Your Faith

”God can take a lowly vessel; Shape it with His mighty hand. Fill it with a matchless treasure; Make it serve a purpose grand.” - Bosch Within every human being lies the need to give meaning to his or her existence. Some describe it as finding your place in the Universe. Others call it your personal faith. Typical for all spiritual seeking is our quest for significance, coping with everyday life, and coming to terms with the seemingly inevitable; death. Life balance requires several pillars (and Skogrand deals cautiously with all of them in his writings and speeches). At the end of the day, the most important one among these pillars is… Your Faith. In the corporate environment, you definitely need a strong vision grown out of your purpose, core values, and beliefs. Upon these benchmarks, you determine your guiding principles and a contagious mission, and set your prioritized course toward lasting impact. We keep these important tenets in the professional realm, although usually - personal beliefs and professional guideposts go hand in hand. At least they ought to. Kristen L. Skogrand was born into a heritage of Christian ministry. He shows tremendous respect for those who believe differently, yet without apologizing for his own convictions and personal experiences of faith in Jesus Christ. Here are two of his many articles. Although quite long, since they have been used in multiple channels, they express important tenets in the realm of faith. Please peruse them when you have time to break away from your daily chores for a few minutes. ARTICLE MENU # 1: THE OBJECT OF YOUR FAITH DETERMINES ITS STAYING POWER God Is In The Details First Choice; or Last Resort? God’s Fingerprint; Your Response The Object of Your Faith Fully Known; Yet Unconditionally Loved God Will Make a Way “One Solitary Life” ARTICLE MENU # 2: HIS "FINISHED" - MY BEGINNING The Greatest Turning Point in Human History The Key to Life and Death The Cross; And a Caring Embrace New Beginnings and Eternal Victory Seek Refuge Under the Wings of the Almighty ARTICLE # 1: THE OBJECT OF YOUR FAITH DETERMINES ITS STAYING POWER Who is at the other end of your faith? At the end of the day, this question will prove exceedingly more important than your faith in religion, your faith in your faith - and even your faith in yourself! GOD IS IN THE DETAILS Kristen’s faith has stood the test of time and a multitude of challenges. In his own words, the Christian faith reflects God’s unfailing attention to detail and caring embrace of our individual lives. The Creator’s presence is evident everywhere. Whether you look to the awesome dynamics at work in your own body, in other species or the ecosystems, He is there. And; when you study the life and sacrificial love of Jesus, you see the illumination of a Father in constant search of people in deep need and dire straits. He is the one who takes note of every sparrow that falls. He even numbers the hairs of your head, and cares for you at the deepest level. He is also the one who rebukes and rejects favoritism, elitism, and hateful discrimination. Instead, He unceasingly seeks to endow you with His life-transforming embrace. “He who promised is faithful.” (Heb. 10:23). It is heartening to remember that God’s promises for you actually will find you where you are. He knows where you live, and His promises even extend the privilege of New Beginnings when things have gone astray. He wants to connect with you! When we focus on the bigger picture in life - where an encounter with the Almighty not only is possible, but a phenomenal prerogative, theologian Albert Schweitzer’s words come to mind: “Don’t let your hearts grow numb. Stay alert. It is your soul which matters.” Alert yourself to God’s promises. They defy human logic, and bring infinite strength and knowledge into every painful challenge that may imprison you. He who promised surely IS faithful, and He holds the keys to conquering the gravity that may threaten your very existence and outlook today. Eternal; All-powerful; All-knowing; Ever-Present; Holy; Just; Forgiving; Loving; and Merciful.... are all attributes of the One who created you in the first place. Allow Him to touch all the details that sum up your current life. Once you do, you will find that He is uplifting, inspiring, caring, enlightening; and amazingly life-transforming in all He does to provide new direction for your future - and your eternity. Return to Article Menu FIRST CHOICE; OR LAST RESORT? Unfortunately, many of us keep God waiting while we get bogged down and taken captive by less important suitors in a world of busyness and – at times - misguided pursuits of success. There’s nothing wrong with success per se. But remember: “Prosperity is only an instrument to be used, not a deity to be worshipped” (Calvin Coolidge). Alas, true success is intrinsically intertwined with the values, principles, guidance and direction God provides. Millions experience this daily, and you can, too. Among the people Kristen counseled in the past, many often experienced that crisis or terminal conditions were precursors leading to the realization that giving God access to their lives was the most awe-inspiring turning point ever. In his own words: “I have had people die in my arms, and I have seen people crumble to perceived nothingness and even suicide in the dark tunnels of hopelessness, depression and traumatic