Receiving a Personal Prophecy

I've received hundreds of prophecies during the past 12 years.

Like the apostle Paul, I believe in the redemptive purpose of prophecy, even personal prophecy.

Some refuse to receive personal prophecies, but that opposes Scripture!
The apostle Paul wrote to young Timothy: "Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership" (1Tim 4:14). The whole ministry and life of Timothy was affected by this one prophetic word!

How should we receive personal prophecy?

As in the Scripture in 1Timothy 4:14, we must not neglect personal prophecy. Listen to it. Double check that you have heard correctly. If you have it on tape or as a mp3 file, listen to it over and over again. Pray over it. You need to seek God diligently, perhaps even for hours.

When you seek God about the prophecy, God will confirm His ways to you. Maybe you will receive confirmations from others, from dreams, from Scripture reading. Definitely, you will experience the confirmation in your own heart.

As you receive a personal prophecy, there might even be a need to start acting on it. Taking one step at a time, while you are asking God for His manifestations and confirmations.

When I started the church in Oslo, nothing in me wanted to do that. Oslo was the city where I had been rejected by denominational leaders. I detested the spiritual climate of Oslo. When God called me to Oslo, I said: "Please, God - NO!!!" But God knew that Oslo would become the place of my greatest joy, contentment and fulfilment. And that's the way it has become. When we rented our first facility in Oslo on March 1st, 2005, immediately joy and passion from God filled my heart. I haven't regretted that decision at all afterwards!

I would never have discovered this joy, contentment and fulfiilment without taking those steps in faith. I didn't tell my own people about my fears and misgivings. That was between me and the Lord. I lovingly followed His calling, knowing that my emotions would easily change to comply with His calling and His love for this wonderful city.

My testimony about Oslo reflects a principle which we must not neglect as we receive personal prophecies.

Bishop Bill Hamon prophesied over me that I was not going to do just what I want to do: "Don’t feel condemned because you didn’t feel content with the ways others have gone. Don’t feel frustrated because things haven’t worked out the way you thought they should. Because you are in my plan. You are being planned for my purpose. You’re not going to do what you just want to do. You’re doing my will. I’m forming you." Thank God for this prophetic declaration through Bishop Hamon.

Within the past months I have had a surprising amount of prophecies over my life. Some that confirm things that I already know, and even some that bring in altogether new information and directions. I have learned to embrace the revelation from God, regardless how contrary it is to the feelings and thoughts that I previously had. And I have found that the greatest breakthroughs come when God works sovereignly, far above what had been my will.

Let Your will be done, Lord! Not mine, but Yours!

Let's cooperate with God!

T.B.Barratt - the progressive Apostle of Europe's Pentecostalism

In 1906 the reknown methodist minister from Kristiania (now Oslo), Norway, Thomas Ball Barratt, had an encounter with the Holy Spirit which led to him speaking in tongues and receiving a touch of the holy and powerful God. Barratt was never to be the same.
Word spread all over Norway and beyond, and thousands were for ever transformed. The move of the Holy Spirit was characterized by salvations, healings, deliverances, prophecies etc.
In 1910 the first Pentecostal church was founded in Skien, Norway, and in 1916 Barratt himself founded the Filadelfia church in Oslo which became known as the hub of European Pentecostalism.
The Pentecostal movement grew within a few years to be the largest Christian movement outside of the State church, and it grew to Sweden, Finland and most European countries, and even into Africa, Asia and Latin America.
When T.B.Barratt died in 1940, he left befind a great church and a strong movement.
But what else did he leave behind?

In my view, Barratt left behind some powerful teachings and concepts that show how progressive he truly was.

1) Barratt had a powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit. His theology of this "baptism in the Spirit", was never truly embraced by his own movement. Barratt taught that the Holy Spirit baptism is a lifechanging encounter, beyond salvation, that not only leads to tongues and gifts of the Spirit, but even to another level of holiness and relationship with Christ. I believe Barratt was right, and we need today to restudy the Word along these lines. Several of Barratt's books dealt with this.

2) Barratt had a strong revelation in 1930 regarding the local church. He saw that the Pentecostal movement was about to become a denomination, and the Lord showed him that this is not in line with the New Testament ways. So he made risky decisions to demount the organization that had developed in Norway, especially around foreign missions, and said that from now on the missionaries would be envoys from their local churches, not from a denomination. The missions organization was dissolved, amid much controversy. By doing this Barratt is very much in line with the fluidness and flexibility of the New Testament churches, which by the way has been adopted by the powerful worldwide apostolic movement of the past 10-15 years. (Cfr Peter Wagner: "The New Apostolic Churches" 2001).

