Building Bridges.....

Sometimes I watch the TV program "Dragons' Den" on BBC channel. Dragons' Den is a TV program featuring entrepreneurs pitching their business ideas in order to secure investment finance from a panel of different capitalists, named Dragons. Often these entrepreneurs, facing the Dragons, are so nervous and apprehensive that they do not succeed in presenting their business in a promising light and fail to win the Dragons to their side. To be honest, some of their business ideas seem not to be worth investment. Still that is not what strikes me the most. What strikes me the most is the way these "Dragons" act. Harsh words and contemptuous facial expressions are often their reactions and it seems to me that they are not interested in trying to help these people at all. Fine, if they don't want to invest and risk their money, but at least an encouraging word and a good piece of advice to help the entrepreneurs to put on track is what they could give.

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Recently I heard a sermon about neighbors. It was interesting and I started to think about my situation. I think that we all no matter where we live, how we live have a special relationship to our neighbors. In Mark 12:31 Jesus is telling us:'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Love your neighbor! Wow and as your self! I don’t know about you but I have some neighbors! People that smoke constantly even in the stairways, people that play loud music often and have party’s. People that wont say hi, people that don’t clean up in our laundry! Jesus is telling me not to Judge and to love these people as myself! Not only that ,Jesus is telling me that this is the greatest commandment. We often think of neighbors as the people who live near us, but Jesus meant it to include all people - even our enemies! Jesus told His famous parable of the Good Samaritan to make it clear that "love your neighbor" means to love all

Once when I was driving to my office, I got a picture in my head, a picture of a fishing boat, caught in the midst of a great storm. The waves and the wind tossed the boat and it looked like that the captain of that ship could do nothing. Suddenly the boat was in the eye of the storm. Totally calm, but all around the ship the storm continued and the waves were high and fierce. That is the calm God can give us. In the midst of a storm, God steps in and create that calm, peaceful moment. It is in this moment we really have to listen to what God wants to tell us. To be open and be honest. To recive and speak less, to listen and recieve. That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The

Many people wait for life to happen while others make it happen. As John Maxwell said before, are your comfortable being comfortable you are not growing. We as a family need to make a decision now, are we going to stay in this place or move, are we trying to quit our job and go in to full time ministry. Hard decision but its ours to make, no one else will make it happen for us.. The same with you. Not making a decision is a decision!

During a prayer meeting at some friend's house the other day, the "guest speaker", a friend of our friend's from California USA explained the actual meaning of the name of Australia: that is 'Southern Land of the Holy Spirit', translated from the original Spanish name "Tierra Austral del Espíritu Santo". What he also mentioned is that the Swedish Parliament in Stockholm is situated on a small island and that island is named "Holy Spirit Island", in Swedish "Helgeands holmen". On this small island a charitable institution organized by a pious foundation was located , receiving sick people, poor and elderly as well as foreigners. The original Helgeandshuset ("The House of the Holy Spirit") probably dates back to the 13th century but is not mentioned until 1301. Rebuilt after a fire in 1410, it was moved by King Gustav Vasa in 1531. This I have heard many many times before but was reminded of it during the p

My wife and I have recently attended a two-day conference in Lund, Sweden with the famous leading New Testament scholar Prof. N.T. Wright. Two intensive days with the subject: "The historical resurrection". The rather small hall at Theofil in Lund was jam-packed with around 90 people with different backgrounds and nationalities. We were gathered to listen to this eloquent, intelligent and humble man of God from University of St Andrews in Scotland. The sessions, the small talks, the different times of fellowship were terrific and what stroke me was Prof. Tom Wright's ability to meet people where they are, and the different struggles priests and pastors are dealing with on a daily basis. You might be stunned by Prof. Wright's knowledge, but it was the man behind all this I saw. His compassion to teach and reach people, his compassion to touch our generation. We really had two great days!

Soon it's church election here in Sweden A strange word for some I guess and it feels special in this country since the state and the church were separated several of years ago. I read in a booklet I got in the mail box the other day what the different political parties stands for. Some talk about solidarity, environmental issues, to take care of the Christian culture, "make a church that is modern", but none talk about Jesus. The real issue for the church is to help people to know God. To assemble them, to evangelise, to discipleship, teach people to true foundation, to help people get a personal relationship with Jesus, to baptise people in water and the holy spirit, equip and help people in need and to prepare people for the eternity with God. The church will do this through baptism, fellowship and in communion. Why did not the politicians mention a bit of this?