loss. In times like these, superficial hype or artificial consolation simply won’t cut it. You need substance. Solid substance that very often by far exceeds what humans can provide on their own. Transforming substance that helps people toward lasting renewal and outrageously powerful living.” Instead of viewing God’s merciful offer as a last resort, therefore, many intensely wished they had treated Him as their first choice. They felt - and rightfully so - that a host of painful “Would Have’s”, “Could Have’s” and “Should Have’s” were avoidable had they sought God’s divine intervention first, rather than making it a mere afterthought... The old saying still rings true: “People will change, not because they see the light; but because they feel the heat.” Delaying our response to God’s calling until our lives eventually take painful turns is an option too many adhere to. “God is for weak people” seems to be the post-modern assessment. Reality proves otherwise. Once you understand His fantastic ability to create real life change, you also realize that the secrets to present-day living and present-tense power abide with Him. Whether you feel shattered, scattered, together or strong, God is not an artificial or superficial crutch. You’re still human, and allowing space for the Almighty in your life will fill vacuums and gaps only He can satisfy. For weak people only? No; for everyone, everywhere, of any background, in any circumstance and condition! Return to Article Menu GOD’S FINGERPRINT; YOUR RESPONSE Uniquely made in His image we all bear the imprint of our Creator. That includes you as well. Not only because you are among the crown jewels of His Creation. The privilege and responsibility that accompany free will is also part of His imprint on you. He didn’t mold you into a poor copy. Instead, He created you as a unique original endowed with gifts and talents to be used for the good of mankind, and for purposes that mirror His loving heartbeats. With a free will comes an opportunity to make critical life choices as well; without anyone inappropriately imposing something on you in the realm of faith. Consequently, the words of Saint Augustine are as applicable today as they were centuries ago: “He who created us without our help will not save us without our consent.” Once you do give your personal consent and invite God into the deepest fabric of your life, you won’t only experience power that defies human logic, and a hope that firmly reaches beyond the grave. The Christian faith, according to Kristen, isn’t merely about preparing for eternity. It is also the most surefire recipe for facing your tomorrows with courage and a personal sense of direction and meaning. Furthermore, it provides daily strength and renewal that uplift your spirit, clarify your vision, and helps you take yet another step on the journey called life. It also allows you to come to pass with your past, learn important lessons; then move on with renewed joy and passion. Upon this foundation, you can boldly pour yourself and your total giftedness into causes and worthy pursuits that have imminent and lasting impact. Return to Article Menu THE OBJECT OF YOUR FAITH More important than your inward emotional state, your current circumstances or your interpretations of life’s twists and turns, is the object of your faith. Who is at the receiving end of your expression of faith? Convictions and beliefs squarely anchored in self or dependent upon the relentlessly hailed feelgood factor usually disintegrate in the face of the shifting winds and oft times staggering obstacles most of us encounter sooner or later. On the other hand, a faith anchored in someone and something with infinite power and unfathomable wisdom remains steadfast and strong. That means looking outside and beyond yourself and your circumstances. When you have reached the end of your own strength and courage, faith in your faith or confidence in your philosophical outlooks swiftly prove insufficient. Alas, the question arises: “How can I transcend my own limitations?” By putting your faith in your Creator, you will experience the unlimited love He has for His Creation. He displayed it and powerfully revealed Himself through the most remarkably influential person that ever lived; Jesus Christ. His influence did not reflect the traits commonly associated with hyped-up influencers in our post-modern society. The influence that forever changed history and continues to strengthen and transform people like you today came through service, sacrifice and a heart large enough to embrace us all, indiscriminately and unconditionally. Its aura was that of a man fiercely determined to fulfill His mission, no matter the expense and consequences He had to endure. With you and your fellow human beings in clear sight – although He assuredly could have withdrawn from the emerging cross at His own choosing – He was unstoppable. Why? His passion was to provide the most detrimental and sacrificial intervention ever seen. True Christianity therefore does not primarily encompass acceptance of words, rituals, opinions and even – at times - misguided efforts of over-zealous believers; but an encounter with a person that changed the eternal playing field in your favor once and for all: Jesus Christ. Return to Article Menu FULLY KNOWN; YET UNCONDITIONALLY LOVED! As He gently speaks your name today, keep in mind that