As I was reading my Bible I came across this very familiar passage
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
This is a beautiful and well loved scripture which I am sure most of us learned early on in our walk with the Lord. It is the source of 1Peter 5:7 “Cast all your cares upon Him because He cares for you.” It sums up in one short passage the route to all rest and relaxation – how to be satisfied with your lot – how to cope with every day’s problems and worries.
I wanted to delve a little deeper into this so I flicked back through my old emails and Twitter messages til I found this alternative translation from the Message Bible.
Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Beautiful isn’t it? And so much to the point.
This is what the Lord said to me. “You worry and express concern about all too many things, but, instead of giving them to Me and letting Me deal with them, you keep them and almost encourage them to fester in your own life. As a result, you do start to worry and fret and you leave the door wide open for the enemy to come in and disrupt your peace with all sorts of unnecessary nonsense. Why do you do this when My Word says so clearly to give everything to Me and to let Me deal with them while My Grace carries you peacefully through each and every trap and pitfall of daily living.” He showed me, too, what is meant by that wonderfully evocative phrase, the “unforced rhythms of grace.”
His Grace is all-sufficient. It is sufficient for you. It is sufficient for me. As we grow in His Grace so we learn to give Him more and more and to relax and retain our own peace – also more and more. There is a rhythm to this and it’s rather like being in a boat out on the open sea where the waves pass by with such a regular rhythm. As each wave of trouble heads our way, we are in danger of the wave breaking over us unless we give the wave back to the Lord. That’s when we crest the top and slide gently down the other side waiting for the next wave to head our way. There is clearly a rhythm to this as we find problems and gain release from them. We find a problem and go up with each wave. Then we give it to Jesus and ride the wave gently and easily down again.
So chill out people – learn to use the ‘unforced rhythms of grace’ for yourself and find your peace again. Best thing is to not lose that peace again. Isn’t God’s Word wonderful.
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
Monday, 19 April 2010
The Candlestick 2
In the first article I told how the Lord said,
"I am taking the candlestick away from the big churches and the big ministries and I am giving it back to the little churches - the little people." The Lord also said to me today that there is coming a day when He will ask us, "What did you do with the light I gave to you?”
Serious words. Serious question.
In that first article I spoke about the over activeness of many churches. Un-surprisingly perhaps, I received one or two questions about this and they prompted me to seek the Lord again. My response is now this :-
No word such as this applies to every church, but how many churches have program after program yet their only real outreach to the outside and hurting world is a cleverly worded notice outside the church - usually urging folk to "come on in - everyone is welcome." Trouble is the very folk they aim their 'outreach' at are those who wouldn't usually be seen within a mile of the inside of any church. In fact, save for hatch, match, and despatch, they will never come inside a church. The church in response organises more and more activities - but still only their own people turn up. Why is this do you suppose?
The church has spent millions and millions on ‘programs’, yet where oh where is the fruit? Why are we not packed to capacity? Why are we not overflowing?
In general terms, the church is so tied up with its own activity that it has forgotten how to preach or otherwise get the gospel out to the unchurched. Sure it is preached some weeks, but who is there to hear the sermon?
As I say, I do not include every church in this article but if the cap fits, then you, or your church, or any other church to whom this applies, must wear it. There are quite a few churches whose sole purpose is to reach the lost. Yet there are also very many who are too smug and comfortable in their own sanctified complacency. When Jesus returns, He will surely ask each of us that question - “What did you do with the light I gave to you?”
OK then – what or how will you answer when He says to you “What did you do with the light I gave to you?” Did you hide it “under a bushel”? or did you hold it high for all the world to see? Did you even mention Jesus to your neighbours? Or are you too one of those resting comfortably in your own smug, sanctified complacency?
Let me ask you one last question. As the church is supposed to be the Bride of Christ – if Jesus were to come back today, how will He react when He comes to your church. “Well done, good and faithful servants”? or “Away from Me, I do not know you !!”??
CGB @cgbrofmi
19 April 2010
In the first article I told how the Lord said,
"I am taking the candlestick away from the big churches and the big ministries and I am giving it back to the little churches - the little people." The Lord also said to me today that there is coming a day when He will ask us, "What did you do with the light I gave to you?”
Serious words. Serious question.
In that first article I spoke about the over activeness of many churches. Un-surprisingly perhaps, I received one or two questions about this and they prompted me to seek the Lord again. My response is now this :-
No word such as this applies to every church, but how many churches have program after program yet their only real outreach to the outside and hurting world is a cleverly worded notice outside the church - usually urging folk to "come on in - everyone is welcome." Trouble is the very folk they aim their 'outreach' at are those who wouldn't usually be seen within a mile of the inside of any church. In fact, save for hatch, match, and despatch, they will never come inside a church. The church in response organises more and more activities - but still only their own people turn up. Why is this do you suppose?
The church has spent millions and millions on ‘programs’, yet where oh where is the fruit? Why are we not packed to capacity? Why are we not overflowing?
In general terms, the church is so tied up with its own activity that it has forgotten how to preach or otherwise get the gospel out to the unchurched. Sure it is preached some weeks, but who is there to hear the sermon?
As I say, I do not include every church in this article but if the cap fits, then you, or your church, or any other church to whom this applies, must wear it. There are quite a few churches whose sole purpose is to reach the lost. Yet there are also very many who are too smug and comfortable in their own sanctified complacency. When Jesus returns, He will surely ask each of us that question - “What did you do with the light I gave to you?”
OK then – what or how will you answer when He says to you “What did you do with the light I gave to you?” Did you hide it “under a bushel”? or did you hold it high for all the world to see? Did you even mention Jesus to your neighbours? Or are you too one of those resting comfortably in your own smug, sanctified complacency?
Let me ask you one last question. As the church is supposed to be the Bride of Christ – if Jesus were to come back today, how will He react when He comes to your church. “Well done, good and faithful servants”? or “Away from Me, I do not know you !!”??
CGB @cgbrofmi
19 April 2010
Sunday, 18 April 2010
The Candlestick
The Candlestick
The Lord reminded me this morning of a word I heard the other day. He said,
"I am taking the candlestick away from the big churches and the big ministries and I am giving it back to the little churches - the little people." The Lord also said to me today that there is coming a day when He will ask us, "What did you do with the light I gave to you?”
Serious words. Serious question.
The Word of God says this in Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
How many churches do you know where they have every social and service activity under the sun. They have ladies groups, men’s groups, seniors groups, youth groups, and children’s groups. They have mum & toddler club, lunch club, after school club, wives club, singles club and so on. They have bible studies, evening and day time prayer meetings, Sunday Schools, weekday fellowships – the list is almost endless.
Who are these activities for?
I believe that one of the great deceptions and diversions that Satan has made is to turn the church into a kind of social glee club. I believe he has so turned us towards world thinking and busy-ness that we have forgotten to keep doing the Fathers business. We seem to spend so much time on our “Christian Activities” for the people already inside the church that we have forgotten to do those things in the great commission for those outside the church.
