Gifts given in the spirit?

[Lozzie]

Okay first off I am going to make it very clear that I am of sound mind. I have not been indoctrinated into any particular denominational belief system that would create some sort of spiritual delusion. I have been involved in too many churches/ ministries from all around the world to count. My perspective is very broad but it is Jesus that is the foundation of my faith.
Now that I have that out of the way, I will just say I am a pretty regular guy in a lot of ways. I run a woodworking business, go to the gym, go to church, lead worship, have friends and family that I care for.

Maybe 10-15 years ago I was at a conference with my ex-wife and some friends from our church. This was not a pentecostal gathering, just a bunch of mostly non denominational christians meeting to seek God in a powerful way through prayer and worship.

At one point during worship we were instructed to break off into groups, seek God and pray for each other. My group was maybe 5-6 people I knew from church. One couple were from a more traditional mennonite background to give context. At one point in prayer this woman yells at me "ADAM, TAKE THIS!!!" Her hands were outstretched towards me, palms facing upward she was burdened by the weight of what was in her arms and she was visibly distraught and weeping. Physically I could see nothing in her arms. I reached out my hands to her and she placed what she was holding in my arms, I saw nothing physically but I could physically feel the weight of the object in my hands. As I was holding it I asked "What is this?" Nobody seemed to really know what was going on or could tell me what was happening. People made guesses at what it could be but nothing really explained it. Eventually over time the weight lessened and I put my arms down not really knowing the meaning of it all. Speaking to the woman who had never experienced like this before she told me her side of what happened. " While we were in prayer I had my hands out and God put something in my arms and told me to give it to you. She said" No God, I want to give it to my husband!" Once again God told her "Give it to Adam!" Again she resisted saying she wanted to give it to her husband who was standing beside her. She then said" God yelled at her to "GIVE IT TO ADAM!!!" This is the moment when she yelled at me "ADAM, TAKE THIS!!!" She was terrified when God raised his voice and she finally complied in terror.

I've thought about this often over the years thinking, "I wonder what that was all about?!" I do know that God has a call on my life, to be honest I'm still unpacking what that looks like but I just thought I would share this story and see if anyone else has encountered something similar. I have seen, felt God do amazing things in my life and the life of others around me. God has blessed me with the gift of Discernment of Spirits which has been interesting at times. Still curious about this one event though. I'm sure it will all make sense in His timing.

If you have any insight or similar experiences I would love to hear about it. Don't be shy I am not easily offended.

God bless.

 

[Gideon300]

Okay first off I am going to make it very clear that I am of sound mind. I have not been indoctrinated into any particular denominational belief system that would create some sort of spiritual delusion. I have been involved in too many churches/ ministries from all around the world to count. My perspective is very broad but it is Jesus that is the foundation of my faith.
Now that I have that out of the way, I will just say I am a pretty regular guy in a lot of ways. I run a woodworking business, go to the gym, go to church, lead worship, have friends and family that I care for.

Maybe 10-15 years ago I was at a conference with my ex-wife and some friends from our church. This was not a pentecostal gathering, just a bunch of mostly non denominational christians meeting to seek God in a powerful way through prayer and worship.

At one point during worship we were instructed to break off into groups, seek God and pray for each other. My group was maybe 5-6 people I knew from church. One couple were from a more traditional mennonite background to give context. At one point in prayer this woman yells at me "ADAM, TAKE THIS!!!" Her hands were outstretched towards me, palms facing upward she was burdened by the weight of what was in her arms and she was visibly distraught and weeping. Physically I could see nothing in her arms. I reached out my hands to her and she placed what she was holding in my arms, I saw nothing physically but I could physically feel the weight of the object in my hands. As I was holding it I asked "What is this?" Nobody seemed to really know what was going on or could tell me what was happening. People made guesses at what it could be but nothing really explained it. Eventually over time the weight lessened and I put my arms down not really knowing the meaning of it all. Speaking to the woman who had never experienced like this before she told me her side of what happened. " While we were in prayer I had my hands out and God put something in my arms and told me to give it to you. She said" No God, I want to give it to my husband!" Once again God told her "Give it to Adam!" Again she resisted saying she wanted to give it to her husband who was standing beside her. She then said" God yelled at her to "GIVE IT TO ADAM!!!" This is the moment when she yelled at me "ADAM, TAKE THIS!!!" She was terrified when God raised his voice and she finally complied in terror.

