A friend just reminded me of this passage. As I read it, the Lord spoke to me. See what you think.
Ezekiel 47:1-12 AMP
1THEN HE [my guide] brought me again to the door of the house [of the Lord--the temple], and behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the temple toward the east, for the front of the temple was toward the east; and the waters came down from under, from the right side of the temple, on the south side of the altar.
2Then he brought me out by way of the north gate and led me around outside to the outer gate by the way that faces east, and behold, waters were running out on the right side.
3And when the man went on eastward with the measuring line in his hand, he measured a thousand cubits, and he caused me to pass through the waters, waters that were ankle-deep. 4Again he measured a thousand cubits and caused me to pass through the waters, waters that reached to the knees. Again he measured a thousand cubits and caused me to pass through the waters, waters that reached to the loins. 5Afterward he measured a thousand, and it was a river that I could not pass through, for the waters had risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over or through.
6And he said to me, Son of man, have you seen this? Then he led me and caused me to return to the bank of the river. 7Now when I had returned, behold, on the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other. 8Then he said to me, These waters pour out toward the eastern region and go down into the Arabah (the Jordan Valley) and on into the Dead Sea. And when they shall enter into the sea [the sea of putrid waters], the waters shall be healed and made fresh.
9And wherever the double river shall go, every living creature which swarms shall live. And there shall be a very great number of fish, because these waters go there that [the waters of the sea] may be healed and made fresh; and everything shall live wherever the river goes. 10The fishermen shall stand on [the banks of the Dead Sea]; from En-gedi even to En-eglaim shall be a place to spread nets; their fish shall be of very many kinds, as the fish of the Great or Mediterranean Sea. 11But its swamps and marshes will not become wholesome for animal life; they shall [as the river subsides] be left encrusted with salt and given over to it. 12And on the banks of the river on both its sides, there shall grow all kinds of trees for food; their leaf shall not fade nor shall their fruit fail [to meet the demand]. Each tree shall bring forth new fruit every month, [these supernatural qualities being] because their waters came from out of the sanctuary. And their fruit shall be for food and their leaves for healing.
Move just 4000 cubits
Why are we, as a people, so afraid of the Holy Spirit in action that we dare not get more than our feet wet?
Most people get feet dampish
A few go in to their knees – like paddling in the sea
A few get waist deep – getting scary
A very few brave souls go for it and take to swimming.
What does this passage promise us who dare to venture into the deep realms of the Spirit?
1. Trees on each side
2. Clean water teeming with fish
3. Trees that give new fruit every month without fail !! Leaves of healing
So what?
These trees supply shelter – they supply food – they provide health
And for meat – the river provides the fish.
Where are these things? By and in the River of God.
OK – So . . . . . ?
Where do you stand in or by the river of God – the river of His Holy Spirit that flows from His Holy Temple? Are you afraid to move into deeper water? Are you afraid to get your feet wet – or get your knees wet – or your waist wet – or even of getting in so deep that you have to swim?
Why?
Is the Word of God to be believed or not? Do you believe whatever God or His Word says to you?
There is provision in the river of God. There is food and shelter there. There is healing and health there. He doesn’t promise an easy ride. He doesn’t promise there will be no more difficulties – in fact Paul promises the opposite. But He does promise His hand upon you – His provision for you “every month”.
What are you afraid of? Get in deeper. Move those 4000 cubits further down stream. Say to Him, “Yes Lord, I want to swim in Your river. I want Your provision, Your healing and health, to shelter in the place where You are providing. Come Holy Spirit Come. Do your work in me today – right now – this very minute.” If you say that today, you’ll never regret it even for one instant.
CGB 19 Dec 2009.
Saturday, 19 December 2009
Monday, 14 December 2009
The Days of 'Greater Things'
I heard the Lord saying - "Get ready; get ready - I am about to release My Spirit to do all He wants to do through you and others. Get ready for 'greater things'; get ready for healings you never dreamed possible; get ready for salvations that will shock the world of those about to be saved; get ready for even little children to manifest My Spirit and to do My work. Give ME the Glory - all of it - I will not share My Glory with anyone. Get ready to see Me in action as you have only dreamed - I am the Lord God Almighty; that is My Name. Get ready to see the beginnings of a revival to end all revivals - but let Me do the work. You only need to do what I say - obedience is the only key. Get ready. Get ready."
I pursued this with the Lord and He said this – “I have put My people in place ready for the end-times. These are not simply ‘yes-men’ but rather those whom I have chosen and placed are those whose heart is like My own. Men and women who will hear from Me; drop everything, and do whatever I ask at whatever the cost – even though their own lives and the lives of their loved ones are in danger. My Word speaks of ‘greater things’ and this is the season when I will manifest these greater things for My own Glory – yet men and women will still try to steal some of the Glory so those I will replace by using even little children to bring about the greater things that will absolutely dumbfound the medical and political world. Even the Moslem communities will take notice as I bring healings and salvations to them too. “
The Lord also gave me this warning. He said, “Take seriously the duty of giving Me all the Glory. I am a jealous God and I share My Glory with no other.” Finally He added, “I will do things amongst you that even you could not imagine – such will be the magnitude and publicity attached to some of the work of My Spirit during these days. Yet time is short – I am assembling my angels ready to bring these things to you. I am also assembling – calling to position – those I bring with Me when I send My Son to you again in clouds of Glory. Be prepared – End time revival is set in My eternal agenda. The day is set. It is appointed. Time is short. Be prepared and ready for My call to arms.”
