At our prayer meeting the other night, Pastor read this passage from 2 Chronicles 20:15-17
As he finished reading it, the Lord spoke to me quite clearly and He paraphrased it Himself for me – "Listen, All you who have a serious problem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this mountain. For the battle is not yours, but God's. Tomorrow take up your position against this mountain; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Face this mountain of yours, and the LORD will be with you.' "
Interesting, I thought. Jesus spoke about moving mountains didn’t He. In Matthew 17:20 - “He replied, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." “
I wonder how many of us have a mountain that we cannot move or get round or avoid? I wonder how many of us would still have that mountain if we trusted in God enough to take His Word seriously – with child-like faith?
The time is coming when we will all wish we’d taken God and His Word more seriously. For now though, as Jesus said – “Only believe” and watch God move your mountains. As a lady here in the UK (@BevKinnon) says “Don’t tell God how big your mountain is – Tell the mountain how big your God is!” We don’t always have to walk around with that mountain – it is so moveable with God helping us.
God can do anything. Is there anything too hard for Him? Is there anything He cannot understand? Is there any situation He has not seen and dealt with before?
Isaiah 40;12-14 says “Who has measured the oceans by using the palm of his hand? Who has used the width of his hand to mark off the sky? Who has measured out the dust of the earth in a basket? Who has weighed the mountains on scales? Who has weighed the hills in a balance?
Who can ever understand what is in the Lord's mind? Who can ever give him advice?
Did the Lord have to ask anyone to help him understand? Did he have to ask someone to teach him the right way? Who taught him what he knows? Who showed him how to understand?”
So you see, when your mountain comes knocking, God understands – He knows. There is always help at hand.
Its when we expect the most that God does the most. Expect little - receive little. Expect much & stand by for the avalanche of blessings ! Get rid of your mountain today – “ONLY BELIEVE.”
Friday, 16 July 2010
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
RoFMI Visit to Norway 8 to 12 July 2010
This was a trip with a difference in that Peter went out on Thursday and I went out on Friday !! Add to this that we had not a single speaking engagement and you get the strangeness of this trip. Peter left on Thursday so that he could get up early on Friday to catch another flight to Trondheim for prayer and fellowship at an old church near Trondheim where previous wells of healing and revival had been dug many years ago. While they were up on the West Coast, I was on the early flight into Oslo Rygge to be met by Robin, our partner in Norway. The real purpose of the trip was to go to the annual conference of a group of congregations with a total membership around 5-6000 people. Known as the Free Evangelical Pentecostal Movement (MY translation for better understanding), they had over 1000 good folk at the conference – that’s around 20% of their total membership !!! They had come from all over Norway with at least one family driving over 2400km (1600 miles) each way with a family of three children just to be there and take part.
We were wonderfully hosted by Reidar Gamst and his people at the movement’s Kraftskolen or Bible School, and although no actual speaking was involved we were kept busy networking and praying for the pastors and leaders who crossed our path with great regularity. As one went away so he or she brought another to meet us !! So the four full conference sessions were always busy as new friends and a surprising number of people we had met before came over to greet us. Meal times were also good networking times just saying ‘Hi’ to the many people who very kindly spoke our language.
We have said before that 80% of all we do on these trips cannot be reported and so it is this time. We fellowshipped and ministered at the conference venue in Drammen, and back at the Kraftskolen with and to the staff there. It was a truly blessed time for all of us. The net outcome is that Peter is almost certainly going back to the far North (Tromso & Hammerfest – about 500 miles inside the Arctic Circle) later in August. He will have to go on his own unless funding is received as the trip involves three flights each way – London to Oslo, Oslo to Tromso, and Tromso to Hammerfest. There Peter will meet pastors and leaders and minister to them in a way probably not available to them before now. Then later on, probably end-Septemberish, we will go to Haugesund(?) on the West coast for the same reason – to minister to pastors and leaders and to encourage them and maybe equip them too.
Finally, we caught the ferry back across the Oslo Fjord on probably the hottest day of the year out there – about 26-28C. After a day with Robin we went to meet a couple from one of the local churches in the town of Rygge where we had a wonderful time of fellowship and music !! It is amazing when two musicians get together a ‘jam session’ always ensues and favourites like “What a Friend we have in Jesus” filled the air and everyone was singing along joyfully. Prophecy and prayer completed the day and we bid farewell to our new found wonderful friends with the idea of a full musical evening with them sometime in the not too distant future.
Isn’t God good ?? Hallelujah \o/
We were wonderfully hosted by Reidar Gamst and his people at the movement’s Kraftskolen or Bible School, and although no actual speaking was involved we were kept busy networking and praying for the pastors and leaders who crossed our path with great regularity. As one went away so he or she brought another to meet us !! So the four full conference sessions were always busy as new friends and a surprising number of people we had met before came over to greet us. Meal times were also good networking times just saying ‘Hi’ to the many people who very kindly spoke our language.
