Sunday 31 May 2009

Pentecost 2009

As we were interceding and praying for the sick in our evening service tonight, the Lord showed me something which I believe to be of great significance at this time for both the UK & USA.

As the prayers were going on, I saw what looked like water filling the room up. I asked the Lord what I was seeing. He said, “This is My healing balm for this area.” As I watched some more, the room completely filled up although, of course, the people were still praying.

Our churches have a ministry call Jesus Will Heal You (www.jesuswillhealyou.com) and Pastor Richard had been giving us some details of the prayer requests received this week. This was where all of our prayer and intercession was directed. Pastor Richard had left a file of the requests standing on the music stand which doubles as a lectern. As I watched, about one third of the healing balm was absorbed into this file – each page taking in the balm needed for that prayer. I asked the Lord about this and He said, “Expect miracles this week and every week from now on.”

Then as I watched further, another third of the balm seemed to waft out of the windows into the surrounding area – it simply went as a mist and disappeared over the surrounding buildings. Again I asked the Lord about this. He replied, “This is my balm for this area – I am healing your land.”

Finally, the remaining third of the healing balm was absorbed into each of the people present in the meeting – pastors, men, women, and even the children. The Lord said, “Tell your people to expect real miracles. As people come to them, they will lay hands on them and they shall be healed – body, mind, soul, and spirit – complete healing will be theirs."

The Lord must have sensed my next question “What is the purpose of all this”. He said simply, “I have heard your prayers and this is My answer.” I was impressed in my spirit that this was not just for our church but for every church. .” I was impressed in my spirit that this was not just for our town or city – it is for every town and city. .” I was impressed in my spirit that this was not just for the UK, it is for the USA and for many other countries around the world.

CGB 31 May 2009

© Chris Bennett 2009

Sunday 24 May 2009

RoFMI Visit to Murcia Spain May 15 to 18 2009

RoFMI Visit to Murcia Spain May 15 to 18 2009

Isn’t it wonderful how Gods timing is always perfect? So this wee band of Gods warriors found ourselves on a plane headed yet again for Spain – THIRD time this year alone – 6th time overall. It’s like visiting family now. Not to be caught short by an excess of meetings we went in a bit mob-handed with 6 of us travelling so let’s start with the team sheet

Team Sheet – Peter Barnes leading, Ruth, John, Keith, Jonathan, and myself – Chris. A motley assortment of talents but nevertheless a team whom the Lord has chosen to use from time to time. Actually, Jonathan couldn’t get away Friday so he joined us mid-way through Saturday just for the 2 days available to him. Whilst we whole-heartedly approve of a keen attitude, this may be a bridge too far as he shows the rest of us up a bit. Can’t have that now can we??

Anyway – we arrived in Alicante airport around 14:55 and the drive to Murcia passed quickly as we were all greeting and exchanging news with our hosts. It’s about an 80km drive south from Alicante to Murcia so we had a little time to pass on the way. After a welcoming meal together with the wonderful Parraga family, Pastor David is the Senior Pastor and our host, we all set off once again for David’s church which he shares with the Nigerian church in Murcia for an evening meeting.

Pastor David opened up and then called upon a visiting pastor, Pastor Victor, to say a few words. I have rarely, if ever, heard a better 5 minute ‘sermon’ It was about the feast when Herodias daughter asked what she truly wanted surprised the king by asking for the head of John the Baptist on a plate. Then Pastor Victor asked everyone what they would ask for if they were ever asked such a question. It was a really powerful ‘sermon-ette’ which went down very well indeed. Next up was Keith giving us some biblical teaching on receiving all the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Finally Peter stood up and spoke about wanting to give a prophecy to a young married couple – Tracey & Ruben. Ruben’s car had broken down and it was doubted he would get there at all, so Peter spoke about ‘Philip Airlines’ – you know the one which transported Philip from the eunuch’s chariot to a place many miles away. Peter called for Ruben to arrive – for God to transport Ruben into the meeting. We looked up and THERE HE STOOD !!!! He looked somewhat surprised by his reception !! Everybody gasped in complete amazement – especially Tracey – and shaking, they came to the front where Peter delivered his prophecy to them. That prophecy, I can tell you, is a wonderful confirmation of great joy to them. What an amazing start – if someone being transported into the meeting was the first miracle, and Peters prophecy to Tracey & Ruben was the second, what else could we all expect ??