CGB 14 December 2009
I pursued this with the Lord and He said this – “I have put My people in place ready for the end-times. These are not simply ‘yes-men’ but rather those whom I have chosen and placed are those whose heart is like My own. Men and women who will hear from Me; drop everything, and do whatever I ask at whatever the cost – even though their own lives and the lives of their loved ones are in danger. My Word speaks of ‘greater things’ and this is the season when I will manifest these greater things for My own Glory – yet men and women will still try to steal some of the Glory so those I will replace by using even little children to bring about the greater things that will absolutely dumbfound the medical and political world. Even the Moslem communities will take notice as I bring healings and salvations to them too. “
The Lord also gave me this warning. He said, “Take seriously the duty of giving Me all the Glory. I am a jealous God and I share My Glory with no other.” Finally He added, “I will do things amongst you that even you could not imagine – such will be the magnitude and publicity attached to some of the work of My Spirit during these days. Yet time is short – I am assembling my angels ready to bring these things to you. I am also assembling – calling to position – those I bring with Me when I send My Son to you again in clouds of Glory. Be prepared – End time revival is set in My eternal agenda. The day is set. It is appointed. Time is short. Be prepared and ready for My call to arms.”
CGB 14 December 2009
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
RoFMI Trip Report to Norway - December 2009
Anyone who thinks that getting up at 03:45a.m. to get to an airport at 05:00a.m. in order to catch a flight leaving at 06:45a.m. is fun, needs serious counseling. Some person with a very strange sense of humour (me!!) had booked us onto a flight leaving at an unearthly hour just to save a few pounds. So it was that four cheerfully bleary-eyed travelers piled hats and bags into a taxi at 4:30 in order to head for Norway on a cold December morning. Trust me - that driver was well worth the tip – bless him.
I have to start here by saying that, as the nature of our trips is changing, so the reporting and journals like this are becoming more difficult. It was easy when we visited - went to well organised meetings, and came away again. Now, however, the meetings are becoming far more personal and therefore more difficult to report. The bare bones of this trip are simple. Arrived Oslo Rygge Airport at about 10.00 on Wednesday 2nd December. Had meetings Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and came home on the Saturday 10:20 flight arriving safe and sound back at Stansted at about 11:30. It’s not so much the meetings that were important – it’s much more the truth that God never wastes our time on these trips and it’s the lives that He used us to touch that are of far greater importance than “just another meeting”. It’s not just the meetings, it’s the little incidents along the way – some of which were so important to someone that the details will never again see the light of day. So let me try to get some semblance of interest into this for you.
From the airport, our wonderful host and partner in Norway, Robin Christiansen, whisked four of us – Peter (our beloved leader), Jean & John, and me, Chris – to his parents house in Frederikstad where Peter & I were royally housed for the whole trip. Jean & John went on to a lady called Anita, who with her family, entertained them. After a rest and some lunch for all of us, we travelled about 90 minutes to a place called Frogner and a chicken farm North of Oslo, where we met the farmer Bjorn and some of his family, their 7000+ chickens and the family dog. We were there for about 2 hours and let us simply say that we were allowed to bless them greatly through both words of knowledge and confirming prophecy. After prayer and some hot soup, we left for Frederikstad once again.
As if the farm experience was not blessing enough, when we got back ‘home’ Peter received a phone call just as we were all about to have dinner. It was important so he took the call from a friend and pastor in the Gypsy Church. He had recently returned from Romania where previous prophecy was fulfilled to the great joy of everyone there. However, there was another important prophecy fulfilled there too. A 36 year old mother of 6 children was taken to hospital where she subsequently died. This is confirmed by the fact that the procedure for admitting a dead person to the mortuary requires the issue of a death certificate. The family, all 6 children, went along to the mortuary and asked if they could pray for their mother. The doctor was very sympathetic but said that he was sorry that they had lost their mother but he would arrange counseling etc for them all. The children persisted with their request to pray for their mother because, as they poignantly put it, “We want our mother and we need to pray for her.” The doctor agreed but pointed out that the woman had been dead and in the mortuary for 9 hours. The children prayed and their mother was restored to life and full health before their eyes – and to the complete astonishment of the medical fraternity. Hallelujah \o/
On Thursday, we again travelled about 90 minutes to a Bible School in, or rather just outside a place called Vestfold where they have some 20-odd mostly residential students training for various ministries. We spent quite a long time with many of the students who, despite being Pentecostal, had never been exposed to our type of ministry before but who were, nevertheless once again greatly blessed. I think it would not be an exaggeration to say that for some of them, the fire of the Holy Spirit fell for the first time and they were extraordinarily blessed. We spent a lot of time with each of them and everyone received prayer before we left, rejoicing once again in the goodness of God. The School director exchanged email addresses with us before we left and said that we would be welcome there again when we return in January. Just one wee incident – while at the school we recounted the history of the RoFMI ministry and were asked the question – “So how did you get into Norway?” (meaning how did we get our first contact in Norway). The clever answer came back (to the huge amusement of the students) – “Ryanair”.
