A friend just reminded me of this passage. As I read it, the Lord spoke to me. See what you think.
Ezekiel 47:1-12 AMP
1THEN HE [my guide] brought me again to the door of the house [of the Lord--the temple], and behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the temple toward the east, for the front of the temple was toward the east; and the waters came down from under, from the right side of the temple, on the south side of the altar.
2Then he brought me out by way of the north gate and led me around outside to the outer gate by the way that faces east, and behold, waters were running out on the right side.
3And when the man went on eastward with the measuring line in his hand, he measured a thousand cubits, and he caused me to pass through the waters, waters that were ankle-deep. 4Again he measured a thousand cubits and caused me to pass through the waters, waters that reached to the knees. Again he measured a thousand cubits and caused me to pass through the waters, waters that reached to the loins. 5Afterward he measured a thousand, and it was a river that I could not pass through, for the waters had risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over or through.
6And he said to me, Son of man, have you seen this? Then he led me and caused me to return to the bank of the river. 7Now when I had returned, behold, on the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other. 8Then he said to me, These waters pour out toward the eastern region and go down into the Arabah (the Jordan Valley) and on into the Dead Sea. And when they shall enter into the sea [the sea of putrid waters], the waters shall be healed and made fresh.
9And wherever the double river shall go, every living creature which swarms shall live. And there shall be a very great number of fish, because these waters go there that [the waters of the sea] may be healed and made fresh; and everything shall live wherever the river goes. 10The fishermen shall stand on [the banks of the Dead Sea]; from En-gedi even to En-eglaim shall be a place to spread nets; their fish shall be of very many kinds, as the fish of the Great or Mediterranean Sea. 11But its swamps and marshes will not become wholesome for animal life; they shall [as the river subsides] be left encrusted with salt and given over to it. 12And on the banks of the river on both its sides, there shall grow all kinds of trees for food; their leaf shall not fade nor shall their fruit fail [to meet the demand]. Each tree shall bring forth new fruit every month, [these supernatural qualities being] because their waters came from out of the sanctuary. And their fruit shall be for food and their leaves for healing.
Move just 4000 cubits
Why are we, as a people, so afraid of the Holy Spirit in action that we dare not get more than our feet wet?
Most people get feet dampish
A few go in to their knees – like paddling in the sea
A few get waist deep – getting scary
A very few brave souls go for it and take to swimming.
What does this passage promise us who dare to venture into the deep realms of the Spirit?
1. Trees on each side
2. Clean water teeming with fish
3. Trees that give new fruit every month without fail !! Leaves of healing
So what?
These trees supply shelter – they supply food – they provide health
And for meat – the river provides the fish.
Where are these things? By and in the River of God.
OK – So . . . . . ?
Where do you stand in or by the river of God – the river of His Holy Spirit that flows from His Holy Temple? Are you afraid to move into deeper water? Are you afraid to get your feet wet – or get your knees wet – or your waist wet – or even of getting in so deep that you have to swim?
Why?
Is the Word of God to be believed or not? Do you believe whatever God or His Word says to you?
There is provision in the river of God. There is food and shelter there. There is healing and health there. He doesn’t promise an easy ride. He doesn’t promise there will be no more difficulties – in fact Paul promises the opposite. But He does promise His hand upon you – His provision for you “every month”.
What are you afraid of? Get in deeper. Move those 4000 cubits further down stream. Say to Him, “Yes Lord, I want to swim in Your river. I want Your provision, Your healing and health, to shelter in the place where You are providing. Come Holy Spirit Come. Do your work in me today – right now – this very minute.” If you say that today, you’ll never regret it even for one instant.
CGB 19 Dec 2009.
Saturday, 19 December 2009
Monday, 14 December 2009
The Days of 'Greater Things'
I heard the Lord saying - "Get ready; get ready - I am about to release My Spirit to do all He wants to do through you and others. Get ready for 'greater things'; get ready for healings you never dreamed possible; get ready for salvations that will shock the world of those about to be saved; get ready for even little children to manifest My Spirit and to do My work. Give ME the Glory - all of it - I will not share My Glory with anyone. Get ready to see Me in action as you have only dreamed - I am the Lord God Almighty; that is My Name. Get ready to see the beginnings of a revival to end all revivals - but let Me do the work. You only need to do what I say - obedience is the only key. Get ready. Get ready."
I pursued this with the Lord and He said this – “I have put My people in place ready for the end-times. These are not simply ‘yes-men’ but rather those whom I have chosen and placed are those whose heart is like My own. Men and women who will hear from Me; drop everything, and do whatever I ask at whatever the cost – even though their own lives and the lives of their loved ones are in danger. My Word speaks of ‘greater things’ and this is the season when I will manifest these greater things for My own Glory – yet men and women will still try to steal some of the Glory so those I will replace by using even little children to bring about the greater things that will absolutely dumbfound the medical and political world. Even the Moslem communities will take notice as I bring healings and salvations to them too. “
The Lord also gave me this warning. He said, “Take seriously the duty of giving Me all the Glory. I am a jealous God and I share My Glory with no other.” Finally He added, “I will do things amongst you that even you could not imagine – such will be the magnitude and publicity attached to some of the work of My Spirit during these days. Yet time is short – I am assembling my angels ready to bring these things to you. I am also assembling – calling to position – those I bring with Me when I send My Son to you again in clouds of Glory. Be prepared – End time revival is set in My eternal agenda. The day is set. It is appointed. Time is short. Be prepared and ready for My call to arms.”
CGB 14 December 2009
I pursued this with the Lord and He said this – “I have put My people in place ready for the end-times. These are not simply ‘yes-men’ but rather those whom I have chosen and placed are those whose heart is like My own. Men and women who will hear from Me; drop everything, and do whatever I ask at whatever the cost – even though their own lives and the lives of their loved ones are in danger. My Word speaks of ‘greater things’ and this is the season when I will manifest these greater things for My own Glory – yet men and women will still try to steal some of the Glory so those I will replace by using even little children to bring about the greater things that will absolutely dumbfound the medical and political world. Even the Moslem communities will take notice as I bring healings and salvations to them too. “
The Lord also gave me this warning. He said, “Take seriously the duty of giving Me all the Glory. I am a jealous God and I share My Glory with no other.” Finally He added, “I will do things amongst you that even you could not imagine – such will be the magnitude and publicity attached to some of the work of My Spirit during these days. Yet time is short – I am assembling my angels ready to bring these things to you. I am also assembling – calling to position – those I bring with Me when I send My Son to you again in clouds of Glory. Be prepared – End time revival is set in My eternal agenda. The day is set. It is appointed. Time is short. Be prepared and ready for My call to arms.”
CGB 14 December 2009
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
RoFMI Trip Report to Norway - December 2009
Anyone who thinks that getting up at 03:45a.m. to get to an airport at 05:00a.m. in order to catch a flight leaving at 06:45a.m. is fun, needs serious counseling. Some person with a very strange sense of humour (me!!) had booked us onto a flight leaving at an unearthly hour just to save a few pounds. So it was that four cheerfully bleary-eyed travelers piled hats and bags into a taxi at 4:30 in order to head for Norway on a cold December morning. Trust me - that driver was well worth the tip – bless him.
I have to start here by saying that, as the nature of our trips is changing, so the reporting and journals like this are becoming more difficult. It was easy when we visited - went to well organised meetings, and came away again. Now, however, the meetings are becoming far more personal and therefore more difficult to report. The bare bones of this trip are simple. Arrived Oslo Rygge Airport at about 10.00 on Wednesday 2nd December. Had meetings Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and came home on the Saturday 10:20 flight arriving safe and sound back at Stansted at about 11:30. It’s not so much the meetings that were important – it’s much more the truth that God never wastes our time on these trips and it’s the lives that He used us to touch that are of far greater importance than “just another meeting”. It’s not just the meetings, it’s the little incidents along the way – some of which were so important to someone that the details will never again see the light of day. So let me try to get some semblance of interest into this for you.
From the airport, our wonderful host and partner in Norway, Robin Christiansen, whisked four of us – Peter (our beloved leader), Jean & John, and me, Chris – to his parents house in Frederikstad where Peter & I were royally housed for the whole trip. Jean & John went on to a lady called Anita, who with her family, entertained them. After a rest and some lunch for all of us, we travelled about 90 minutes to a place called Frogner and a chicken farm North of Oslo, where we met the farmer Bjorn and some of his family, their 7000+ chickens and the family dog. We were there for about 2 hours and let us simply say that we were allowed to bless them greatly through both words of knowledge and confirming prophecy. After prayer and some hot soup, we left for Frederikstad once again.
As if the farm experience was not blessing enough, when we got back ‘home’ Peter received a phone call just as we were all about to have dinner. It was important so he took the call from a friend and pastor in the Gypsy Church. He had recently returned from Romania where previous prophecy was fulfilled to the great joy of everyone there. However, there was another important prophecy fulfilled there too. A 36 year old mother of 6 children was taken to hospital where she subsequently died. This is confirmed by the fact that the procedure for admitting a dead person to the mortuary requires the issue of a death certificate. The family, all 6 children, went along to the mortuary and asked if they could pray for their mother. The doctor was very sympathetic but said that he was sorry that they had lost their mother but he would arrange counseling etc for them all. The children persisted with their request to pray for their mother because, as they poignantly put it, “We want our mother and we need to pray for her.” The doctor agreed but pointed out that the woman had been dead and in the mortuary for 9 hours. The children prayed and their mother was restored to life and full health before their eyes – and to the complete astonishment of the medical fraternity. Hallelujah \o/
On Thursday, we again travelled about 90 minutes to a Bible School in, or rather just outside a place called Vestfold where they have some 20-odd mostly residential students training for various ministries. We spent quite a long time with many of the students who, despite being Pentecostal, had never been exposed to our type of ministry before but who were, nevertheless once again greatly blessed. I think it would not be an exaggeration to say that for some of them, the fire of the Holy Spirit fell for the first time and they were extraordinarily blessed. We spent a lot of time with each of them and everyone received prayer before we left, rejoicing once again in the goodness of God. The School director exchanged email addresses with us before we left and said that we would be welcome there again when we return in January. Just one wee incident – while at the school we recounted the history of the RoFMI ministry and were asked the question – “So how did you get into Norway?” (meaning how did we get our first contact in Norway). The clever answer came back (to the huge amusement of the students) – “Ryanair”.
We returned home to Reidun & ‘Wrags’ (Robins parents) where they had prepared a full traditional Norwegian Christmas meal for us. Wonderful – no other comment will even begin to describe it.
Friday was an easy day and we drove the 50 minutes into Sweden – something we have all wanted for some time. We went to a supermarket where prices are apparently much lower than in Norway. Sweden & Norway are separated at this Southerly point by a fairly wide wooded gorge with a river flowing through it. There are two bridges – the old bridge and the new one – both toll bridges of course but there is no need for passports and only selective customs activity so we were able to bring back all the chocolate etc with no problem. However, we wanted to pray over Sweden so we stopped right next to the old bridge on the way back. We prayed there for Sweden and Norway and we received quite a lot of revelatory knowledge about various spirits including a suicide spirit resident on the bridge which we were able to come against. We anointed the ground where we prayed and took some remarkable photographs. It was quite late and quite dark but when we reviewed the photos it might as well have been midday and sunny – everything was so clear. It was only the lights on the toll station by the bridge which revealed the true hour at which the photos were taken.
In the evening, we heard about a local, very well known, Gospel artist who was in need of a word from the Lord. Peter received a word for him which he rated as so important that, if the man could not meet us this trip, then Peter said he would fly over there just to meet with him and tell him the Word from God. Confirmation of its importance came when Peter shared just a very small part of the word with us and we all simultaneously felt the touch of the Holy Spirit on us in confirmation. As it turned out the additional trip will not be needed as the man drove from Oslo to meet us then drove back again afterwards. He and Peter spent about an hour together and we heard later that he was so excited by their conversation that he spent over an hour on the phone to the pastor who introduced us on his way back to Oslo !!
Following this, we all had a meal and fellowship with Anita and some of her friends. Once again, the words of knowledge and prophecy flowed for the people we met and all of them were touched including one guy who is not (yet) a committed Christian.
So what is the conclusion after this trip. Well, based on our own experiences and the reactions of all those we met with, Scandinavia is indeed ripe and ready for revival. There is a hunger there which, very sadly, the local church does not seem able or is unwilling/almost scared to satisfy. Many of the things we experience as a matter of course or even as daily events in our ministry are almost alien to those we meet. There is neither the expectation nor the faith for them. However, there is a hunger which cannot be described and which, when the experience is sampled, there is a great rise in both faith and expectation levels.
Peter is off to Brussels next week then we are taking a break til January 7th (Denmark) and 21st (Norway) and we know there are many queuing up to have us fellowship and or minister in their meetings. As Peter said on the way home – 2009 has been the year of opening doors. 2010 will be the year of going through the open doors.
Yes Lord – AMEN & amen.
I have to start here by saying that, as the nature of our trips is changing, so the reporting and journals like this are becoming more difficult. It was easy when we visited - went to well organised meetings, and came away again. Now, however, the meetings are becoming far more personal and therefore more difficult to report. The bare bones of this trip are simple. Arrived Oslo Rygge Airport at about 10.00 on Wednesday 2nd December. Had meetings Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and came home on the Saturday 10:20 flight arriving safe and sound back at Stansted at about 11:30. It’s not so much the meetings that were important – it’s much more the truth that God never wastes our time on these trips and it’s the lives that He used us to touch that are of far greater importance than “just another meeting”. It’s not just the meetings, it’s the little incidents along the way – some of which were so important to someone that the details will never again see the light of day. So let me try to get some semblance of interest into this for you.
From the airport, our wonderful host and partner in Norway, Robin Christiansen, whisked four of us – Peter (our beloved leader), Jean & John, and me, Chris – to his parents house in Frederikstad where Peter & I were royally housed for the whole trip. Jean & John went on to a lady called Anita, who with her family, entertained them. After a rest and some lunch for all of us, we travelled about 90 minutes to a place called Frogner and a chicken farm North of Oslo, where we met the farmer Bjorn and some of his family, their 7000+ chickens and the family dog. We were there for about 2 hours and let us simply say that we were allowed to bless them greatly through both words of knowledge and confirming prophecy. After prayer and some hot soup, we left for Frederikstad once again.