Saturday dawned bright and shining (33C temperature – that’s over 90F to some of us) Off to another town, Lorca, where we had an all day conference arranged for one of Pastor David’s planted churches. Lorca is a town some 60km Southwest of Murcia. Quite a few people were there and expectations were quite high – given the previous days events :o) First session, Keith was first up giving some prophecy teaching. He quoted Revelation 19:10(b) and the Revelation 1:3 He gave several instances of prophecy in use and ha gave some instances of what prophecy is NOT. He used 1 Corinthians 14 as ‘the prophets manual’ and made the important definitions that prophecy is both Foretelling (something in the future) and Forthtelling (a word disclosing the present) Keith also gave very clear definition from scripture of the purpose of prophecy – 1 to grow the church(1 Cor 14:3) ; 2 guidance (Acts 13:1-3); and as a sign of unbelievers. Who can prophesy – anyone (Ephesians 4:11) In an intermission Peter gave 5 minutes on how prophecy is his ministry and how it works in practice. Finally, Keith went through the prophets of old to show how they were all ordinary people who had normal human frailties – e.g. Jeremiah was a depressive; Elijah was moody; Ezekiel was a mystic; and so on. He went on to describe how prophecy is received through prayer, meditation, visions, dreams, trances, impressions, the audible voice of God, angels, music – Daniel even gave a prophecy written on a wall !! Peter wrapped up a long and busy morning by answering questions.

Lunch followed and then a surprise start to the afternoon. We were asked to go and bless the churches new building !! Peter prophesied in March that someone in government would give the church in Lorca a building for their use – that it would be used as a ‘refugee centre’ and that there would be another building given which the church would use as a hostel/hotel for 80 people. This new building was given to them by the Mayor of Lorca less than one month later. Almost directly opposite the building, across a car park, is the local Immigration office where all refugees have to register !!!! How’s that for fulfillment of prophecy ?? Hallelujah \o/ We had a tour of the three storey building and saw how it will become a day centre type of thing with areas for meetings, a fitted kitchen (already in place), a crèche, a cafe, and so on. What an amazing God we serve – Miracle number three. We blessed and anointed the building – all its entrances - and threw out any residual demonic influence still there.

Back at the ranch we started the afternoon with some praise and worship. 90 minutes later and with everyone present having a wonderful time with the Lord, Peter then reminded them of the prophecies about these additional buildings and prophesied further about things still to come – signs and wonders, 300+ people queuing to get into the church (which only holds 100), 5 churches being planted; multiple meetings nearly every day of the week, changes in local laws to allow this church to grow, future provision of all the furniture and fittings needed. He also spoke of the people receiving words of knowledge because – what is the best way to get someone’s attention – give them a word of knowledge that only they know about. “How do you know that?” opens all doors. There followed extended ministry time and ended with Peter ‘giving his own gifting away’ by laying hands on half a dozen people – “That which I have I freely give to you”. Then the dancing started – led by Peter who (to be kind) is not designed for dancing – and yet who, like many larger people, can be very nimble on his feet. THEN we had a real surprise when Pastor David announced that he was going to ordain two new Pastors. Peter and Keith then formally inducted Pastor Pedro as the pastor of Lorca and David’s son David as a Pastor in their own church at Murcia. It was a very moving moment of affirmation for both men of God as they were received by their church with prolonged applause and cheering. I may have all of this on film as I was filming most of the weekend (including the moment when Ruben appeared in the church). If we manage to get some of it on the web-site, I will let you all know. We finally made it to a Spanish pizza parlour to conclude the evening – exhausted but totally exhilarated.

On Sunday, Peter went to a new Ecuadorian church in North Murcia – I think they want to affiliate to David as well – while John & I stayed in Lorca for their morning worship. We had a time of praise and worship after which Pastor Pedro introduced me. I thought I was going to speak on 1 Cor 13 ‘Love’ (a personal favourite of mine) Well I stared speaking on this and then the Lord had me address honesty and forgiveness in marriage and in life. It became a rather more serious word than I imagined but, as I said at the time, like Peter, I never know what I am going to say next – I simply wait upon the Lord to give me something and off I go. However, it proved to be a word in season as ministry went on for over 2 hours and every person present came forward for prayer and a word from the Lord. It seems to have gone down quite well so I just give all the Glory to God \o/. One very exciting moment occurred when I was literally almost knocked off my feet during ministry as angels swept into the building. It was an amazing moment for me and although some didn’t see anything, everyone felt a sudden change in the atmosphere. Later, we were even invited to go to Ecuador !! We had lunch in Lorca before returning to Murcia around 6 o’clock.