We have said before that 80% of all we do on these trips cannot be reported and so it is this time. We fellowshipped and ministered at the conference venue in Drammen, and back at the Kraftskolen with and to the staff there. It was a truly blessed time for all of us. The net outcome is that Peter is almost certainly going back to the far North (Tromso & Hammerfest – about 500 miles inside the Arctic Circle) later in August. He will have to go on his own unless funding is received as the trip involves three flights each way – London to Oslo, Oslo to Tromso, and Tromso to Hammerfest. There Peter will meet pastors and leaders and minister to them in a way probably not available to them before now. Then later on, probably end-Septemberish, we will go to Haugesund(?) on the West coast for the same reason – to minister to pastors and leaders and to encourage them and maybe equip them too.
Finally, we caught the ferry back across the Oslo Fjord on probably the hottest day of the year out there – about 26-28C. After a day with Robin we went to meet a couple from one of the local churches in the town of Rygge where we had a wonderful time of fellowship and music !! It is amazing when two musicians get together a ‘jam session’ always ensues and favourites like “What a Friend we have in Jesus” filled the air and everyone was singing along joyfully. Prophecy and prayer completed the day and we bid farewell to our new found wonderful friends with the idea of a full musical evening with them sometime in the not too distant future.
Isn’t God good ?? Hallelujah \o/
Who will we meet in heaven?
Who will we meet in heaven?
Hey that’s a fascinating question isn’t it? Well for sure we will meet all the old saints who got there before we did. What will Peter and Paul be like? What about the Wesley’s, or Moody & Sankey? William Booth – there’s another certainty along with Mother Theresa. Wonderful old saints who I hope to meet there. Closer to home there’s Mum & Dad, my Late wife Linda, my Uncle Reg and many other old relatives and friends. I find the thought of meeting them all again very exciting – don’t you ??
Well – that’s all the conjecture I want to cover really. No – my real question is more about all of our unbiblical denominational structures – our little sects and groups and cliques. It’s all about how we see our brothers and sisters in Christ who don’t actually go to ‘our’ church. Now I must warn you that, if you are religious or otherwise easily offended – don’t read any further. No – really – don’t read any further ‘cos I’m about to upset your little applecart.
Did you know that not one Anglican, or Episcopalian, or Lutheran will be in heaven? Shock you ?? I hope so. Yet I can state with authority and certainty that not one of them will be there. Oh dear – what a shame – never mind. I can hear the howls of protest rising from all round the world. I have friends who are priests within these denominations – two of them are retired Deans – almost a senior clerics !! Yet when I talk to them about this, they agree and are very happy about this. You see I don’t have many religious friends. I have friends who are all brothers or sisters in Christ. I suppose the sanctimonious and the religious will be mortally wounded by this thought but it is TRUE. Not one Anglican, or Episcopalian, or Lutheran in heaven !!
Now before you start congratulating yourself on avoiding these groups let me tell you something else. There will be no Roman Catholics there either !! And just in case you are now getting really smug – not a single Pentecostal will be there – NOT ONE! Oh boy – Salvation Army Yaaay. Wrong again – not a single Salvationist either. No Methodists, no Calvinists, no Wesleyans, no ‘any other’ I may have missed off the list.
A theologian friend added this – “.... may I add that through such denominationalism - grace, mercy and righteousness have been sacrificed for inaccurately perceived theological imperatives that has simply left an arid faith. I suspect that within organised Christendom there is too much interest in wearing correct labels than in wearing the ONLY Lord.”
OK – no more bad news. So – what’s the good news then?
Simple
When Jesus returns, He is NOT coming for the Church. He is coming for His Bride and His Bride is US – the Christians. Not the Churches – although judgement will begin there. Oh I am not going to start discussing ‘who’ is saved – who will pass the test and who won’t – or those to whom He will say “Away from Me – I did not know you!” I really am not interested in your denomination – only in whether or not you are saved by the Blood of Christ. All I am interested in are the wonderful brothers and sisters of all ‘denominations’ with whom I share the title “Christian”. With these folk, I will have the great joy of sharing the rapture, heaven and all that is there for us.
Hey that’s a fascinating question isn’t it? Well for sure we will meet all the old saints who got there before we did. What will Peter and Paul be like? What about the Wesley’s, or Moody & Sankey? William Booth – there’s another certainty along with Mother Theresa. Wonderful old saints who I hope to meet there. Closer to home there’s Mum & Dad, my Late wife Linda, my Uncle Reg and many other old relatives and friends. I find the thought of meeting them all again very exciting – don’t you ??
Well – that’s all the conjecture I want to cover really. No – my real question is more about all of our unbiblical denominational structures – our little sects and groups and cliques. It’s all about how we see our brothers and sisters in Christ who don’t actually go to ‘our’ church. Now I must warn you that, if you are religious or otherwise easily offended – don’t read any further. No – really – don’t read any further ‘cos I’m about to upset your little applecart.
Did you know that not one Anglican, or Episcopalian, or Lutheran will be in heaven? Shock you ?? I hope so. Yet I can state with authority and certainty that not one of them will be there. Oh dear – what a shame – never mind. I can hear the howls of protest rising from all round the world. I have friends who are priests within these denominations – two of them are retired Deans – almost a senior clerics !! Yet when I talk to them about this, they agree and are very happy about this. You see I don’t have many religious friends. I have friends who are all brothers or sisters in Christ. I suppose the sanctimonious and the religious will be mortally wounded by this thought but it is TRUE. Not one Anglican, or Episcopalian, or Lutheran in heaven !!