3) Barratt wrote a book in Norwegian in 1933 on "The Position of Women in the Church". His views were strongly challenged within his own movement and church. But Barratt believed wholeheartedly that in Christ there is no difference between man and woman. Barratt even elected women elders in his own church, and he taught that there were women apostles in the days of the New Testamant.

4) Barratt wrote a book in Norwegian in 1938 called "Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage". This was so controversial even in his own movement, that his own eldership and publishing house refused to publish it! Actually, it wasn't published until 1991, 51 years after Barratt's death. In this book Barratt teaches strongly on the sanctity of lifelong, monogamous marriage. But he also teaches that divorce and remarriage is legitimate for "the innocent party" on grounds of adultery and imposed, forced divorced.

Thomas Ball Barratt will for ever be the progressive apostle of Europe's Pentecostalism.
I'm proud to be one of his many followers.

Alice Smith: Prayer stopped Tsunami in Hawaii!

"Power of prayer! In Hawaii; got news of potential tsunami. Our group immediately (in the middle of the mall) prayed. Declared, proclaimed. Praised, and celebrated that a tsunami would not hit the islands. Ten mins. later the news wire cancelled the warning. Heb. 11:6..."without faith it's impossible to please God." Trials do come, but why is prayer OFTEN our last resort, instead of our first response?"

Christ Anoints His Leadership

In my beloved Norway there is a real lack of respect for the anointing.
Jesus is "the Anointed One", the Christ, the Messiah.
Ephesians 4 teaches about how Christ gave His gifts to the Church: Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, Teacher. These 5 ascensioin gifts are given by Christ for the edification of the Church.
None of us are democratically elected. We are appointed by Christ.

1Tim 4:14 shows how these gifts are appointed: "Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership".
These gifts are not installed by democratic procedures. In many churches the appointment of leadership is reduced to a question of democracy, or even of popular demand. But that is totally contradictory to Scripture!

In Oslokirken we have right now 3 ministry gifts in leadership. There are more up and coming ones, praise the Lord! We're just seeking God about His celestial handshake in God's timing :-)

I am honored to serve God along side these other two leaders, who coincidentally are women.

It's fun to see how the Church really respects and honors all 3 of us.

In this environment God will reveal Himself.

Now perhaps some would feel that they are more qualified than us 3 in leadership. However, we leave that to God.

Perhaps some men feel that they should be more qualified than women :-)
Perhaps some who are older feel that they are more qualified than the younger ones :-)
Et cetera...

My caution would be: Honor the leaders among you! 1Tim 5:17-20. We have actually been installed by God.
Even if you disagree on certain issues, which is perfectly ok, be cautious so you don't show disrespect or contempt. God will deal severely with arrogance and contempt.

God has His own pattern of leadership. Let's cooperate with Him!

Spiritual Fathers

10 years ago I got a spiritual father.

My natural father, Aage Torp (1924-1983) was a great man of God. A missionary statesman in Japan and Thailand, and later a spiritually influential man in Norway for many years. Countless people were led to Christ, and into the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, through the ministry of my dad. 26 years after his death my dad is still my hero.

In many ways my natural dad had also served as my spiritual dad.

No spiritual father

But for 16 years I had no spiritual father.

I had been in apostolic circles, and experienced the anointing and greatness of men of God. But I could easily see how these men were lacking in their own lives - no security, limited integrity. They would run over you for your money or your slavery! Seemingly, betrayal was in their DNA.

3 days in 1999

But 3 days in October 1999 changed the course of my life: I came to the home of John & Helena Kelly in Fort Worth, Texas. I arrived there on Sunday the 3rd, and went back to Norway on Wednesday the 6th. Exactly 10 years ago today :-)

Kelly had just assumed the leadership of the International Coalition of Apostles (ICA), so he was entering the spiritual climax of his life. Ministering with all the great men of the Christian world.

But here came a Norwegian man, lacking in everything...

After 24 hours together, Kelly cried over me.

He saw how needy I was, beaten and bruised from some years of prophetic ministry in the land that has killed many prophets.