Mark 16:15-18 (NIV)
“He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."
The candlestick is the Gospel – it is all about Jesus who said He is the light of the world. The Lord is taking that candlestick away from the big ministries, the big churches, those who are so busy with their own and the enemies own activities on behalf of their own people that they have forgotten to put their light up high for all outside the church to see.
Let me re-quote what the Lord said to me - "I am taking the candlestick away from the big churches and the big ministries and I am giving it back to the little churches - the little people." He also said to me that there is coming a day when He will ask us, "What did you do with the light I gave to you?"
He showed me that we are “little church”, and we are “little people”. The candlestick is the light of His Gospel. It’s our job to make sure our light shines and when it does, unsaved people will be drawn to it like moths round a light bulb. They will want to know what it is we have but they don’t have. What will we say when people ask? We may only have the one chance and we must simply take it."
OK then – what or how will you answer when He says to you “What did you do with the light I gave to you?”
CGB @cgbrofmi
18 April 2010
The Lord reminded me this morning of a word I heard the other day. He said,
"I am taking the candlestick away from the big churches and the big ministries and I am giving it back to the little churches - the little people." The Lord also said to me today that there is coming a day when He will ask us, "What did you do with the light I gave to you?”
Serious words. Serious question.
The Word of God says this in Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
How many churches do you know where they have every social and service activity under the sun. They have ladies groups, men’s groups, seniors groups, youth groups, and children’s groups. They have mum & toddler club, lunch club, after school club, wives club, singles club and so on. They have bible studies, evening and day time prayer meetings, Sunday Schools, weekday fellowships – the list is almost endless.
Who are these activities for?
I believe that one of the great deceptions and diversions that Satan has made is to turn the church into a kind of social glee club. I believe he has so turned us towards world thinking and busy-ness that we have forgotten to keep doing the Fathers business. We seem to spend so much time on our “Christian Activities” for the people already inside the church that we have forgotten to do those things in the great commission for those outside the church.
Mark 16:15-18 (NIV)
“He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."
The candlestick is the Gospel – it is all about Jesus who said He is the light of the world. The Lord is taking that candlestick away from the big ministries, the big churches, those who are so busy with their own and the enemies own activities on behalf of their own people that they have forgotten to put their light up high for all outside the church to see.
Let me re-quote what the Lord said to me - "I am taking the candlestick away from the big churches and the big ministries and I am giving it back to the little churches - the little people." He also said to me that there is coming a day when He will ask us, "What did you do with the light I gave to you?"
He showed me that we are “little church”, and we are “little people”. The candlestick is the light of His Gospel. It’s our job to make sure our light shines and when it does, unsaved people will be drawn to it like moths round a light bulb. They will want to know what it is we have but they don’t have. What will we say when people ask? We may only have the one chance and we must simply take it."
OK then – what or how will you answer when He says to you “What did you do with the light I gave to you?”
CGB @cgbrofmi
18 April 2010
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
Guest Post from Karen Anderson
Healing and Deliverance According to the Bible
When we hear the word deliverance, we tend to associate it with “deliverance from evil”. Our Lord’s prayer includes this in the last line – we ask him to deliver us from all evil as we pray every day. Christian deliverance refers to God rescuing his children not just from demonic and satanic possession, but from bondage, oppression, hardship and temptation as well. We talk of various forms of deliverance:
• Spiritual: All Christians must believe in the uniqueness of God as the only divine being and desist from worshipping or even acknowledging the existence of any other form of divinity.
• Social: It is important that we remember God in all our social activities and avoid taking part in anything that detracts from His greatness and from the teachings of the Holy Bible.
• Physical: This refers to the exorcism of not just demons and other evil forms from the physical body, but also deliverance from our attachment to our bodies. We must not be so caught up in the way we look that we forget to worship God with all the devotion that the deed requires.
• Material: When we become attached and addicted to material possessions, it makes it that much harder to reach God and become one with him. We are so focused on amassing wealth and retaining it that we forget to offer thanks and praise the Lord for his goodness.
Most of all, we need deliverance from ignorance and sin – the first for all that we do unknowingly that is against the teachings in the Bible, and the second for all that we knowingly do just because we are overcome by lust and temptation for worldly and hedonistic pleasures.
Healing takes place when you truly repent for your transgressions and come back to the path of truth and follow the will of God. You must also give up all forms of temptations and dissociate yourself from situations that lead you to sin, knowingly or unknowingly. And most important of all, you must pray to God and ask him to guide you as you go through this deliverance and healing process and enable you to keep to the straight and narrow path.
Biblical deliverance and healing allow you to walk with God and abide in the teachings of Christ his son.
By-line:
This guest post is contributed by Karen Anderson, who writes on the topic of online bible colleges (http://onlinebiblecolleges.net/ ) . She welcomes your comments at her email id : karen.anderson441@gmail.com
When we hear the word deliverance, we tend to associate it with “deliverance from evil”. Our Lord’s prayer includes this in the last line – we ask him to deliver us from all evil as we pray every day. Christian deliverance refers to God rescuing his children not just from demonic and satanic possession, but from bondage, oppression, hardship and temptation as well. We talk of various forms of deliverance:
• Spiritual: All Christians must believe in the uniqueness of God as the only divine being and desist from worshipping or even acknowledging the existence of any other form of divinity.
• Social: It is important that we remember God in all our social activities and avoid taking part in anything that detracts from His greatness and from the teachings of the Holy Bible.
• Physical: This refers to the exorcism of not just demons and other evil forms from the physical body, but also deliverance from our attachment to our bodies. We must not be so caught up in the way we look that we forget to worship God with all the devotion that the deed requires.
• Material: When we become attached and addicted to material possessions, it makes it that much harder to reach God and become one with him. We are so focused on amassing wealth and retaining it that we forget to offer thanks and praise the Lord for his goodness.
Most of all, we need deliverance from ignorance and sin – the first for all that we do unknowingly that is against the teachings in the Bible, and the second for all that we knowingly do just because we are overcome by lust and temptation for worldly and hedonistic pleasures.
Healing takes place when you truly repent for your transgressions and come back to the path of truth and follow the will of God. You must also give up all forms of temptations and dissociate yourself from situations that lead you to sin, knowingly or unknowingly. And most important of all, you must pray to God and ask him to guide you as you go through this deliverance and healing process and enable you to keep to the straight and narrow path.
Biblical deliverance and healing allow you to walk with God and abide in the teachings of Christ his son.
By-line:
This guest post is contributed by Karen Anderson, who writes on the topic of online bible colleges (http://onlinebiblecolleges.net/ ) . She welcomes your comments at her email id : karen.anderson441@gmail.com
Tuesday, 2 March 2010
The Road to Hell
There is an old saying in England – The Road to Hell is paved with Good Intentions. I just want to shed a little bit of what God showed me about it – some new light on that simple sentence.