Now before you start congratulating yourself on avoiding these groups let me tell you something else. There will be no Roman Catholics there either !! And just in case you are now getting really smug – not a single Pentecostal will be there – NOT ONE! Oh boy – Salvation Army Yaaay. Wrong again – not a single Salvationist either. No Methodists, no Calvinists, no Wesleyans, no ‘any other’ I may have missed off the list.
A theologian friend added this – “.... may I add that through such denominationalism - grace, mercy and righteousness have been sacrificed for inaccurately perceived theological imperatives that has simply left an arid faith. I suspect that within organised Christendom there is too much interest in wearing correct labels than in wearing the ONLY Lord.”
OK – no more bad news. So – what’s the good news then?
Simple
When Jesus returns, He is NOT coming for the Church. He is coming for His Bride and His Bride is US – the Christians. Not the Churches – although judgement will begin there. Oh I am not going to start discussing ‘who’ is saved – who will pass the test and who won’t – or those to whom He will say “Away from Me – I did not know you!” I really am not interested in your denomination – only in whether or not you are saved by the Blood of Christ. All I am interested in are the wonderful brothers and sisters of all ‘denominations’ with whom I share the title “Christian”. With these folk, I will have the great joy of sharing the rapture, heaven and all that is there for us.
Thursday, 1 July 2010
How will you get to heaven?
The Lord reminded me today of my own road to Salvation - and this sort of 'fell out' of my musings
John 14:6
"Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me."
If you ask any group of people if they believe in heaven, the majority will say yes.
If you ask the same group if they believe in hell, many will say no.
If you ask them “How do you get to heaven?” the answers are very varied. Here’s a few :-
• By being a good person
• By being kind – giving to charity
• By helping others
• Living a clean life
• Being well liked and loved
• Always positive & cheerful
• By believing in God
• By going to church
• By prayer
Ask them about a personal relationship with Jesus or being ‘born again’ and they may well look at you as if you are mad. So lets look at those reasons again and maybe apply some of Gods perspective to this.
• By being a good person – This doesn’t get you into heaven. Many people are good and kind who are complete atheists, who do not even believe in God. Kindness is not uniquely a Christian trait.
• By being kind – giving to charity – This doesn’t get you into heaven. If this were a way into heaven, then every Buddhist would be there.
• By helping others – This doesn’t get you into heaven. Again many people help others, give to charity, help old ladies across the street and so on.
• Living a clean life – This doesn’t get you into heaven. Very many people try to live a clean life but many don’t believe in God.
• Being well liked and loved – This doesn’t get you into heaven. Popularity doesn’t rate as highly with God as it does with man.
• Always positive & cheerful – This doesn’t get you into heaven. Another try but still wrong. Many people are great optimists – live very positively and very happily without going anywhere near a church or the Bible.
• By believing in God – This doesn’t get you into heaven either; although even Satan believes in God – so do all his demons.
• By reading the Bible – This doesn’t get you into heaven. Satan reads & knows the Bible better than you or I will ever know it. He quotes it to us daily.
• By going to church – This doesn’t get you into heaven. Big fallacy this one. Even Satan comes to church – if only to see who he can divert from God. Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than going to MacDonalds makes you a hamburger.
• By prayer – This doesn’t get you into heaven – if it did, nearly every person in the world prays at one time or another. Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Confucians, virtually every tribe and tongue prays to something or someone at sometime or other.
So, where does that leave us?
The Word of God says in John 3 v 16&17 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
Gods son is called Jesus and He said this :- “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me.” John 14:6
The ONLY way into heaven is through a personal relationship with Jesus.
So – do you want to get to heaven. Do you have the right relationship with Jesus.
Remember that you might even die tonight. Where will you end up – in heaven or in hell? Time for us all to “choose this day whom you will serve...... as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."
John 14:6
"Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me."
If you ask any group of people if they believe in heaven, the majority will say yes.
If you ask the same group if they believe in hell, many will say no.
If you ask them “How do you get to heaven?” the answers are very varied. Here’s a few :-
• By being a good person
• By being kind – giving to charity
• By helping others
• Living a clean life
• Being well liked and loved
• Always positive & cheerful
• By believing in God
• By going to church
• By prayer
Ask them about a personal relationship with Jesus or being ‘born again’ and they may well look at you as if you are mad. So lets look at those reasons again and maybe apply some of Gods perspective to this.
• By being a good person – This doesn’t get you into heaven. Many people are good and kind who are complete atheists, who do not even believe in God. Kindness is not uniquely a Christian trait.
• By being kind – giving to charity – This doesn’t get you into heaven. If this were a way into heaven, then every Buddhist would be there.
• By helping others – This doesn’t get you into heaven. Again many people help others, give to charity, help old ladies across the street and so on.
• Living a clean life – This doesn’t get you into heaven. Very many people try to live a clean life but many don’t believe in God.