Jesus said in John 10:11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep". It is true. In those days the shepherd lived with his sheep. He knew them all. If he lost one, he instantly went to find the lost one. He protected the sheep from thieves and wolves. His rod was a weapon. He stayed with his sheep all night. It could be cold, it was dirty. As the shepherd spends all this time with the sheep, carrying them, sleeping close together, he started to smell like his sheep. The Sheep knew him not only by his voice but by the smell of him. Jesus used this analogy as a leader: He describes himself as not only “the shepherd,” but the “good shepherd.” This is the kind of leadership Jesus used, a leadership that brought the scattered sheep together, a leadership that protected the herd, a leadership that calmed them down, a leadership that protected them. This is the kind of leadership that build the first churches. Is it a leadership t

A year ago we used to sing a song "Oh how he loves us". I liked the lyrics and the music was nice as well. Yesterday during a prayer meeting we heard the song again and I was yet again reminded, OH how he loves us. He is jealous for me, Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree, Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy. OH How he loves us! When his love hit us it is like a hurricane and then we want to be a tree to catch as much wind as possible with our branches. His love shakes us, his love never fails. Oh how he loves us.

I read a small article by Pastor John Ortberg from Menlo Park Presbyterian Church in California. He said that: "If you are a Pastor or a Church leader you have a calling far more important than you may know". Lots of Pastors or leaders are very "task" orientated. "The great danger in ministry is that we think about the task before us in ways that are too small!" Make budget, trying to fill up the church hall every Sunday, launching nice programs, Working hard to make the church and its vision so easy to understand and handle. We have a task all of us. Jesus said: " Go out in the entire world, go and make disciples. "Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you" Lets go out there....

The former prime minister Margret Thatcher died earlier this year. During her funeral many people around the world mourn a great leader. Not everyone thinks so though. Many people, especially in England dislike her and her rule during the 80s and 90s. I saw two women on TV protesting against Thacher wearing a t-shirt with the text: Never forget, never forgive. For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.( Matthew 6:14-15) Forgiveness is one of the “key” words of the Christian faith. If God had not included forgiveness in His plan for us, none of us would enjoy life renewed with Him in heaven. Without forgiveness there would be no hope at all. In order to receive forgiveness for our sins, we need to forgive others. Forgiving others allows us to overcome feelings of anger, hate, or bitterness. Forgiveness can heal spiritual wounds and bring th

some days ago a rather famous female writer tweeted that " cant someone shoot Björklund". ( Björklund is a Liberal politician in Sweden). After no response she tweeted again " If some one doesnt want to, do I have to shoot a politician myself!". Horrible tweets but this writer named Drougge, think it's just fun. Strange to say the police is doing nothing! To that I can only say: What a sick and sad world we have if that's consider fun and I feel so sorry for her.

A year ago I saw a debate on tv between one Christian British mathematician and philosopher of science named John Lennox and an evolutionary biologist named Richard Dawkins. The two seams to know each other very well and even if they sometimes really disagree on God's existanse they seem to have a rather good relationship. It is a bit pointless to have these debate since none of them want to change their oppinion no matter how wrong or right they might be. As a follower of Christ I support Mr Lennox but I have respects towards mr Dawkins. What stroke me the other day when my wife and I were at the bookstore was the many books written by Richard Dawkins where he really tries hard to convince us that there is no God. If you are absolutely confident that there is no God, why on earth do you have to write all these books!? If people don't believe there is God, why go so hard? You don't believe in Him yet you hate Him. Psalm 14:1 The fool says in his heart, “There

Don't worry, is mentioned 365 times in the Bible. One time for each day during the year. Fantastic, but there is something that is far more often mentioned in the Bible and that is financial matters. Money is mentioned 140 times in the King James Version of the Bible. If we include other forms of wealth such as silver or gold it is mentioned even more frequently. The word gold is mentioned 417 times and silver 320 times! Financial matters are mentioned more often in the Bible than prayer, healing, and mercy. It is strange but I think God is telling us something here that we ought to pay attention to. Even so lots of christians dont want to talk about money. Many missionaries try very hard not to talk or teach about finances. Some Christians almost "banned" the word money. Proverbs 13:11 "Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow." Psalm 37:21 "The wicked borrows and does not repay, but the righteo

We have just spent 4 great days in Venice, Italy together with great friends. Relational retreat! Italy offers warm weather (hopefully) nice food, and stunning scenery in Venice. But what makes this retreats so good is the people around you. The love from other people. To talk, hear stories, pray, laugh, cry and to connect! Every evening just after a fabulous meal we had some sharing from Pastor Al. Very simple but straightforward. With love and with a great sense of humour. Praying and talking, opening your heart to others. This is what I call to do church.