Normally we mean that our own road to hell is paved with our own good intentions – and there is truth in that. Yet there is a greater truth that someone else’s road to Hell is also paved with your good intentions.
Have you ever intended to do something but, well, just never got around to doing it? Of course you did.
How many times have you heard something like a prophesy and said, well we shall see? “If the Lord does it then I shall believe it.”
When you heard about the poor people caught by the tsunami, or the people caught by the earthquake, or the people caught by the typhoon or storms – did you say to yourself, “I should try to help them.” But then thought, “But what use is my few pounds in the middle of such need?”
When we come to face the Lord and we are held to account for all that we DID do and all that we DIDN’T do – what will you say. “Well Lord, I meant to do that but you came back too quickly!”
What happens on the great day when an angel calls out “Chris Bennett, Evangelist, step forward!” “What? I’m not an evangelist. Who is he calling?”
“You”
“But but I’m not an evangelist. I am a pastor, a prophet, a healer. Thats the ministry you gave me, Lord !“
“No – I called you to be an evangelist. Remember that prophecy given to you in 2009? Why didn’t you listen to it?”
You see, we are all called to something and it will avail you very little to say, “yes Lord, I know, I meant to do it – you know Lord – one day I really did intent to do it.”
What do you think the Lord will say to you?
“Oh well, never mind – you did OK although you could have done a bit better.”
“OK – its shame cos I really wanted you to save all these people.” And He shows you crowds of people who were not saved ???
No – He may very well show you the crowds of people who might have been saved if you had obeyed your calling.
Then He may very well ask you for an account of each one of them as to WHY you didn’t preach the gospel to them.
He may show you how each of them who stayed un-saved (some will be saved by someone else) has walked a steady path right into Hell.
He Might even show you that their road to Hell was paved with your good intentions but because you stayed in disobedience to His call, they have gone to Hell.
He might even show you the way to the gates of Hell for being so disobedient saying, “Away from me you evildoer – I do not know you!”
Suddenly the panic grabs you, “But Lord, look at all that I did in Your Name. Lord, I healed the sick – I cast out demons – I gave people prophecies that changed their lives for You.”
“Yes, but I called you to be an evangelist and because you ignored me – because you only ever intended to evangelise but never did it – all these people went to Hell - Lost because of YOU!”
Its time to listen to what God is saying to each one of us. Its time to get ourselves into His will for our lives. Its time to start putting the road to Hell in its place – as a thing of the past !!
Normally we mean that our own road to hell is paved with our own good intentions – and there is truth in that. Yet there is a greater truth that someone else’s road to Hell is also paved with your good intentions.
Have you ever intended to do something but, well, just never got around to doing it? Of course you did.
How many times have you heard something like a prophesy and said, well we shall see? “If the Lord does it then I shall believe it.”
When you heard about the poor people caught by the tsunami, or the people caught by the earthquake, or the people caught by the typhoon or storms – did you say to yourself, “I should try to help them.” But then thought, “But what use is my few pounds in the middle of such need?”
When we come to face the Lord and we are held to account for all that we DID do and all that we DIDN’T do – what will you say. “Well Lord, I meant to do that but you came back too quickly!”
What happens on the great day when an angel calls out “Chris Bennett, Evangelist, step forward!” “What? I’m not an evangelist. Who is he calling?”
“You”
“But but I’m not an evangelist. I am a pastor, a prophet, a healer. Thats the ministry you gave me, Lord !“
“No – I called you to be an evangelist. Remember that prophecy given to you in 2009? Why didn’t you listen to it?”
You see, we are all called to something and it will avail you very little to say, “yes Lord, I know, I meant to do it – you know Lord – one day I really did intent to do it.”
What do you think the Lord will say to you?
“Oh well, never mind – you did OK although you could have done a bit better.”
“OK – its shame cos I really wanted you to save all these people.” And He shows you crowds of people who were not saved ???
No – He may very well show you the crowds of people who might have been saved if you had obeyed your calling.
Then He may very well ask you for an account of each one of them as to WHY you didn’t preach the gospel to them.
He may show you how each of them who stayed un-saved (some will be saved by someone else) has walked a steady path right into Hell.
He Might even show you that their road to Hell was paved with your good intentions but because you stayed in disobedience to His call, they have gone to Hell.
He might even show you the way to the gates of Hell for being so disobedient saying, “Away from me you evildoer – I do not know you!”
Suddenly the panic grabs you, “But Lord, look at all that I did in Your Name. Lord, I healed the sick – I cast out demons – I gave people prophecies that changed their lives for You.”
“Yes, but I called you to be an evangelist and because you ignored me – because you only ever intended to evangelise but never did it – all these people went to Hell - Lost because of YOU!”
Its time to listen to what God is saying to each one of us. Its time to get ourselves into His will for our lives. Its time to start putting the road to Hell in its place – as a thing of the past !!
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
RoFMI Visit Report to Norway Jan 2010
There are moments in ones life when words are simply both insufficient and inadequate to describe things. This is one such moment. I have been back home from Norway for less than one hour and the only thing I want to do is to tell you all about the trip. So . . . . . .
Thanks to my brilliance as administrator, I managed to book us all on two different flights so Jean & John left Thursday morning, very early, while Peter, Keith and myself left early evening. Thanks to the sterling support of our friends in Norway, Robin & Leif, we all managed to get out to the SBI Bibleschool where we were to visit first. It is on the ‘wrong’ (west) side of the Oslo Fjord so we had to take the ferry and were met on the other side by Svein-Kase who took us all to the school where we were made very welcome and allowed to settle in quietly before the first session on Friday Morning.
Friday morning we all joined in the schools daily praise, worship, and prayers. We were warmly welcomed by Reidar Gamst, the School Director, before Keith took the first session – a teaching on Spiritual Warfare. This went down well and started the students, aged between 19 and over 30, asking the first of many questions. After a snack & coffee, Keith once again took the floor for the concluding Spiritual Warfare session. During the session two ‘unexpected’ visitors came in to the lecture room and listened to the remained of the session. We all then had an extended break for lunch, fellowship, and some prayer too.
One of the visitors turned out to be Per Sotorp, a very well known Norwegian gospel artist, who happily agreed to lead an impromptu praise and worship session where the anointing just fell. The impromptu session lasted nearly 3 hours and Per kindly did some requests as well !! We broke at 7pm before the evening Youth meeting Pastor Matthew spoke on the prodigal son and then Peter spoke and gave some words of encouragement and prophecy. There was a dramatic deliverance period and we all got to bed around 01:00. (Well maybe 02:00 or even later by the time we’d had coffee and unwound a little bit.