And the Lord said: "You don't have time for him, but take him on anyway, as your son...".

The rest is history.

Patriarchs

The Old Testament tells the stories of the patriarchs. Men like Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David.

They were the real life spiritual fathers of their day.

Often they had experienced little fatherhood themselves.

But God raised them up as fathers of their generation, and of generations to come.

They were betrayed, beaten and battered, but God didn't give up on them.

He needs vessels, channels for His purposes on planet earth.

New Testament Fathers

The Apostle Paul was a spiritual father of his generation, and of generations to come.

To the Thessalonians he described how he had come to them: "But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children" (IThess 2:7) and "as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory" (1Thess 2:11-12).

The apostle Paul had Old Testament patriarchal qualities, translated into a new age. He is the primary role model for spiritual fatherhood in our day.

Father in Marriage?

When I came into the Kelly residence in 1999, I quickly discovered that the Kelly's relate simultaneously in different dimensions.

First, Helena & John are married. So they relate as a married couple.

Second, Helena & John are in ministry together. So in this realm they relate on a ministry level.

The marriage level is, as the New Testament describes, a natural life. Identificational, relational, sexual, emotional, practical etc. In this sense John is not a "father" to Helena. He is her husband, she is his wife. It is always great to see how they relate to each other in this way.

The ministry level is different. In this realm John is Helena's "spiritual father", even though she is the one who led him to Christ 35 years ago! And even though she is his primary intercessor and advisor!

So they're combining these two levels.

This is probably where most Christians who are married with each other, and who are in ministry together, miss it the most! To "solve" this issue the Catholic Church says that the priests shouldn't marry. And Paul said that it was easier to remain unmarried.

But God has a way!

It is a great thing for a man and woman of God to be married.

And they need to learn to accept the two dimensions of life together!

It's possible. Look to Helena & John Kelly!

How to Relate?

How do you relate to each other as spiritual father and son/daughter?

First, honor your spiritual father.

Honor is shown in tithing and offerings.

Honor is shown in coming when the father calls upon you.

Honor is shown in doing what the father says.

Second, give respect to your son and daughter.

Respect is shown in giving liberty to think and act.

Respect is shown in always releasing into greater things.

Respect is shown in giving wise counsel face to face.

Fatherhood is for Life

I love lifelong relationships.

Spiritual fatherhood is for life.

A spiritual father knows you.

I have been with apostle Kelly for 10 years now. He knows everything about me. He has known everyone in my family personally. Had us in their home. Been in our home. Listened and counselled.

So when tragedy struck, he wasn't governed by his sympathies or antipathies. He knew everything.

I do the same.

In my church in Oslo I have a core of people who I have known for almost 20 years. They know everything about me. I know everything about them. No Hollywood acting is neither needed nor appreciated! :-)

The greatest need

Spiritual fatherhood is one of the greatest needs of our day.

Pastors who are fathers for their church.

Apostles who are fathers to leaders.

Et cetera.

Let's pray that God will lead us into a deepening and strengthening of spiritual fatherhood in our lives and in the world today.

John P. Kelly - the greatest spiritual Father!

Again I have had my weekly talk on the phone with my spiritual poppa, John P. Kelly. He's the greatest spiritual father there is - bar none!

Kelly & his Helena reside in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas.
Kelly has done it alll. Through his 35 years of ministry, he has pastored large churches, he was the founder and leader of the world's largest apostolic network, Antioch Churches & Ministries (ACM), which was reorganized when he handed over his position in 1998. He then founded with Peter Wagner International Coalitioin of Apostles (ICA) in 1999.
Kelly has spiritual sons & daughters all over the world.
I'm one of them.
He & Helena actually make me feel that I'm the most important one!
Many of us feel the same way. We all feel special.
Kelly is always positive and constructive, transfers faith and hope. He will always challenge me to greater things, to achieve the impossible.
Thank you poppa!

Revivalist Aida Seehuus Flaaten, a Prophetic Torchbearer for Jesus in Norway

I was watching my great friend Aida Seehuus Flaaten singing on TV Visjon's revival broadcast a couple of days ago, and I rejoiced at the powerful impact that she has on our nation.