As if the farm experience was not blessing enough, when we got back ‘home’ Peter received a phone call just as we were all about to have dinner. It was important so he took the call from a friend and pastor in the Gypsy Church. He had recently returned from Romania where previous prophecy was fulfilled to the great joy of everyone there. However, there was another important prophecy fulfilled there too. A 36 year old mother of 6 children was taken to hospital where she subsequently died. This is confirmed by the fact that the procedure for admitting a dead person to the mortuary requires the issue of a death certificate. The family, all 6 children, went along to the mortuary and asked if they could pray for their mother. The doctor was very sympathetic but said that he was sorry that they had lost their mother but he would arrange counseling etc for them all. The children persisted with their request to pray for their mother because, as they poignantly put it, “We want our mother and we need to pray for her.” The doctor agreed but pointed out that the woman had been dead and in the mortuary for 9 hours. The children prayed and their mother was restored to life and full health before their eyes – and to the complete astonishment of the medical fraternity. Hallelujah \o/
On Thursday, we again travelled about 90 minutes to a Bible School in, or rather just outside a place called Vestfold where they have some 20-odd mostly residential students training for various ministries. We spent quite a long time with many of the students who, despite being Pentecostal, had never been exposed to our type of ministry before but who were, nevertheless once again greatly blessed. I think it would not be an exaggeration to say that for some of them, the fire of the Holy Spirit fell for the first time and they were extraordinarily blessed. We spent a lot of time with each of them and everyone received prayer before we left, rejoicing once again in the goodness of God. The School director exchanged email addresses with us before we left and said that we would be welcome there again when we return in January. Just one wee incident – while at the school we recounted the history of the RoFMI ministry and were asked the question – “So how did you get into Norway?” (meaning how did we get our first contact in Norway). The clever answer came back (to the huge amusement of the students) – “Ryanair”.
We returned home to Reidun & ‘Wrags’ (Robins parents) where they had prepared a full traditional Norwegian Christmas meal for us. Wonderful – no other comment will even begin to describe it.
Friday was an easy day and we drove the 50 minutes into Sweden – something we have all wanted for some time. We went to a supermarket where prices are apparently much lower than in Norway. Sweden & Norway are separated at this Southerly point by a fairly wide wooded gorge with a river flowing through it. There are two bridges – the old bridge and the new one – both toll bridges of course but there is no need for passports and only selective customs activity so we were able to bring back all the chocolate etc with no problem. However, we wanted to pray over Sweden so we stopped right next to the old bridge on the way back. We prayed there for Sweden and Norway and we received quite a lot of revelatory knowledge about various spirits including a suicide spirit resident on the bridge which we were able to come against. We anointed the ground where we prayed and took some remarkable photographs. It was quite late and quite dark but when we reviewed the photos it might as well have been midday and sunny – everything was so clear. It was only the lights on the toll station by the bridge which revealed the true hour at which the photos were taken.
In the evening, we heard about a local, very well known, Gospel artist who was in need of a word from the Lord. Peter received a word for him which he rated as so important that, if the man could not meet us this trip, then Peter said he would fly over there just to meet with him and tell him the Word from God. Confirmation of its importance came when Peter shared just a very small part of the word with us and we all simultaneously felt the touch of the Holy Spirit on us in confirmation. As it turned out the additional trip will not be needed as the man drove from Oslo to meet us then drove back again afterwards. He and Peter spent about an hour together and we heard later that he was so excited by their conversation that he spent over an hour on the phone to the pastor who introduced us on his way back to Oslo !!
Following this, we all had a meal and fellowship with Anita and some of her friends. Once again, the words of knowledge and prophecy flowed for the people we met and all of them were touched including one guy who is not (yet) a committed Christian.
So what is the conclusion after this trip. Well, based on our own experiences and the reactions of all those we met with, Scandinavia is indeed ripe and ready for revival. There is a hunger there which, very sadly, the local church does not seem able or is unwilling/almost scared to satisfy. Many of the things we experience as a matter of course or even as daily events in our ministry are almost alien to those we meet. There is neither the expectation nor the faith for them. However, there is a hunger which cannot be described and which, when the experience is sampled, there is a great rise in both faith and expectation levels.
Peter is off to Brussels next week then we are taking a break til January 7th (Denmark) and 21st (Norway) and we know there are many queuing up to have us fellowship and or minister in their meetings. As Peter said on the way home – 2009 has been the year of opening doors. 2010 will be the year of going through the open doors.
Yes Lord – AMEN & amen.
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
Personal Holiness
A while back, the Lord spoke to me. Fortunately I wrote it all down as He had me re-visit what He said just this morning.
Listen to what the Lord is saying now – “The days are coming when many shall turn to me. Those who doubt now, those who do not believe in Me now, those who have wandered off like lost sheep. I am raising a new end-time army of believers. Those who will believe despite what circumstances scream out to them; those who believe despite and whatever the world throws at them; those who will believe through the worst possible persecution – even unto death. The world is turning against Me”, says the Lord, “ but I already knew this before I laid the foundations of the earth. The world does not realise this, yet even if they did, yet they would still despise Me. And they will despise you too because you speak My Name – because you believe in Me and in the One I sent. Even so,” says the Lord, “because your hope is steadfast and is rooted in Me, yet will I uphold you; yet will I justify you even in the worlds eyes. Do not lose sight of My Kingdom for it shall be your reward. Do not bow the knee to anyone but My Son for He is your saviour. Always remember that I, the Lord God Almighty, love you and I am with you – even to the end of the age. I am your provider. I am your Father. I love you – even you.”
Is this not happening to us right now. Everywhere we turn, the enemy seems to be waiting with one 'problem' or another ready to try to afflict us. Even the Church seems to be ambivalent & yet the Holy Spirit is using us more and more to reach those considered un-reachable - outsiders - mis-fits - yet even these, when confronted by the Lord Jesus Christ, embrace Him with a passion and zeal that puts us and so many of the churches we visit to shame.
The Lord is speaking more and more to me, at least, about personal holiness - about returning to our first love for Him. Is this just me or are you getting that message too? Certainly the time of Amos 8:11 is here NOW. There is a mighty hunger and famine for hearing the Word of the Lord because that which is being preached right now is, in far too many places, 'ear-tickling' that the people want to hear as against that which they need to hear.
What am I saying ??? Be prepared for anything and everything - even unto death. The Lord is going to use any who are willing to lay down their life for Him. The harvest they shall inherit shall be beyond even their wildest dreams. The Lord will honour those who honour Him. Where is our loyalty today? What does scripture say?
"John 12:24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds."
Just one question remains - will you die to self in order to live to Him? Will you return to your first love and give Him everything that you are, everything that you have, everything that you hope, and everything that you want to be? Personally, if there is only a 0.01% chance of me being involved in end-time revival, I will give up everything to be there. Then I will be able to say, like Simeon, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word." Luke 2:29
I Hope I have offended you in some ways! Although this was not my intention when I started, and it was not intended as a sermon, a quote comes to mind - "It is a poor sermon that gives no offense; that neither makes the hearer displeased with himself nor with the preacher" George Whitfield.
So I leave you with this thought - what will you do this day to serve the Lord?
Listen to what the Lord is saying now – “The days are coming when many shall turn to me. Those who doubt now, those who do not believe in Me now, those who have wandered off like lost sheep. I am raising a new end-time army of believers. Those who will believe despite what circumstances scream out to them; those who believe despite and whatever the world throws at them; those who will believe through the worst possible persecution – even unto death. The world is turning against Me”, says the Lord, “ but I already knew this before I laid the foundations of the earth. The world does not realise this, yet even if they did, yet they would still despise Me. And they will despise you too because you speak My Name – because you believe in Me and in the One I sent. Even so,” says the Lord, “because your hope is steadfast and is rooted in Me, yet will I uphold you; yet will I justify you even in the worlds eyes. Do not lose sight of My Kingdom for it shall be your reward. Do not bow the knee to anyone but My Son for He is your saviour. Always remember that I, the Lord God Almighty, love you and I am with you – even to the end of the age. I am your provider. I am your Father. I love you – even you.”
Is this not happening to us right now. Everywhere we turn, the enemy seems to be waiting with one 'problem' or another ready to try to afflict us. Even the Church seems to be ambivalent & yet the Holy Spirit is using us more and more to reach those considered un-reachable - outsiders - mis-fits - yet even these, when confronted by the Lord Jesus Christ, embrace Him with a passion and zeal that puts us and so many of the churches we visit to shame.
The Lord is speaking more and more to me, at least, about personal holiness - about returning to our first love for Him. Is this just me or are you getting that message too? Certainly the time of Amos 8:11 is here NOW. There is a mighty hunger and famine for hearing the Word of the Lord because that which is being preached right now is, in far too many places, 'ear-tickling' that the people want to hear as against that which they need to hear.
What am I saying ??? Be prepared for anything and everything - even unto death. The Lord is going to use any who are willing to lay down their life for Him. The harvest they shall inherit shall be beyond even their wildest dreams. The Lord will honour those who honour Him. Where is our loyalty today? What does scripture say?
"John 12:24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds."
Just one question remains - will you die to self in order to live to Him? Will you return to your first love and give Him everything that you are, everything that you have, everything that you hope, and everything that you want to be? Personally, if there is only a 0.01% chance of me being involved in end-time revival, I will give up everything to be there. Then I will be able to say, like Simeon, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word." Luke 2:29
I Hope I have offended you in some ways! Although this was not my intention when I started, and it was not intended as a sermon, a quote comes to mind - "It is a poor sermon that gives no offense; that neither makes the hearer displeased with himself nor with the preacher" George Whitfield.
So I leave you with this thought - what will you do this day to serve the Lord?
Saturday, 21 November 2009
Revival in Scandinavia
I have just come back from a 4 day, 11 meeting trip to Denmark. This is not so much a trip report as my testimony of what is happening and what is about to happen in Scandinavia.
The RoFMI (Rivers of Fire Ministries International) team has been on 30+ ministry visits since October 2008. In that time, we have been to Norway 4 times and Denmark 7 times – with more visits already in the diary. Why so many? Well, we believe that the Lord has promised us to be used to help bring revival to Scandinavia. Indeed, we believe He has given us a firm timetable of visits up to and including June 2010. So what is our testimony that backs up these claims?
In ministry this year we have seen miraculous healings, events, and words of inspiration and knowledge way beyond normal expectancy. We have seen cancer healed. We have seen people transported into meetings from miles away. We have seen barren-ness healed. We have seen miracles of healing after accidents that have flown in the face of belief and completely baffled the medical profession.
But these are ‘ordinary events’ to some people. What is it that affirms your belief that some sort – any sort of revival is coming to Scandinavia. First of all we have the Word of the Lord. This is backed up by the hunger we see in ordinary people who are becoming more and more desperate for ‘something more’ to life than just life without God and without seeming purpose. We are seeing the established churches in decline and seemingly either unwilling or unable to grasp what the Holy Spirit is quite clearly saying to them. We see the beginnings of revival amongst ‘outsiders’ – traditionally non-church groups like Gypsies and Bikers. People the world shuns yet who, when confronted by the love of Jesus, embrace it with a zeal that puts us all to shame who call ourselves Christians. We also see prophecy coming to pass amongst these groups. Things like people walking in off the street, not even knowing why, yet somehow knowing they have to be in the meeting.
But the clincher for us is an event so like the start of the Hebridean Revival of 1949 that it would shake even those who were part of that wonderful time. Very recently, in Norway, some old ladies were praying for revival. That evening they were joined by someone we know who ‘just happened to be in the area’, and who was invited along. That evening, 24 young people from all over the town, came to their house under conviction of sin asking how they might be saved! These were not one or two groups of young people but one here, two there, maybe even three in one group – but no more. The Holy Spirit not only convicted them of their sin but He led them to the only house in the town where these wonderful old saints were praying for revival.
To me, that seems to be perhaps the start of revival. Please people, please – don’t grieve the Spirit when you see these signs for yourself. Don’t shut Him out. Don’t stop Him. Open your arms and welcome Him. Be still – listen to Him and do whatever He says at whatever the cost. God is no mans debtor – He repays His ‘debts’ both instantly and with added blessing. We need revival not renewal. Renewal is for the church – revival is for the unsaved sinner. Revival is coming – Jesus is coming – soon. Very soon.
The RoFMI (Rivers of Fire Ministries International) team has been on 30+ ministry visits since October 2008. In that time, we have been to Norway 4 times and Denmark 7 times – with more visits already in the diary. Why so many? Well, we believe that the Lord has promised us to be used to help bring revival to Scandinavia. Indeed, we believe He has given us a firm timetable of visits up to and including June 2010. So what is our testimony that backs up these claims?
In ministry this year we have seen miraculous healings, events, and words of inspiration and knowledge way beyond normal expectancy. We have seen cancer healed. We have seen people transported into meetings from miles away. We have seen barren-ness healed. We have seen miracles of healing after accidents that have flown in the face of belief and completely baffled the medical profession.
But these are ‘ordinary events’ to some people. What is it that affirms your belief that some sort – any sort of revival is coming to Scandinavia. First of all we have the Word of the Lord. This is backed up by the hunger we see in ordinary people who are becoming more and more desperate for ‘something more’ to life than just life without God and without seeming purpose. We are seeing the established churches in decline and seemingly either unwilling or unable to grasp what the Holy Spirit is quite clearly saying to them. We see the beginnings of revival amongst ‘outsiders’ – traditionally non-church groups like Gypsies and Bikers. People the world shuns yet who, when confronted by the love of Jesus, embrace it with a zeal that puts us all to shame who call ourselves Christians. We also see prophecy coming to pass amongst these groups. Things like people walking in off the street, not even knowing why, yet somehow knowing they have to be in the meeting.