Meanwhile in North Murcia Peter, Keith, Ruth and Jonathan had a good time at the Ecuadorian Church. About thirty people gathered in what looked like a small warehouse and Peter spoke from John 2 where Mary said of Jesus " Do whatever he tells you ". And they did. Everyone was ready to do what Jesus wanted them to do including receiving more of the Holy Spirit. The whole church was prayed for and Peter's prophecy over the pastor confirmed a dream the pastor had the night before which reduced him to tears. What a privilege it was to be there !

Evening came and some 20 of us assembled in David’s house for a time of praise, worship, prayer, and prophecy for all the leaders and pastors of the group of churches we had visited. Also there were Pastors Alf & Katherine from Sweden, the parents of one of the Murcia worship team leaders. There was much prayer and prophecy that evening and three or four people were released further into their ministries. A truly anointed and blessed time – not too much detail as much of it was personal.

So we came to the time of reflection before we flew back again. The over-riding impression – yet again – is the amazing hunger for the things of the Lord among all the people in Spain. There was immense breakthrough for Lorca – even the city seemed more free and less forbidding than on our previous visits. The churches of Murcia and Lorca under Pastor David Snr are experiencing great personal and corporate breakthrough and a unity which must please the Heart of the Father. They have also affiliated themselves with IPHC through RoFMI !!! It truly is an enormous privilege to go visit with them and to be allowed to minister there. God always always always gives us something to Glorify His name for. It is an amazing place. What a joy to just share some of it with them. What a joy for Pastor David to see his son coming into the ministry with him – and there’s four more children to come into the ministry later – watch this space David – it will happen. Next trip ?? Who knows – only God. We are ready.

Chris Bennett Co-ordinator RoFMI

Saturday 9 May 2009

A Revival Of The Heart of Jesus - This is MY heart too

A Revival Of The Heart of Jesus
Rev Heather Butler
Global Bridges of Prayer
Wales UK


The Lord has for this last 2000 years been preparing a people who will know his voice, who will follow his lead, and do things the way that he did them.

His walk was clearly seen and understood by all, who could fail to understand him as they watched and listened to others testify to his love and his kindness to them. This was not a Gentle Jesus meek and mild, this was a radical man of God, who knew how to deal with every situation in a Godly way, with love humility, grace mercy, wisdom and power. Jesus was a man who cut against the grain and carved a pathway through hearts of stone, establishing foundations of love to be built upon even today.

Jesus was a man who knew how to handle the powers that came against Him, and who understood fully the authority of the Father invested within Him to change the Spiritual atmosphere where ever he went. He challenged the ungodly, and the religious men of His day, He is more than able to teach us today the right way of doing these things in love.

Jesus tore down the legalistic Spirits that came against him and the disciples, he had a plan that He stuck to no matter what the cost, to bring the fullness of the kingdom down upon the earth in power and might in order to seek and save the lost.

The coming revival will not come in the package we all expect or want, but I believe that love will be the key that opens doors in many broken peoples lives this coming year.

This love is raw and real, it’s a love that pulls out all the stops, that dares to believe that there is great potential within each man woman and child that see’s beyond who we are in the natural, and boldly steps out into the realms of the Spirit to bring signs and wonders upon the earth.

These people will not be self seeking admirers of the world and money, but rather self sacrificing individuals who display the fullness and richness of the Fathers heart, a heart that reaches into the depths of mankind to bring a response that needs an answer.

This love is not weak, it’s passionate, it’s fierce like the flames of a red hot fire, it burns with compassion for those who are being lost. This love takes us to the limits of ourselves, and enables us to enter into the realms of the Spirit where we are able to learn to react to many in the way that Jesus did.

Why did people follow Jesus? The bible tells us that there was nothing physically that would draw your attention to him, and yet, there was something about this man that drew people like moths to a lamp. They had to go see for themselves if this man was truly the son of God.

Can you imagine the depth of emotion of those bound by every infirmity who were suddenly set free for all to see! Can you see and hear the commotion, the tears of joy, the dancing, the singing and cheering, the chatter of the crowd as they looked on in amazement, the stir it caused throughout the whole city.