your needs rang loudly in His heart and mind when He completed His Solitary Life and atoning death. (See rendition of “One Solitary Life” at the bottom of the page). It is comforting to some, yet to others - thought provoking - to accept that God knows your innermost thoughts and feelings. Equally overwhelming is the fact that you can know Him, too. He magnificently revealed Himself in human history. Not as a distant, impersonal or removed divine force, but as the one who put His unique fingerprint on you - even before you were born. He is the one revealed in Jesus Christ. Who let His tears flow and cried in agony when people like you suffered. Who directed people’s attention and value systems to principles and actions that lead to supernatural living and eternal hope. Who did not shy away from sharing time, attention and caring touches with the ones society either hated or regarded “lost causes”. Actually; He is the one who never put the hopeless label on anyone, but instead offered hope and forgiveness. Isn’t this somewhat contrary to our typical situational and social assessments in the 21st Century? He is the one who willingly gave everything for you in order to bring you back to your original home: Personal fellowship with God. The one whose love always was and always remains unfailing, steadfast and unconditional. The one who can calm the stormy waters in your life, and provide peace of mind and true rest even when threatening and dark clouds seem to assemble on your horizon. The one who enrolled Himself in our humanity in order to be able to tell us all, no matter what our experiences of pain, doubt, betrayal or disappointments might be: “I have been there! I know how you feel. I sympathize with you. And I go way beyond sympathetic utterances, mere assumptions and empty promises. My love is proactive; its echo through history is an empty cross, and a loving hand always reaching for you. Not a forceful fist, but an open hand that gives without complaint - once you accept the forgiveness, blessings and renewal I want to bestow upon you. I am on a life-transformation quest with eternal consequences. As soon as you say “Here I am, I need You, forgive my sins and make me whole” – I will embrace you as you are, and give you light and life.” Return to Article Menu GOD WILL MAKE A WAY Have you tried to "make sense of it all" on your own for too long? Are you on the verge of giving up or giving in? Have you come to pass with your need for something and someone stronger than yourself? Do you long to find a new way in order to proceed courageously with life? Then remember this: “God will make a way When there seems to be no way He works in ways we cannot see He will make a way for me He will be my guide Hold me closely by His side With love and strength for each new day He will make a way” - Don Moen (Integrity’s Hosanna! Music, 1999) He is called the Living One, Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last. Why? History, faith, strong evidence and millions of personal witness testimonies speak to the most important fact you will ever face: He IS alive, and He is there… FOR YOU! If you have questions related to personal faith, or you want Kristen’s articles, speeches or seminars on practical and caring faith-based topics, feel free to email us today for more details. Thank you! PS! Please read “One Solitary Life” below. It encapsulates Jesus’ unmatched impact on the history we’re all part of. Thanks again! RENDITION He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another obscure village, where He worked in a carpenter’s shop until He was thirty. Then for three years, He was an itinerant preacher. He never had a family or owned a home. He never set foot inside a big city. He never traveled two hundred miles from the place He was born. He never wrote a book, or held an office. He did none of the things that usually accompany greatness. While He was still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against Him. His friends deserted Him. He was turned over to His enemies, and went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. While He was dying, His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had – His coat. When He was dead, He was taken down and laid in a borrowed grave. Twenty centuries have come and gone, and today He is the central figure for much of the human race. I am far within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched and all the navies that ever sailed and all the parliaments that ever sat and all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as this… Return to Article Menu ARTICLE # 2: HIS "FINISHED" - MY BEGINNING - Holiday Reflections By Kristen L. Skogrand “IT IS FINISHED” (NIV translation) “IT’S DONE… COMPLETE” (MSG translation) “EVERYTHING IS DONE” (CEV translation) - John 19:30 PLEASE NOTE: Although Easter lies behind us by now, readers have asked us to keep this article online for a while. With only minor adjustments, we therefore maintain it the way it first appeared: Easter. What a fantastic Holiday. What a profoundly life-transforming message. What a history-turning conclusion from the One on the cross: “It is finished.” May I add: It is finished… FOR YOU! THE GREATEST TURNING POINT IN HUMAN HISTORY The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ cannot be described as anything less than the greatest turning point in human history. Painted