We returned home to Reidun & ‘Wrags’ (Robins parents) where they had prepared a full traditional Norwegian Christmas meal for us. Wonderful – no other comment will even begin to describe it.
Friday was an easy day and we drove the 50 minutes into Sweden – something we have all wanted for some time. We went to a supermarket where prices are apparently much lower than in Norway. Sweden & Norway are separated at this Southerly point by a fairly wide wooded gorge with a river flowing through it. There are two bridges – the old bridge and the new one – both toll bridges of course but there is no need for passports and only selective customs activity so we were able to bring back all the chocolate etc with no problem. However, we wanted to pray over Sweden so we stopped right next to the old bridge on the way back. We prayed there for Sweden and Norway and we received quite a lot of revelatory knowledge about various spirits including a suicide spirit resident on the bridge which we were able to come against. We anointed the ground where we prayed and took some remarkable photographs. It was quite late and quite dark but when we reviewed the photos it might as well have been midday and sunny – everything was so clear. It was only the lights on the toll station by the bridge which revealed the true hour at which the photos were taken.
In the evening, we heard about a local, very well known, Gospel artist who was in need of a word from the Lord. Peter received a word for him which he rated as so important that, if the man could not meet us this trip, then Peter said he would fly over there just to meet with him and tell him the Word from God. Confirmation of its importance came when Peter shared just a very small part of the word with us and we all simultaneously felt the touch of the Holy Spirit on us in confirmation. As it turned out the additional trip will not be needed as the man drove from Oslo to meet us then drove back again afterwards. He and Peter spent about an hour together and we heard later that he was so excited by their conversation that he spent over an hour on the phone to the pastor who introduced us on his way back to Oslo !!
Following this, we all had a meal and fellowship with Anita and some of her friends. Once again, the words of knowledge and prophecy flowed for the people we met and all of them were touched including one guy who is not (yet) a committed Christian.
So what is the conclusion after this trip. Well, based on our own experiences and the reactions of all those we met with, Scandinavia is indeed ripe and ready for revival. There is a hunger there which, very sadly, the local church does not seem able or is unwilling/almost scared to satisfy. Many of the things we experience as a matter of course or even as daily events in our ministry are almost alien to those we meet. There is neither the expectation nor the faith for them. However, there is a hunger which cannot be described and which, when the experience is sampled, there is a great rise in both faith and expectation levels.
Peter is off to Brussels next week then we are taking a break til January 7th (Denmark) and 21st (Norway) and we know there are many queuing up to have us fellowship and or minister in their meetings. As Peter said on the way home – 2009 has been the year of opening doors. 2010 will be the year of going through the open doors.
Yes Lord – AMEN & amen.
I have to start here by saying that, as the nature of our trips is changing, so the reporting and journals like this are becoming more difficult. It was easy when we visited - went to well organised meetings, and came away again. Now, however, the meetings are becoming far more personal and therefore more difficult to report. The bare bones of this trip are simple. Arrived Oslo Rygge Airport at about 10.00 on Wednesday 2nd December. Had meetings Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and came home on the Saturday 10:20 flight arriving safe and sound back at Stansted at about 11:30. It’s not so much the meetings that were important – it’s much more the truth that God never wastes our time on these trips and it’s the lives that He used us to touch that are of far greater importance than “just another meeting”. It’s not just the meetings, it’s the little incidents along the way – some of which were so important to someone that the details will never again see the light of day. So let me try to get some semblance of interest into this for you.
From the airport, our wonderful host and partner in Norway, Robin Christiansen, whisked four of us – Peter (our beloved leader), Jean & John, and me, Chris – to his parents house in Frederikstad where Peter & I were royally housed for the whole trip. Jean & John went on to a lady called Anita, who with her family, entertained them. After a rest and some lunch for all of us, we travelled about 90 minutes to a place called Frogner and a chicken farm North of Oslo, where we met the farmer Bjorn and some of his family, their 7000+ chickens and the family dog. We were there for about 2 hours and let us simply say that we were allowed to bless them greatly through both words of knowledge and confirming prophecy. After prayer and some hot soup, we left for Frederikstad once again.