But the clincher for us is an event so like the start of the Hebridean Revival of 1949 that it would shake even those who were part of that wonderful time. Very recently, in Norway, some old ladies were praying for revival. That evening they were joined by someone we know who ‘just happened to be in the area’, and who was invited along. That evening, 24 young people from all over the town, came to their house under conviction of sin asking how they might be saved! These were not one or two groups of young people but one here, two there, maybe even three in one group – but no more. The Holy Spirit not only convicted them of their sin but He led them to the only house in the town where these wonderful old saints were praying for revival.
To me, that seems to be perhaps the start of revival. Please people, please – don’t grieve the Spirit when you see these signs for yourself. Don’t shut Him out. Don’t stop Him. Open your arms and welcome Him. Be still – listen to Him and do whatever He says at whatever the cost. God is no mans debtor – He repays His ‘debts’ both instantly and with added blessing. We need revival not renewal. Renewal is for the church – revival is for the unsaved sinner. Revival is coming – Jesus is coming – soon. Very soon.
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
In Sickness and in Health
When Jesus says that we, the church, are His Bride, it reminds me of the marriage ceremony I went though with my late wife, Linda, those many years ago. The man who married us was a lovely minister called Rev Tom Earis – I’ve always remembered him because he reflected Jesus to us. Part of the vows we exchanged were “in sickness and in health, until death us do part.”
So it was that I found myself recently in a hospital, some 1500 miles from home, in a foreign country (Spain) being treated for Renal or Kidney Stones. I found I was drugged up quite a lot to quell the pain but in my more lucid moments I also noticed an almost tangible presence of the Lord. I was reminded that the Lord is with us always – ‘in sickness and in health’. He is with us; He speaks to us; He acts for us; He comforts us; He listens to our prayers; He heals us – all because of what Jesus did for us at Calvary 2000 years ago. He is ours and we are His, ‘in sickness and in health’, for ever because there will be no more time, there will be no more ill-ness, no more death, there will only be health and it will last for ever and ever. HALLELUJAH \o/
His presence becomes more noticeable when we are alone with Him – when the world cannot noisily intrude – when He has our complete and undivided attention – when, in fact, we are in that place of utter dependency upon Him. That is when He carries us. That is when He provides for us. That is when He speaks to us and we speak to Him – one on one – at a very personal level.
God never wastes a moment of our time. Whilst in hospital, God sent hurting, damaged people to me, so that I might give them an encouraging Word from Him. Isn’t that astonishing? – He allowed me to be ‘tied down’ so that He could bring people to me. He tied them down with me so that He could minister through me to them because I was in a position to hear Him and talk to them; and they were in a position to listen to the words God had for them through me that day.
Truly God is with us in sickness and in health. He speaks to us in every situation if only we will listen to Him and stay obedient. If we keep our eyes upon Him at all times, He will and does speak to us; He guides us; He loves us through His Holy Spirit. He is our everything, every moment of every day, regardless of the situation we are in. Abba Father God is our everything.
Lets just acknowledge that occasionally – eh ?? What say you ?
So it was that I found myself recently in a hospital, some 1500 miles from home, in a foreign country (Spain) being treated for Renal or Kidney Stones. I found I was drugged up quite a lot to quell the pain but in my more lucid moments I also noticed an almost tangible presence of the Lord. I was reminded that the Lord is with us always – ‘in sickness and in health’. He is with us; He speaks to us; He acts for us; He comforts us; He listens to our prayers; He heals us – all because of what Jesus did for us at Calvary 2000 years ago. He is ours and we are His, ‘in sickness and in health’, for ever because there will be no more time, there will be no more ill-ness, no more death, there will only be health and it will last for ever and ever. HALLELUJAH \o/
His presence becomes more noticeable when we are alone with Him – when the world cannot noisily intrude – when He has our complete and undivided attention – when, in fact, we are in that place of utter dependency upon Him. That is when He carries us. That is when He provides for us. That is when He speaks to us and we speak to Him – one on one – at a very personal level.
God never wastes a moment of our time. Whilst in hospital, God sent hurting, damaged people to me, so that I might give them an encouraging Word from Him. Isn’t that astonishing? – He allowed me to be ‘tied down’ so that He could bring people to me. He tied them down with me so that He could minister through me to them because I was in a position to hear Him and talk to them; and they were in a position to listen to the words God had for them through me that day.
Truly God is with us in sickness and in health. He speaks to us in every situation if only we will listen to Him and stay obedient. If we keep our eyes upon Him at all times, He will and does speak to us; He guides us; He loves us through His Holy Spirit. He is our everything, every moment of every day, regardless of the situation we are in. Abba Father God is our everything.
Lets just acknowledge that occasionally – eh ?? What say you ?
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
Miracles Today ??
Do miracles happen today – You better believe they do !!
Lets first have a look at one of Jesus’ miracles - the Woman with Issue of Blood
Mark 5:25-34 “And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" - "You see the people crowding against you," his disciples answered, "and yet you can ask, 'Who touched me?' " But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."
Did this woman deserve her healing? Probably not - although she would almost certainly win any sympathy vote. Did Jesus in any way reject her for her actions? No. Quite simply, she needed a touch from Him and she reached out to Him. She only needed just that one touch.
These are some stories of others who have reached out to touch Jesus. They are taken from two very small ministries – RoFMI & Jesus Will Heal You.
Little Peter – a baby thought to have no chance of survival – now a bouncing and energetic toddler. His Grandmother brought only a photograph to be prayed over.
Christian – Christian is an octogenarian. He had cancer. The doctors had given up on him – he had reluctantly laid down his ministry. His family refused to give up on him. Now he is completely restored and leading a house group with all the energy of a much younger man.
Frank – a biker badly injured in an accident. One leg shorter than the other – spine beginning to twist. We watched his leg grow back out and his back and shoulders straighten. He is now back on his Harley Davidson, ministering to bikers all over Europe.
Tove – a housewife with circulatory problems. God has given her a new heart !!
Steven – son of a pastor. Hurt in a kite-surfing accident when the wind dropped him on to a hard beach and then dragged him along. Thought to have broken his neck & his back. Miraculous healing from injuries. Now perfect.
Tracey & Ruben – FIRST Ruben was transported into a meeting having broken down on several miles away. NEXT, they received a prophecy about children. NOW they are expecting their first baby – despite doctors telling them they had “no chance” !!
Buildings in Lorca – A pastor in Lorca, Spain had a prophecy about new buildings and a ministry among refugees & migrants. Within three weeks, the towns mayor offered them a building next to the Immigration offices !! Now their ministry is reaching out to and helping many people.
WWW.Jesuswillhealyou.com – This web site offers prayer and encouragement to those seeking healing. In six months since the launched, they have received thousands of emails from all over the world – about 200 per week – and praise reports of hundreds of wonderful healings.
A lady in Glasgow had cancer, She emailed Jesuswillhealyou.com. She received prayer. Now she is free of cancer.
Another lady in Walton, nr London had suicidal depression. She emailed Jesuswillhealyou.com. She received prayer. Now she is free and praising God for her new-found salvation.
A baby in the Phillipines, born with cancer. A single email asking for prayer to Jesuswillhealyou.com and he is now reported completely healed.
Matthew 4:23 “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” He is still doing it today.
Did any of these people deserve to have God heal them? I don’t know but probably not. Were some of these people more righteous than others? Again, I don’t know but probably some had a higher level of faith while others had no faith at all.
Were all of these people in need of a touch from God ? YES they were. Did they get their touch & if so, how did they receive it? YES they did - All of them came to Him in one way or another. Some prayed, some were simply brought to Him. Others, like the woman in the story, reached out to touch Him.
What difference did it make? NONE whatsoever – the Bible tells us that Jesus healed every one. In a way – they all reached out to Him to touch the hem of His garment.
Do you want to reach out to Jesus – perhaps touch just the hem of His garment today? Can anyone pray for you today?
Email me Chris RoFMI cgb.rofmi@ntlworld.com or go to http://www.jesuswillhealyou.com and leave your prayer request today.
Lets first have a look at one of Jesus’ miracles - the Woman with Issue of Blood
Mark 5:25-34 “And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" - "You see the people crowding against you," his disciples answered, "and yet you can ask, 'Who touched me?' " But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."
Did this woman deserve her healing? Probably not - although she would almost certainly win any sympathy vote. Did Jesus in any way reject her for her actions? No. Quite simply, she needed a touch from Him and she reached out to Him. She only needed just that one touch.
These are some stories of others who have reached out to touch Jesus. They are taken from two very small ministries – RoFMI & Jesus Will Heal You.
Little Peter – a baby thought to have no chance of survival – now a bouncing and energetic toddler. His Grandmother brought only a photograph to be prayed over.
Christian – Christian is an octogenarian. He had cancer. The doctors had given up on him – he had reluctantly laid down his ministry. His family refused to give up on him. Now he is completely restored and leading a house group with all the energy of a much younger man.
Frank – a biker badly injured in an accident. One leg shorter than the other – spine beginning to twist. We watched his leg grow back out and his back and shoulders straighten. He is now back on his Harley Davidson, ministering to bikers all over Europe.
Tove – a housewife with circulatory problems. God has given her a new heart !!
Steven – son of a pastor. Hurt in a kite-surfing accident when the wind dropped him on to a hard beach and then dragged him along. Thought to have broken his neck & his back. Miraculous healing from injuries. Now perfect.
Tracey & Ruben – FIRST Ruben was transported into a meeting having broken down on several miles away. NEXT, they received a prophecy about children. NOW they are expecting their first baby – despite doctors telling them they had “no chance” !!
Buildings in Lorca – A pastor in Lorca, Spain had a prophecy about new buildings and a ministry among refugees & migrants. Within three weeks, the towns mayor offered them a building next to the Immigration offices !! Now their ministry is reaching out to and helping many people.
WWW.Jesuswillhealyou.com – This web site offers prayer and encouragement to those seeking healing. In six months since the launched, they have received thousands of emails from all over the world – about 200 per week – and praise reports of hundreds of wonderful healings.
A lady in Glasgow had cancer, She emailed Jesuswillhealyou.com. She received prayer. Now she is free of cancer.
Another lady in Walton, nr London had suicidal depression. She emailed Jesuswillhealyou.com. She received prayer. Now she is free and praising God for her new-found salvation.
A baby in the Phillipines, born with cancer. A single email asking for prayer to Jesuswillhealyou.com and he is now reported completely healed.
Matthew 4:23 “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” He is still doing it today.
Did any of these people deserve to have God heal them? I don’t know but probably not. Were some of these people more righteous than others? Again, I don’t know but probably some had a higher level of faith while others had no faith at all.
Were all of these people in need of a touch from God ? YES they were. Did they get their touch & if so, how did they receive it? YES they did - All of them came to Him in one way or another. Some prayed, some were simply brought to Him. Others, like the woman in the story, reached out to touch Him.
What difference did it make? NONE whatsoever – the Bible tells us that Jesus healed every one. In a way – they all reached out to Him to touch the hem of His garment.
Do you want to reach out to Jesus – perhaps touch just the hem of His garment today? Can anyone pray for you today?
Email me Chris RoFMI cgb.rofmi@ntlworld.com or go to http://www.jesuswillhealyou.com and leave your prayer request today.
Monday, 5 October 2009
Ear Tickling must STOP
How many of you have a computer at home or at work? And how many of you use your computer to ‘look up’ things on the web. How many of you know that the initials of the World Wide Web have great significance? How about this then – in Hebrew script the letter W is Vov so it becomes not the WWW but the vov vov vov. It looks like a number 7. This in turn when translated from Hebrew is also 666 !! Interesting eh ??
Have you noticed the amount of ‘questionable prophecy’ around at the moment?
1 Corinthians 14:3-4 “But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.”
This is getting quite serious. Huge amounts of prophecy, or so-called prophecy, most of it coming out of America, and some other places, is being hailed with such words as,
“So-and-so shares a great word for breakthrough - especially financial breakthrough and .......”
And again - “God wants to use your current situation to bless you and release finances and favour into your life.”
This “wonderful” prophetic word is being put out over the whole World Wide Web as being the latest “encouraging now-word for YOU in your current situation.” The prophecy is then absolutely lapped up by the readers and they love it – its what they wanted to hear right now. In the current financial market, who doesn’t want to hear that God is on their side and is going to look on them with favour and increase their finances??
As I read this today, the Lord asked me a question. He said this, “Hmm – looks good doesn’t it? But tell me, how does this edify, or encourage, or strengthen My people in Africa or India or China?” The penny dropped quite quickly – I was reading a ‘word’ aimed especially for the people of America - perhaps Europe too – yet here it was going out all around the world to ‘every tribe & tongue’. Looking back, I noticed that this was one of many similar words given out from America. Words that look good, even popularist, that would please the listening American audience. Please don’t get me wrong here – I am NOT having a go at the USA here. I am bemoaning the ear-tickling peddlers of good news who use the system by giving their audience exactly what they want to hear - “Its going to be all right – cos God is on YOUR side and fighting YOUR corner.” And the huge majority of it is coming from – you got it – the USA. The fact that these people might also line their own pockets, by increasing demand for their speaking engagements because they speak a popular message, is almost beside the point isn’t it?
Have you not noticed that the number of ‘ear ticklers’ is increasing? Almost everyone rising to popularity in the Christian Media in America is an Ear Tickler ! Even well loved and internationally known big ministries bearing much fruit occasionally slip into ear tickling mode. Listen to what the Word says about this :-
2Tim 4:1-5 “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.”
Why would people “turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths”? Because they are hearing a message that they really want to hear. Its not the message they need to hear but it is one that they want to hear.
This is all so sad. The Lord must be so very sad watching all of this happen. When I mentioned earlier that He had asked me questions about what I was reading, I thought then that He sounded a little sad – resigned - almost expecting this situation. But then, He is God. He knew this would happen. That doesn’t stop Him being sad about it though – does it? He will, after all, have the final word when He judges us.
As the scripture says, “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” So – Please – Stop all this ‘ear tickling’ nonsense. Let our prophecy be for the strengthening, encouragement and comfort of the church – the Bride of Christ. Please let us return to prophecy that is from the Lord and not that which comes from ourselves.
CGB
5 Oct 2009
Have you noticed the amount of ‘questionable prophecy’ around at the moment?
