spiritual life is not merely that we know the truth, but that the truth has made our hearts more like Jesus.

Scriptures:
1 Samuel 16:7 + Proverbs 4:23 + John 17:3 + 1 Corinthians 8:1 + 13:2 + 1 Timothy 1:5

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1H8NswEUgF/

For man to be reconnected to God, something deeper than improvement was needed. We did not simply need better habits, stronger willpower, or a cleaner past. We needed a new birth.

Jesus told Nicodemus, “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus struggled to understand, so Jesus explained, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

In other words, the problem was spiritual, so the answer had to be spiritual. Our old life-source had to be replaced. As in creation, God had to breathe His life into us again and that is what happens in salvation. Through Christ, we receive a new spirit, a new life, and a new beginning.

After Jesus rose from the dead, He breathed on His disciples and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” It was a beautiful picture of new creation. As God breathed into Adam in the beginning, Jesus now breathes resurrection life into His people.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1AzSpGkwet/

The Church is not a human idea—it is the unfolding of God’s eternal purpose. Before the world was formed, God had a plan, and John saw a vision of this plan when he described “a great multitude of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues.”

But this crowd was not just any crowd. They are the ekklesia — “the called-out ones.” Called to be a bride for His Son—a family whom He will entrust to rule and reign with Him. The Church was not a response to man’s fall. Paul writes, He “chose us in Him before the foundation of the world.” This means you are not an accident, and the Church is not Gods “plan B.” From the very beginning, the Church was His original plan. His people: called out, brought near, and united in Christ.

The Church is not a building—the people themselves are His building. Paul calls the Church “the house of God” and says it is “the pillar and foundation of the truth.” We are not just saved from something; we are a called into something—to be His body, His dwelling, a people who reflects His glory on the earth.

Scriptures:
Ephesians 1:4–5 + Revelation 7:9–10 + Ephesians 3:10–11 + Ephesians 2:19–22 + 1 Peter 2:9 + 1 Timothy 3:15 + Ephesians 1:22–23

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1FHeTMv8gq/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Here is a song I made some years ago, but now refurbished by Suno.
https://suno.com/s/xFvBOL6UUgeNtvqZ

Made a new song:
https://suno.com/s/U2OI5FXF6kxrGWOI

Some hesitate to acknowledge apostles or prophets because they fear it might lead to abuse of authority. This fear often comes from the assumption that apostles and prophets hold a “higher rank” than the other ministry gifts.

But the ministry gifts listed in Ephesians 4 are not a hierarchy of power within the Body of Christ. They are not like corporate positions where a higher title means more control. An apostle cannot simply walk into any church and overrule the pastor. And if you are a teacher — to bad for you, because you are at the bottom of the ladder.

True spiritual authority does not come from a title but from being called by God. The influence of any ministry gift only extends as far as it is received. An apostle’s influence reaches only as far as the church recognizes and welcomes it. A prophet’s authority is not in the title but in the message: if it is truly from God, we should listen; if it is not, we are free to throw it out the window.

Yes, there have been abuses by people calling themselves apostles or prophets. But misuse does not cancel the genuine. There have also been many cases of spiritual abuse by people calling themselves pastors, yet we do not stop using that title.

The solution is not to reject these ministries but to test them. Look at the fruit. Ensure they walk in humility and in alignment with God’s Word. True apostles and prophets are never afraid to be examined, because their calling stands up to the light of Scripture and the witness of the Holy Spirit.

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Ephesians 4:11–13 + 1 Corinthians 12:12–29 + Matthew 20:25–28 + Galatians 1:1 + 2 Corinthians 10:8 + 2 Corinthians 13:10 + John 10:4–5, 16 + 1 Thessalonians 5:19–21 + 1 Corinthians 14:29 + Matthew 7:15–20

True authority in the Body of Christ is relational, servant-hearted, and Spirit-led. It is not about titles or positions, but about — by example — leading people to follow Jesus.
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1ELEGpSAmE/

What truly moves heaven is when our words in prayer aligns with the will of God.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18Gf38WXPS/?mibextid=wwXIfr

3 good reasons to be thankful

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.
— Psalm 100:4-5

Psalm 100:4–5 gives us three good reasons to be thankful: [1] The Lord is good, [2] His mercy is everlasting, and [3] His truth endures to all generations.