As if the farm experience was not blessing enough, when we got back ‘home’ Peter received a phone call just as we were all about to have dinner. It was important so he took the call from a friend and pastor in the Gypsy Church. He had recently returned from Romania where previous prophecy was fulfilled to the great joy of everyone there. However, there was another important prophecy fulfilled there too. A 36 year old mother of 6 children was taken to hospital where she subsequently died. This is confirmed by the fact that the procedure for admitting a dead person to the mortuary requires the issue of a death certificate. The family, all 6 children, went along to the mortuary and asked if they could pray for their mother. The doctor was very sympathetic but said that he was sorry that they had lost their mother but he would arrange counseling etc for them all. The children persisted with their request to pray for their mother because, as they poignantly put it, “We want our mother and we need to pray for her.” The doctor agreed but pointed out that the woman had been dead and in the mortuary for 9 hours. The children prayed and their mother was restored to life and full health before their eyes – and to the complete astonishment of the medical fraternity. Hallelujah \o/
On Thursday, we again travelled about 90 minutes to a Bible School in, or rather just outside a place called Vestfold where they have some 20-odd mostly residential students training for various ministries. We spent quite a long time with many of the students who, despite being Pentecostal, had never been exposed to our type of ministry before but who were, nevertheless once again greatly blessed. I think it would not be an exaggeration to say that for some of them, the fire of the Holy Spirit fell for the first time and they were extraordinarily blessed. We spent a lot of time with each of them and everyone received prayer before we left, rejoicing once again in the goodness of God. The School director exchanged email addresses with us before we left and said that we would be welcome there again when we return in January. Just one wee incident – while at the school we recounted the history of the RoFMI ministry and were asked the question – “So how did you get into Norway?” (meaning how did we get our first contact in Norway). The clever answer came back (to the huge amusement of the students) – “Ryanair”.
We returned home to Reidun & ‘Wrags’ (Robins parents) where they had prepared a full traditional Norwegian Christmas meal for us. Wonderful – no other comment will even begin to describe it.
Friday was an easy day and we drove the 50 minutes into Sweden – something we have all wanted for some time. We went to a supermarket where prices are apparently much lower than in Norway. Sweden & Norway are separated at this Southerly point by a fairly wide wooded gorge with a river flowing through it. There are two bridges – the old bridge and the new one – both toll bridges of course but there is no need for passports and only selective customs activity so we were able to bring back all the chocolate etc with no problem. However, we wanted to pray over Sweden so we stopped right next to the old bridge on the way back. We prayed there for Sweden and Norway and we received quite a lot of revelatory knowledge about various spirits including a suicide spirit resident on the bridge which we were able to come against. We anointed the ground where we prayed and took some remarkable photographs. It was quite late and quite dark but when we reviewed the photos it might as well have been midday and sunny – everything was so clear. It was only the lights on the toll station by the bridge which revealed the true hour at which the photos were taken.
In the evening, we heard about a local, very well known, Gospel artist who was in need of a word from the Lord. Peter received a word for him which he rated as so important that, if the man could not meet us this trip, then Peter said he would fly over there just to meet with him and tell him the Word from God. Confirmation of its importance came when Peter shared just a very small part of the word with us and we all simultaneously felt the touch of the Holy Spirit on us in confirmation. As it turned out the additional trip will not be needed as the man drove from Oslo to meet us then drove back again afterwards. He and Peter spent about an hour together and we heard later that he was so excited by their conversation that he spent over an hour on the phone to the pastor who introduced us on his way back to Oslo !!
Following this, we all had a meal and fellowship with Anita and some of her friends. Once again, the words of knowledge and prophecy flowed for the people we met and all of them were touched including one guy who is not (yet) a committed Christian.
So what is the conclusion after this trip. Well, based on our own experiences and the reactions of all those we met with, Scandinavia is indeed ripe and ready for revival. There is a hunger there which, very sadly, the local church does not seem able or is unwilling/almost scared to satisfy. Many of the things we experience as a matter of course or even as daily events in our ministry are almost alien to those we meet. There is neither the expectation nor the faith for them. However, there is a hunger which cannot be described and which, when the experience is sampled, there is a great rise in both faith and expectation levels.
Peter is off to Brussels next week then we are taking a break til January 7th (Denmark) and 21st (Norway) and we know there are many queuing up to have us fellowship and or minister in their meetings. As Peter said on the way home – 2009 has been the year of opening doors. 2010 will be the year of going through the open doors.
Yes Lord – AMEN & amen.
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
Personal Holiness
A while back, the Lord spoke to me. Fortunately I wrote it all down as He had me re-visit what He said just this morning.
Listen to what the Lord is saying now – “The days are coming when many shall turn to me. Those who doubt now, those who do not believe in Me now, those who have wandered off like lost sheep. I am raising a new end-time army of believers. Those who will believe despite what circumstances scream out to them; those who believe despite and whatever the world throws at them; those who will believe through the worst possible persecution – even unto death. The world is turning against Me”, says the Lord, “ but I already knew this before I laid the foundations of the earth. The world does not realise this, yet even if they did, yet they would still despise Me. And they will despise you too because you speak My Name – because you believe in Me and in the One I sent. Even so,” says the Lord, “because your hope is steadfast and is rooted in Me, yet will I uphold you; yet will I justify you even in the worlds eyes. Do not lose sight of My Kingdom for it shall be your reward. Do not bow the knee to anyone but My Son for He is your saviour. Always remember that I, the Lord God Almighty, love you and I am with you – even to the end of the age. I am your provider. I am your Father. I love you – even you.”