Saturday morning broke bright, grey, and snowy and over breakfast, it was very obvious there was a change in many of the students. The Lord was touching them and He was ‘doing things’ in many of their lives. We were joined quite early by Jonathan, another team member, who came over late from England. From 11:00 to about 18:00 we had a meeting for the leaders and pastors that Reidar had invited along to meet us; to hear from the Lord; and to be encouraged. I managed a very poor introduction of the RoFMI Ministry and the team – I set out to say one thing – the Lord seemed to change my direction, and I ended up not saying anything like what I wanted to say. I then introduced Peter who spoke at some length about the three rules for any Pastor. Love your people; Love your people; and then Love your people. After lunch together, we had an extended time of prophecy, prayer, and ministry.
Then things started to ‘hot up’ as the Lord took over the rest of the day.
After dinner, we gathered in one of the lounges with a number of the students for perhaps the most amazing time or prayer and ministry I have ever attended, Peter spoke briefly and quietly about the need to “die to self and live for Him”. We then felt led to arrange a space on the floor for a “coffin” so that anyone could throw their unwanted baggage or troubles or problems into the coffin in a symbolic act of repentance and obedience to the calling of the Lord. Several went through the prophetic action of taking the ‘load’ of their own back, and ‘throwing’ it into the coffin. THEN one of the men stood up and ‘laid down’ in the coffin. The anointing of that moment was – well – you had to be there as 14 more people went through the same procedure. There was almost total silence for nearly 2 hours as one by one, people went through the symbolic act of dying to self in order to live for Him. The only sound was when Peter gave a very occasional word of knowledge about what was happening. Most amazingly, one young lady stayed there for 45 minutes and was transported to heaven for the Lord to do His work in her. Amazing, amazing time, and so powerful and anointed. Every person there was changed – all of us !! As we watched the Lord at work we were simply humbled into silence. Finally – as if to tell us it was finished – there was an outbreak of Holy Joy.
An incredible end to 2 days of incredible ministry and worship. However, God was not quite finished as we went to visit a family on site for a final drink and some more quiet ministry as we prayed for their son who has ADHD. Bed around 02:30 again.
Sunday came and we bid farewell to a very changed bunch of both students and staff – and with an invitation to do a full prophetic conference in May. Across the Ferry to the East Fjord and on to Dear friends Leif and Karin-Sophie at their lovely home in Frederikstad. They had invited quite a few people along and we were honoured to find a lot of people wanting to hear from the Lord. Peter spoke briefly asking “What if we could hear the Holy Spirit as clearly as we can hear Satan and his demons?” Two businessmen who came along were greatly blessed with words of prophecy as was a young lady with a wonderful prophetic worship anointing. We ended by going to see Reiden & Wraggs – parents of Robin (Our Norwegian Partner) where they had prepared a magnificent fish supper for us.
Monday morning and Jean & John had to fly early (more thanks for my quite superb admin) while Peter, Keith & I stayed for a while longer. I stayed with Leif & Karin-Sophie and we went for a wonderful winter walk in the snowy sunshine. Cold but breathtakingly beautiful – as my photos will show. Back at the house 20 or more people once again congregated for fellowship, prayer, and prophecy. We eventually had to drag Peter away so we could catch our flight back home and even then, Leif & Tommy who had taken us to the airport waited till we were completely out of sight before leaving us.
Altogether a breathtaking trip. So anointed we could barely speak on the way home. Also so tiring because of the intensity of the whole 4 days. So important too for all the contacts and divine meetings we had. What a phenomenal Lord we try to serve. \o/ Hallelujah & Thank you Lord – ALL glory to You.
CGB ©RoFMI 2010
Thanks to my brilliance as administrator, I managed to book us all on two different flights so Jean & John left Thursday morning, very early, while Peter, Keith and myself left early evening. Thanks to the sterling support of our friends in Norway, Robin & Leif, we all managed to get out to the SBI Bibleschool where we were to visit first. It is on the ‘wrong’ (west) side of the Oslo Fjord so we had to take the ferry and were met on the other side by Svein-Kase who took us all to the school where we were made very welcome and allowed to settle in quietly before the first session on Friday Morning.
Friday morning we all joined in the schools daily praise, worship, and prayers. We were warmly welcomed by Reidar Gamst, the School Director, before Keith took the first session – a teaching on Spiritual Warfare. This went down well and started the students, aged between 19 and over 30, asking the first of many questions. After a snack & coffee, Keith once again took the floor for the concluding Spiritual Warfare session. During the session two ‘unexpected’ visitors came in to the lecture room and listened to the remained of the session. We all then had an extended break for lunch, fellowship, and some prayer too.
One of the visitors turned out to be Per Sotorp, a very well known Norwegian gospel artist, who happily agreed to lead an impromptu praise and worship session where the anointing just fell. The impromptu session lasted nearly 3 hours and Per kindly did some requests as well !! We broke at 7pm before the evening Youth meeting Pastor Matthew spoke on the prodigal son and then Peter spoke and gave some words of encouragement and prophecy. There was a dramatic deliverance period and we all got to bed around 01:00. (Well maybe 02:00 or even later by the time we’d had coffee and unwound a little bit.
Saturday morning broke bright, grey, and snowy and over breakfast, it was very obvious there was a change in many of the students. The Lord was touching them and He was ‘doing things’ in many of their lives. We were joined quite early by Jonathan, another team member, who came over late from England. From 11:00 to about 18:00 we had a meeting for the leaders and pastors that Reidar had invited along to meet us; to hear from the Lord; and to be encouraged. I managed a very poor introduction of the RoFMI Ministry and the team – I set out to say one thing – the Lord seemed to change my direction, and I ended up not saying anything like what I wanted to say. I then introduced Peter who spoke at some length about the three rules for any Pastor. Love your people; Love your people; and then Love your people. After lunch together, we had an extended time of prophecy, prayer, and ministry.
Then things started to ‘hot up’ as the Lord took over the rest of the day.
After dinner, we gathered in one of the lounges with a number of the students for perhaps the most amazing time or prayer and ministry I have ever attended, Peter spoke briefly and quietly about the need to “die to self and live for Him”. We then felt led to arrange a space on the floor for a “coffin” so that anyone could throw their unwanted baggage or troubles or problems into the coffin in a symbolic act of repentance and obedience to the calling of the Lord. Several went through the prophetic action of taking the ‘load’ of their own back, and ‘throwing’ it into the coffin. THEN one of the men stood up and ‘laid down’ in the coffin. The anointing of that moment was – well – you had to be there as 14 more people went through the same procedure. There was almost total silence for nearly 2 hours as one by one, people went through the symbolic act of dying to self in order to live for Him. The only sound was when Peter gave a very occasional word of knowledge about what was happening. Most amazingly, one young lady stayed there for 45 minutes and was transported to heaven for the Lord to do His work in her. Amazing, amazing time, and so powerful and anointed. Every person there was changed – all of us !! As we watched the Lord at work we were simply humbled into silence. Finally – as if to tell us it was finished – there was an outbreak of Holy Joy.