We can be very thankful that the almighty God is good, because if He were almighty and evil, that would be a terrible scenario. The fact that the Lord is good means He has good plans for you (Jer 29:11). And when someone who is both good and almighty is on your side, the future looks bright.

But perhaps you say to yourself, “I don’t deserve God’s goodness.” Well, that’s where the second truth comes in—His mercy is everlasting. Being good and almighty is already a great combination, but being good, almighty, and merciful is amazing. God wants to show you His goodness, not because you deserve it, but because He is good and merciful.

Finally, there’s no need to worry about this ever changing, because the third reason to be thankful is that His truth endures to all generations. As James writes, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (Jam 1:17).

#thankfulness

A Lifestyle of thankfulness

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.
— Psalm 100:4-5

As we enter a new year, let’s clothe ourselves with thanksgiving. I say “clothe ourselves” because thankfulness should not be an occasional practice—it should be our daily outfit. The Apostle Paul taught us to “…in everything give thanks…” and added that “…this is God’s will for you…” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

I believe thankfulness is the right attitude to have when stepping into a new year, and I also believe it’s the right attitude to start every new day. You may wonder why. Well, Psalm 100:4–5 gives us three great reasons: [1] because the Lord is good, [2] because His mercy is everlasting, and [3] because His truth endures for all generations.

Will there be challenges in the year ahead? Yes—quite possibly many. But notice that Paul doesn’t say to be thankful for everything, but rather in everything. No matter what happens around us, some truths will remain: our almighty God is both good and merciful. Think about it—being almighty, good, and merciful is a powerful combination.

#thankfulness

Wrote a new blogpost today:

https://www.icfl.eu/post/don-t-copy-a-copy-of-the-copy

Here is a song I made some time back. Hope it blesses somebody

https://youtu.be/KNcIIPdNsts?si=qoyXBR5gboqLnbhD

You will never discover the truth if you search in the wrong places. Many seek it in philosophies, religions, self-help courses, and science, but they never find it, because truth is not in these things. Truth is a person—His name is Jesus Christ.

Generally, we don’t view trials as something good. However, if we could look beyond the immediate pain and see the bigger picture, we would realize that our afflictions serve a greater purpose. James encourages us to “… count it all joy when you fall into various trials …” Why should we rejoice in trials? Because they produce something valuable in us. When we handle them correctly, these trials make us “… perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” Affliction is one of the ways God prepares ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny. If you feel afflicted, then rejoice — God is preparing you for something greater.

— James 1:2-3 + Hebreews 11:24-26

Here is a song I made and recorded some months. Would be great with some feedback :-)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ui6vYgLMfcA

Hebrews 11 defines faith as complete trust in God—choosing to live by His word, even when circumstances seem to contradict it. Faith isn’t about ignoring reality; it’s about refusing to let challenges steal your joy. Consider Abraham: God promised him countless descendants, yet years passed, and he remained childless. Despite this, even when it seemed too late, Abraham’s faith did not waver. He clung to God’s promise, giving Him glory in the face of doubt. His unwavering trust is a powerful example of true faith in action. Do you have unfulfilled promises from God? Don’t lose heart. Follow Abraham’s example: trust and worship God, even when it’s hard. This strengthens your faith and creates space for God to work on your behalf.

— Luke 18:1-8; Hebrews 11; Romans 4:18-21

Listen! God is at least as gracious with you as He expects you to be towards others. Why do I say that? Because often, we beat ourselves up for our own mistakes, doubting that God will be gracious. We know Jesus taught us to forgive seventy times seven times. But when He said this, He was not asking us to do something He would not be willing to do Himself. This assurance does not mean that we can carelessly continue sinning, but it does mean that when we genuinely repent and come to Him, He will not turn His back on us in an offended manner. So, instead of doubting His mercy, trust in His willingness to forgive and restore you, just as He expects you to forgive and show grace to others.

— Matthew 18:21-22 + Romans 15:1-4 + James 2:12-13

Jesus said that the real barrier to answered prayers is not the size of our faith, but rather the presence of doubt. He pointed out that the disciples' failure to cast out a demon was because of their unbelief, as doubt and unbelief can short-circuit faith, similar to how a thin wire can disrupt electricity.

Faith is so powerful that even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. Therefore, instead of praying for more faith, cry out like the father in Mark 9: 'Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!'

Scripture references: Mark 9:23-25 + Luke 17:5-6

A short video compilation from the evangelism some weeks ago:
https://www.facebook.com/ronald.gabrielsen/videos/587598190279373