Is this not happening to us right now. Everywhere we turn, the enemy seems to be waiting with one 'problem' or another ready to try to afflict us. Even the Church seems to be ambivalent & yet the Holy Spirit is using us more and more to reach those considered un-reachable - outsiders - mis-fits - yet even these, when confronted by the Lord Jesus Christ, embrace Him with a passion and zeal that puts us and so many of the churches we visit to shame.
The Lord is speaking more and more to me, at least, about personal holiness - about returning to our first love for Him. Is this just me or are you getting that message too? Certainly the time of Amos 8:11 is here NOW. There is a mighty hunger and famine for hearing the Word of the Lord because that which is being preached right now is, in far too many places, 'ear-tickling' that the people want to hear as against that which they need to hear.
What am I saying ??? Be prepared for anything and everything - even unto death. The Lord is going to use any who are willing to lay down their life for Him. The harvest they shall inherit shall be beyond even their wildest dreams. The Lord will honour those who honour Him. Where is our loyalty today? What does scripture say?
"John 12:24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds."
Just one question remains - will you die to self in order to live to Him? Will you return to your first love and give Him everything that you are, everything that you have, everything that you hope, and everything that you want to be? Personally, if there is only a 0.01% chance of me being involved in end-time revival, I will give up everything to be there. Then I will be able to say, like Simeon, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word." Luke 2:29
I Hope I have offended you in some ways! Although this was not my intention when I started, and it was not intended as a sermon, a quote comes to mind - "It is a poor sermon that gives no offense; that neither makes the hearer displeased with himself nor with the preacher" George Whitfield.
So I leave you with this thought - what will you do this day to serve the Lord?
Listen to what the Lord is saying now – “The days are coming when many shall turn to me. Those who doubt now, those who do not believe in Me now, those who have wandered off like lost sheep. I am raising a new end-time army of believers. Those who will believe despite what circumstances scream out to them; those who believe despite and whatever the world throws at them; those who will believe through the worst possible persecution – even unto death. The world is turning against Me”, says the Lord, “ but I already knew this before I laid the foundations of the earth. The world does not realise this, yet even if they did, yet they would still despise Me. And they will despise you too because you speak My Name – because you believe in Me and in the One I sent. Even so,” says the Lord, “because your hope is steadfast and is rooted in Me, yet will I uphold you; yet will I justify you even in the worlds eyes. Do not lose sight of My Kingdom for it shall be your reward. Do not bow the knee to anyone but My Son for He is your saviour. Always remember that I, the Lord God Almighty, love you and I am with you – even to the end of the age. I am your provider. I am your Father. I love you – even you.”
Is this not happening to us right now. Everywhere we turn, the enemy seems to be waiting with one 'problem' or another ready to try to afflict us. Even the Church seems to be ambivalent & yet the Holy Spirit is using us more and more to reach those considered un-reachable - outsiders - mis-fits - yet even these, when confronted by the Lord Jesus Christ, embrace Him with a passion and zeal that puts us and so many of the churches we visit to shame.
The Lord is speaking more and more to me, at least, about personal holiness - about returning to our first love for Him. Is this just me or are you getting that message too? Certainly the time of Amos 8:11 is here NOW. There is a mighty hunger and famine for hearing the Word of the Lord because that which is being preached right now is, in far too many places, 'ear-tickling' that the people want to hear as against that which they need to hear.
What am I saying ??? Be prepared for anything and everything - even unto death. The Lord is going to use any who are willing to lay down their life for Him. The harvest they shall inherit shall be beyond even their wildest dreams. The Lord will honour those who honour Him. Where is our loyalty today? What does scripture say?
"John 12:24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds."
Just one question remains - will you die to self in order to live to Him? Will you return to your first love and give Him everything that you are, everything that you have, everything that you hope, and everything that you want to be? Personally, if there is only a 0.01% chance of me being involved in end-time revival, I will give up everything to be there. Then I will be able to say, like Simeon, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word." Luke 2:29
I Hope I have offended you in some ways! Although this was not my intention when I started, and it was not intended as a sermon, a quote comes to mind - "It is a poor sermon that gives no offense; that neither makes the hearer displeased with himself nor with the preacher" George Whitfield.
So I leave you with this thought - what will you do this day to serve the Lord?
Saturday, 21 November 2009
Revival in Scandinavia
I have just come back from a 4 day, 11 meeting trip to Denmark. This is not so much a trip report as my testimony of what is happening and what is about to happen in Scandinavia.
The RoFMI (Rivers of Fire Ministries International) team has been on 30+ ministry visits since October 2008. In that time, we have been to Norway 4 times and Denmark 7 times – with more visits already in the diary. Why so many? Well, we believe that the Lord has promised us to be used to help bring revival to Scandinavia. Indeed, we believe He has given us a firm timetable of visits up to and including June 2010. So what is our testimony that backs up these claims?