An incredible end to 2 days of incredible ministry and worship. However, God was not quite finished as we went to visit a family on site for a final drink and some more quiet ministry as we prayed for their son who has ADHD. Bed around 02:30 again.
Sunday came and we bid farewell to a very changed bunch of both students and staff – and with an invitation to do a full prophetic conference in May. Across the Ferry to the East Fjord and on to Dear friends Leif and Karin-Sophie at their lovely home in Frederikstad. They had invited quite a few people along and we were honoured to find a lot of people wanting to hear from the Lord. Peter spoke briefly asking “What if we could hear the Holy Spirit as clearly as we can hear Satan and his demons?” Two businessmen who came along were greatly blessed with words of prophecy as was a young lady with a wonderful prophetic worship anointing. We ended by going to see Reiden & Wraggs – parents of Robin (Our Norwegian Partner) where they had prepared a magnificent fish supper for us.
Monday morning and Jean & John had to fly early (more thanks for my quite superb admin) while Peter, Keith & I stayed for a while longer. I stayed with Leif & Karin-Sophie and we went for a wonderful winter walk in the snowy sunshine. Cold but breathtakingly beautiful – as my photos will show. Back at the house 20 or more people once again congregated for fellowship, prayer, and prophecy. We eventually had to drag Peter away so we could catch our flight back home and even then, Leif & Tommy who had taken us to the airport waited till we were completely out of sight before leaving us.
Altogether a breathtaking trip. So anointed we could barely speak on the way home. Also so tiring because of the intensity of the whole 4 days. So important too for all the contacts and divine meetings we had. What a phenomenal Lord we try to serve. \o/ Hallelujah & Thank you Lord – ALL glory to You.
CGB ©RoFMI 2010
Friday, 15 January 2010
"Miracle Man"
Frank Hansen - Miracle Man
During a recent ministry visit to Denmark, we once again met with Frank Hansen – a Christian biker for the past 20 years or more. There is a move of the Lord amongst bikers all over Europe and America. It is amazing how God is using these “outsiders” to reach a hurting and wounded world with His love. Such is the fire and zeal among these wonderful men of God that many are not only willing but are actually risking their life by telling their old group that they are leaving the group or gang – an act perceived almost as bad as treason and punishable by anything up to and including death.
Some of you may recall the story of Frank Hansen who was mown down by a car, (not a truck as I first thought), and inflicted with the most horrendous injuries. Known now as “Miracle Man”, Frank has an astonishing testimony to Gods healing power and grace. In the accident, Frank was consigned to a wheelchair where he stayed for over three and a half years. His foot was virtually severed – held on only by skin and the boots he was wearing. His thigh was broken in three places. When we met him first of all, he had pneumonia. His injuries left him with tinnitus, asthma, loss of the sense of smell, septicaemia, a bent spine which gave him crooked shoulders, and many other things wrong or broken. As I say, we first met him two months ago. The local medical services not only saved his life but they patched him up as best they could.
When we were at a prayer meeting, a lady, who turned out to be Franks wife Bente, came up to me and asked if we could come to their home and pray for Frank. He was very despondent, suffering greatly from pain and depression, and actually almost suicidal despite his own and Bente’s faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. So we went there and, when we arrived, we spotted this rather forlorn and bent figure standing on a second floor balcony and leaning heavily on his stick.
Peter, our leader, called up to him – “Are you Frank?”
“Yes” came the response.
“Are you ready to be healed?”
“Yes” but this time it seemed to come back more as a roar !!
Frank was a sorry sight. He could barely stand let alone walk. He had been wheelchair bound for three and a half years but had recently asked for physiotherapy from the hospital and had learned to balance and walk a very short distance on his own. It was obvious that his right leg was two or even three inches shorter than the left. His right shoulder was three inches lower than his left and his spine was in an S-shape. He wasn’t breathing well although we put this down to the effort he required just to get out of his second floor flat to the balcony. Fortunately, the flats have a lift otherwise he would have been completely house-bound.
We anointed him and started to pray. Peter received several words of knowledge which were all confirmed. As we prayed, I had the ultimate privilege of watching his right leg grow to the same length as the left leg !! We stood him up, and watched his frame become straight !! His spine straightened and his shoulders became square. Frank had a huge grin on his face !! Many tears flowed. Frank told us he had a hospital appointment next week so we told him to get everything confirmed. Over the next few days, we heard from Frank the full extent of his healing as it all gradually manifested. Things like his lungs cleared as asthma and pneumonia cleared up; his sense of taste and smell returned; the ringing in his ears went !! So many things.
Come the day of his hospital appointment, his consultant was expecting a cripple to walk or rather to totter into the surgery. He could not believe his own eyes when Frank strode in and he called a colleague to confirm what his eyes were telling him. Frank asked to be taken off all the drugs and was told they were so powerful that it would take a year to get him right off them. Yet today Frank is on his last couple of weeks of the now very weak drugs. There has been no ‘cold turkey’; no shaking or any withdrawal symptoms at all. His consultant has said that he doesn’t know how or why – but Frank is healed. It’s an incomprehensible miracle medically, but he is fully healed. Frank has witnessed Jesus to him but we don’t know what effect, if any, Franks witness has had. We do know that Frank has since led at least three people to the Lord through his testimony.
On November 20th 2009 Frank Hansen was a broken man apparently destined to spend the rest of his life a cripple or at least a permanently damaged man. Today, in mid-January 2010, Frank Hansen is completely healed and restored to fine health thanks to the healing power of our wonderful God. Bente says that she has the man she first married 23 years ago back again. Frank says the God has given him his life back and he will now spend the rest of it winning the lost back to the Lord.
What an amazing God we serve. Hallelujah \o/
During a recent ministry visit to Denmark, we once again met with Frank Hansen – a Christian biker for the past 20 years or more. There is a move of the Lord amongst bikers all over Europe and America. It is amazing how God is using these “outsiders” to reach a hurting and wounded world with His love. Such is the fire and zeal among these wonderful men of God that many are not only willing but are actually risking their life by telling their old group that they are leaving the group or gang – an act perceived almost as bad as treason and punishable by anything up to and including death.
Some of you may recall the story of Frank Hansen who was mown down by a car, (not a truck as I first thought), and inflicted with the most horrendous injuries. Known now as “Miracle Man”, Frank has an astonishing testimony to Gods healing power and grace. In the accident, Frank was consigned to a wheelchair where he stayed for over three and a half years. His foot was virtually severed – held on only by skin and the boots he was wearing. His thigh was broken in three places. When we met him first of all, he had pneumonia. His injuries left him with tinnitus, asthma, loss of the sense of smell, septicaemia, a bent spine which gave him crooked shoulders, and many other things wrong or broken. As I say, we first met him two months ago. The local medical services not only saved his life but they patched him up as best they could.
