Good Days

We heard so blessedly about “good days” during the New Year’s Conference at Brunstad, which could be very good at the beginning of a new year, since we usually wish each other a “Happy New Year;” in other words, “Good Days.” The following is a report from the meetings.

“For ‘he who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking guile; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it . . . .” 1 Pet. 3:10-11. And in verse 13 we read, “And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?”

These are laws of life. If a person does not experience these “good days” he should ask himself how things stand concerning the use of the tongue (for example) in his life. And if he thinks that someone has done evil to him, he must, according to the above-mentioned law of life, acknowledge that he himself has not made an effort to do the good! If we, when someone is evil toward us, come out of love, then we can say that he has managed to make us evil. But if we abide in love we have it very good. Then we truly have good days and no one can make us evil.

The Apostle Paul testifies that his heart was not restricted, and he exhorts the Corinthians to open their hearts more. There is room for everyone in such wide-open hearts, even the most ornery ones. If that cannot be said about us, then our love is mere human love. Such love grows cold when it meets injustice and unreasonableness. Divine love is like the sun that rises over the evil and the good. We should have such a fullness of goodness; for such people, according to 1 Peter 2:9, are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.” Then we will become like Abraham whom God made to be a blessing.

Balaam understood that he could not denounce one whom God had not denounced. Why do you become restless when you are backbitten? An undeserved curse will not hurt you. If we keep ourselves pure from the evil in such situations we will become wise to do the good. “When the time has come it will be said of Jacob and of Israel what God will do.” Num. 23:23 (Norw. tr.). We may feel our lack of wisdom, but if we keep ourselves pure in such situations wisdom will be present, guiding and counseling us at the precise moment when we need it, for this is a way of faith and a life of faith.

The Spirit of God is a spirit of power, of love, and of a sound mind. We dwell much on love and a sound mind when we edify each other on our faith. But we must not forget that we need the spirit of power in our battle against sin and darkness; for example, in our homes so that our family life can be like the Millennium in which all evil spirit powers are kept at a distance. There Jesus is Lord, He who was a “priest according to the order of Melchizedek.” Melchizedek was both priest and king. Jesus offered Himself and gained a resounding victory over all sin. We, too, are called to be both priest and king in our homes and in the church. Then we will have this royal power to proclaim all the virtues of Christ with our life and with our words. When we read Hebrews 5:7-10, we get a glimpse into the faithfulness and the battle that led to Jesus being called High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek. The will of the flesh and of the mind must be totally offered in Jesus Christ’s spirit of sacrifice. If this is not done, our self-will, which is always ugly and hideous, will manifest itself. On the other hand, wisdom will be manifested through our body through suffering and chastisement, and will be to the glory of the Lord.

Prayer

Most people’s prayers are superficial; they concern their personal well-being and pertain mostly to earthly things. Only the few pray because they have a heartfelt longing to be transformed. Paul writes in Romans 7:18, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells . . . .” The person who has seen the corruption of the flesh realizes that it is fitting to pray with loud cries to Him who can save. We read about Jesus’ prayer life in Hebrews 5:7 and that He was heard because of His godly fear.

We also have an example of persistent and continual prayer in the parable of the unjust judge. Luke 18. In Colossians 1:9 ff., we see how unceasingly Paul and Epaphras prayed for the church and their development in all that is good. Their prayers were on behalf of many others besides their own little circle. They strove in their prayers for the saints. See also verses 28 and 29, and chapter 4:12-13. Just think of how valuable such men and women of prayer are—their prayers and their cries! God hears such cries. Such prayer warriors are in need for themselves and for others. They take it seriously; as a result their prayers are something totally different from the superficial prayers of the majority.

It is also edifying to read about Jonah’s cry in need and his prayer of thankfulness from the fish’s belly; how he in his need learned to offer up everything to the Lord “with the voice of thanksgiving.” In Psalm 50:14 we read, “Offer to God thanksgiving . . . .” “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” V. 15. God hears the prayer of faith.

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” John 15:7. What a promise this is, but also what a condition! And if we long for salvation, redemption, transformation, and being conformed into the image of the Son, then let us pray again and again. However, sin and unfaithfulness will separate us from God. We read this quite plainly in Isaiah 59:2 ff., “Your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” And in Psalm 66:18 we read, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear.” Let us keep our hearts from all iniquity, for iniquity makes an end of all further progress. Then this word applies to us: Remove iniquity from your life!

Victory Over the World

In Hebrews 11:7 we read about Noah who, after he had been warned by God, built an ark for the saving of his household. We, too—if the spirit of the times has not blinded us—can be warned by God that the present world will pass away. And as Noah’s faithfulness judged the world, our faithfulness can also be a testimony against sin and ungodliness.