The kingdom of heaven impacts nations, when we dwell within the heavenly places it devastates the plan of the enemy against us, against our nations. When our eyes are truly opened we begin to see the reality of a living Lord who is more than able to release us into that same call to the nations.

This revival is about a revival of the heart, a revival of the heart of Jesus. In Hebrews it says that Jesus is the very imprint of the Father, the light being. When we are filled with His Spirit we are enabled to walk as He walked, tearing down every obstacle, removing every stone, leaving a fragrance of life in places filled with the stench of death and decay .

When we truly understand His heart, and hold onto those same principals and teachings then we will begin to see real change in our lives, and the lives of others. Jesus lived for others, and so should we, impacting them in ways that shake the very foundations of their beliefs, breaking open those graves of death and destruction, and bringing the life force of Jesus into the heart of those living in our community.

Jesus is great in places of death, in places where all is lost, where there is no hope in the natural order of things, but, we serve a supernatural Lord, who challenges the depths of hell with his love and reaches into the hell of peoples lives and plummets the darkest realms to bring light healing and salvation breaking every hold and claim of the enemy upon them, and releasing them by His blood. His blood is enough, it is as powerful today as it ever was, and has not lost the authority or the power it ignited on the cross, it is as fresh, and as pure and as clean today, washing the darkest heart as white as snow.

We have misunderstood the relevance of this love. We have seen the power of the healing, the power of the word, the power of the Spirit to move upon a nation to bring much change, but we have not understood the real power of the heart of Jesus, and what it could mean for our family, community and nation as we move in that same spirit.

Out of the heart flows the issues of life.

We are told to guard our heart for it is the wellspring of life, but how do we guard it, the word tells us to guard it with the breast plate of righteousness, but what does that mean for us today. It means that our protection is doing things the Lords way and not our own, righteousness simply means doing things the right way! When we are right with the Lord then we are one in the Spirit, and we leave the mark of Christ on everything that we do and say, we leave a lasting impression upon those who come to be set free, who come to hear the truth, who come to be saved.

To know Him is to Love Him, and to love Him is to love others in that same sacrificial way, that they in turn would learn to love Him and others, and the cycle goes on.

The love of Jesus is strong, he attacked verbally and spiritually all that came against the lives of those he ministered to. He called the religious white washed sepulchres, he held nothing back for the sake of the knowledge of His saving power. Get to know his words, read the red writing in your bibles, what did Jesus say, what did he do, what did he teach, how did he deal with the people of his day, how do we emulate him. Its all in the word, not hidden, but wonderfully bold enough to see.

One of the problems we are faced with today is that many are afraid to love or allow themselves to be loved , many are not able to respond to it because they are afraid of love, love has hurt them, they have suffered an attack of the heart, and are unable to allow love to be part of there lives because its to painful. For this reason we must learn to persevere in our love of those who give nothing in return, we much be trust worthy, we must become a people of prayer who’s attitude is to reach out to the lord for wisdom and help as we reach out to help others.

We must become an expression of the deep, deep love of Jesus that is sold out that will go chase after those sheep that are running in the opposite direction, we must first understand the heart of the shepherd, and only by being in the lords presence will be understand his heart, and move in His way into every situation.

Our love should always be a love that forgives and forgets the circumstances that hold us and many captive, where love abounds forgiveness begins. Where sin is washed away new life takes hold, and the breath of the one sent to save is breathed into the lives of others through our breath.

A person who does not know how to love needs to be shown the real love of Jesus to change their views on life and every circumstance.

Love is the Key, it turns in the locks of hearts grown cold and hard, and brings a fire that melts and warms comforts and brings life rich and beautiful.

Revival of the heart is essential for life. Is your heart in good condition, if not , you need to exercise those muscles so that they will beat strong and bold, that they will carry the lifeblood back into the body and enable it to do the work of the lord until the end.

Love is the most powerful weapon that we have, love created mankind, and the devotion and the love of a father who refused to let go of the creation of His hands. Love totally annihilated death, as true love entered that place devoid of the presence of it, and it shattered to pieces the hold it had over everyone of us who dared to believe it, love stripped infirmity of its power over us, so that by His blood His stripes we are healed, true love stands in the face of the enemy and says I am not afraid, if the Lord is for me who can be against me.