• Being well liked and loved – This doesn’t get you into heaven. Popularity doesn’t rate as highly with God as it does with man.
• Always positive & cheerful – This doesn’t get you into heaven. Another try but still wrong. Many people are great optimists – live very positively and very happily without going anywhere near a church or the Bible.
• By believing in God – This doesn’t get you into heaven either; although even Satan believes in God – so do all his demons.
• By reading the Bible – This doesn’t get you into heaven. Satan reads & knows the Bible better than you or I will ever know it. He quotes it to us daily.
• By going to church – This doesn’t get you into heaven. Big fallacy this one. Even Satan comes to church – if only to see who he can divert from God. Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than going to MacDonalds makes you a hamburger.
• By prayer – This doesn’t get you into heaven – if it did, nearly every person in the world prays at one time or another. Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Confucians, virtually every tribe and tongue prays to something or someone at sometime or other.
So, where does that leave us?
The Word of God says in John 3 v 16&17 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
Gods son is called Jesus and He said this :- “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me.” John 14:6
The ONLY way into heaven is through a personal relationship with Jesus.
So – do you want to get to heaven. Do you have the right relationship with Jesus.
Remember that you might even die tonight. Where will you end up – in heaven or in hell? Time for us all to “choose this day whom you will serve...... as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."
Monday, 28 June 2010
What Can God do in your life?
A while back I wrote asking how big is your God. Now the Lord is speaking about us releasing our ‘bigger’ God to do what He wants to do. I had almost a valley of dry bones experience this morning when the Lord asked me, “What am I able to do?” I answered it by saying that “You alone know Lord.” And He said “You are right. Tell your people not to limit Me.”
I thought about this for a second or three. Do I limit God? Do I ask Him to do much less than He is able to do? Why do I do that? Why do any of us say to God “This far but no further.” Maybe it’s because our minds could not cope with the true enormity of our God. Maybe we just don’t realise what He can or could do in our lives – if we let Him.
Look at what He was capable of a wee while back. He parted the Red Sea to allow, what, two million people to pass through before closing it again on their pursuers. He parted the sea !! – you know I don’t really think our minds have gotten hold of that one yet. Later on, He took Ezekiel to a valley full of dry bones. He pulled the bones together, put flesh on them breathed into them and brought them back to life !!
So what is it you are limiting Him from doing in your life? You know He will not let us carry a load that is too much for us to bear. You know He does not choose anyone for any task that He does not equip them to do. You know He does not give anyone a Word to speak that will not achieve what it was sent out to do. Do you know that Christians are sometimes the most unbelieving people. What is the first thing they say when confronted by a real miracle? “Oh my God – I don’t believe it!!” Where is the faith in that ???
Listen to me now – The precious Holy Spirit is so much more able to do than we are ever able to imagine. Learn to just stand back and allow Him to move in your life and ministry. He is so much more capable than we realise or believe. He is so much more willing to do for us that which we do not realise or believe.
Please just LET GO and LET GOD. What can God do in your life that you are limiting Him from doing right now? Let Him do it and you will be amazed. Build your own faith and JUST DO IT.
I thought about this for a second or three. Do I limit God? Do I ask Him to do much less than He is able to do? Why do I do that? Why do any of us say to God “This far but no further.” Maybe it’s because our minds could not cope with the true enormity of our God. Maybe we just don’t realise what He can or could do in our lives – if we let Him.
Look at what He was capable of a wee while back. He parted the Red Sea to allow, what, two million people to pass through before closing it again on their pursuers. He parted the sea !! – you know I don’t really think our minds have gotten hold of that one yet. Later on, He took Ezekiel to a valley full of dry bones. He pulled the bones together, put flesh on them breathed into them and brought them back to life !!
So what is it you are limiting Him from doing in your life? You know He will not let us carry a load that is too much for us to bear. You know He does not choose anyone for any task that He does not equip them to do. You know He does not give anyone a Word to speak that will not achieve what it was sent out to do. Do you know that Christians are sometimes the most unbelieving people. What is the first thing they say when confronted by a real miracle? “Oh my God – I don’t believe it!!” Where is the faith in that ???
Listen to me now – The precious Holy Spirit is so much more able to do than we are ever able to imagine. Learn to just stand back and allow Him to move in your life and ministry. He is so much more capable than we realise or believe. He is so much more willing to do for us that which we do not realise or believe.
Please just LET GO and LET GOD. What can God do in your life that you are limiting Him from doing right now? Let Him do it and you will be amazed. Build your own faith and JUST DO IT.
Friday, 25 June 2010
Report on RoFMI Visit to Norway 17 to 21 June 2010
Not such an early start this time as we, Keith and Jean, left for Norway on the 8.25 am flight from Stanstead, arriving at Oslo Rygge airport at 11.35 am Norwegian time. There we were met by our hosts, Leif and Karin Sophie and her son, Nils Michal. After about half an hour's drive through the lovely countryside in brilliant sunshine we arrived at their home and were treated to a sumptuous breakfast on the patio prepared for us by Karin Sophie's youngest daughter Isabelle. Some time to chat and get to know each other and share something of what the Lord has been doing in each of our lives, then down to ministry, first to some members of the family.