1 Corinthians 14:3-4 “But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.”
This is getting quite serious. Huge amounts of prophecy, or so-called prophecy, most of it coming out of America, and some other places, is being hailed with such words as,
“So-and-so shares a great word for breakthrough - especially financial breakthrough and .......”
And again - “God wants to use your current situation to bless you and release finances and favour into your life.”
This “wonderful” prophetic word is being put out over the whole World Wide Web as being the latest “encouraging now-word for YOU in your current situation.” The prophecy is then absolutely lapped up by the readers and they love it – its what they wanted to hear right now. In the current financial market, who doesn’t want to hear that God is on their side and is going to look on them with favour and increase their finances??
As I read this today, the Lord asked me a question. He said this, “Hmm – looks good doesn’t it? But tell me, how does this edify, or encourage, or strengthen My people in Africa or India or China?” The penny dropped quite quickly – I was reading a ‘word’ aimed especially for the people of America - perhaps Europe too – yet here it was going out all around the world to ‘every tribe & tongue’. Looking back, I noticed that this was one of many similar words given out from America. Words that look good, even popularist, that would please the listening American audience. Please don’t get me wrong here – I am NOT having a go at the USA here. I am bemoaning the ear-tickling peddlers of good news who use the system by giving their audience exactly what they want to hear - “Its going to be all right – cos God is on YOUR side and fighting YOUR corner.” And the huge majority of it is coming from – you got it – the USA. The fact that these people might also line their own pockets, by increasing demand for their speaking engagements because they speak a popular message, is almost beside the point isn’t it?
Have you not noticed that the number of ‘ear ticklers’ is increasing? Almost everyone rising to popularity in the Christian Media in America is an Ear Tickler ! Even well loved and internationally known big ministries bearing much fruit occasionally slip into ear tickling mode. Listen to what the Word says about this :-
2Tim 4:1-5 “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.”
Why would people “turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths”? Because they are hearing a message that they really want to hear. Its not the message they need to hear but it is one that they want to hear.
This is all so sad. The Lord must be so very sad watching all of this happen. When I mentioned earlier that He had asked me questions about what I was reading, I thought then that He sounded a little sad – resigned - almost expecting this situation. But then, He is God. He knew this would happen. That doesn’t stop Him being sad about it though – does it? He will, after all, have the final word when He judges us.
As the scripture says, “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” So – Please – Stop all this ‘ear tickling’ nonsense. Let our prophecy be for the strengthening, encouragement and comfort of the church – the Bride of Christ. Please let us return to prophecy that is from the Lord and not that which comes from ourselves.
CGB
5 Oct 2009
Sunday, 4 October 2009
The X Factor
There is so much worldly nonsense on TV at the moment – all vying for the inevitable viewing figures. Each one subjecting ordinary people to stress and pressure like nowhere else on earth. One of the main contenders for Stress Program of the Year must be The X-Factor, which pits some very talented unknown singers against each other in a bid to display the elusive X-factor to judges and public alike and win the $million prize plus the coveted recording contract.
This week, the program plumbed new depths by introducing even more greed, jealousy, and covetousness into proceedings. The program was filmed in the garden of the presenter’s wonderful California home. Huge palace of a place, it had several acres of lush green ‘gardens’, almost Olympic sized swimming pool, plus all the trimmings of the very rich. This place had the lot and it was hung like a carrot before contestants saying – “look what you too could own with a bit of fame and fortune if you win X Factor”.
Well it started me thinking about some of the things Jesus spoke to us about and, eventually I arrived at Matthew 16:13-28. This is where Jesus starts by asking the disciples for their views about Himself. Verses 13-20 “When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." - "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.”
Who do we say Jesus is? Do we say He was a prophet? Do we say He was a good man of God? Or do we say, like Simon Peter, “He is the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This view of Jesus can only come to us from God’s Holy Spirit, who leads us into all truth. This question and answer is followed by the first Word for the Church which was to be built around Simon Peter – “.. I will build My church and the Gates of Hades will not overcome it!” The Church will never be overcome by the world or by Hell – that is Gods promise to us.
Then, Jesus goes on to reveal even more about His death. Verses 21-28 “From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!" Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."
There is an interesting little scene played out here too. When Jesus explains His death, Simon Peter takes Him to one side and berates Him !! But Jesus, who just 2 minutes earlier had prophesied that this man would be the Rock on which the Church would be built, says to him “Get behind me Satan !... you have the mind of men not of God.” Having said this, though, Jesus went on to explain that if we are to come after Him, then we too must take up our cross and follow Him. He adds a very important rider to this by saying, “What good will it do a man if he gains the whole world but forfeits his soul? What can a man give in exchange for his soul?”
At this point my mind went back to the X Factor – what good will it be to any one of those contestants if they win the prize at the cost of their soul? God reminded me that this is why the x Factor is so aptly named. The X-Factor comes into play when we forget about the cross of Christ as we pursue the things of the world. The X-Factor ?? That’ll be the Cross. That’ll be Jesus - hung there to die for you and me. That’ll be salvation for our souls – Hallelujah \o/
This week, the program plumbed new depths by introducing even more greed, jealousy, and covetousness into proceedings. The program was filmed in the garden of the presenter’s wonderful California home. Huge palace of a place, it had several acres of lush green ‘gardens’, almost Olympic sized swimming pool, plus all the trimmings of the very rich. This place had the lot and it was hung like a carrot before contestants saying – “look what you too could own with a bit of fame and fortune if you win X Factor”.
Well it started me thinking about some of the things Jesus spoke to us about and, eventually I arrived at Matthew 16:13-28. This is where Jesus starts by asking the disciples for their views about Himself. Verses 13-20 “When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." - "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.”
Who do we say Jesus is? Do we say He was a prophet? Do we say He was a good man of God? Or do we say, like Simon Peter, “He is the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This view of Jesus can only come to us from God’s Holy Spirit, who leads us into all truth. This question and answer is followed by the first Word for the Church which was to be built around Simon Peter – “.. I will build My church and the Gates of Hades will not overcome it!” The Church will never be overcome by the world or by Hell – that is Gods promise to us.
Then, Jesus goes on to reveal even more about His death. Verses 21-28 “From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!" Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."
There is an interesting little scene played out here too. When Jesus explains His death, Simon Peter takes Him to one side and berates Him !! But Jesus, who just 2 minutes earlier had prophesied that this man would be the Rock on which the Church would be built, says to him “Get behind me Satan !... you have the mind of men not of God.” Having said this, though, Jesus went on to explain that if we are to come after Him, then we too must take up our cross and follow Him. He adds a very important rider to this by saying, “What good will it do a man if he gains the whole world but forfeits his soul? What can a man give in exchange for his soul?”
At this point my mind went back to the X Factor – what good will it be to any one of those contestants if they win the prize at the cost of their soul? God reminded me that this is why the x Factor is so aptly named. The X-Factor comes into play when we forget about the cross of Christ as we pursue the things of the world. The X-Factor ?? That’ll be the Cross. That’ll be Jesus - hung there to die for you and me. That’ll be salvation for our souls – Hallelujah \o/
Saturday, 3 October 2009
Signs of the Times 2
What a week we’ve had. All sorts of doom and gloom in the news. Typhoons, earthquakes, tsunamis – all kinds of natural disasters. Thousands killed and hundreds of thousands homeless. Talk about a confirmation of the Signs of the Times that Jesus spoke about in Matthew 16:2-4. A body could get weary of listening to it all – sombre faced TV news casters giving out all this bad news. Not a trace of good news anywhere – except perhaps for Brazil as they “won” the vote for the 2016 Olympics.
So then, as Christians, what are we supposed to do?
Well actually the Bible is quite clear on that. Take a look at Romans 8:18-39
Paul says this “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. ...... in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. “
Whatever we are going through right now will be more than compensated for us when we are revealed as sons of God. Sons of God !! What a promise. Then he goes on to say this (particularly relevant today)
“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.....as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.”
So thats what all these natural disasters are – creation groaning as we await our adoption as sons and the redemption of our bodies – the Rapture !!
“For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”
This is almost the same as Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Our hope is in our faith and our faith is our hope !!
“....but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.....in accordance with God's will.”
Hang on – this is a glorious promise, that the Holy Spirit is in intercession on our behalf – He is praying for US !!!
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,”
One of the great and most quoted verses of scripture. Yes, we KNOW that God works in ALL things for our good. This is why we praise Him in ALL things – in the good times we praise Him – in the bad times we praise Him. Our praises rise like incense before His throne – He inhabits our praises !! What else do we want?
“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”
Another wonderful promise of scripture here. Those who He foreknew, thats ALL of us, are predestined to be like Jesus, we are called, justified, and glorified before God. Hallelujah \o/
“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”
Why do we worry so much? God is our provider – Jehovah-Jireh God our provider. He will provide all things for His children.
“Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns?”
If God has justified us, who then can condemn us. Satan will certainly try but all we need to do is to quote this verse back to him. He was defeated once and for all time at Calvary – he cannot condemn us or defeat us if we trust God.
“Christ Jesus, who died - more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”
Yes – Jesus is sitting right beside God interceding for us. We have the Holy Spirit doing so on one hand ‘with groans that words cannot express’, and Jesus doing so on the other hand. We have got it made !!!
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? "
This is the beginning of perhaps the greatest statement Paul ever made regarding our position in Christ. None of these things can separate us from Him.
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Not only that but we are already ‘more than conquerors’ through Jesus because He loves us.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
On a personal note – these two verses (Roman 8:38-39) were the first two verses that ever struck me as I started on my Christian journey. There is such a wonderful promise here, written with such power and conviction – How can anyone ever doubt after reading these amazing words of faith and promise.
My message in all this is simple – take heart for the Kingdom of God is so much nearer than you may believe. Despite all the doom and gloom – despite the economy – despite the job situation – despite the natural disasters – and despite all the ‘sabre rattling’ of nation against nation. Jesus is coming again soon but until that glorious day we have these promises of scripture upon which to hold and stand firm.
So then, as Christians, what are we supposed to do?
Well actually the Bible is quite clear on that. Take a look at Romans 8:18-39
Paul says this “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. ...... in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. “
Whatever we are going through right now will be more than compensated for us when we are revealed as sons of God. Sons of God !! What a promise. Then he goes on to say this (particularly relevant today)
“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.....as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.”
So thats what all these natural disasters are – creation groaning as we await our adoption as sons and the redemption of our bodies – the Rapture !!
“For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”
This is almost the same as Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Our hope is in our faith and our faith is our hope !!
“....but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.....in accordance with God's will.”
Hang on – this is a glorious promise, that the Holy Spirit is in intercession on our behalf – He is praying for US !!!
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,”
One of the great and most quoted verses of scripture. Yes, we KNOW that God works in ALL things for our good. This is why we praise Him in ALL things – in the good times we praise Him – in the bad times we praise Him. Our praises rise like incense before His throne – He inhabits our praises !! What else do we want?
“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”
Another wonderful promise of scripture here. Those who He foreknew, thats ALL of us, are predestined to be like Jesus, we are called, justified, and glorified before God. Hallelujah \o/
“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”
Why do we worry so much? God is our provider – Jehovah-Jireh God our provider. He will provide all things for His children.
“Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns?”
If God has justified us, who then can condemn us. Satan will certainly try but all we need to do is to quote this verse back to him. He was defeated once and for all time at Calvary – he cannot condemn us or defeat us if we trust God.
“Christ Jesus, who died - more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”
Yes – Jesus is sitting right beside God interceding for us. We have the Holy Spirit doing so on one hand ‘with groans that words cannot express’, and Jesus doing so on the other hand. We have got it made !!!
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? "
This is the beginning of perhaps the greatest statement Paul ever made regarding our position in Christ. None of these things can separate us from Him.
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Not only that but we are already ‘more than conquerors’ through Jesus because He loves us.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
On a personal note – these two verses (Roman 8:38-39) were the first two verses that ever struck me as I started on my Christian journey. There is such a wonderful promise here, written with such power and conviction – How can anyone ever doubt after reading these amazing words of faith and promise.
My message in all this is simple – take heart for the Kingdom of God is so much nearer than you may believe. Despite all the doom and gloom – despite the economy – despite the job situation – despite the natural disasters – and despite all the ‘sabre rattling’ of nation against nation. Jesus is coming again soon but until that glorious day we have these promises of scripture upon which to hold and stand firm.
Friday, 2 October 2009
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
2nd October 2009 – what a week this has been !
More storms with not just one but two typhoons in the Philippines. This led to floods there and great destruction by the wind. More earthquakes with not just one but three seriously big ones around the world, leading to massive destruction. There has even been another tsunami in the Tonga area of the Pacific Islands again causing huge floods and destruction. The number of dead in all of this will probably be in the thousands. The number of homeless, those having lost everything, will number in the hundreds of thousands.
As if this were not enough, we have had Iran & North Korea threatening to produce nuclear weapons of mass destruction – as if the weather needs a helping hand – and threats are made against many nations; in particular against Israel.
Finally, we have more stories of crazed gunmen getting into schools and worst of all, threatening messages spewing out all their bile and hatred purporting to come from well known terrorists.
Have I rung any bells for you yet? Let me give you one final hint
Mark 13:8 (Amplified Version)
“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines and calamities. This is but the beginning of the intolerable anguish and suffering only the first of the birth pangs.”
Even now, there is more talk about a single European currency; a single European President; the demise of America into 6 pieces and total loss of position as a world power. All of these things point to One World Order ! Ten world leaders and one super-leader. That is to say, TEN boastful horns and Antichrist – Daniel 7 ....
You will no doubt be pleased to know that none of this has come as a surprise to God. In fact I believe He was rather expecting it. You see, some 2000 years ago, Jesus said, “When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah." Jesus then left them and went away.”
Matthew 16:2-4
Surprisingly, Jesus meant exactly that when He said “you cannot interpret the signs of the times.” and again when He said “A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah." So the question remains ...... Have you worked it all out yet? Four little words – that’s all.
“SIGNS OF THE TIMES”
There has never been clearer indication of the signs of the times. The Lord has never spoken more clearly to His prophets. Amos 3:7 “Surely the Lord God will do nothing without revealing His secret to His servants the prophets.” What more do you want to hear?