But where is our heart? We have no future if the spirit of the world—the spirit of the times—has power over us. We must be in the spirit that builds the ark in our days. The ark of our time is Christ and His church. Let us pay heed to our calling and be on guard against coming into the “course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience.” Eph. 2:2. Jesus says that the ruler of this world has been judged. John 16:11. And if what you do is influenced by the spirit of the times, then everything you do has already been judged. If you let yourself be influenced by the spirit of the times it proves that you actually do not believe. We see that from what is written in 1 John 5:4-5: “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” If we have been baptized with the Spirit of Truth there will be a clear division between us and the spirit of lying, which Satan has brought into the world. Then we are totally set free from the power and influence of the devil and are not conformed to this world.

In 2 Corinthians 6:14 ff., Paul exhorts the Corinthians to be separate from the world and its impurity, and then he continues in Chapter 7:1, “Therefore, having these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” If we have fellowship with worldly people it will soon become evident; also in the way we dress, especially with women. One can see how the spirit of the world has gained power over them. It also becomes evident when a person cultivates fellowship with religious people who have no longing to be transformed. All they want is an “assurance” that they will not be lost.

We live in very immoral times. One can, so to speak, dress modestly, but still be immodest in one’s heart. However, you cannot dress indecently and at the same time think you have a heart that loves God. Read the exhortations in God’s Word regarding women’s modest apparel, with propriety and moderation dressing in a way that is proper for women professing godliness. Live in purity of heart before God’s face, without hypocrisy and duplicity!

The Weak One Is Strong

In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Paul boasts of his infirmities, “that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” He testifies that he takes pleasure in his infirmities, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Even though he was a strong person, he was weak in himself and lived in a state of acknowledgment of his weakness. This made him so strong that he could take pleasure in situations which were some of the worst a person could experience. Yes, the power of Christ had taken up residence in him because of his humility.

In Hebrews 4:15 we read that our heavenly High Priest, Jesus, sympathizes with our weaknesses, and that He was tempted in all points as we are. He was acquainted with our weakness. What is our weakness actually? It is that we are so easily tempted. “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help at the right time.” V. 16 (Norw. tr.). The right time is in the hour of temptation. Then we receive grace to help so we do not fall. Of course it is good that we can also receive grace after we have fallen; but each fall means a weakening. On the other hand, by receiving grace at the right time, we can overcome and stand in the hour of temptation. Everyone who lives in this acknowledgment of his own weakness receives this grace.

In Chapter 5:7 ff., we read that Jesus, who sympathizes with our weaknesses, was aware of his own weakness. There we read that He offered up prayers with vehement cries and tear to Him who could save Him from death. Of course, Jesus died on Calvary, but He was saved from the death that is a consequence of sin. We read that He was heard because of His godly fear. Yes, it takes godly fear! Godly fear is what preserves us in humility, which enables us to live with an awareness of our weakness. Then we are strong! Then we will gain the victory! The person who thinks he is “somebody” does not receive this grace to help.

Paul writes that by God’s grace “I am what I am.” He testifies of his work in Christ, and then he adds, “Yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” 1 Cor. 15:10. Many people excuse their falls and defeats by saying they are so weak. However, the opposite is the case. They are strong in themselves. If they had been weak in themselves they would have received help at the right time—grace not to fall.

Pursue Peace with All Men, and Sanctification

In a prophecy about Jesus He is called “Prince of Peace.” Isa. 9:6. He, the Prince of Peace, is the One who shall sit as Lord on the throne of our heart. “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.” John 14:27. The peace of the world usually comes to an abrupt end. Jesus’ peace is everlasting.

In Romans 12:18-19 we are exhorted to live peaceably with all men, as much as possible. And in the same connection the apostle reminds us that vengeance belongs to the Lord. Therefore it is possible to live peaceably with our neighbor if we understand, in life’s circumstances, to differentiate between what is our business, what is the others’ business, and what is God’s business. It is our business to love and follow in His steps who, when He suffered, committed all things to His heavenly Father who judges righteously. “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace . . . .” Ch. 10:15. And in Philippians 4:6-8 we are thoroughly instructed in how God’s peace which surpasses all understanding can preserve our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. “Pursue peace with all men, and holiness [sanctification].” Heb. 12:14. Peace in the marriage; peace in the home, and peace in the church!

In James 4:1 ff., we are reminded of where all wars and fights are coming from. Here he puts his finger on all hidden passions, desires, demands, egotism, and the reason why they ask and do not receive, why their prayers are not being heard.

We have a shining example in Paul of how a man of peace should live. In 1 Corinthians 4:12-13 we read how, when he and his co-workers were reviled, they blessed instead. When they were defamed, they exhorted. They left peace behind. The kingdom of God, which is a kingdom of peace, does not consist in word, but in power. This power was plainly visible in Paul’s life. The Corinthians were strong, prudent, and honored, even while they despised Paul. But who could solve the problems for them? It was Paul, the one who was weak in himself and thus was truly strong.

Job had experienced how his friends had misunderstood him, and as a result had judged him unjustly. But we see that he prayed for his friends and did not remember the evil. We, too, can get rid of all restless thoughts and exchange them for prayer and intercession.

“Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.” Rom. 15:33.

Arild Tombre