When we were at a prayer meeting, a lady, who turned out to be Franks wife Bente, came up to me and asked if we could come to their home and pray for Frank. He was very despondent, suffering greatly from pain and depression, and actually almost suicidal despite his own and Bente’s faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. So we went there and, when we arrived, we spotted this rather forlorn and bent figure standing on a second floor balcony and leaning heavily on his stick.
Peter, our leader, called up to him – “Are you Frank?”
“Yes” came the response.
“Are you ready to be healed?”
“Yes” but this time it seemed to come back more as a roar !!
Frank was a sorry sight. He could barely stand let alone walk. He had been wheelchair bound for three and a half years but had recently asked for physiotherapy from the hospital and had learned to balance and walk a very short distance on his own. It was obvious that his right leg was two or even three inches shorter than the left. His right shoulder was three inches lower than his left and his spine was in an S-shape. He wasn’t breathing well although we put this down to the effort he required just to get out of his second floor flat to the balcony. Fortunately, the flats have a lift otherwise he would have been completely house-bound.
We anointed him and started to pray. Peter received several words of knowledge which were all confirmed. As we prayed, I had the ultimate privilege of watching his right leg grow to the same length as the left leg !! We stood him up, and watched his frame become straight !! His spine straightened and his shoulders became square. Frank had a huge grin on his face !! Many tears flowed. Frank told us he had a hospital appointment next week so we told him to get everything confirmed. Over the next few days, we heard from Frank the full extent of his healing as it all gradually manifested. Things like his lungs cleared as asthma and pneumonia cleared up; his sense of taste and smell returned; the ringing in his ears went !! So many things.
Come the day of his hospital appointment, his consultant was expecting a cripple to walk or rather to totter into the surgery. He could not believe his own eyes when Frank strode in and he called a colleague to confirm what his eyes were telling him. Frank asked to be taken off all the drugs and was told they were so powerful that it would take a year to get him right off them. Yet today Frank is on his last couple of weeks of the now very weak drugs. There has been no ‘cold turkey’; no shaking or any withdrawal symptoms at all. His consultant has said that he doesn’t know how or why – but Frank is healed. It’s an incomprehensible miracle medically, but he is fully healed. Frank has witnessed Jesus to him but we don’t know what effect, if any, Franks witness has had. We do know that Frank has since led at least three people to the Lord through his testimony.
On November 20th 2009 Frank Hansen was a broken man apparently destined to spend the rest of his life a cripple or at least a permanently damaged man. Today, in mid-January 2010, Frank Hansen is completely healed and restored to fine health thanks to the healing power of our wonderful God. Bente says that she has the man she first married 23 years ago back again. Frank says the God has given him his life back and he will now spend the rest of it winning the lost back to the Lord.
What an amazing God we serve. Hallelujah \o/
Now here’s a thought.
Now here’s a thought - and it could really offend some people so be warned.
There was I just minding my own business. I was unwinding ready for the weekend just listening to one of those ‘perfect preachers’ – you know what I mean – guy with a wonderful preaching gift expounding and unravelling the scriptures for us all – exhorting us to “study – study – study”, when a truly radical thought came to mind. I was thinking that if we obeyed the exhortations of all these preachers we would spend 35 hours a day with our noses in the Bible, and we would have no time for anything else !! (That’s not the radical thought)
Now I am not a natural student. I did well at school for two reasons – one I am intelligent (IQ 150+) and two I have a wonderful gift of just passing exams without any revision whatsoever !! Yeah its true – I am lazy AND the most fortunate of men in that I don’t have to spend hours with my nose in the text books. Don’t people like that just offend your sense of justice? Certainly it’s why I was so good at sports as a young man – I excelled at soccer, swimming, and field events. No – it’s not at all fair but hey – I enjoyed it. I enjoyed not studying. I also excelled at languages so I would never have been out of work either. But I wasted a lot of it because I am so lazy
Anyway, back to my thoughts. I was thinking that some people really do spend hours and hours in studies. What does it gain them? Where does it get them? What purpose does it serve? That’s when my radical thought struck me. I’m pretty sure it came from the Lord too !! Try this one for size –
“Some people only ever study My Word. They never use what they learn. They never stir themselves into action. They simply use the study of My Word as an excuse for doing nothing !!!”
WOW – where did that come from? Was that really you Lord? “Yes, some people say they are too busy to actually do my work. But they are simply avoiding it by pretending to try to learn more about Me and My ways through My Word.”
“So why would they do that?”
“They don’t want to get their hands of their minds dirtied by the world. They cannot deal with people so they immerse themselves in other ‘Godly’ activities.”
WOW again. Was this really God speaking to me? Well I began to think about what He said and I realised the truth in there. People love the idea of Christianity; they love the idea of God as He is presented in the Bible; but they don’t really want to serve Him. Why do so many people go to that conference or outreach or teaching event time and time and time again yet they NEVER take any unsaved people with them? Why do so many people treat their church as simply a ‘God Club’ rather than the way of expressing their faith in a wonderful loving Father God?
Before you all start protesting about ‘I haven’t got the time’ or ‘I can’t leave my family/dog/cat to go on the trips you go on’. Yes I accept that. I am not aiming at you personally. There are very many who truly cannot do what I do – they are not called to it for a start. But there are equally many who could do so much more – but they prefer to leave it to others. ‘Don’t want to get involved. Don’t want to get my hands dirty. I mean, some of the people you mix with are rough and common people aren’t they?’ Well, don’t fret – I am more than happy to do whatever I can – just as many are not do-ers, so I am not a study-er. Wouldn’t do if we were all the same now would it ??
Now – There really is a thought for you. Where’s my coffee ??
There was I just minding my own business. I was unwinding ready for the weekend just listening to one of those ‘perfect preachers’ – you know what I mean – guy with a wonderful preaching gift expounding and unravelling the scriptures for us all – exhorting us to “study – study – study”, when a truly radical thought came to mind. I was thinking that if we obeyed the exhortations of all these preachers we would spend 35 hours a day with our noses in the Bible, and we would have no time for anything else !! (That’s not the radical thought)
Now I am not a natural student. I did well at school for two reasons – one I am intelligent (IQ 150+) and two I have a wonderful gift of just passing exams without any revision whatsoever !! Yeah its true – I am lazy AND the most fortunate of men in that I don’t have to spend hours with my nose in the text books. Don’t people like that just offend your sense of justice? Certainly it’s why I was so good at sports as a young man – I excelled at soccer, swimming, and field events. No – it’s not at all fair but hey – I enjoyed it. I enjoyed not studying. I also excelled at languages so I would never have been out of work either. But I wasted a lot of it because I am so lazy
Anyway, back to my thoughts. I was thinking that some people really do spend hours and hours in studies. What does it gain them? Where does it get them? What purpose does it serve? That’s when my radical thought struck me. I’m pretty sure it came from the Lord too !! Try this one for size –
“Some people only ever study My Word. They never use what they learn. They never stir themselves into action. They simply use the study of My Word as an excuse for doing nothing !!!”