It is very simple, there’s no rocket science here. The Lord is saying very very clearly “Get ready. Be prepared. I am coming again SOON.” Will you be one of the 5 foolish virgins?
Matthew 25:1-13
"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
"At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'
"Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'
" 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'
"But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
"Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!'
"But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.'
"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
CGB October 2009
© Chris Bennett 2009
More storms with not just one but two typhoons in the Philippines. This led to floods there and great destruction by the wind. More earthquakes with not just one but three seriously big ones around the world, leading to massive destruction. There has even been another tsunami in the Tonga area of the Pacific Islands again causing huge floods and destruction. The number of dead in all of this will probably be in the thousands. The number of homeless, those having lost everything, will number in the hundreds of thousands.
As if this were not enough, we have had Iran & North Korea threatening to produce nuclear weapons of mass destruction – as if the weather needs a helping hand – and threats are made against many nations; in particular against Israel.
Finally, we have more stories of crazed gunmen getting into schools and worst of all, threatening messages spewing out all their bile and hatred purporting to come from well known terrorists.
Have I rung any bells for you yet? Let me give you one final hint
Mark 13:8 (Amplified Version)
“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines and calamities. This is but the beginning of the intolerable anguish and suffering only the first of the birth pangs.”
Even now, there is more talk about a single European currency; a single European President; the demise of America into 6 pieces and total loss of position as a world power. All of these things point to One World Order ! Ten world leaders and one super-leader. That is to say, TEN boastful horns and Antichrist – Daniel 7 ....
You will no doubt be pleased to know that none of this has come as a surprise to God. In fact I believe He was rather expecting it. You see, some 2000 years ago, Jesus said, “When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah." Jesus then left them and went away.”
Matthew 16:2-4
Surprisingly, Jesus meant exactly that when He said “you cannot interpret the signs of the times.” and again when He said “A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah." So the question remains ...... Have you worked it all out yet? Four little words – that’s all.
“SIGNS OF THE TIMES”
There has never been clearer indication of the signs of the times. The Lord has never spoken more clearly to His prophets. Amos 3:7 “Surely the Lord God will do nothing without revealing His secret to His servants the prophets.” What more do you want to hear?
It is very simple, there’s no rocket science here. The Lord is saying very very clearly “Get ready. Be prepared. I am coming again SOON.” Will you be one of the 5 foolish virgins?
Matthew 25:1-13
"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
"At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'
"Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'
" 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'
"But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
"Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!'
"But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.'
"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
CGB October 2009
© Chris Bennett 2009
Friday, 18 September 2009
A Word of encouragement for this time
Listen to what the Lord is saying now – “The days are coming when many shall turn to me. Those who doubt now, those who do not believe in Me now, those who have wandered off like lost sheep. I am raising a new end-time army of believers.
Those who will believe despite what circumstances scream out to them;
those who believe despite and whatever the world throws at them;
those who will believe through the worst possible persecution – even unto death.
The world is turning against Me”, says the Lord, “ but I already knew this before I laid the foundations of the earth. The world does not realise this, yet even if they did, yet they would still despise Me. And they will despise you too because you speak My Name – because you believe in Me and in the One I sent.
Even so,” says the Lord, “because your hope is steadfast and is rooted in Me, yet will I uphold you; yet will I justify you even in the worlds eyes.
Do not lose sight of My Kingdom for it shall be your reward.
Do not bow the knee to anyone but My Son for He is your saviour.
Always remember that I, the Lord God Almighty, love you and I am with you – even to the end of the age. I am your provider. I am your Father. I love you – even you.”
cgb
© Chris Bennett 2009
Those who will believe despite what circumstances scream out to them;
those who believe despite and whatever the world throws at them;
those who will believe through the worst possible persecution – even unto death.
The world is turning against Me”, says the Lord, “ but I already knew this before I laid the foundations of the earth. The world does not realise this, yet even if they did, yet they would still despise Me. And they will despise you too because you speak My Name – because you believe in Me and in the One I sent.
Even so,” says the Lord, “because your hope is steadfast and is rooted in Me, yet will I uphold you; yet will I justify you even in the worlds eyes.
Do not lose sight of My Kingdom for it shall be your reward.
Do not bow the knee to anyone but My Son for He is your saviour.
Always remember that I, the Lord God Almighty, love you and I am with you – even to the end of the age. I am your provider. I am your Father. I love you – even you.”
cgb
© Chris Bennett 2009
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
RoFMI Ministry Trip to Denmark September 2009
After a two month break the team consisting of Peter, Jean & Keith Perrin, and myself set out once again for Denmark. Little did any of us realise what a significant trip this would be – but more of that later. This was Jean & Keith’s first trip with RoFMI. The trip was to include a seminar on Spiritual Warfare and, as Jean & Keith worked for Derek Prince Ministries for a few years, they were our first choice. Also, just for a change, I went along as camera man and gopher with no speaking schedule at all – So why did I lose my voice when we came back ???
So off we went, bright and early on Thursday the 10th September. Safe flight negotiated, we started with a tour of Copenhagen for Jean & Keith as they had not been there before. After lunch back at Pinsekirken in Korsor, with our hosts Pastors Maureen & Preben Westh, we set off for Bo & Bente Schultz who have a home church close to Copenhagen. About 18 people turned up including visiting pastors from other local churches.
So Peter kicked off with several testimonies of miraculous happenings – like the man who spoke very little English who started to translate for us when the young lady assigned to the job could no longer do so; or the barren woman who was prophesied to have children and is now pregnant; or the elderly man healed of cancer with his ministry completely restored. There were other examples too. As Peter explained, the Jesus of the Bible is still the same today – the Jesus who calmed the storm and stilled the wind is the same Jesus working His miracles today. He spoke about knowing our authority in Christ. He called for words of knowledge and prophecy to everyone present and a lengthy period of ministry followed with several people receiving either prophecy or deliverance from oppression and bondage.
On Friday morning we did something different – we had a tour of Korsor as, although we have stayed there five times in all, we have never had a look round the town. After lunch we set out for Lohals, a town on Langeland where we have visited before. Pastor Sven-Ole was there to greet us all (about 10 people went) so quite a few of us gathered for a time of anointed praise and worship. Jean was first up with a testimony then Peter spoke on Simeon and how he “saw the salvation of the Lord” – that passage of the Word that gives us the words for Nunc Dimitis “Lord now let thy servant depart in peace . . . . “
Peter went on to describe what happened at the Gospel Channel in Iceland and prophesied that similar things were about to be birthed in Langeland. He said Langeland is blessed because “God has chosen it a s a place of residence” He addressed the doubts of some older people there by pointing to Reg Chapman and Arthur Burt – two 90+ year olds still working and bearing much fruit for the Lord in old age. He pointed out that Arthur Burt – an assistant to Smith Wigglesworth – has been promised by the Lord that “you will see the end-time revival” and that therefore, time must be quite short !! He closed by saying that all of this is Gods Promise.
There followed an anointed time of prophecy, words of knowledge and ministry. Peter was given a very strange song to sing – “I’m gonna wash that man right out of my hair” !! Very odd until we learned the reasons behind the song. We were also taken back to a prophecy we had given some time ago about revival fires standing ready but unlit all around Langeland. We saw angels standing ready to light the fires and we were instructed by the Lord to release the angels to light the revival fires on the island. This was one of those precious moments when everyone present seemed to be deeply affected by the anointing and presence of God in that place.
Saturday – Seminar day on Spiritual Warfare. Quite a few people came to Pinsekirken for this teaching event from a lot of churches throughout the southern half of Denmark. Pastor Preben had put in a great deal of work to ensure that many came along to hear it all. Keith and Jean shared the teaching over three sessions but we only really scratched the surface as the full teaching could take around 9-12 hours and we only had three sessions of just over an hour’s teaching. They explained why and how Christians can have demons, how they attach, who they are, why they stay, and their authority to do so !! We were also taught about our authority to deal with them. We learned about the cause and power of curses, self-imposed and spoken by others including those from God or from Satan. There was a protracted ministry session afterwards and many people were prayed for and helped – released. Lots of smiling faces.
After dinner with Maureen & Preben, Peter Jean, & Keith went round to visit a family living close by whom we had met before. They had a blessed time of fellowship and prayer with Tony, Ohn, and their daughter Nanna. While they were there, I stayed with Preben to sort out some ‘admin’ and to discuss future visits. We will be going back a couple of times just to meet folk in their homes and fellowship with them there. This is a new departure for us but we feel led to do so by the Lord and the people certainly want and appreciate it – especially those who may be sick or otherwise unable to come to church when we are there. A little more of this later.
On Sunday, Jean & Keith stayed in Pinsekirken, while Peter and I went to Kalundborg, where we visited last time over there. Pastor Jonah and his lovely wife were there to greet us with their children. We discovered that, in accordance with prophecy previously given to them, new people have indeed joined them. One man, a teacher, had applied for over 350 jobs in Denmark and Sweden. The man is a theology graduate and speaks six languages fluently. He saw the job in Kalundborg and say it had to be a written application – no email ones would be accepted. He called and they welcomed his call and said they would accept an email application and he got the job with no trouble at all – Gods provision for him and the church there. Also, on Sunday morning. A young lady came for the first time. She was from Romania and her testimony is astonishing. Told by her church in Romania that if she did not cover her head in church, she would go to hell AND taught that women must not only sit apart from the men in church but MUST remain silent or be thrown out and again, presumably, also being consigned to hell again. See a little later for her testimony. Suffice to say now that it is very moving example of how God’s hand protects us.
Peter spoke to the people about how God loves them and regards them as beautiful no matter what the world may say to or about them. He updated them with testimonies and prophesies given last time we were there. His theme was simply “Come unto me all who are heavy laden . . . “ He explained that God is a God of ‘suddenlies’ because God used Jesus to pay the price for us with His precious Blood. He explained that God crucifies us, (the team), daily so that we can bring His love to people. Prayer and ministry followed.
Sunday evening Peter was up again and he started by going over the visit so far. He encouraged people by reminding them of Jeans testimony of God’s love; he told them of the word he had for the pastor of the local Lutheran (State) Church about prayer meetings in their church – about “re-digging the old wells of the old established churches in Denmark – Lutherans and Baptists in particular. He said that God “Will sweep through those churches – changing everything, even their constitution ”!!
He then startled some people by calling for testimonies from some unsuspecting saints. Pastor Hans-Ole Kofoed gave his testimony of fulfilled promises and prophecy. Then came Dorina, the young lady from Romania who I mentioned earlier. When she was younger, her mother was unable to look after her and she was transferred into a local orphanage. At age 10, the orphanage was approached by a Romanian agency who wanted to send the children on holidays to Italy. People were lined up for each child. However, because her mother was unable to sign the appropriate form, Dorina was not allowed to go !! It turned out that the ‘holiday’ was a scam. The host families in Italy didn’t exist and the purpose was to gain children so as to remove their vital organs for organ sale/donation purposes !! Dorina completed her education and now speaks 6 languages and is working in Kalundborg. She came to the church that morning because they have a man preacher !! As Peter pointed out, we had met her in the morning and by the evening, she had come to church without a headscarf AND she had just spoken and addressed the church !! Her face when she realised these things was a picture. Our God is a wonderful God.
So finally to Monday. Before we cam e home we had three visits lined up. We visited Pastor Kofoed in his church in Ringsted – a town about half way to Copenhagen and the airport. We had a short time of prayer and fellowship there. Then we went on to a man called Frank who is a serious biker (Harley Davidson’s!!) He came to the Lord a while ago and is involved in the Biker Church – a group who ride around the country taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ to fellow unsaved bikers. He had a serious accident 5 or 6 years ago and has been unable to ride since then. We prayed for his healing and are awaiting an update although I do have to tell you that I watched his leg grow about half an inch and I watched his shoulders completely straighten while we prayed !! Hallelujah. Finally, we popped into the main hospital in Copenhagen where a lady in Preben’s church has had a heart operation and is waiting for a pacemaker to be implanted. We had another anointed time with her in fellowship and prayer.
So home we came, full of praise for our wonderful God & Saviour. We know we will go back many times and indeed Dates in November, December, and January are already under discussion – mainly for home fellowship and individual visits.
Lead on Lord – we are willing. Next up – we are doing the same seminar for the C of E in Romford, London (Essex) next weekend !!
So off we went, bright and early on Thursday the 10th September. Safe flight negotiated, we started with a tour of Copenhagen for Jean & Keith as they had not been there before. After lunch back at Pinsekirken in Korsor, with our hosts Pastors Maureen & Preben Westh, we set off for Bo & Bente Schultz who have a home church close to Copenhagen. About 18 people turned up including visiting pastors from other local churches.
So Peter kicked off with several testimonies of miraculous happenings – like the man who spoke very little English who started to translate for us when the young lady assigned to the job could no longer do so; or the barren woman who was prophesied to have children and is now pregnant; or the elderly man healed of cancer with his ministry completely restored. There were other examples too. As Peter explained, the Jesus of the Bible is still the same today – the Jesus who calmed the storm and stilled the wind is the same Jesus working His miracles today. He spoke about knowing our authority in Christ. He called for words of knowledge and prophecy to everyone present and a lengthy period of ministry followed with several people receiving either prophecy or deliverance from oppression and bondage.
On Friday morning we did something different – we had a tour of Korsor as, although we have stayed there five times in all, we have never had a look round the town. After lunch we set out for Lohals, a town on Langeland where we have visited before. Pastor Sven-Ole was there to greet us all (about 10 people went) so quite a few of us gathered for a time of anointed praise and worship. Jean was first up with a testimony then Peter spoke on Simeon and how he “saw the salvation of the Lord” – that passage of the Word that gives us the words for Nunc Dimitis “Lord now let thy servant depart in peace . . . . “
Peter went on to describe what happened at the Gospel Channel in Iceland and prophesied that similar things were about to be birthed in Langeland. He said Langeland is blessed because “God has chosen it a s a place of residence” He addressed the doubts of some older people there by pointing to Reg Chapman and Arthur Burt – two 90+ year olds still working and bearing much fruit for the Lord in old age. He pointed out that Arthur Burt – an assistant to Smith Wigglesworth – has been promised by the Lord that “you will see the end-time revival” and that therefore, time must be quite short !! He closed by saying that all of this is Gods Promise.