Every barrier, every act of the enemy forged against you will not prosper. You are a mighty weapon of mass destruction, what you hold within your heart released by the Holy Spirit is enough to enable you to stand against the mightiest foe, and declare that the authority of Christ invested in you is greater.

Its time to come into the chambers of His love, to grow in understanding, no longer taking its power for granted, but learning to release it upon the earth once again everywhere we go.

We are the redeemed of the Lord, we are entrusted with His heart, change the spiritual atmosphere over your nation because of the depths of His love today. His love is a miracle in the making, walk in it and be amazed.


Amen

Thursday 7 May 2009

RoFMI Prayer Team

As RoFMI expands its horizons and travels to more places and countries, I believe we have an exponentially expanding need for prayer cover. So-o-o-o

I have put together a distinct email group of those folk I believe will be happy to pray for RoFMI (River of Fire Ministries International) as we seek to do the Lords will for both ourselves and for those to whom we have the privilege of ministering.

If you would like to be a part of this, then I would welcome the chance to have you join us. Also if you think there are others you believe would join us then please feel free to invite them too.

Please prayerfully consider this and respond as you feel led by the Holy Spirit
Thank you & God Bless you all abundantly

With all love in Yeshua

Chris

Email me through our 'trainee' website http://rofmi-uk.com/Contact_Us.html

Monday 4 May 2009

Finding Home by Brad Huebert - a review

When I was asked to review Brad Huebert's new book, 'Finding Home', I was surprised and a little worried. I have never reviewed a book before, not seriously I mean, and anyway - what if I didnt like it? What if I found it boring etc etc - the questions rolled on. Well I needn't have worried even a little bit.

Pilgrims Progress 21st century style - Finding Home is the story of one man's search for more of God. It is an old fashioned yarn told by a master story-teller. Full of twists and turns and not a few surprises, Brad Huebert skillfully weaves a 'modern day parable' as he traces Ivan's journey through life. My own faith was built up with every page and now I cant wait to send a few copies to my friends and to new Christians wanting to be encouraged in their own search for more of God. I know its anachronistic but - Every home should have a copy of this book !! No - really. Go buy it for yourself. You'll not regret it.

Chris Bennett 4th May 2009

Finding Home by Brad Huebert
ISBN 978-0-595-51778-7

Sunday 3 May 2009

Little Peter

Little Peter

Hi - I want to tell you a story. It is a true story and one so amazing that it may cause you to rethink where you stand before God. It is the story of Little Peter.

In January 2008, our RoFMI ministry team was visiting Denmark for the first time. RoFMI is a prophetic & healing ministry based in Essex and we go out regularly all over Europe. We had a meeting in our hosts church and as is our usual practice we gave out a call for anyone who wanted prayer.

An older lady came to the front. She was holding a piece of paper which she proffered to our Peter who was leading the meeting. It was a photocopy of a baby. Not any old baby, but a quite premature tiny tot with wires and tubes attached to every available space and then some more. “This is my Grandson Peter – he was born a few days ago and needs your prayers.” was all she said.

Peter looked at the photo and said to the Lord, “Lord, I don’t think this baby can possibly survive – can he?” At that instant, the paper became quite hot to the touch. Peter didn’t rub it in any way – just had it laid flat on the palm of his hand. He asked the Pastors wife and she agreed it was hot – so hot that she dropped it straight back on Peters hand. He asked the Grandmother and she too said it was hot. This caused Peter’s faith to rise and he prayed for a miracle for Little Peter.

Then last September when we returned to Denmark once more and we found Little Peter was actually alive but still struggling. He still had tubes and was on fairly strong medicine. His lungs were especially weak and his blood was none too good either. So we prayed again for this little fighter – for new lungs, kidneys, and liver. Once again we had to leave him with the Lord.

Now in April 2009 we returned once more to Denmark for some more meetings. During a meal break the door suddenly burst open and there was a very happy Mum with baby Peter in her arms – COMPLETELY healed. No more wires or tubes. New lungs, new kidneys, new liver – restored and healed by the power of God. Although he is not completely out of the woods yet, Little Peter is well on the road to a completely healthy normal life. He is still a little small, but he is sturdy, quite heavy now and robust – and FULL of energy just as a child should be.

ISNT GOD GOOD ?? Hallelujah \o/