On our first evening we went for a short walk to the edge of the Oslo fjord which is about ten minutes from their home.
As with Chris's recent reports much of the five days in Norway was spent in personal ministry to individuals, which for reasons of confidentiality cannot be shared, but we can say that we saw the Lord move powerfully in the lives of each one. Each day we talked and prayed with two or three people, sessions taking between 2 to 3 hours where the Lord revealed many deep hurts, some going back to childhood and before, and He ministered His healing into those wounds, setting them free from curses and demonic oppression much of which had come down the generational lines. One thing which stood out was the number of instances of suicide occurring in the families of those we prayed with. Maybe this is representative of something over the nation?
On Friday evening a number of people from the church gathered in Leif and Karin Sophie's home for our teaching on Deliverance and Spiritual Warfare, and we were greatly aided in this by Rose who interpreted for us into Norwegian. Both Rose and those who listened had great 'staying power' as there was a lot to be packed into the one evening session and the two coffee breaks were very welcome. Everyone seemed to be listening eagerly and many expressed their appreciation for the teaching. At the end we gave the opportunity for anyone who wanted to take part in a corporate prayer to cancel out any legal rights Satan and his demons may have had in their lives, including breaking of curses and cutting off things that had come down the generational lines and then expelling demons from them. Everyone present took part and we believe many were set free. Some asked for further prayer and came along for individual sessions with us during the next few days.
On Saturday evening we were privileged to enjoy a family barbecue to celebrate the engagement of Karin Sophie's eldest daughter to Aaron (not sure of the spelling) and also his birthday and to meet Leif's son and daughter and their families. It was also good to meet up again with Robin who had set up the visit for us. We took time out of the celebrations to pray with one of Leif's grandchildren and it gave us great joy to see the change in her countenance after the prayer and ministry.
On Sunday we were able to minister to two people who had been at the Friday evening teaching and the Lord brought some deep healing and release to each of them. One had suffered so much brokenness and trauma in her life that it seems incredible that she could have survived and still walk around with a smile on her face. Such a testimony to what the joy of knowing and walking with the Lord can do in a person even though those hurts and pains were there deep down.
Later we met with a beautiful young girl who was so shut off from her emotions she felt that even God didn't want to know her. As we prayed through incidents in her life that she shared with us the Lord revealed that she had made an inner vow never to let anyone close to her again. This was not a conscious thing but something that had happened subconsciously because of trauma and had not only caused her to push people away but God also. It was very hard for her to repent of this but, because she wanted to get free, eventually she was able to get the words out and immediately there was a remarkable change and a smile on her face at last. We pray that God's love will now be able to warm her and melt the ice that had formed around her heart.
On Monday we were at last able to spend some time praying with Karin Sophie, who had been so busy up to then providing us with wonderful meals and drinks every time we emerged from ministry sessions, and also with her daughter. Then last of all a young man who's life exhibited every indication of a family curse. The enemy had stolen everything from him, so much so that he could not even maintain a job because he was so sick and drained of strength and energy all the time. The Lord revealed several curses and areas where the demonic had taken control which were dealt with and we then commanded that the 'thief restore sevenfold everything that he had stolen'.
We look forward eagerly to hearing the results of the ministry in this young man's life and in the lives of all those we were privileged to meet. We feel so humbled by the fact that people we have never met before are prepared to share such deep things in their lives with us and trust us to minister to them. We praise God for the gifts He has given us and for allowing us to be a part of what He wants to do in people's lives.
We are also so thankful to Leif and Karin Sophie and their family for welcoming us into their home and making us feel a part of their family. It was so good and uplifting to share in their enthusiasm for what the Lord is doing.
So there was just enough time to have a last meal with the family and Robin before we were off to the airport to catch the 10 pm flight back to Stanstead. Amazingly the plane actually took off 10 minutes early and landed in Stanstead at 10.25pm English time, 45 minutes early. Peter and Glenys were still on their way to pick us up, Peter having only arrived home himself from Denmark at 10 pm.
On our first evening we went for a short walk to the edge of the Oslo fjord which is about ten minutes from their home.
As with Chris's recent reports much of the five days in Norway was spent in personal ministry to individuals, which for reasons of confidentiality cannot be shared, but we can say that we saw the Lord move powerfully in the lives of each one. Each day we talked and prayed with two or three people, sessions taking between 2 to 3 hours where the Lord revealed many deep hurts, some going back to childhood and before, and He ministered His healing into those wounds, setting them free from curses and demonic oppression much of which had come down the generational lines. One thing which stood out was the number of instances of suicide occurring in the families of those we prayed with. Maybe this is representative of something over the nation?