There followed an anointed time of prophecy, words of knowledge and ministry. Peter was given a very strange song to sing – “I’m gonna wash that man right out of my hair” !! Very odd until we learned the reasons behind the song. We were also taken back to a prophecy we had given some time ago about revival fires standing ready but unlit all around Langeland. We saw angels standing ready to light the fires and we were instructed by the Lord to release the angels to light the revival fires on the island. This was one of those precious moments when everyone present seemed to be deeply affected by the anointing and presence of God in that place.
Saturday – Seminar day on Spiritual Warfare. Quite a few people came to Pinsekirken for this teaching event from a lot of churches throughout the southern half of Denmark. Pastor Preben had put in a great deal of work to ensure that many came along to hear it all. Keith and Jean shared the teaching over three sessions but we only really scratched the surface as the full teaching could take around 9-12 hours and we only had three sessions of just over an hour’s teaching. They explained why and how Christians can have demons, how they attach, who they are, why they stay, and their authority to do so !! We were also taught about our authority to deal with them. We learned about the cause and power of curses, self-imposed and spoken by others including those from God or from Satan. There was a protracted ministry session afterwards and many people were prayed for and helped – released. Lots of smiling faces.
After dinner with Maureen & Preben, Peter Jean, & Keith went round to visit a family living close by whom we had met before. They had a blessed time of fellowship and prayer with Tony, Ohn, and their daughter Nanna. While they were there, I stayed with Preben to sort out some ‘admin’ and to discuss future visits. We will be going back a couple of times just to meet folk in their homes and fellowship with them there. This is a new departure for us but we feel led to do so by the Lord and the people certainly want and appreciate it – especially those who may be sick or otherwise unable to come to church when we are there. A little more of this later.
On Sunday, Jean & Keith stayed in Pinsekirken, while Peter and I went to Kalundborg, where we visited last time over there. Pastor Jonah and his lovely wife were there to greet us with their children. We discovered that, in accordance with prophecy previously given to them, new people have indeed joined them. One man, a teacher, had applied for over 350 jobs in Denmark and Sweden. The man is a theology graduate and speaks six languages fluently. He saw the job in Kalundborg and say it had to be a written application – no email ones would be accepted. He called and they welcomed his call and said they would accept an email application and he got the job with no trouble at all – Gods provision for him and the church there. Also, on Sunday morning. A young lady came for the first time. She was from Romania and her testimony is astonishing. Told by her church in Romania that if she did not cover her head in church, she would go to hell AND taught that women must not only sit apart from the men in church but MUST remain silent or be thrown out and again, presumably, also being consigned to hell again. See a little later for her testimony. Suffice to say now that it is very moving example of how God’s hand protects us.
Peter spoke to the people about how God loves them and regards them as beautiful no matter what the world may say to or about them. He updated them with testimonies and prophesies given last time we were there. His theme was simply “Come unto me all who are heavy laden . . . “ He explained that God is a God of ‘suddenlies’ because God used Jesus to pay the price for us with His precious Blood. He explained that God crucifies us, (the team), daily so that we can bring His love to people. Prayer and ministry followed.
Sunday evening Peter was up again and he started by going over the visit so far. He encouraged people by reminding them of Jeans testimony of God’s love; he told them of the word he had for the pastor of the local Lutheran (State) Church about prayer meetings in their church – about “re-digging the old wells of the old established churches in Denmark – Lutherans and Baptists in particular. He said that God “Will sweep through those churches – changing everything, even their constitution ”!!
He then startled some people by calling for testimonies from some unsuspecting saints. Pastor Hans-Ole Kofoed gave his testimony of fulfilled promises and prophecy. Then came Dorina, the young lady from Romania who I mentioned earlier. When she was younger, her mother was unable to look after her and she was transferred into a local orphanage. At age 10, the orphanage was approached by a Romanian agency who wanted to send the children on holidays to Italy. People were lined up for each child. However, because her mother was unable to sign the appropriate form, Dorina was not allowed to go !! It turned out that the ‘holiday’ was a scam. The host families in Italy didn’t exist and the purpose was to gain children so as to remove their vital organs for organ sale/donation purposes !! Dorina completed her education and now speaks 6 languages and is working in Kalundborg. She came to the church that morning because they have a man preacher !! As Peter pointed out, we had met her in the morning and by the evening, she had come to church without a headscarf AND she had just spoken and addressed the church !! Her face when she realised these things was a picture. Our God is a wonderful God.
So finally to Monday. Before we cam e home we had three visits lined up. We visited Pastor Kofoed in his church in Ringsted – a town about half way to Copenhagen and the airport. We had a short time of prayer and fellowship there. Then we went on to a man called Frank who is a serious biker (Harley Davidson’s!!) He came to the Lord a while ago and is involved in the Biker Church – a group who ride around the country taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ to fellow unsaved bikers. He had a serious accident 5 or 6 years ago and has been unable to ride since then. We prayed for his healing and are awaiting an update although I do have to tell you that I watched his leg grow about half an inch and I watched his shoulders completely straighten while we prayed !! Hallelujah. Finally, we popped into the main hospital in Copenhagen where a lady in Preben’s church has had a heart operation and is waiting for a pacemaker to be implanted. We had another anointed time with her in fellowship and prayer.
So home we came, full of praise for our wonderful God & Saviour. We know we will go back many times and indeed Dates in November, December, and January are already under discussion – mainly for home fellowship and individual visits.
Lead on Lord – we are willing. Next up – we are doing the same seminar for the C of E in Romford, London (Essex) next weekend !!
Saturday, 29 August 2009
Testimony of Miracles in Spain
1 Buildings in Lorca
Rivers of Fire Ministries International – aka RoFMI – has a ministry in central southern Spain around the Murcia area. If you fly to Alicante, then drive south for 100km, there you will find the large industrial town of Murcia. In March 2009 we were on a visit to our good friends and ministry partners out there. We travelled to Lorca, a town some 70km from Murcia where the local pastor had asked us to bless his new church accommodation. Whilst with him, he also asked us to bless his other new building. Apparently there is a law regarding empty buildings in Spain. If they are empty for too long they can be offered to local organisations free of charge for indefinite periods. This was one such building. On a previous visit we had given a prophecy about this pastor working with refugees and displaced people. We had prophesied that there would be ‘hotel-style accomodation’, crèche, language classes and so on – everything newly arrived people could want to start them on their way. This new building was to be their new hostel/reception unit !! We went to bless the building which stands next to a large market square that doubles as a car park on non-market days. Immediately opposite the new building on the other side of the car park stood the local Immigration & Aliens reception offices for the whole area !! Miracles or what?? Furniture and help with the refurbishment has been promised making this our first major miracle in Spain from Jehovah-Jireh God our provider.
2 Miracle Family
On May 15th 2009 the RoFMI team went to Murcia once again. On the day we arrived, Peter our leader said that he could “hear the patter of tiny feet” and he mentioned a young couple whom we shall keep anonymous by calling them ‘Maria & Miguel’. There was a short silence before the pastor told us that they cannot have children – medically confirmed and attested – no chance of children. During the meeting that evening Peter called for Maria & Miguel to come forward but only Maria was there as Miguel was stuck with a broken down car somewhere out on the road. Peter spoke briefly about Philip Airlines (Philip was transported from the site by the river to a town some 40 miles away.) He felt this was so important that we should ask God to transport Miguel to this meeting so he called for him to come forward – and suddenly there stood Miguel, looking somewhat surprised, to gasps of amazement from the congregation. Peter then prophesied children to this medically barren couple. Today, August 29th 2009, we heard that Maria is 7 weeks pregnant – and ecstatic. We all danced for joy at the news. Double miracle – all praise and Glory to God – our wonderful Father in heaven. Jehovah-Rapha God our Healer
What a wonderful God we serve \o/ AMEN
Rivers of Fire Ministries International – aka RoFMI – has a ministry in central southern Spain around the Murcia area. If you fly to Alicante, then drive south for 100km, there you will find the large industrial town of Murcia. In March 2009 we were on a visit to our good friends and ministry partners out there. We travelled to Lorca, a town some 70km from Murcia where the local pastor had asked us to bless his new church accommodation. Whilst with him, he also asked us to bless his other new building. Apparently there is a law regarding empty buildings in Spain. If they are empty for too long they can be offered to local organisations free of charge for indefinite periods. This was one such building. On a previous visit we had given a prophecy about this pastor working with refugees and displaced people. We had prophesied that there would be ‘hotel-style accomodation’, crèche, language classes and so on – everything newly arrived people could want to start them on their way. This new building was to be their new hostel/reception unit !! We went to bless the building which stands next to a large market square that doubles as a car park on non-market days. Immediately opposite the new building on the other side of the car park stood the local Immigration & Aliens reception offices for the whole area !! Miracles or what?? Furniture and help with the refurbishment has been promised making this our first major miracle in Spain from Jehovah-Jireh God our provider.
2 Miracle Family
On May 15th 2009 the RoFMI team went to Murcia once again. On the day we arrived, Peter our leader said that he could “hear the patter of tiny feet” and he mentioned a young couple whom we shall keep anonymous by calling them ‘Maria & Miguel’. There was a short silence before the pastor told us that they cannot have children – medically confirmed and attested – no chance of children. During the meeting that evening Peter called for Maria & Miguel to come forward but only Maria was there as Miguel was stuck with a broken down car somewhere out on the road. Peter spoke briefly about Philip Airlines (Philip was transported from the site by the river to a town some 40 miles away.) He felt this was so important that we should ask God to transport Miguel to this meeting so he called for him to come forward – and suddenly there stood Miguel, looking somewhat surprised, to gasps of amazement from the congregation. Peter then prophesied children to this medically barren couple. Today, August 29th 2009, we heard that Maria is 7 weeks pregnant – and ecstatic. We all danced for joy at the news. Double miracle – all praise and Glory to God – our wonderful Father in heaven. Jehovah-Rapha God our Healer
What a wonderful God we serve \o/ AMEN
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
How can God use YOU ??
I've been thinking about ordinary men whom God changed into extraordinary men. They are just like all of us but, like them, God can use YOU in ways you never imagined - because He's in you and He wants to reach through you and touch the world around you.
Moses parted the red sea Exodus 14:15 “And the LORD said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it.” Can you imagine what an awesome sight that must have been?
Samuel anointed David 1Sam 16 “So he asked Jesse, "Are these all the sons you have?" "There is still the youngest," Jesse answered, "but he is tending the sheep." Samuel said, "Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives." So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, "Rise and anoint him; he is the one." God chose the unlikeliest one.
Elijah said at Mount Carmel “He who answers with fire – he is God” 1 Kings 18:24 “The god who answers by fire—he is God." Fire fell the prophets of Baal were routed and God was worshipped. God answered Elijah's prayer.
Elisha had Jehu anointed in 2 Kings 9:1-3 “The prophet Elisha summoned a man from the company of the prophets and said to him, "Tuck your cloak into your belt, take this flask of oil with you and go to Ramoth Gilead. When you get there, look for Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi. Go to him, get him away from his companions and take him into an inner room. Then take the flask and pour the oil on his head and declare, 'This is what the LORD says: I anoint you king over Israel.' Then open the door and run; don't delay!" What a fearsome man Jehu must have been?
Daniel in the furnace Daniel 3:22 “Therefore, because the king’s command was urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego.” The furnace killed ordinary men but God preserve His people.
Peter denies Christ church built on him Matthew 16:16-18 “He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” Enough said ??
So who were all these (and other) wonderful people?
Moses – He was an ordinary man who heard from God, but he killed a man and became an outlaw, he was 80 years old before God could use him.
Elijah – He was an ordinary man who heard from God. He had his fears and worries. God sent ravens to feed him. He spoke to kings and leaders. Like Enoch, he didn’t die – he was taken up into heaven.
Elisha – He was an ordinary man who heard from God. He spoke to kings and leaders. Unlike Elijah - he died of an illness.
Daniel – He was an ordinary man who heard from God. He interpreted dreams. He rose to a very powerful position. God rescued him from 'certain death' twice.
Peter He was an ordinary man who denied Christ but who came back to lead the first church. He was the ‘rock’ on which Jesus built the first church
John Wesley – He was an ordinary man who heard from God. He walked and rode thousands of miles to preach the Gospel and he wrote hundreds of hymns.
William Booth – He was an ordinary man who heard from God and as a result he founded the Salvation Army.
John G Lake – He was an ordinary man who heard from God and God gave him and astonishing healing ministry.
Billy Graham - He is an ordinary man who hears from God and went on to preached to over 50 million people.
Reinhard Bonnke – He is an ordinary man who hears from God.He had 3Million+ peope in one meeting and 1Million+ came to the Lord that day
Benny Hinn – He is an ordinary man who hears from God. He leads a world wide miracle healing ministry.
This list is almost endless. These were all ordinary men whom God turned into extraordinary men. All of them were called to deeper relationship with God. All of them had that deeper visionary experience. ALL of them OBEYED gods call – and look how He used them.
All ordinary men who did or are doing extraordinary things for God because He chose them and they accepted His call. S what is the Lord showing you? Who wants to go deeper with God today? He is calling – will you answer? Will you say Yes Lord – I will pay the price. God is going to use YOU in ways you never imagined - because He's in you and He wants to reach through you and touch the world around you.
Don’t ask “Why me?” Rather ask “Why not me?”
© Chris Bennett 2009
Moses parted the red sea Exodus 14:15 “And the LORD said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it.” Can you imagine what an awesome sight that must have been?
Samuel anointed David 1Sam 16 “So he asked Jesse, "Are these all the sons you have?" "There is still the youngest," Jesse answered, "but he is tending the sheep." Samuel said, "Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives." So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, "Rise and anoint him; he is the one." God chose the unlikeliest one.
Elijah said at Mount Carmel “He who answers with fire – he is God” 1 Kings 18:24 “The god who answers by fire—he is God." Fire fell the prophets of Baal were routed and God was worshipped. God answered Elijah's prayer.