WOW – where did that come from? Was that really you Lord? “Yes, some people say they are too busy to actually do my work. But they are simply avoiding it by pretending to try to learn more about Me and My ways through My Word.”
“So why would they do that?”
“They don’t want to get their hands of their minds dirtied by the world. They cannot deal with people so they immerse themselves in other ‘Godly’ activities.”
WOW again. Was this really God speaking to me? Well I began to think about what He said and I realised the truth in there. People love the idea of Christianity; they love the idea of God as He is presented in the Bible; but they don’t really want to serve Him. Why do so many people go to that conference or outreach or teaching event time and time and time again yet they NEVER take any unsaved people with them? Why do so many people treat their church as simply a ‘God Club’ rather than the way of expressing their faith in a wonderful loving Father God?
Before you all start protesting about ‘I haven’t got the time’ or ‘I can’t leave my family/dog/cat to go on the trips you go on’. Yes I accept that. I am not aiming at you personally. There are very many who truly cannot do what I do – they are not called to it for a start. But there are equally many who could do so much more – but they prefer to leave it to others. ‘Don’t want to get involved. Don’t want to get my hands dirty. I mean, some of the people you mix with are rough and common people aren’t they?’ Well, don’t fret – I am more than happy to do whatever I can – just as many are not do-ers, so I am not a study-er. Wouldn’t do if we were all the same now would it ??
Now – There really is a thought for you. Where’s my coffee ??
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
RoFMI Visit Report to Denmark Jan 2010
RoFMI Visit Report to Denmark Jan 2010
As winter descended on the UK, so we decided to hop across the North Sea to Denmark to visit our wonderful friends there. Little did we know what the Lord had in store for us on this trip. In order to even get to the flight, I had to leave a day early to avoid being snowed in at home. The precaution was wise as I would certainly have missed the trip had I waited a further 24 hours as the snow set in hard all around the South of England. We were not even sure if any flights would leave on the Thursday morning – let alone leave at 07-15 a.m. But we (Peter, John, & myself) got to the airport in time and the Lord blessed us with both safe and perfectly on time travel. It was the first miracle of a weekend of miracles. God is so good.
We went straight to visit a local pastor in Vallo, just outside Copenhagen and within 45 minutes of landing, the Lord was revealing many of His secrets to Peter and the rest of us. It seems that. Not only is revival coming to Scandinavia, but it is coming very soon and through the ‘unknown army’ of end-time pastors and warriors currently being raised up by the Lord. Many of the very high profile ministries and mega-churches in Scandinavia will not only miss out on revival – they may well actually fall and the signs are already there for those “who have eyes to see”. A short period of blessed fellowship ended when we made our way to “HQ” – that’s Pinsekirken, in Korsor, home of Maureen & Preben Westh the pastors and our representatives in Denmark.
A short rest was followed by fellowship and a delicious dinner with a lovely young lady called Charlotte, one of the Pinsekirken congregation. A drive then to Holbaek about 50 km away to visit the house group of Linda and Soren Gyr. They are soon to become a house group fellowship associated with a church in Kalundborg which is a town a few km away under Pastor Jonar – whom we also visited this trip – but more of that later. A wonderful time of fellowship and prayer with many words of prophecy being given ended our first, rather long, day about 20 hours long actually and even then we didn’t go to bed for another hour as we were still “high” from the meetings.
On Friday, thankfully, we had a nice easy morning and we drove gently to Copenhagen for lunch with the leaders of the local Biker group, “Exodus” – Kai and his wife Annette. Annette is a gifted song writer and there is an anointing on many of her songs. Following a period of praise and worship, led by Annette, we had some more words of prophecy and encouragement for everyone there. This lasted until more people arrived for an early pizza supper which was followed in turn by a larger meeting which provided one of many great highlights. Peter brought a wonderful word about the restoration of prophets to nations to lead them in to revival. These prophets will have much of the power and respect afforded to the old-time Biblical prophets. There was also a word of prophecy to a young couple about to get married followed by prayer ministry. During this time, a man with damaged legs and feet was prayed for. Let’s just say that he arrived on crutches and left dancing – carrying the crutches over his shoulder. During this time I also managed to record the testimony of “Miracle man” Frank Hansen – an astonishing testimony to Gods healing power and grace. In an accident, Frank was consigned to a wheelchair where he stayed for over three and a half years. His foot was virtually severed; his thigh broken in three places; he had pneumonia, tinnitus, asthma, loss of the sense of smell, Septicaemia, a bent spine and many other things wrong or broken – that was two months ago. Today, Frank Hansen is completely healed and restored to fine health thanks to the healing power of our wonderful God. We also spent the night at Franks place ready for a major meeting with the biker group “Exodus” and some of their friends the next day.
Saturday dawned bright and sunny again, and we spent another easy morning but Peter and John managed to fit in a hospital visit to a lady with cancer. On the way out of the hospital, John spotted a young lady with a very new baby waiting by the door. She spoke English and explained that her new son, just 3 days old, had a quite serious stomach disorder. Upon hearing this, Peter introduced himself as a pastor and asked if she would like them to pray for the baby. To their delighted surprise, the young mum readily agreed, so Peter asked for baby’s name. “Oh, we haven’t named him yet” came the reply. Without breaking stride even for a second, Peter started to pray, “Lord, we hold Matthew before you now . . . . “ It was one of those ‘God-moments’ and baby went silent and slept serenely through it all. Mum left the hospital with a broad smile replacing the worried frown when they first met. Only God knows what was achieved in that short meeting.
When they returned, we went to the 2 o’clock meeting when about 25 large leather-clad bikers and their ‘other halves’ all arrived. What a blessing these wonderful spirit filled guys are going to be to the whole of Europe. One man received some wonderful prophecy and promptly announced that he would be going to his present group to tell them that he had to leave because of his new found faith in Jesus Christ. It was pointed out to him that because of the group’s rules, this could quite easily cost him his life – literally. He said quite clearly and quietly that he is prepared to die for the Gospel and for His Lord !! He left later, with his wife, already in prayer for this eventuality. Makes my faith seem so small by comparison – don’t know about you? In the evening there was more of the same with only a slight change of personnel – some bikers left but other people took their places. We learned during the day of some very significant changes to the whole biker community because of the activities of these particular amazing men and women of God. “Outsiders” to many but blessed and wonderful men and women of God nevertheless.
So to Sunday. During the morning, Peter & John went to Kalundborg while I stayed in Korsor. Both meetings were extraordinarily blessed and many received words of encouragement and prophecy to enrich their day. In Korsor, not one person failed to come forward when I put out an appeal for ministry and prayer. I was staggered – Preben was delighted. Peter and John had similar results in Kalundborg with Pastor Jonar and we all congregated later in Korsor for the evening meeting. It was amazing because without any collusion or comparing of notes, in the evening Peter & John repeated almost word for word that which I had spoken in the morning !!! Another astonishing God-moment.