on the dark political, social and spiritual backdrop 2000 years ago, Sunrise from Heaven shone through with glimmers of restoration, hope and healing so powerful, bright and warm that it strengthened the lowliest of the lowly, illuminated the deepest darkness, and melted down the iciest barriers to redemption and supernatural living. And best of all; it still does! What mercy and awe-inspiring comfort lie in those three monumental words from the cross, “It is finished.” • HIS “Finished” constitutes MY New Beginning. • HIS “It’s done… complete” brought me from restless wanderer to a Home of Rest. • HIS “Everything is done” left NO stone unturned. Instead, it secured a blood-stained foundation for salvation and eternal hope. This foundation rests squarely upon Him and raises me up to more than I could ever be or become on my own! No wonder the author of Hebrews instructed us all: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (12:2) He is called the Living One, Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last. “Why?”, you may ask. History, faith, strong evidence and millions of personal witness testimonies speak to the most important fact humankind will ever face: He IS alive, and He is there… FOR YOU! Sunrise from Heaven is perpetual and eternal, folks! Christ is an expert at exorbitantly pouring out His forgiveness, comfort and providence, no matter how dark our individual circumstances may seem at times. His “Finished” echoes through history and reaches us exactly where we are. When God says “Finished”, “Completed”, “Done”; NO power in the universe can undo His determined acts of grace. He knows no unfinished business. Instead, Jesus triumphantly states: “…I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the key of death and Hades.” (Revelation 1:18b) Return to Article Menu THE KEY TO LIFE AND DEATH To me, knowing who has the key to life and death is key. Whether I live or die, I want to KNOW who I belong to, and the only power source sufficient to uphold me and sustain even the end of my earthly journey. I have chosen to accept His fantastic power for living, and often remind others and myself of the old adage: "Dying is not a sin; NOT living is!" However, when time comes for me to embark on the final stretch toward my passing day and eternal celebration, I want to rest in the palm of His hand. The hand that holds the key! He willingly descended in order to ascend; and His grand design was to ensure that you and I could ascend with Him. “When He ascended on high, HE LED CAPTIVES IN HIS TRAIN [FREE] and gave gifts to men. What does “he ascended” mean except that He also descended to the lower, earthly regions?” [Or… the depths of the earth] (Ephesians 4:8-9) If you have time, meditate for a moment on this absolutely revolutionary scene: On the cross, Jesus had exclaimed “It is finished,” and gave up His spirit to the Father. Atonement for sin was safely deposited - forevermore. He was the perfect substitute, and represented you when He offered himself as a sacrifice for all sin. Yet even in death, His salvation plan continued and prevailed. Envision the Devil unwillingly and with excruciating humiliation having to face his Conqueror, and literally hand over “the key to his own house” (Cfr. Jesus’ triumphant proclamation: “I hold the key to death and Hades.”). Why was the key so important? Two reasons come to mind: 1. Holding the key and coming back from the dead on the third day after His crucifixion, Jesus can rightfully say that He is the Lord of all. (“For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.” - Romans 14:9) 2. By claiming the key to Hades, the Savior opened the door the Evil one had temporarily controlled. Behind the door were all those faithful to Abraham's and our God, who had deceased under the old covenant prior to the arrival of Jesus of Nazareth. Envision the welcome Jesus receives as He opens the closed door and enters the temporal place of imprisonment; Hades. Every person who died in faith had been kept captive there, awaiting the arrival of Heaven’s promised and victorious Redeemer. Hear His call to the multitudes suddenly ready for departure: “Believers! It is finished. Your train is ready to depart. Come with me to a better place. Neither the Devil nor Hades nor death could withstand my life and sacrificial death. Sunrise from Heaven now lights a new path for each and every one of you. Paradise is waiting. There’s no victory or sting left in death. Let’s go!” “Death is swallowed up in victory! Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1. Corinthians 15:54b-55). IT IS TRULY FINISHED! Return to Article Menu THE CROSS; AND A CARING EMBRACE In a paraphrased vision, I see the criminal from the cross next to Jesus on Calvary carry the banner in front of all the captives who died in faith before Christ’s appearance. They longed for the One God had promised to send and the One the prophets had announced through Centuries. Jesus’ caring embrace of the crucified criminal awaiting death next to Him is yet another proof of the Lord’s all-encompassing grace, utterly contradictory to human thought and logic. The criminal, who according to local rule rightfully suffered the penalty for his transgressions, merely asked Jesus for a THOUGHT: “Remember me when you come into your kingdom”, he exclaimed. (Luke 23:42) The Lord, seeing this seemingly low-life’s heart and the