On may 18, 2013 Europe came together in Malmo, Sweden, Eurovision song contest. People from all over Europe, flags, painted faces, hideous costumes, singing, dancing and rejoicing together. Even people from Australia and China gathered in Malmo this day and it was truly a diverse scene but diverse unified, unified with music. The music and show not my cup of tea, but still great

May 18 what a lovely day it was. Sunshine from a clear blue sky, no wind and around +26C. A perfect day for a "Kippa walk" The Jewish community in Malmo, Sweden arrange this kind of silent and peaceful manifestation several of times during the year. May 18 was a great date since the big Eurovision song contest took place in Malmo, SWEDEN. The whole world was watching, the whole world had their eyes on Malmo. Over 300 people ,Jews and non Jews walking together for the right to openly express their religion. The wind of antisemitism is again blowing over Europe and its even been seen and brutally noticed in our city. It is time to take a stand for the Jewish community, for freedom of religion, for human rights and for democracy. After a long walk through the crowded streets, we reached the big square where we listening to some speeches. Even more people showed up and people from the tent " coexist" joined us. Muslim Imams, Christian priests etc. What

You really need passion in order to to become successful in almost everything you do. As an athlete, teacher, father, pastor, business man, you name it. Passion you just need it. If you lose the passion in life, you lose the very essence of success. The Bible is full of verses that talk about passion Galatians 2:20 - I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) Passion (from the Latin verb patī meaning to suffer) is a term applied to a very strong feeling about a person or thing. Passion is an intense emotion compelling feeling, enthusiasm, or desire for something. (Wikipedia) So God has very strong feelings for us, He desires us. So how can we develop the same desire for Him? F

As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly. ( Proverbs 26:11) It is true fools repeat their mistakes, fools continues to sin over and over again. That's not new to us, that's not "headline news" What strikes me is that the image of a dog returning to its vomit, eating it all up again makes us feel bad, makes us feel sick. God might have the same feeling seeing us going back doing it all over again. Sinning, making the same old bad mistakes over and over again. It hurt God, as our father. Still God loves us, still God helps us,still God cares for us . Isn't that amazing!?

I love sports. Football , Hockey, American football, Baseball ,you name it. I just love sports. It's very exciting and thrilling to watch a close game. It goes back and and forth and in the end your team wins! great ha!!! But as they say in the film " Facing the giants", when we win we praise the Lord, and when we lose we praise the lord. When athletes take a stand for God it even more thrills me. After listening to some great athlete, there are words that echo in to my mind and those are: Passion, Faith, Humility, Persistence, Courage, Commitment, Finish and intensity. Great words all of them. It seams like in order to have a success as a player you need to implant all these words in to your heart and in to your mind, and I would like to start with Humility! "Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility.“ Saint Augustine (354-430); Roman Catholic Saint The term

Very often we wait for others to do the job. It can be lack of education, lack of knowledge, lack of experience lack of confidence. Especially when it come to ministry. We wait for pastors, deacons, priests or other church leaders to get the ball, and we often think this is the way it should be done. When it comes to leading others to Christ, to be a witness, to help and serve, to teach, Jesus was very clear that he was not searching for educated people, no CEOs, no doctors, priests, or managers, he was clearly looking for "workers" Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest

Often when we meet new people we ask questions about them. If you are in an international environment and especially an international Christian environment one question could be: Which church do you attend? It's great that people attend church, don't get me wrong, I am a leader at an International Christian fellowship and I want you to go to church, but Jesus never told us "Go to church"! Jesus never told us to attend church once a week, sing the hymns and do your duty with the offering, chat while having coffee and then, off you go. Jesus and his disciples did life together. They spent almost all their awake time together. They did miracles together, they had dinner together, laughed together. Jesus says "Wherever two or three of you are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of you." ( Matthew 18.) I'm not saying you should stop coming to church, that you should stop getting involved in ministry but just being a once-a-week-church

We have just been at a 2-day seminar named "Abba's Touch. During the evening the speaker made this analogy about the holy spirit: We need to wait upon the holy spirit, to give it time to sink into our heart, the same way you sink into a bath tub. You sit there not to be clean, just to be soaked by the lovely warm water. I used another analogy some month back when I was telling my son that in order to really get to know God and feel what He has in stored for us, we need to spend time with him, to get soaked with his love. I then used the analogy with a sponge and a blackboard. If you want to clean the blackboard you need a sponge. If you try to clean the blackboard with a totally dry sponge you won't succeed. If you just dip the sponge into a bucket full of water, the sponge is not "wet" enough to do the job. You need the sponge to soak for some time, and only after that the sponge will do the job.. After I told my son this he said: I get it, but w

I went in to my sons room the other day to ask him if he wanted to join me in the gym. He told me that he was busy, study some math. Well that's great but what I discovered was that he was reading in the book, writing ,having the computer up and running with facebook updating and listening to music in his head phones. WOW. Just looking at him I felt dizzy and distracted. I could not concentrate if I were him. I needed a pause, and get attention to what is important to do right now. And so it is with our lives with God. Can you find him for yourself in the midst of all noise? Can you help others find God in that situation? Can you hear Him speak to you when your head is spinning with all information? "Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him." (Luke 4.8 )

God has a more awesome plan for your life than you could ever imagine simply because He loves you Isn’t that fantastic!? God loves you. That’s awesome but imagines that he loves you so much that what ever you think you could do to make you happy, He has a bigger and better plan for you. The most famous verse in the Bible tells us: John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. God scarified his own son for you! God Loves and Cares for Us Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Let God sing in to you heart today, let him be a part of your life. Put other less important things in your life aside and focus, focus on him and let him live in you. You won’t regret it!