Monday saw us visiting two young ladies with a vision for the future and a ministry dream that is amazing. We stayed with them for two hours before going to visit a couple from Prebens church where much blessing flowed along with the tears. It would be wrong to even try to explain – just accept my word for it. And so a final meal with Preben & Maureen before setting off on the long trail home. Despite all the bad weather we arrived just 20 minutes late – not bad when there is so much snow and ice everywhere – with temperatures to match.
I cannot begin to do any real justice to this trip. That revival is starting to come to Scandinavia there can be absolutely no doubt whatsoever. Once again, the Lord proved how faithful and true He is and we are left simply saying – “Why us Lord – why us?”
As winter descended on the UK, so we decided to hop across the North Sea to Denmark to visit our wonderful friends there. Little did we know what the Lord had in store for us on this trip. In order to even get to the flight, I had to leave a day early to avoid being snowed in at home. The precaution was wise as I would certainly have missed the trip had I waited a further 24 hours as the snow set in hard all around the South of England. We were not even sure if any flights would leave on the Thursday morning – let alone leave at 07-15 a.m. But we (Peter, John, & myself) got to the airport in time and the Lord blessed us with both safe and perfectly on time travel. It was the first miracle of a weekend of miracles. God is so good.
We went straight to visit a local pastor in Vallo, just outside Copenhagen and within 45 minutes of landing, the Lord was revealing many of His secrets to Peter and the rest of us. It seems that. Not only is revival coming to Scandinavia, but it is coming very soon and through the ‘unknown army’ of end-time pastors and warriors currently being raised up by the Lord. Many of the very high profile ministries and mega-churches in Scandinavia will not only miss out on revival – they may well actually fall and the signs are already there for those “who have eyes to see”. A short period of blessed fellowship ended when we made our way to “HQ” – that’s Pinsekirken, in Korsor, home of Maureen & Preben Westh the pastors and our representatives in Denmark.
A short rest was followed by fellowship and a delicious dinner with a lovely young lady called Charlotte, one of the Pinsekirken congregation. A drive then to Holbaek about 50 km away to visit the house group of Linda and Soren Gyr. They are soon to become a house group fellowship associated with a church in Kalundborg which is a town a few km away under Pastor Jonar – whom we also visited this trip – but more of that later. A wonderful time of fellowship and prayer with many words of prophecy being given ended our first, rather long, day about 20 hours long actually and even then we didn’t go to bed for another hour as we were still “high” from the meetings.
On Friday, thankfully, we had a nice easy morning and we drove gently to Copenhagen for lunch with the leaders of the local Biker group, “Exodus” – Kai and his wife Annette. Annette is a gifted song writer and there is an anointing on many of her songs. Following a period of praise and worship, led by Annette, we had some more words of prophecy and encouragement for everyone there. This lasted until more people arrived for an early pizza supper which was followed in turn by a larger meeting which provided one of many great highlights. Peter brought a wonderful word about the restoration of prophets to nations to lead them in to revival. These prophets will have much of the power and respect afforded to the old-time Biblical prophets. There was also a word of prophecy to a young couple about to get married followed by prayer ministry. During this time, a man with damaged legs and feet was prayed for. Let’s just say that he arrived on crutches and left dancing – carrying the crutches over his shoulder. During this time I also managed to record the testimony of “Miracle man” Frank Hansen – an astonishing testimony to Gods healing power and grace. In an accident, Frank was consigned to a wheelchair where he stayed for over three and a half years. His foot was virtually severed; his thigh broken in three places; he had pneumonia, tinnitus, asthma, loss of the sense of smell, Septicaemia, a bent spine and many other things wrong or broken – that was two months ago. Today, Frank Hansen is completely healed and restored to fine health thanks to the healing power of our wonderful God. We also spent the night at Franks place ready for a major meeting with the biker group “Exodus” and some of their friends the next day.
Saturday dawned bright and sunny again, and we spent another easy morning but Peter and John managed to fit in a hospital visit to a lady with cancer. On the way out of the hospital, John spotted a young lady with a very new baby waiting by the door. She spoke English and explained that her new son, just 3 days old, had a quite serious stomach disorder. Upon hearing this, Peter introduced himself as a pastor and asked if she would like them to pray for the baby. To their delighted surprise, the young mum readily agreed, so Peter asked for baby’s name. “Oh, we haven’t named him yet” came the reply. Without breaking stride even for a second, Peter started to pray, “Lord, we hold Matthew before you now . . . . “ It was one of those ‘God-moments’ and baby went silent and slept serenely through it all. Mum left the hospital with a broad smile replacing the worried frown when they first met. Only God knows what was achieved in that short meeting.
When they returned, we went to the 2 o’clock meeting when about 25 large leather-clad bikers and their ‘other halves’ all arrived. What a blessing these wonderful spirit filled guys are going to be to the whole of Europe. One man received some wonderful prophecy and promptly announced that he would be going to his present group to tell them that he had to leave because of his new found faith in Jesus Christ. It was pointed out to him that because of the group’s rules, this could quite easily cost him his life – literally. He said quite clearly and quietly that he is prepared to die for the Gospel and for His Lord !! He left later, with his wife, already in prayer for this eventuality. Makes my faith seem so small by comparison – don’t know about you? In the evening there was more of the same with only a slight change of personnel – some bikers left but other people took their places. We learned during the day of some very significant changes to the whole biker community because of the activities of these particular amazing men and women of God. “Outsiders” to many but blessed and wonderful men and women of God nevertheless.
So to Sunday. During the morning, Peter & John went to Kalundborg while I stayed in Korsor. Both meetings were extraordinarily blessed and many received words of encouragement and prophecy to enrich their day. In Korsor, not one person failed to come forward when I put out an appeal for ministry and prayer. I was staggered – Preben was delighted. Peter and John had similar results in Kalundborg with Pastor Jonar and we all congregated later in Korsor for the evening meeting. It was amazing because without any collusion or comparing of notes, in the evening Peter & John repeated almost word for word that which I had spoken in the morning !!! Another astonishing God-moment.
Monday saw us visiting two young ladies with a vision for the future and a ministry dream that is amazing. We stayed with them for two hours before going to visit a couple from Prebens church where much blessing flowed along with the tears. It would be wrong to even try to explain – just accept my word for it. And so a final meal with Preben & Maureen before setting off on the long trail home. Despite all the bad weather we arrived just 20 minutes late – not bad when there is so much snow and ice everywhere – with temperatures to match.
I cannot begin to do any real justice to this trip. That revival is starting to come to Scandinavia there can be absolutely no doubt whatsoever. Once again, the Lord proved how faithful and true He is and we are left simply saying – “Why us Lord – why us?”
Saturday, 19 December 2009
Move just 4000 cubits
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.
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.
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
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