I've thought about this often over the years thinking, "I wonder what that was all about?!" I do know that God has a call on my life, to be honest I'm still unpacking what that looks like but I just thought I would share this story and see if anyone else has encountered something similar. I have seen, felt God do amazing things in my life and the life of others around me. God has blessed me with the gift of Discernment of Spirits which has been interesting at times. Still curious about this one event though. I'm sure it will all make sense in His timing.

If you have any insight or similar experiences I would love to hear about it. Don't be shy I am not easily offended.

God bless.

I was saved while I was in the Australian Navy. The last couple of years of my career were shore based. There was something of a revival while I was there - it started before I arrived. The core group was basically very new believers saved during the revival. We had a pastor very much involved but there was also a Navy guy who was in effect the leader. We ministered together in informal meetings. He decided to leave the Navy. One evening, he said that God was passing the mantle onto me as Elijah had passed it to Elisha. I felt something on my shoulders.

Sounds good, but in reality nothing really came of it. I was posted to a new location, much to my disgust. I was enjoying where I was. So what was going on?

We have to be very careful with manifestations that seem to be spiritual. Satan can produce signs and wonders. He is liar, deceiver and destroyer.

If there is real fear involved, I have to doubt that it was God. Fear has been called Satan's calling card.

I was going home from night school one night. I was youth leader at my church. I had this strong impression that I should visit a young widow on the way home. It was around 10.30 pm. I was unwilling. I remembered the verse about refraining from the appearance of evil. I said to God that I'd rather not. He made it clear that I was to go. However, there was no fear at all.

I went there, wondering what I was doing. The woman opened the door and began the thank God. Not what I was expecting. She had prayed that God would send someone to pray for her daughter, born 3 months premature and who was way behind in development. I prayed for the child. She began to change from that time on. A few months later, she had caught up with her development, the young woman was engaged (not to me!) and I was much relieved.

I try to keep an open mind and my discernment sharp. There is a great deal of deception. But I do not want to dismiss the true miracles of God.

 

[Amargosa]

I've thought about this often over the years thinking, "I wonder what that was all about?!" I do know that God has a call on my life, to be honest I'm still unpacking what that looks like but I just thought I would share this story and see if anyone else has encountered something similar. I have seen, felt God do amazing things in my life and the life of others around me. God has blessed me with the gift of Discernment of Spirits which has been interesting at times. Still curious about this one event though. I'm sure it will all make sense in His timing.

Lozzie, if were in your situation, I would first ask God what the given thing is. Perhaps it was wisdom? But, it may be your calling or something to be revealed later. Pray in faith, trust in Jesus Christ and everything will be fine.

 

[Billyd]

Okay first off I am going to make it very clear that I am of sound mind. I have not been indoctrinated into any particular denominational belief system that would create some sort of spiritual delusion. I have been involved in too many churches/ ministries from all around the world to count. My perspective is very broad but it is Jesus that is the foundation of my faith.
Now that I have that out of the way, I will just say I am a pretty regular guy in a lot of ways. I run a woodworking business, go to the gym, go to church, lead worship, have friends and family that I care for.

Maybe 10-15 years ago I was at a conference with my ex-wife and some friends from our church. This was not a pentecostal gathering, just a bunch of mostly non denominational christians meeting to seek God in a powerful way through prayer and worship.

At one point during worship we were instructed to break off into groups, seek God and pray for each other. My group was maybe 5-6 people I knew from church. One couple were from a more traditional mennonite background to give context. At one point in prayer this woman yells at me "ADAM, TAKE THIS!!!" Her hands were outstretched towards me, palms facing upward she was burdened by the weight of what was in her arms and she was visibly distraught and weeping. Physically I could see nothing in her arms. I reached out my hands to her and she placed what she was holding in my arms, I saw nothing physically but I could physically feel the weight of the object in my hands. As I was holding it I asked "What is this?" Nobody seemed to really know what was going on or could tell me what was happening. People made guesses at what it could be but nothing really explained it. Eventually over time the weight lessened and I put my arms down not really knowing the meaning of it all. Speaking to the woman who had never experienced like this before she told me her side of what happened. " While we were in prayer I had my hands out and God put something in my arms and told me to give it to you. She said" No God, I want to give it to my husband!" Once again God told her "Give it to Adam!" Again she resisted saying she wanted to give it to her husband who was standing beside her. She then said" God yelled at her to "GIVE IT TO ADAM!!!" This is the moment when she yelled at me "ADAM, TAKE THIS!!!" She was terrified when God raised his voice and she finally complied in terror.