In ministry this year we have seen miraculous healings, events, and words of inspiration and knowledge way beyond normal expectancy. We have seen cancer healed. We have seen people transported into meetings from miles away. We have seen barren-ness healed. We have seen miracles of healing after accidents that have flown in the face of belief and completely baffled the medical profession.
But these are ‘ordinary events’ to some people. What is it that affirms your belief that some sort – any sort of revival is coming to Scandinavia. First of all we have the Word of the Lord. This is backed up by the hunger we see in ordinary people who are becoming more and more desperate for ‘something more’ to life than just life without God and without seeming purpose. We are seeing the established churches in decline and seemingly either unwilling or unable to grasp what the Holy Spirit is quite clearly saying to them. We see the beginnings of revival amongst ‘outsiders’ – traditionally non-church groups like Gypsies and Bikers. People the world shuns yet who, when confronted by the love of Jesus, embrace it with a zeal that puts us all to shame who call ourselves Christians. We also see prophecy coming to pass amongst these groups. Things like people walking in off the street, not even knowing why, yet somehow knowing they have to be in the meeting.
But the clincher for us is an event so like the start of the Hebridean Revival of 1949 that it would shake even those who were part of that wonderful time. Very recently, in Norway, some old ladies were praying for revival. That evening they were joined by someone we know who ‘just happened to be in the area’, and who was invited along. That evening, 24 young people from all over the town, came to their house under conviction of sin asking how they might be saved! These were not one or two groups of young people but one here, two there, maybe even three in one group – but no more. The Holy Spirit not only convicted them of their sin but He led them to the only house in the town where these wonderful old saints were praying for revival.
To me, that seems to be perhaps the start of revival. Please people, please – don’t grieve the Spirit when you see these signs for yourself. Don’t shut Him out. Don’t stop Him. Open your arms and welcome Him. Be still – listen to Him and do whatever He says at whatever the cost. God is no mans debtor – He repays His ‘debts’ both instantly and with added blessing. We need revival not renewal. Renewal is for the church – revival is for the unsaved sinner. Revival is coming – Jesus is coming – soon. Very soon.
The RoFMI (Rivers of Fire Ministries International) team has been on 30+ ministry visits since October 2008. In that time, we have been to Norway 4 times and Denmark 7 times – with more visits already in the diary. Why so many? Well, we believe that the Lord has promised us to be used to help bring revival to Scandinavia. Indeed, we believe He has given us a firm timetable of visits up to and including June 2010. So what is our testimony that backs up these claims?
In ministry this year we have seen miraculous healings, events, and words of inspiration and knowledge way beyond normal expectancy. We have seen cancer healed. We have seen people transported into meetings from miles away. We have seen barren-ness healed. We have seen miracles of healing after accidents that have flown in the face of belief and completely baffled the medical profession.
But these are ‘ordinary events’ to some people. What is it that affirms your belief that some sort – any sort of revival is coming to Scandinavia. First of all we have the Word of the Lord. This is backed up by the hunger we see in ordinary people who are becoming more and more desperate for ‘something more’ to life than just life without God and without seeming purpose. We are seeing the established churches in decline and seemingly either unwilling or unable to grasp what the Holy Spirit is quite clearly saying to them. We see the beginnings of revival amongst ‘outsiders’ – traditionally non-church groups like Gypsies and Bikers. People the world shuns yet who, when confronted by the love of Jesus, embrace it with a zeal that puts us all to shame who call ourselves Christians. We also see prophecy coming to pass amongst these groups. Things like people walking in off the street, not even knowing why, yet somehow knowing they have to be in the meeting.
But the clincher for us is an event so like the start of the Hebridean Revival of 1949 that it would shake even those who were part of that wonderful time. Very recently, in Norway, some old ladies were praying for revival. That evening they were joined by someone we know who ‘just happened to be in the area’, and who was invited along. That evening, 24 young people from all over the town, came to their house under conviction of sin asking how they might be saved! These were not one or two groups of young people but one here, two there, maybe even three in one group – but no more. The Holy Spirit not only convicted them of their sin but He led them to the only house in the town where these wonderful old saints were praying for revival.
To me, that seems to be perhaps the start of revival. Please people, please – don’t grieve the Spirit when you see these signs for yourself. Don’t shut Him out. Don’t stop Him. Open your arms and welcome Him. Be still – listen to Him and do whatever He says at whatever the cost. God is no mans debtor – He repays His ‘debts’ both instantly and with added blessing. We need revival not renewal. Renewal is for the church – revival is for the unsaved sinner. Revival is coming – Jesus is coming – soon. Very soon.
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
In Sickness and in Health
When Jesus says that we, the church, are His Bride, it reminds me of the marriage ceremony I went though with my late wife, Linda, those many years ago. The man who married us was a lovely minister called Rev Tom Earis – I’ve always remembered him because he reflected Jesus to us. Part of the vows we exchanged were “in sickness and in health, until death us do part.”