On Friday evening a number of people from the church gathered in Leif and Karin Sophie's home for our teaching on Deliverance and Spiritual Warfare, and we were greatly aided in this by Rose who interpreted for us into Norwegian. Both Rose and those who listened had great 'staying power' as there was a lot to be packed into the one evening session and the two coffee breaks were very welcome. Everyone seemed to be listening eagerly and many expressed their appreciation for the teaching. At the end we gave the opportunity for anyone who wanted to take part in a corporate prayer to cancel out any legal rights Satan and his demons may have had in their lives, including breaking of curses and cutting off things that had come down the generational lines and then expelling demons from them. Everyone present took part and we believe many were set free. Some asked for further prayer and came along for individual sessions with us during the next few days.
On Saturday evening we were privileged to enjoy a family barbecue to celebrate the engagement of Karin Sophie's eldest daughter to Aaron (not sure of the spelling) and also his birthday and to meet Leif's son and daughter and their families. It was also good to meet up again with Robin who had set up the visit for us. We took time out of the celebrations to pray with one of Leif's grandchildren and it gave us great joy to see the change in her countenance after the prayer and ministry.
On Sunday we were able to minister to two people who had been at the Friday evening teaching and the Lord brought some deep healing and release to each of them. One had suffered so much brokenness and trauma in her life that it seems incredible that she could have survived and still walk around with a smile on her face. Such a testimony to what the joy of knowing and walking with the Lord can do in a person even though those hurts and pains were there deep down.
Later we met with a beautiful young girl who was so shut off from her emotions she felt that even God didn't want to know her. As we prayed through incidents in her life that she shared with us the Lord revealed that she had made an inner vow never to let anyone close to her again. This was not a conscious thing but something that had happened subconsciously because of trauma and had not only caused her to push people away but God also. It was very hard for her to repent of this but, because she wanted to get free, eventually she was able to get the words out and immediately there was a remarkable change and a smile on her face at last. We pray that God's love will now be able to warm her and melt the ice that had formed around her heart.
On Monday we were at last able to spend some time praying with Karin Sophie, who had been so busy up to then providing us with wonderful meals and drinks every time we emerged from ministry sessions, and also with her daughter. Then last of all a young man who's life exhibited every indication of a family curse. The enemy had stolen everything from him, so much so that he could not even maintain a job because he was so sick and drained of strength and energy all the time. The Lord revealed several curses and areas where the demonic had taken control which were dealt with and we then commanded that the 'thief restore sevenfold everything that he had stolen'.
We look forward eagerly to hearing the results of the ministry in this young man's life and in the lives of all those we were privileged to meet. We feel so humbled by the fact that people we have never met before are prepared to share such deep things in their lives with us and trust us to minister to them. We praise God for the gifts He has given us and for allowing us to be a part of what He wants to do in people's lives.
We are also so thankful to Leif and Karin Sophie and their family for welcoming us into their home and making us feel a part of their family. It was so good and uplifting to share in their enthusiasm for what the Lord is doing.
So there was just enough time to have a last meal with the family and Robin before we were off to the airport to catch the 10 pm flight back to Stanstead. Amazingly the plane actually took off 10 minutes early and landed in Stanstead at 10.25pm English time, 45 minutes early. Peter and Glenys were still on their way to pick us up, Peter having only arrived home himself from Denmark at 10 pm.
Tuesday, 22 June 2010
RoFMI Visit to Denmark 18 to 21 June 2010
Two teams – one to Norway and one to Denmark !! That’s a new one for us to have two teams on simultaneous visits. This intrepid reporter went to Denmark so I will concentrate on that for now and tell you about Norway later. Six of us went in two cars to the airport fairly early on Friday morning and arrived in Billund Airport in Denmark around 10:00am to be met by Michael, our host, and Frank. Their mini-bus was sufficient for all of us so we all piled in and drove to a town called Middelfart, which means the middle way, and which is just about as central in Denmark as you can get.
We went to the church where we met Heidi, Michael’s lovely wife, and their children. We then deposited Jean & John with them before Peter, Ruth, Keith, and I went to stay with Dan and Greta our lovely personal hosts – about a mile away. Now let me explain here that only about 20% of what we do on these trips is reportable so I can only give you a flavour of what happens. So – the four of us (Peter, Ruth, Keith, and I) went on to Frank & Helge’s house/building project about 15 km away. I say building project because they are 6 months into a rebuild and complete refurbishment of an old farm house and stable block. When finished this will be a beautiful home for them and their four children – and sheep , ponies, dog, and cats. Wonderful fellowship for an hour or two.
Back at the church in the evening for fellowship with some people from the church and where Peter spoke briefly on the coming revival – signs and prophecies about it and generally preparing folk for the impact it will make to their lives. One word given was this – “Get ready to train your teams for the time of preparation is coming to an end. This is for the shepherds as well as the flock for some shepherds I will pass over – I have told them and told them and they have done nothing.” How will revival come? Through ordinary repentant people like you and me !! God cannot use us unless there is repentance. Do you think God will bring people like Reinhardt Bonnke here to bring revival? No – he will use ordinary people like you and me !! It is time to tell Satan who we are in Christ and not who he tells us we are. Satan is a liar !! It is not so much who you are but whose you are.
