A Word from the pastor
In Sweden and many other places in the northern hemisphere, September is the beginning of the autumn season. I for one love this time when the trees are shifting colour.
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I am so much looking forward to taking long walks in the forest, admiring God’s beautiful nature. Things are “dying” but not really since life always comes back in the spring. In other words, it is just the beginning of a transformation. From a biblical perspective, we are called to die daily to our fleshly desires (Matt 16:24-26; 1 Cor 15:31). The dying only makes room for the resurrection life to be manifested in due season (Rom 8:11; 1 Cor 15: 35-49). Dying to ourselves is doubtlessly painful unless we understand God’s eternal purpose. Even then it can be a challenge, but the grace of God is sufficient (2 Cor 12:9).
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Between Bitterness and Brokenness
Every believer is somewhere between bitterness and brokenness. In a way it is only a thin line between the two states. We are challenged to guard our hearts and attitudes so that we do not go in the wrong direction. Bitterness is the worst place we can find ourselves since our spiritual growth will be completely stifled. The present result of a bitter life is a lack of purpose and joy. Even worse, the eternal consequence is an empty-handed entrance into God’s kingdom. A bitter person is constantly negative and critical. They cannot see good when it comes since they make flesh their strength and trust in man rather than the Lord (Jer 17:5-6).
A broken Christian is the complete opposite. His or her vocabulary invariably includes a positive confession, a great expectation from God and a sincere desire to edify those whom God has placed in their path. Broken people are dead to themselves and cannot and will not be offended by people or circumstances. God has promised that all things are for our sakes (2 Cor 4:15). That certainly includes hardship and trials (2 Cor 3:12; Jas 1:2). However, God has also promised to work all things together for good for those who love Him (Rom 8:28). The suffering we face in this world is not even worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Rom 8:18). On the one hand, the road to complete brokenness is very costly. On the other hand, it is an extremely rewarding experience once it is accomplished.
Helpless but not hopeless
Jesus made it clear that without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). The place of helplessness is where God wants us. It is here and only here we can be used effectively by the Lord. Helplessness is not hopelessness though. Our hope in God’s plan, purpose and will is steadfast (Isa 40:31; Eph 1:18; Heb 10:23). The Lord will never leave us nor forsake us (Heb 13:5). He has promised to help us finish what He has called us to do (1 Thess 5:24).
Listlessness or longing
During these unusual times of worldwide political upheaval, when intense demonic scaremongering is commonplace, we can easily become fearful about the future. Listlessness can undoubtedly set in, an absence of both emotion and enthusiasm. Satan loves to frustrate the divine purpose in our life. Sometimes we find ourselves unable to even define our desire to take the next step in the Lord’s plan. Spiritually speaking, our life feels like the autumn season, the leaves are falling from us and everything seems to be dying.
However, a broken Christian is a hopeful and longing person, is he not? What a great place to be – left with only a sincere longing, perhaps not even able to express it in our prayer. Even in that place, we do not lack God’s provision – the Spirit of God prays on our behalf, putting divine words to our sighing.
“Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God” (Rom 8:26-27 NKJV).
God’s promise to us stands firm: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart”
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P. Mikael Toll
Contact: stockholm@ggwo.se
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Focus on the Mission field
Here is the September Prayer Calendar - enjoy!
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Food for thought
James and John sent their mother to ask Jesus about them getting the most prominent places in the Kingdom of God. One wanted to be on His right side and the other on His left side. In that place, on the throne, they wanted to have a scepter to rule with. They were not given a scepter to rule. Instead they were given a towel, a “tool” to serve others. Neither were the special places next to the Lord granted to them at this time. Instead, they were referred to a place “at His feet”, a place to learn in humility. Indeed, the ruling will come soon, but for now, the greatest virtue is not to rule and reign, but to serve. Follow the link to read more of Dr. Mikael’s thoughts from Matthew 20:20-28.
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Sermons on youtube and facebook
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We have started to meet again on Sundays at Pumpan. Please contact stockholm@ggwo.se for more information.
Every Sunday when we meet, we broadcast live on Facebook and we also post that sermon on Youtube a little later.
We try to publish the sermon in English on Youtube around 6 pm every Sunday.
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October
2-3 Women’s Seminar in Helsinki, Finland
23-25 Creation Seminar in Götene, Sweden. Special guest speaker Professor Werner Gitt from Germany.
December/January
31/12-3/1 New Year Seminar in Kiljava, Finland
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