sincerity of his plea, responded with something far greater: “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in Paradise!” (Luke 23:43) Jesus led the captives free. He gave without complaint. And his gifts exceeded the human request a thousand fold. The crucified criminal, staring death in the eye, couldn’t make a rushed effort in order to right what he’d done wrong, nor visit the ones who had suffered under his ruthless acts in order to plead for forgiveness. Few candidates for Heaven throughout human history have been more stuck – literally – and thus unable to attempt good deeds as a measure for access to the astonishing peace and rest of God’s salvation. And still, I hear the loving voice of Jesus ring through as loudly as ever: “Prepare for a new task, Mr. Criminal! Captives that belong to me are about to embark on the Paradise journey. The greatest changing of the guards in the universe is about to happen. I will conquer death, and use my power to take you and your brothers and sisters to the lobby of the heavenly mansion I will prepare for you! You’re not done. Your eternity is about to begin, and it begins…WITH ME.“ Return to Article Menu NEW BEGINNINGS AND ETERNAL VICTORY It is saddening yet true that so many around us FEEL finished, done or outdone today. May we lovingly bring them to Him – the personification and grantor of saving grace – where New Beginnings and Eternal Victory abide in true perfection. Easter shows with overpowering clarity the verse I quoted on the top of this page, that… “God can take a lowly vessel; Shape it with His mighty hand. Fill it with a matchless treasure; Make it serve a purpose grand.” (Bosch) He is alive. He is active. His matchless treasures are part of His “Finished”; and ours for the asking. May these truths re-ignite in us the passion modeled in, through and by Christ; and powerfully spark empathy that makes us unstoppable in our desire to serve a purpose grand. “It is finished!” - and as believers, we shall finish our race, too, because He finished first. “It is done… complete!” - and we shall complete our mission for mankind, and love and honor Him; because He loved us first! May Sunrise from Heaven illuminate your path and warmly embrace your whole being this very moment. May it provide even deeper encounters with the Risen Lord, who defies human limitations and exceeds every conceivable expectation or need you might carry in your heart today. He has bestowed His complete victory upon you. He’s not into bits ‘n pieces. We are, at times. His agenda is “more than victory”/”more than conquerors” (Romans 8:37). IT IS FINISHED! Return to Article Menu SEEK REFUGE UNDER THE WINGS OF THE ALMIGHTY If you don’t know Christ at a personal level yet, remember that His pleasure is to apply His victory and unconditional love in your life. What saddens Him is not people like you and me, realizing our need for forgiveness, Divine provision and a sturdy hope – and then taking Him on His Word. The heartfelt pain Heaven encounters is when Christ’s “Finished” does not take effect in your life due to a lack of responsiveness to His invitation. He paid an exuberantly high price in order to bring you – His Creation – back in loving touch with your Creator. Seeing any of us waste the price He paid by rejecting His invitation stings God’s heart. He does not want ANYONE to perish, but to have Life Eternal. Please ponder His calling and invitation without delay. Rely on what you have: Today. None of us know for sure whether our Tomorrows will ever come. Take action through a simple prayer of faith. Remember; the crucified outcast next to Jesus only dared to ask for a thought and mere rememberance. Jesus surprised him greatly, and has continued to do so for millions ever since. The Lord responded to the plea for a thought by providing the undeserving man with a confirmed access card to Paradise. This is the logic of Divine grace in action! Under the wings of the Almighty, it does not come down to what you have done, or who you are right now. What matters is who He is, and what He did in history, for you. Many remain passive onlookers to this amazing event. Going from spectator to an active beneficiary of the abundant life embodied in Jesus, who took the blame, shame and punishment in your place, will transform you in ways unfathomable until you join as one of His followers. The option of rejection is yours as well, as displayed by the second convict, crucified on the other side of Jesus. I humbly plead with you: Use the unique gift of your free will wisely today. He’s waiting. Sunrise is here, powerful enough to brighten your path and uplift your spirit. Isn't it time to finally surrender and take humble yet confident refuge in the magnificent plan your Creator finished for you? May you and those within your sphere of influence enjoy a victorious, Christ-centered and power-filled future! Warmest, KRISTEN L. SKOGRAND Back to Top _____________________________________________________ Tel. US (use SkypeIN when abroad): (+1) 480.577.4466 • Tel. EU: (+47) 9488.6680 • SkypeIN: (+1) 602.635.2100 (global reach) Skypename: legacyquest • eFax: (+1) 570.227.5598 • General Inquiries: Kristen@Skogrand.tv MAILING ADDRESS US: 4426 E. Coyote Wash Drive • Cave Creek • AZ 85331 ADDRESS EU: Mårveien 34 • N-3160 Stokke • Norway © 2009 - Kristen L. Skogrand - All Rights Reserved Last updated Nov. 20, 2009 Back to Top