On Saturday morning we went to Jakob & Dorthe’s home for more fellowship where the Lord showed Peter a map of the Middelfart area and drew two lines across it – dividing it into three smaller areas. Various prophecies were given for them and their two lovely girls – one of whom ‘adopted’ Peter with all sorts of wonderful little gifts. We prayed for the whole family before lunch and then returning to the church for another open meeting on the prophetic and revival. A group of around 25 people assembled including our great friends Preben and Maureen from Korsor who were in the area on holiday. Peter spoke on the price of revival and of the prophetic ‘signs of the times’ spoken of in the Bible. Signs like the 11 year old girl who had a very clear vision of the return of Jesus – like the 10 or 11 year old children prostrated before the Lord under the power of the Holy Spirit – like the 86 year old lady who has been promised that she will not only see end time revival but also the Bridegroom coming for His Bride. We also heard about something absolutely unprecedented where in one church the entire leadership team stood down so that younger people could step up into leadership positions !! Peter also gave a word on John 21:15-19 “Do you love me?” Prayer and prophecy concluded the meeting.
Saturday night we drove to Sallinge to Pastor Saresh, his wife Eva and their children – all 7 of them – where we had a wonderful meal before their church joined us for an evening of praise & worship and fellowship. I spoke briefly about the gifts of the Spirit given to children being the same gifts that we adults receive. The Peter spoke about personal holiness and that judgement starts with the church – us – first. We need to clean ourselves first. He spoke of a vision of the harvest fields being ready but full of mice nibbling away to the harvest and destroying it. The enemy is trying to rob us of the harvest but we have the authority to stop him so we need to tell him to leave the harvest alone. Once again the picture of who we are in Christ – whose we are – came up. Jesus words – “greater things than these will you do” were emphasised. None of us is too old or too young to serve the Kingdom of God – whom He uses, He qualifies. The key is repentance and Peter used two examples from recent events in Norway. We got home a bit late early Sunday morning J
At church on Sunday morning we had a short time of ministry before lunch and then a more extended time after lunch. After anointed praise and worship, Peter spoke about Amos 3:7 where nothing happens without God speaks to his prophets first. Peter warned the church that there is a major move of God coming to Middelfart and the whole of Denmark. He went so far as to say that, if there is not a significant move of God within the next three months, then they may call him a false prophet and tell every church in Denmark and have his name banned too. That sent a shock-wave through the whole church. But then, he put up the town map and invited all who were prepared to pay the price of revival to join him and lay hands on the map and call for God to move in power in their town. He spoke of an Acts 2 series of events – that everyone in the town knows where their church is (it’s in the former mental hospital) and that it could become the focal point for all whom God calls to repentance and revival.
One of the people at the meeting on Friday was asked what they would be doing later. They said they would be watching the Denmark/Cameroon match on TV. Peter asked if he wanted to know the score – before the match began and he went on to say that it will be 2-1 to Denmark which was correct. Peter then used this as an example saying that if God could correctly give football results as a sign then why wouldn’t any other prophecy be fulfilled. Houses are being shaken too (just as they were in the Hebridean revival) – Yes even in Denmark! In Korsor where we went two weeks ago, people are reporting that their houses are shaking and that they are hearing strange noises from the sea – so much so that they have telephoned the military to find out what was happening. Then they returned to the home of the Christians where we had the outreach BBQ. Peter reminded the church of this; and that elsewhere, people are coming under conviction and seeking the Lord through the nearest Christian they can find. He said, “As in Acts we here are now in one room and of one accord – in agreement. If we give God our permission now, then He will move just as He promises in His Word.
Revival is not what we do, but it is what God does as a sovereign act – and we need to be ready. He then proclaimed the end of Satan’s authority in that town – he called for the Holy Spirit to come in power and fire to Middelfart in the precious Name of Jesus !!
After a period of ministry, we all departed for Peter and Anne-Lise two missionaries who have returned to the town for such a time as this. After this we went to Aage & Bente for more times of ministry and fellowship before concluding a wonderful Lords day with the church and people of Middelfart.
On Monday we drove out of town to Gurli & Helge’s lovely home for lunch and more fellowship. They have a beautiful home with a huge garden – it is two old houses joined together as one where they can accommodate around 12 people. There were several words of prophecy for them all before we came back to the church to collect all our stuff together and have a final coffee & cake session of fellowship together with Michael and Heidi and their family. A good flight home, a coffee with Peter & Glenys before I finally made it home too.
A wonderful trip – all praise and Glory to God \o/
We went to the church where we met Heidi, Michael’s lovely wife, and their children. We then deposited Jean & John with them before Peter, Ruth, Keith, and I went to stay with Dan and Greta our lovely personal hosts – about a mile away. Now let me explain here that only about 20% of what we do on these trips is reportable so I can only give you a flavour of what happens. So – the four of us (Peter, Ruth, Keith, and I) went on to Frank & Helge’s house/building project about 15 km away. I say building project because they are 6 months into a rebuild and complete refurbishment of an old farm house and stable block. When finished this will be a beautiful home for them and their four children – and sheep , ponies, dog, and cats. Wonderful fellowship for an hour or two.