Elisha had Jehu anointed in 2 Kings 9:1-3 “The prophet Elisha summoned a man from the company of the prophets and said to him, "Tuck your cloak into your belt, take this flask of oil with you and go to Ramoth Gilead. When you get there, look for Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi. Go to him, get him away from his companions and take him into an inner room. Then take the flask and pour the oil on his head and declare, 'This is what the LORD says: I anoint you king over Israel.' Then open the door and run; don't delay!" What a fearsome man Jehu must have been?
Daniel in the furnace Daniel 3:22 “Therefore, because the king’s command was urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego.” The furnace killed ordinary men but God preserve His people.
Peter denies Christ church built on him Matthew 16:16-18 “He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” Enough said ??
So who were all these (and other) wonderful people?
Moses – He was an ordinary man who heard from God, but he killed a man and became an outlaw, he was 80 years old before God could use him.
Elijah – He was an ordinary man who heard from God. He had his fears and worries. God sent ravens to feed him. He spoke to kings and leaders. Like Enoch, he didn’t die – he was taken up into heaven.
Elisha – He was an ordinary man who heard from God. He spoke to kings and leaders. Unlike Elijah - he died of an illness.
Daniel – He was an ordinary man who heard from God. He interpreted dreams. He rose to a very powerful position. God rescued him from 'certain death' twice.
Peter He was an ordinary man who denied Christ but who came back to lead the first church. He was the ‘rock’ on which Jesus built the first church
John Wesley – He was an ordinary man who heard from God. He walked and rode thousands of miles to preach the Gospel and he wrote hundreds of hymns.
William Booth – He was an ordinary man who heard from God and as a result he founded the Salvation Army.
John G Lake – He was an ordinary man who heard from God and God gave him and astonishing healing ministry.
Billy Graham - He is an ordinary man who hears from God and went on to preached to over 50 million people.
Reinhard Bonnke – He is an ordinary man who hears from God.He had 3Million+ peope in one meeting and 1Million+ came to the Lord that day
Benny Hinn – He is an ordinary man who hears from God. He leads a world wide miracle healing ministry.
This list is almost endless. These were all ordinary men whom God turned into extraordinary men. All of them were called to deeper relationship with God. All of them had that deeper visionary experience. ALL of them OBEYED gods call – and look how He used them.
All ordinary men who did or are doing extraordinary things for God because He chose them and they accepted His call. S what is the Lord showing you? Who wants to go deeper with God today? He is calling – will you answer? Will you say Yes Lord – I will pay the price. God is going to use YOU in ways you never imagined - because He's in you and He wants to reach through you and touch the world around you.
Don’t ask “Why me?” Rather ask “Why not me?”
© Chris Bennett 2009
Saturday, 8 August 2009
Hope for the 21st Century
Who knows that God speaks to His prophets before He does anything? Who knows that, although we may no longer have prophets in the mould of Elijah or John the Baptist, nevertheless there are prophets today who are used by the Lord to convey His words, His warnings, His hope to the world before He allows things to happen? Why does He do that? I believe it is because above all things our God is a loving Father who gives hope to His children. “He so loved us, John 3:16, that He gave us His Son that WHOSOEVER believes in Him shall not die but SHALL have eternal life.” What else do you think Calvary was all about – it was to give us a hope for the future, a hope for our children, a hope for our grandchildren and the generations following them – always assuming He doesn’t return before then.
The signs of the times that Jesus spoke about in Matthew 16:1-4 “The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. He replied, "When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah." Jesus then left them and went away. “ There is a great deal in Christian media today about these “signs of the times” and I believe it is right that we are currently entering into the ‘last days’ spoken about in Daniel, spoken about in Ezekiel, and spoken about in Revelation. The one text that the Lord has given me is from Amos 8:11 “The days are coming," declares the Sovereign LORD, "when I will send a famine through the land— not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD. “ These days are surely upon us right now as the world searches desperately for a word of hope – a word of comfort – a word of sanity amongst all the madness breaking out all around them. There are countless words coming out daily about the judgements of God upon this nation or that nation. There are countless words coming out daily about the doom and gloom; the financial disasters of a world monetary system in meltdown and on and on and on.
These are the signs of the times!!
These are the warnings given to the prophets before God acted. I first read of all this way back in the late 90’s – we were warned, but how many of us took too much notice.
I want to insert a word of personal testimony here. Back in April 2007, my darling wife was taken home to the Lord. My world was empty. Yet the Lord had told me to be like Ezekiel 24 – turban straight; shoes fastened; act and be normal – with the promise as to Ezekiel, that God would sustain me. Amazing thing happened – I did and God did !! People said how strong I was and how well I handled everything but to those with an ear to hear I told them the truth of it. I did my mourning in private and the Lord carried me through – to the world, triumphantly !! Then about 6 months later, the Lord told me to sell up and move !! I was 64 – what did I want to move for? I was planning to work through to 68-70!! Why give up a great little job and change everything?? Not only that, He said to retire early !! You gotta be joking. No – no jokes – He was serious. So I sold up, cashed in and moved to my current rented apartment. When it eventually came to retirement date, like everyone else in that position, my retirement plans were cashed in for annuities. These were not very big at all as I had started them late and had then been un-employed for over 10 years so they were small. Yet when they were cashed in, I got the maximum I could possibly have expected from them. Now hear this – just TWO DAYS after they were cashed in, the markets collapsed and I was standing pretty with my full pension. OK it was small but it was bigger than many in the same boat because the Lords timing for me was PERFECT. He had told me to move, He had told me to retire. I had done both and He took care of me in my obedience.
So what has all this got to do with today’s ‘signs of the times’; today’s ‘end times’ events. Well, today I heard a voice of hope – a voice of encouragement – a voice of faith. I listened to a man many of you know – David Wilkerson. He spoke about the hope, the love, the life we have in Jesus even in these desperate times. The Lord then spoke to me about His promises and of passing this Good News on to the world waiting so desperately to hear ‘the word of the Lord’ as spoken by Amos.
Firstly, our wonderful Father God is a loving God – John 3:16 says it all. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
We can take all our cares to Him 1 Peter 5:7 because He cares for us.” Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
He is the God who heals us Exodus 15:26, He said, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you."
He heals all our sickness and forgives all our sins, Psalm 103:1-3. “Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,”
By His wounds we ARE healed Isaiah 53:5. “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
Our hope is in Him Hebrews 11:1. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. “
Please tell me how much more we need to be told these things and yet many still do not believe them.
Gods word is GOOD Numbers 23:19, “God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?”
His plans for us are GOOD Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
He even gave us His phone number Jeremiah 33:3. “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
If the Word of God does not lie, then these are all trustworthy sayings.
Listen to what the Lord is saying now – “The days are coming when many shall turn to me. Those who doubt now, those who do not believe in Me now, those who have wandered off like lost sheep. I am raising a new end-time army of believers. Those who will believe despite what circumstances scream out to them; those who believe despite and whatever the world throws at them; those who will believe through the worst possible persecution – even unto death. The world is turning against Me”, says the Lord, “ but I already knew this before I laid the foundations of the earth. The world does not realise this, yet even if they did, yet they would still despise Me. And they will despise you too because you speak My Name – because you believe in Me and in the One I sent. Even so,” says the Lord, “because your hope is steadfast and is rooted in Me, yet will I uphold you; yet will I justify you even in the worlds eyes. Do not lose sight of My Kingdom for it shall be your reward. Do not bow the knee to anyone but My Son for He is your saviour. Always remember that I, the Lord God Almighty, love you and I am with you – even to the end of the age. I am your provider. I am your Father. I love you – even you.”
CGB August 7 2009
© Chris Bennett 2009
Friday, 31 July 2009
A Golden Opportunity
What a world we live in !! What a desperate state of affairs we are building for our children to inherit. What a failure for us – what a victory for Satan !! People throughout the world are turning to look at the great faiths of the world – desperate to see something better than they see in the world at the moment.
We are living in an increasingly desperate world - a world desperate for something better - a world desperate to hear from God. Amos 8:11 "The days are coming," declares the Sovereign LORD, “when I will send a famine through the land - not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD.”
The world is getting ever more desperate for ‘something better’. They have looked at the world – particularly their own world – and they have seen how shallow, how false so much of it really is. People are beginning to realise that they must seek out that ‘something better’ – whatever it is.
The time that the prophet Amos spoke of is here – now. It is a present reality. We are now living in the days of desperation so eloquently spoken about by Amos. So what on earth is the Church doing about it ?
How the devil must laugh as we preach the world rather than preaching the Gospel or teaching from the Word. Jesus said "Feed My Sheep". Who are His sheep? I think that every human being can be one of His sheep – but we are feeding only those sheep already inside the sheep-fold. We are not spreading the Gospel outside the comfort of our sheep-fold.
And what Gospel do we preach in these days of such desperation? Have we watered down the Gospel? We don’t hear much about sin, about grace, about repenting and dying daily to self so He can be seen more clearly through us – at least not in most churches and most pulpits. If there's no gospel message of sin, grace, repentance, and salvation there is nothing at all and we fail those who need to hear the Gospel message.
We hear much about the prosperity Gospel. The prosperity gospel is, in my opinion, really "the ear-ticklers gospel" (2 Tim 4:3-4 ) - it’s what the audience wants to hear rather than what’s truthful. The Prosperity Gospel is also false, worldly teaching by those who would twist Gods Word to their own ends and profit via emotional blackmail.
Oh - As we sit in our smug self-satisfied 'sanctified' complacency the Lord must weep over our luke-warmness. Send us a fresh injection Your Holy Spirit and Fire Lord. The Lord weeps over our lack of faith and our lack of belief in His Word. Not theology, nor liturgy, nor what we think the Word of God says – but what it actually says – in context and as it is supposed to apply to our lives. The trouble is that, not only have we watered down the Gospel, we have also seen fit to omit huge important chunks of it from our teaching. We think that an hour spent listening to a preacher talk about Jesus followed by two minutes spent saying the so-called ‘Sinners Prayer, and that’s it – we’re saved. Where is the life change? Where is the broken, true repentance? Where is the full gospel message of sin, grace, repentance, and salvation?
Brothers and Sisters, we are living at a time when God in His great mercy and love has given us a golden opportunity to spread His real Gospel throughout the world. We’ve had one (poor) model already – at Lakeland, Florida in 2008. That we wasted most of that opportunity was down to our own sin alone. Ignore what happened among the leadership – look at the effects around the world during that time of revival. We had the technology and we used it. Media, TV, Internet – all combined to take news of what was happening in Lakeland right round the world – to virtually every nation – as it was happening. The anointing in the meetings was transmitted over the airwaves and through our computers and TV sets into every home open to watch what was happening.
If we could only learn. People this is what it’s all about - LESS of us, more of HIM. If we would only stand back, let go, and let God do things through us, despite us and because of us - because He loves us so much. Whatever we think, His way is ALWAYS best and we must learn to let Him do things. This is the Golden Opportunity for us to make ourselves available to God the Holy Spirit so that He can use us to present the Gospel His way. He leads us into ALL truth so let Him lead us into sharing His wonderful and glorious gospel – the ransomed, healed, restored, and forgiven Gospel. NOT the “sign here and you’re saved” Gospel but His saving, redeeming gospel of Salvation through the glorious Blood of Jesus Christ.
AMEN?
CGB 31 July 2009
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
Persecution in the West
There is a great persecution coming to the Western Church. A short while ago I gave a word that mentions persecution coming to the West. Since that time, I believe the Lord has been showing me more about this fast approaching end-time event – in fact its upon us now!
The (Western) world has finally got so sick and tired of the Church’s hypocrisy, its political meddling, its greed, and quite frankly its own sin, that they have turned on us. As Steve Gray spoke in his book, “Strike the Match” (p53)
“When the followers of God are not all that different from those who don’t follow Him, what is there attract the non-believer? When we are a powerless, unethical people in opposition to the standards of God, how do we hope to spur anyone to salvation? It is hard to convey the hypocrisy, self-indulgence, and greed that are engulfing our churches as worthwhile adverts for Jesus.”
That is not quite an exact quote as I have changed a word here and there for clarity. What truth and wisdom in those words. Steve Gray has not been alone in revealing this but, like all the rest, he has been roundly shunned and ignored by the great majority. Alas, the Church has not heeded these words in the slightest and the world has finally said “Enough is enough – the church has had its say, and yet the Church has never once followed its own preaching.” Why do you think so many people turned towards other religions or no religion at all. Why do you think those other religions, Islam in particular, have grown at such an alarming rate. Why do you think that their, still very much minority, voices are being given so much freedom? Could it be – could it just possibly be, that the Lord has allowed this so as to start the shaking He has promised??
I believe that the Lord has been showing me that there is coming a persecution to the Church of Europe and America, and to individual Christians. It will be of such magnitude that we will discover first hand what it was like to live under a repressive regime like the old Stalinism or Mao-ism. Christians in Europe and, particularly, America will be imprisoned for their faith. They will be publicly reviled for their religion and for their support of Israel. Many many thousands will flee Christianity as it becomes, to them, a stumbling block. As it was said by Paul in scripture :-
Romans 9:31-33 (NIV)” Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the "stumbling stone." As it is written: "See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."
These statements referred to the prophecy in Isaiah
Isaiah 8:14; “... but for both houses of Israel he will be a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.”
Yet there is hope for later in Isaiah it says -
Isaiah 28:16 “So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed.”
It is my belief that there is a truth here that we have long tried to ignore simply because we don’t like the sound of it. Jesus Christ is not only the Son of God, He is not only our Lord and Saviour, He is not only the one who died for our sins that if we believe in Him we might have eternal life. Like it or not, Jesus Christ is also the stumbling block that will cause us to be persecuted , beaten, put in prison, humiliated, humbled before all men – in almost exactly the same way as the first church did 2000 years ago.
So why does scripture also say that the one who trusts in Him will never be shamed nor dismayed? We will never be shamed nor dismayed before God !! His Grace always was, still is, and always will be sufficient for us. He always was, still is, and always will be the way the truth and the life. No matter what persecution we may suffer in the days ahead, we will, like many before us, bear it with faith intact, we will bear it with dignity, and we will bear it for His sake and we will NOT be shamed nor dismayed before the throne of God. He will acknowledge us and be our fortress, our strong tower, our peace, and our all in all.