So it was that I found myself recently in a hospital, some 1500 miles from home, in a foreign country (Spain) being treated for Renal or Kidney Stones. I found I was drugged up quite a lot to quell the pain but in my more lucid moments I also noticed an almost tangible presence of the Lord. I was reminded that the Lord is with us always – ‘in sickness and in health’. He is with us; He speaks to us; He acts for us; He comforts us; He listens to our prayers; He heals us – all because of what Jesus did for us at Calvary 2000 years ago. He is ours and we are His, ‘in sickness and in health’, for ever because there will be no more time, there will be no more ill-ness, no more death, there will only be health and it will last for ever and ever. HALLELUJAH \o/
His presence becomes more noticeable when we are alone with Him – when the world cannot noisily intrude – when He has our complete and undivided attention – when, in fact, we are in that place of utter dependency upon Him. That is when He carries us. That is when He provides for us. That is when He speaks to us and we speak to Him – one on one – at a very personal level.
God never wastes a moment of our time. Whilst in hospital, God sent hurting, damaged people to me, so that I might give them an encouraging Word from Him. Isn’t that astonishing? – He allowed me to be ‘tied down’ so that He could bring people to me. He tied them down with me so that He could minister through me to them because I was in a position to hear Him and talk to them; and they were in a position to listen to the words God had for them through me that day.
Truly God is with us in sickness and in health. He speaks to us in every situation if only we will listen to Him and stay obedient. If we keep our eyes upon Him at all times, He will and does speak to us; He guides us; He loves us through His Holy Spirit. He is our everything, every moment of every day, regardless of the situation we are in. Abba Father God is our everything.
Lets just acknowledge that occasionally – eh ?? What say you ?
So it was that I found myself recently in a hospital, some 1500 miles from home, in a foreign country (Spain) being treated for Renal or Kidney Stones. I found I was drugged up quite a lot to quell the pain but in my more lucid moments I also noticed an almost tangible presence of the Lord. I was reminded that the Lord is with us always – ‘in sickness and in health’. He is with us; He speaks to us; He acts for us; He comforts us; He listens to our prayers; He heals us – all because of what Jesus did for us at Calvary 2000 years ago. He is ours and we are His, ‘in sickness and in health’, for ever because there will be no more time, there will be no more ill-ness, no more death, there will only be health and it will last for ever and ever. HALLELUJAH \o/
His presence becomes more noticeable when we are alone with Him – when the world cannot noisily intrude – when He has our complete and undivided attention – when, in fact, we are in that place of utter dependency upon Him. That is when He carries us. That is when He provides for us. That is when He speaks to us and we speak to Him – one on one – at a very personal level.
God never wastes a moment of our time. Whilst in hospital, God sent hurting, damaged people to me, so that I might give them an encouraging Word from Him. Isn’t that astonishing? – He allowed me to be ‘tied down’ so that He could bring people to me. He tied them down with me so that He could minister through me to them because I was in a position to hear Him and talk to them; and they were in a position to listen to the words God had for them through me that day.
Truly God is with us in sickness and in health. He speaks to us in every situation if only we will listen to Him and stay obedient. If we keep our eyes upon Him at all times, He will and does speak to us; He guides us; He loves us through His Holy Spirit. He is our everything, every moment of every day, regardless of the situation we are in. Abba Father God is our everything.
Lets just acknowledge that occasionally – eh ?? What say you ?
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
Miracles Today ??
Do miracles happen today – You better believe they do !!
Lets first have a look at one of Jesus’ miracles - the Woman with Issue of Blood
Mark 5:25-34 “And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" - "You see the people crowding against you," his disciples answered, "and yet you can ask, 'Who touched me?' " But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."
Did this woman deserve her healing? Probably not - although she would almost certainly win any sympathy vote. Did Jesus in any way reject her for her actions? No. Quite simply, she needed a touch from Him and she reached out to Him. She only needed just that one touch.
These are some stories of others who have reached out to touch Jesus. They are taken from two very small ministries – RoFMI & Jesus Will Heal You.
Little Peter – a baby thought to have no chance of survival – now a bouncing and energetic toddler. His Grandmother brought only a photograph to be prayed over.
Christian – Christian is an octogenarian. He had cancer. The doctors had given up on him – he had reluctantly laid down his ministry. His family refused to give up on him. Now he is completely restored and leading a house group with all the energy of a much younger man.
Frank – a biker badly injured in an accident. One leg shorter than the other – spine beginning to twist. We watched his leg grow back out and his back and shoulders straighten. He is now back on his Harley Davidson, ministering to bikers all over Europe.
Tove – a housewife with circulatory problems. God has given her a new heart !!
Steven – son of a pastor. Hurt in a kite-surfing accident when the wind dropped him on to a hard beach and then dragged him along. Thought to have broken his neck & his back. Miraculous healing from injuries. Now perfect.
Tracey & Ruben – FIRST Ruben was transported into a meeting having broken down on several miles away. NEXT, they received a prophecy about children. NOW they are expecting their first baby – despite doctors telling them they had “no chance” !!