I've thought about this often over the years thinking, "I wonder what that was all about?!" I do know that God has a call on my life, to be honest I'm still unpacking what that looks like but I just thought I would share this story and see if anyone else has encountered something similar. I have seen, felt God do amazing things in my life and the life of others around me. God has blessed me with the gift of Discernment of Spirits which has been interesting at times. Still curious about this one event though. I'm sure it will all make sense in His timing.

If you have any insight or similar experiences I would love to hear about it. Don't be shy I am not easily offended.

God bless.

Unless there was someone there to really interpret what happened, I would be very cautious. Satan is skilled at deception.

 

[Lozzie]

I was saved while I was in the Australian Navy. The last couple of years of my career were shore based. There was something of a revival while I was there - it started before I arrived. The core group was basically very new believers saved during the revival. We had a pastor very much involved but there was also a Navy guy who was in effect the leader. We ministered together in informal meetings. He decided to leave the Navy. One evening, he said that God was passing the mantle onto me as Elijah had passed it to Elisha. I felt something on my shoulders.

Sounds good, but in reality nothing really came of it. I was posted to a new location, much to my disgust. I was enjoying where I was. So what was going on?

We have to be very careful with manifestations that seem to be spiritual. Satan can produce signs and wonders. He is liar, deceiver and destroyer.

If there is real fear involved, I have to doubt that it was God. Fear has been called Satan's calling card.

I was going home from night school one night. I was youth leader at my church. I had this strong impression that I should visit a young widow on the way home. It was around 10.30 pm. I was unwilling. I remembered the verse about refraining from the appearance of evil. I said to God that I'd rather not. He made it clear that I was to go. However, there was no fear at all.

I went there, wondering what I was doing. The woman opened the door and began the thank God. Not what I was expecting. She had prayed that God would send someone to pray for her daughter, born 3 months premature and who was way behind in development. I prayed for the child. She began to change from that time on. A few months later, she had caught up with her development, the young woman was engaged (not to me!) and I was much relieved.

I try to keep an open mind and my discernment sharp. There is a great deal of deception. But I do not want to dismiss the true miracles of God.

Great advice. I have no doubt in my instance that this was God, the fear she felt was not from the enemy as much as it was fear of God in the midst of disobedience. Personally I try to act in obedience when he speaks the first time out of submission knowing His plan does not require my understanding, only my obedience. Very clear indications in the bible of the results of disobedience to God. Never good.

 

[Lozzie]

Unless there was someone there to really interpret what happened, I would be very cautious. Satan is skilled at deception.

There was. One of my friends who was there was gifted with a phenomenal gift of discernment from a very young age. He actually worked for Billy Graham for years going ahead of the crusades discerning spiritual strongholds and teaching churches how to pray in spiritual warfare before Billy's events. I know this was God.

 

[Lozzie]

Lozzie, if were in your situation, I would first ask God what the given thing is. Perhaps it was wisdom? But, it may be your calling or something to be revealed later. Pray in faith, trust in Jesus Christ and everything will be fine.

Thank you. I know that it was a gift God gave me in the Spirit for future purposes He is calling me to. Some believed it was a mantle of leadership such as Aaron's staff that budded. Others thought it was one of the rods used to carry the ark of God's presence. In my life either or both could be possible. Either way I submit it all to God for his purpose and glory. Praise Jesus from whom all blessings flow.

 

[Billyd]

How did your friend interpret the incident?

 

[Lozzie]

He was the one who believed it was a mantle of leadership like Aaron's staff. He has been a very good friend over the years who has tremendous insight into spiritual realms with the backing of a masters in theology from Regent college. That said he has the level of discernment and situational awareness to only say what needs to be said knowing that God doesn't always give us the whole plan up front. We need to walk these things out in faith.