Back at the church in the evening for fellowship with some people from the church and where Peter spoke briefly on the coming revival – signs and prophecies about it and generally preparing folk for the impact it will make to their lives. One word given was this – “Get ready to train your teams for the time of preparation is coming to an end. This is for the shepherds as well as the flock for some shepherds I will pass over – I have told them and told them and they have done nothing.” How will revival come? Through ordinary repentant people like you and me !! God cannot use us unless there is repentance. Do you think God will bring people like Reinhardt Bonnke here to bring revival? No – he will use ordinary people like you and me !! It is time to tell Satan who we are in Christ and not who he tells us we are. Satan is a liar !! It is not so much who you are but whose you are.
On Saturday morning we went to Jakob & Dorthe’s home for more fellowship where the Lord showed Peter a map of the Middelfart area and drew two lines across it – dividing it into three smaller areas. Various prophecies were given for them and their two lovely girls – one of whom ‘adopted’ Peter with all sorts of wonderful little gifts. We prayed for the whole family before lunch and then returning to the church for another open meeting on the prophetic and revival. A group of around 25 people assembled including our great friends Preben and Maureen from Korsor who were in the area on holiday. Peter spoke on the price of revival and of the prophetic ‘signs of the times’ spoken of in the Bible. Signs like the 11 year old girl who had a very clear vision of the return of Jesus – like the 10 or 11 year old children prostrated before the Lord under the power of the Holy Spirit – like the 86 year old lady who has been promised that she will not only see end time revival but also the Bridegroom coming for His Bride. We also heard about something absolutely unprecedented where in one church the entire leadership team stood down so that younger people could step up into leadership positions !! Peter also gave a word on John 21:15-19 “Do you love me?” Prayer and prophecy concluded the meeting.
Saturday night we drove to Sallinge to Pastor Saresh, his wife Eva and their children – all 7 of them – where we had a wonderful meal before their church joined us for an evening of praise & worship and fellowship. I spoke briefly about the gifts of the Spirit given to children being the same gifts that we adults receive. The Peter spoke about personal holiness and that judgement starts with the church – us – first. We need to clean ourselves first. He spoke of a vision of the harvest fields being ready but full of mice nibbling away to the harvest and destroying it. The enemy is trying to rob us of the harvest but we have the authority to stop him so we need to tell him to leave the harvest alone. Once again the picture of who we are in Christ – whose we are – came up. Jesus words – “greater things than these will you do” were emphasised. None of us is too old or too young to serve the Kingdom of God – whom He uses, He qualifies. The key is repentance and Peter used two examples from recent events in Norway. We got home a bit late early Sunday morning J
At church on Sunday morning we had a short time of ministry before lunch and then a more extended time after lunch. After anointed praise and worship, Peter spoke about Amos 3:7 where nothing happens without God speaks to his prophets first. Peter warned the church that there is a major move of God coming to Middelfart and the whole of Denmark. He went so far as to say that, if there is not a significant move of God within the next three months, then they may call him a false prophet and tell every church in Denmark and have his name banned too. That sent a shock-wave through the whole church. But then, he put up the town map and invited all who were prepared to pay the price of revival to join him and lay hands on the map and call for God to move in power in their town. He spoke of an Acts 2 series of events – that everyone in the town knows where their church is (it’s in the former mental hospital) and that it could become the focal point for all whom God calls to repentance and revival.
One of the people at the meeting on Friday was asked what they would be doing later. They said they would be watching the Denmark/Cameroon match on TV. Peter asked if he wanted to know the score – before the match began and he went on to say that it will be 2-1 to Denmark which was correct. Peter then used this as an example saying that if God could correctly give football results as a sign then why wouldn’t any other prophecy be fulfilled. Houses are being shaken too (just as they were in the Hebridean revival) – Yes even in Denmark! In Korsor where we went two weeks ago, people are reporting that their houses are shaking and that they are hearing strange noises from the sea – so much so that they have telephoned the military to find out what was happening. Then they returned to the home of the Christians where we had the outreach BBQ. Peter reminded the church of this; and that elsewhere, people are coming under conviction and seeking the Lord through the nearest Christian they can find. He said, “As in Acts we here are now in one room and of one accord – in agreement. If we give God our permission now, then He will move just as He promises in His Word.
Revival is not what we do, but it is what God does as a sovereign act – and we need to be ready. He then proclaimed the end of Satan’s authority in that town – he called for the Holy Spirit to come in power and fire to Middelfart in the precious Name of Jesus !!
After a period of ministry, we all departed for Peter and Anne-Lise two missionaries who have returned to the town for such a time as this. After this we went to Aage & Bente for more times of ministry and fellowship before concluding a wonderful Lords day with the church and people of Middelfart.
On Monday we drove out of town to Gurli & Helge’s lovely home for lunch and more fellowship. They have a beautiful home with a huge garden – it is two old houses joined together as one where they can accommodate around 12 people. There were several words of prophecy for them all before we came back to the church to collect all our stuff together and have a final coffee & cake session of fellowship together with Michael and Heidi and their family. A good flight home, a coffee with Peter & Glenys before I finally made it home too.
A wonderful trip – all praise and Glory to God \o/
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