Then I did some research about her life and background.
Aida resides with her husband Knut and their two sons in Bergen.
Aida is a true revivalist, a burning & passionate voice for her Lord Jesus Christ, a prophetic torchbearer for Jesus in Norway.
She sings and preaches so that nobody can remain unimpacted.
She follows in the footsteps of her dad, Rein Seehuus, one of the greatest prophets of Norway.

Aida's dad, the reknown Rein Seehuus
Her dad, the reknown prophet Rein Seehuus (1900-1975), brought Holy Spirit fire and revelation to Norway. Brother Seehuus was highly acclaimed for his prophetic actions and preaching both in Norway and abroad, and was also one of the most controversial and persecuted men of God in the last century. He was imprisoned, he was locked up in mental hospital, he was by law prohibited from public preaching and writing for some time, he was expelled from our nation, he was 3 times declared dead.
One time when he was locked up in prison, in 1938, he was rescued by Norway's King Haakon, who invited brother Seehuus to the Palace while he was imprisoned. Afterwards, Rein Seehuus said that he was impressed by the love and knowledge of the Bible of King Haakon, the first King of the modern state of Norway.
Brother Seehuus was instrumental in the United Nations deliberations that led to the formation of the modern state of Israel. His role at the UN came about because of a message in tongues by the still unknown evangelist Aage Samuelsen in 1946. Rein Seehuus got the interpretation. The message was directed to somebody who was supposed to go to the UN to assist in the formation of Israel. Afterwards, Rein Seehuus discovered that the message was for himself! He spent 2 years at the UN in New York on this mission. Brother Seehuus played the role of a journalist from his own prophetic journal in the UN deliberations, proving to the delegates the prophetic role in the Bible and in history of the Jews.
He was hated and respected by the Norwegian people. And yet he said: "If only I had been more humble...".
My own beloved dad, missionary Aage Torp (1924-1983), was an enthusiastic follower of Rein Seehuus. When we returned from the mission field to Oslo in 1971, my dad would at least once a month attend the weekly service that Rein Seehuus conducted in Oslo. Dad would often warn me against joining the scoffers and critics of Brother Seehuus. Dad said: "God's Spirit works totally differently that the leaders of our day think". Thank God for a wise dad who went against the tide more than once!

Aida's granddad, C.M. Seehuus
Aida's grandfather, C.M.Seehuus, was one of the founders of the Norwegian Pentecostal movement. After powerful pentecostal manifestations that led to controversy in the baptist church in Skien that he pastored, he left the baptist denomination. C.M. Seehuus formed the first Pentecostal congregation in Norway, the "Tabernacle " church in Skien in 1908.

Aida's forefathers
Aida's forefathers were also strongly involved in the formation of the modern state of Norway.
Rev. Jonas Rein Seehuus, the great-great-great grandfather of Aida, a Lutheran priest in Bergen in the early 1800's, was one of the founding fathers of the modern state of Norway. Rev. Jonas Rein Seehuus was a member of the famous "Eidsvoill Assembly" of 1814.
Aida's younger brother, a well known movie maker today in Norway, is named after the famous founding father.

Aida's mother
Aida's beloved momma, Jorunn Seehuus (born 1927), Rein Seehuus' second wife, is Aida's greatest prayer warrior! She has been in revival all the way, both while her husband lived, and after. Momma was much younger than Rein Seehuus, and has continued the legacy that she made together with her husband. She has vibrant faith in Christ, and is alive and well today.

In their footsteps
Aida shares her testimony on her Facebook profile:
"I grew up in a Christian home, well protected, was daddy's girl! He used to say as soon as I could speak : " Come sit on my lap and sing Aida!" I remember I sang and sang, never ending! I was 13 when he died!
I remember the devil hated me and struck me with fear as I was very young! He wanted to control my life!
As a teenager I had older friends who introduced me to drugs!
The Lord gave me several oportunities! But time and again I fell back into darkness! With drugs and everything that comes with it! During those years I got this thought: "When I have lived my life, then I will receive Jesus, so that I will not go to hell!"
I was unhappy!
I was pregnant 26 years old, living in France with a stranger and artist! The Lord was calling me day and night ! I cried and read the Bible for months! Until I was unable to resist Jesus anymore! He saved my soul!
I was saved through the pregnancy with Sara!
I know that if He could save me, He can save enyone! You see my life was a ruin, total mess! But Jesus never gave me up!"

Aida is following in the footsteps of her father, mother, and godfearing forefathers, bringing fresh fire and revelation to this nation.