Buildings in Lorca – A pastor in Lorca, Spain had a prophecy about new buildings and a ministry among refugees & migrants. Within three weeks, the towns mayor offered them a building next to the Immigration offices !! Now their ministry is reaching out to and helping many people.
WWW.Jesuswillhealyou.com – This web site offers prayer and encouragement to those seeking healing. In six months since the launched, they have received thousands of emails from all over the world – about 200 per week – and praise reports of hundreds of wonderful healings.
A lady in Glasgow had cancer, She emailed Jesuswillhealyou.com. She received prayer. Now she is free of cancer.
Another lady in Walton, nr London had suicidal depression. She emailed Jesuswillhealyou.com. She received prayer. Now she is free and praising God for her new-found salvation.
A baby in the Phillipines, born with cancer. A single email asking for prayer to Jesuswillhealyou.com and he is now reported completely healed.
Matthew 4:23 “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” He is still doing it today.
Did any of these people deserve to have God heal them? I don’t know but probably not. Were some of these people more righteous than others? Again, I don’t know but probably some had a higher level of faith while others had no faith at all.
Were all of these people in need of a touch from God ? YES they were. Did they get their touch & if so, how did they receive it? YES they did - All of them came to Him in one way or another. Some prayed, some were simply brought to Him. Others, like the woman in the story, reached out to touch Him.
What difference did it make? NONE whatsoever – the Bible tells us that Jesus healed every one. In a way – they all reached out to Him to touch the hem of His garment.
Do you want to reach out to Jesus – perhaps touch just the hem of His garment today? Can anyone pray for you today?
Email me Chris RoFMI cgb.rofmi@ntlworld.com or go to http://www.jesuswillhealyou.com and leave your prayer request today.
Lets first have a look at one of Jesus’ miracles - the Woman with Issue of Blood
Mark 5:25-34 “And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" - "You see the people crowding against you," his disciples answered, "and yet you can ask, 'Who touched me?' " But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."
Did this woman deserve her healing? Probably not - although she would almost certainly win any sympathy vote. Did Jesus in any way reject her for her actions? No. Quite simply, she needed a touch from Him and she reached out to Him. She only needed just that one touch.
These are some stories of others who have reached out to touch Jesus. They are taken from two very small ministries – RoFMI & Jesus Will Heal You.
Little Peter – a baby thought to have no chance of survival – now a bouncing and energetic toddler. His Grandmother brought only a photograph to be prayed over.
Christian – Christian is an octogenarian. He had cancer. The doctors had given up on him – he had reluctantly laid down his ministry. His family refused to give up on him. Now he is completely restored and leading a house group with all the energy of a much younger man.
Frank – a biker badly injured in an accident. One leg shorter than the other – spine beginning to twist. We watched his leg grow back out and his back and shoulders straighten. He is now back on his Harley Davidson, ministering to bikers all over Europe.
Tove – a housewife with circulatory problems. God has given her a new heart !!
Steven – son of a pastor. Hurt in a kite-surfing accident when the wind dropped him on to a hard beach and then dragged him along. Thought to have broken his neck & his back. Miraculous healing from injuries. Now perfect.
Tracey & Ruben – FIRST Ruben was transported into a meeting having broken down on several miles away. NEXT, they received a prophecy about children. NOW they are expecting their first baby – despite doctors telling them they had “no chance” !!
Buildings in Lorca – A pastor in Lorca, Spain had a prophecy about new buildings and a ministry among refugees & migrants. Within three weeks, the towns mayor offered them a building next to the Immigration offices !! Now their ministry is reaching out to and helping many people.
WWW.Jesuswillhealyou.com – This web site offers prayer and encouragement to those seeking healing. In six months since the launched, they have received thousands of emails from all over the world – about 200 per week – and praise reports of hundreds of wonderful healings.
A lady in Glasgow had cancer, She emailed Jesuswillhealyou.com. She received prayer. Now she is free of cancer.
Another lady in Walton, nr London had suicidal depression. She emailed Jesuswillhealyou.com. She received prayer. Now she is free and praising God for her new-found salvation.
A baby in the Phillipines, born with cancer. A single email asking for prayer to Jesuswillhealyou.com and he is now reported completely healed.
Matthew 4:23 “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” He is still doing it today.
Did any of these people deserve to have God heal them? I don’t know but probably not. Were some of these people more righteous than others? Again, I don’t know but probably some had a higher level of faith while others had no faith at all.
Were all of these people in need of a touch from God ? YES they were. Did they get their touch & if so, how did they receive it? YES they did - All of them came to Him in one way or another. Some prayed, some were simply brought to Him. Others, like the woman in the story, reached out to touch Him.
What difference did it make? NONE whatsoever – the Bible tells us that Jesus healed every one. In a way – they all reached out to Him to touch the hem of His garment.
Do you want to reach out to Jesus – perhaps touch just the hem of His garment today? Can anyone pray for you today?
Email me Chris RoFMI cgb.rofmi@ntlworld.com or go to http://www.jesuswillhealyou.com and leave your prayer request today.
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