And this is our hope, that in whatever the coming persecution throws at us we may :- “Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13 NKJV
One last thing for you to consider – I believe the Lord is saying that this is NOT the great tribulation spoken of in the Bible – this is going to happen before those days.
CGB 25 July 2009
The (Western) world has finally got so sick and tired of the Church’s hypocrisy, its political meddling, its greed, and quite frankly its own sin, that they have turned on us. As Steve Gray spoke in his book, “Strike the Match” (p53)
“When the followers of God are not all that different from those who don’t follow Him, what is there attract the non-believer? When we are a powerless, unethical people in opposition to the standards of God, how do we hope to spur anyone to salvation? It is hard to convey the hypocrisy, self-indulgence, and greed that are engulfing our churches as worthwhile adverts for Jesus.”
That is not quite an exact quote as I have changed a word here and there for clarity. What truth and wisdom in those words. Steve Gray has not been alone in revealing this but, like all the rest, he has been roundly shunned and ignored by the great majority. Alas, the Church has not heeded these words in the slightest and the world has finally said “Enough is enough – the church has had its say, and yet the Church has never once followed its own preaching.” Why do you think so many people turned towards other religions or no religion at all. Why do you think those other religions, Islam in particular, have grown at such an alarming rate. Why do you think that their, still very much minority, voices are being given so much freedom? Could it be – could it just possibly be, that the Lord has allowed this so as to start the shaking He has promised??
I believe that the Lord has been showing me that there is coming a persecution to the Church of Europe and America, and to individual Christians. It will be of such magnitude that we will discover first hand what it was like to live under a repressive regime like the old Stalinism or Mao-ism. Christians in Europe and, particularly, America will be imprisoned for their faith. They will be publicly reviled for their religion and for their support of Israel. Many many thousands will flee Christianity as it becomes, to them, a stumbling block. As it was said by Paul in scripture :-
Romans 9:31-33 (NIV)” Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the "stumbling stone." As it is written: "See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."
These statements referred to the prophecy in Isaiah
Isaiah 8:14; “... but for both houses of Israel he will be a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.”
Yet there is hope for later in Isaiah it says -
Isaiah 28:16 “So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed.”
It is my belief that there is a truth here that we have long tried to ignore simply because we don’t like the sound of it. Jesus Christ is not only the Son of God, He is not only our Lord and Saviour, He is not only the one who died for our sins that if we believe in Him we might have eternal life. Like it or not, Jesus Christ is also the stumbling block that will cause us to be persecuted , beaten, put in prison, humiliated, humbled before all men – in almost exactly the same way as the first church did 2000 years ago.
So why does scripture also say that the one who trusts in Him will never be shamed nor dismayed? We will never be shamed nor dismayed before God !! His Grace always was, still is, and always will be sufficient for us. He always was, still is, and always will be the way the truth and the life. No matter what persecution we may suffer in the days ahead, we will, like many before us, bear it with faith intact, we will bear it with dignity, and we will bear it for His sake and we will NOT be shamed nor dismayed before the throne of God. He will acknowledge us and be our fortress, our strong tower, our peace, and our all in all.
And this is our hope, that in whatever the coming persecution throws at us we may :- “Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13 NKJV
One last thing for you to consider – I believe the Lord is saying that this is NOT the great tribulation spoken of in the Bible – this is going to happen before those days.
CGB 25 July 2009
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
A Word from the Lord - Revival In America
Revival In America
I see the Glory Cloud coming to small town America. Not the great big ministries but the smaller ones who are pleading for a touch from God. I see a grass roots revival from small churches everywhere - starting in the North West and spreading all over. Holy Spirit led revival \o/
I see the Glory Cloud descending in your meetings and not one person is still standing. As with the priests when Solomon dedicated the temple, they could not stand in the Presence of the Lord.
1 Kings 8:10-11 " When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, the cloud filled the temple of the LORD. And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled his temple. "
Amos 8:11"The days are coming," declares the Sovereign LORD, “when I will send a famine through the land— not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD.”
These days are here right now and the Lord is listening for the fervent prayers of a righteous man.
James 5:16 “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”
Then He will listen to your prayers, He will hear when you call upon Him; and He will heal your land.
2 Chronicles 7:13-15 "When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.”
Listen – Do you hear the sound of rain approaching?
Look - Do you see a cloud the size of a man’s hand? Look SEVEN times.
I see a very dry place where the wind suddenly starts to blow. Very little at first, but it builds and builds until it’s a storm force wind bringing the fresh rain of revival – not as a spring shower but as a mighty torrent. And with revival is coming the very presence of the Lord God Almighty and no man shall stand in that presence. You shall not cry out for healing – it will just happen. You shall not pray for the unsaved – they shall walk in off the street – convicted of their sin before they know what is happening. You shall not ask for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit – it will happen to anyone and everyone.
Joel 2:28-32The Day of the LORD"And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; “
So – Are you ready. The Lord God Almighty is ready to start right now.
He is coming – He is coming – He is coming.
Get ready – Be ready. He will not wait for you but He will find those who are ready; who are prepared for His coming; who are desperate for a touch from His Holy Spirit.
Chris Bennett, RoFMI, 7 April 2009
How NOT to get Baptised in the Holy Spirit !!
My testimony of Holy Spirit Baptism is quite amazing.
I came to salvation in Dec 2nd 1962. Then, I ran away from God for 25 yrs 62-87 approx. In 1987 I started work in a town about 30 miles away. While there and during my lunch break, I met a now very good friend in the local Christian book shop. He welcomed me and offered me coffee - anyone who does that is a friend for life !! So we started to talk about things of Christianity and we had noticed a thing called the Baptism of the Holy Spirit which neither of us new a thing about. So we made a pact to study it as best we could and eventually, my friend came up with some meetings on Tuesday nights at a place about 20 more miles away.
It was called Roffey Place and was a Christian ministry run by a quite famous British priest and author, Colin Urquhart. (Doubt you've ever heard of him) Roffey had just started running a course on the Baptism so we joined quickly and eventually we both went forward for prayer to receive it.
Nothing happened. Not a thing. Zilch !!!
Colin's wife Diane prayed for me and she said, "Chris, you have received it. You just have to pick it up!!" Well I had no idea how to 'pick it up' but I prayed and I prayed. Still nothing !! About 7 or 8 months went past and I was driving to work one day when I prayed again for God to show me how to 'pick it up'.
I suddenly sensed the Lord say to me, 'OK, pull the car over.' At this point you need to understand that I was driving a very narrow country road with no room to accommodate parked cars, nowhere to park safely, and lots of traffic - just room for two lanes of cars - one in each direction.
"I cant, Lord. there's nowhere to stop."
"Pull over"
"Cant."
"Pull over."
"Cant"
And so, somewhat disappointed, I drove on to my destination knowing I had lost an opportunity. Next morning, the same thing happened.
"Lord, help me receive this baptism. PLEASE."
"Pull over."
"I cant, Lord. there's nowhere to stop."
"Pull over"
"Cant."
"Pull over."
"Cant"
"Lord - do I have to stop. Cant you just do it?"
Don't you love naive and foolish questions???
BANG !!
The Lord took me at my word and baptised me there and then. I was doing about 50mph at the time.
I was all over the place. I was shouting, singing, praising Him in other tongues. Speaking in English. Speaking in my new tongue. Speaking in English. Speaking in my new tongue again. Backwards and forwards - in a totally joyous party for 2 - Holy Spirit and ME - and the car was still doing 50mph.
Do you know - the next time I knew what was happening, I had pulled up in our work car park and put the handbrake on. I have no idea how or when I got there. I only know I arrived safely with no knowledge whatsoever of 40 minutes of driving through country lanes and villages. The Holy Spirit drove that car - I didn't know what day it was let alone have the nouse to drive a car properly.
That lunch time I went to the Christian Bookshop to meet my friend. He took one look at me - poured out coffee and closed the shop ! "OK," he said, "Its happened. I know that because your face is shining like gold. Tell me about it."
And that is how I came into the baptism of the Holy Spirit in July 1989. Isn't God wonderful. Hasn't He got a great sense of humour. He must have laughed at me that day - as well as taking joy and pleasure in fulfilling my hearts desire. What a wonderful God we serve.
Amen??
© Chris Bennett 2009
I came to salvation in Dec 2nd 1962. Then, I ran away from God for 25 yrs 62-87 approx. In 1987 I started work in a town about 30 miles away. While there and during my lunch break, I met a now very good friend in the local Christian book shop. He welcomed me and offered me coffee - anyone who does that is a friend for life !! So we started to talk about things of Christianity and we had noticed a thing called the Baptism of the Holy Spirit which neither of us new a thing about. So we made a pact to study it as best we could and eventually, my friend came up with some meetings on Tuesday nights at a place about 20 more miles away.
It was called Roffey Place and was a Christian ministry run by a quite famous British priest and author, Colin Urquhart. (Doubt you've ever heard of him) Roffey had just started running a course on the Baptism so we joined quickly and eventually we both went forward for prayer to receive it.
Nothing happened. Not a thing. Zilch !!!
Colin's wife Diane prayed for me and she said, "Chris, you have received it. You just have to pick it up!!" Well I had no idea how to 'pick it up' but I prayed and I prayed. Still nothing !! About 7 or 8 months went past and I was driving to work one day when I prayed again for God to show me how to 'pick it up'.
I suddenly sensed the Lord say to me, 'OK, pull the car over.' At this point you need to understand that I was driving a very narrow country road with no room to accommodate parked cars, nowhere to park safely, and lots of traffic - just room for two lanes of cars - one in each direction.
"I cant, Lord. there's nowhere to stop."
"Pull over"
"Cant."
"Pull over."
"Cant"
And so, somewhat disappointed, I drove on to my destination knowing I had lost an opportunity. Next morning, the same thing happened.
"Lord, help me receive this baptism. PLEASE."
"Pull over."
"I cant, Lord. there's nowhere to stop."
"Pull over"
"Cant."
"Pull over."
"Cant"
"Lord - do I have to stop. Cant you just do it?"
Don't you love naive and foolish questions???
BANG !!
The Lord took me at my word and baptised me there and then. I was doing about 50mph at the time.
I was all over the place. I was shouting, singing, praising Him in other tongues. Speaking in English. Speaking in my new tongue. Speaking in English. Speaking in my new tongue again. Backwards and forwards - in a totally joyous party for 2 - Holy Spirit and ME - and the car was still doing 50mph.
Do you know - the next time I knew what was happening, I had pulled up in our work car park and put the handbrake on. I have no idea how or when I got there. I only know I arrived safely with no knowledge whatsoever of 40 minutes of driving through country lanes and villages. The Holy Spirit drove that car - I didn't know what day it was let alone have the nouse to drive a car properly.
That lunch time I went to the Christian Bookshop to meet my friend. He took one look at me - poured out coffee and closed the shop ! "OK," he said, "Its happened. I know that because your face is shining like gold. Tell me about it."
And that is how I came into the baptism of the Holy Spirit in July 1989. Isn't God wonderful. Hasn't He got a great sense of humour. He must have laughed at me that day - as well as taking joy and pleasure in fulfilling my hearts desire. What a wonderful God we serve.
Amen??
© Chris Bennett 2009
Thursday, 9 July 2009
The Shaking
A Prophesy for the Church for the End-Times
Vision & Word - Wednesday evening 8th July 2009 around 10p.m.
I became aware of masonry and bricks falling all around me. I asked the Lord what was happening and He said, “Its My shaking.” He went on to show me that the coming shaking will be to the church and it will be bigger than 9/11 – of greater impact. But it will be a self-inflicted wound. Three ‘huge’ ministries (well known on TV) will fall along with hundreds of others. Millions of dollars will simply disappear leaving an enormous financial scandal.
It will be God shaking His people preparing the Bride for His Son. God will be clearing out the bad and keeping the good. Pruning the dead branches and throwing them on the fire. The aftermath will be a meltdown of the great denominations as they struggle to retain their wealth but they will lose 60% of all their wealth – land, property, and much of their historic artefacts. It will just disappear.
There will be a consequential rise in atheism and some persecution of the church and Christians in Western countries while the African and Asian church will make enormous strides forward. God will shake and destroy much in the Western Church of Europe and North America but He will prosper those of Africa and Asia. He is making His church HOLY.
The shaking will last for a season then the New Church will rise. Later, revival will begin – small at first but growing and growing into fully-fledged world-wide end-times revival as prophesied in the Word of God.
Am I a voice in the wilderness? Am I calling in vain for the Church to repent of its ways. Its denominations, its greed and hypocrisy. The Shepherds are those under greatest danger. Hear the Word of Ezekiel :-
Ezekiel 34;1-16
The word of the LORD came to me: " . . . . . Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? . . . . You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. " . . . . . . . This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. . . . . I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak . . . . .”
Also those who ‘tickle the ears of those they speak to – who say that which those fickle people – who just want to hear nice comforting words, who shy away from truth and hard words from the Lord.
Then there is the flock and they will fare little better than the shepherds. They need to repent too. Hear what the Word says about them :-
Ezekiel 34:17-24
" 'As for you, my flock, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will judge between one sheep and another, and between rams and goats. . . . Must my flock feed on what you have trampled and drink what you have muddied with your feet? . . . See, I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. . . . I will save my flock, and they will no longer be plundered. I will judge between one sheep and another. . I the LORD have spoken.”
Of the African & Asian churches who will begin to prosper during this season however the Lord says this :-
Ezekiel 34:25-31
" 'I will make a covenant of peace with them . . . . I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill. . . . The trees of the field will yield their fruit and the ground will yield its crops; the people will be secure in their land. They will know that I am the LORD,. . . . . . They will live in safety, and no one will make them afraid. . . . Then they will know that I, the LORD their God, am with them and that they . . . are my people, declares the Sovereign LORD. . . . You my sheep . . . and I am your God, declares the Sovereign LORD.' "
Who will listen? Who will repent of their ways before the Lord shakes you to the ground? Am I a lone voice – a voice in the wilderness? I think I probably am for who will listen to an unknown prophet crying out to the Lord for His people. I do not tickle their ears as they want.
2 Tim 4:3-4
“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”
CGB 9 July 2009
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