 

[Lozzie]

I was saved while I was in the Australian Navy. The last couple of years of my career were shore based. There was something of a revival while I was there - it started before I arrived. The core group was basically very new believers saved during the revival. We had a pastor very much involved but there was also a Navy guy who was in effect the leader. We ministered together in informal meetings. He decided to leave the Navy. One evening, he said that God was passing the mantle onto me as Elijah had passed it to Elisha. I felt something on my shoulders.

Sounds good, but in reality nothing really came of it. I was posted to a new location, much to my disgust. I was enjoying where I was. So what was going on?

We have to be very careful with manifestations that seem to be spiritual. Satan can produce signs and wonders. He is liar, deceiver and destroyer.

If there is real fear involved, I have to doubt that it was God. Fear has been called Satan's calling card.

I was going home from night school one night. I was youth leader at my church. I had this strong impression that I should visit a young widow on the way home. It was around 10.30 pm. I was unwilling. I remembered the verse about refraining from the appearance of evil. I said to God that I'd rather not. He made it clear that I was to go. However, there was no fear at all.

I went there, wondering what I was doing. The woman opened the door and began the thank God. Not what I was expecting. She had prayed that God would send someone to pray for her daughter, born 3 months premature and who was way behind in development. I prayed for the child. She began to change from that time on. A few months later, she had caught up with her development, the young woman was engaged (not to me!) and I was much relieved.

I try to keep an open mind and my discernment sharp. There is a great deal of deception. But I do not want to dismiss the true miracles of God.

Nothing really came of it yet. May be a matter of time before things make sense and you walk into it. The Holy Spirit does not deposit gifts with the intention of ignoring or removing them.

 

[I_am_Canadian]

Okay first off I am going to make it very clear that I am of sound mind. I have not been indoctrinated into any particular denominational belief system that would create some sort of spiritual delusion. I have been involved in too many churches/ ministries from all around the world to count. My perspective is very broad but it is Jesus that is the foundation of my faith.
Now that I have that out of the way, I will just say I am a pretty regular guy in a lot of ways. I run a woodworking business, go to the gym, go to church, lead worship, have friends and family that I care for.

Maybe 10-15 years ago I was at a conference with my ex-wife and some friends from our church. This was not a pentecostal gathering, just a bunch of mostly non denominational christians meeting to seek God in a powerful way through prayer and worship.

At one point during worship we were instructed to break off into groups, seek God and pray for each other. My group was maybe 5-6 people I knew from church. One couple were from a more traditional mennonite background to give context. At one point in prayer this woman yells at me "ADAM, TAKE THIS!!!" Her hands were outstretched towards me, palms facing upward she was burdened by the weight of what was in her arms and she was visibly distraught and weeping. Physically I could see nothing in her arms. I reached out my hands to her and she placed what she was holding in my arms, I saw nothing physically but I could physically feel the weight of the object in my hands. As I was holding it I asked "What is this?" Nobody seemed to really know what was going on or could tell me what was happening. People made guesses at what it could be but nothing really explained it. Eventually over time the weight lessened and I put my arms down not really knowing the meaning of it all. Speaking to the woman who had never experienced like this before she told me her side of what happened. " While we were in prayer I had my hands out and God put something in my arms and told me to give it to you. She said" No God, I want to give it to my husband!" Once again God told her "Give it to Adam!" Again she resisted saying she wanted to give it to her husband who was standing beside her. She then said" God yelled at her to "GIVE IT TO ADAM!!!" This is the moment when she yelled at me "ADAM, TAKE THIS!!!" She was terrified when God raised his voice and she finally complied in terror.

I've thought about this often over the years thinking, "I wonder what that was all about?!" I do know that God has a call on my life, to be honest I'm still unpacking what that looks like but I just thought I would share this story and see if anyone else has encountered something similar. I have seen, felt God do amazing things in my life and the life of others around me. God has blessed me with the gift of Discernment of Spirits which has been interesting at times. Still curious about this one event though. I'm sure it will all make sense in His timing.

If you have any insight or similar experiences I would love to hear about it. Don't be shy I am not easily offended.

God bless.

I consider my self a smart man but this baffles me completly.

 

[pinebeach]

Okay first off I am going to make it very clear that I am of sound mind. I have not been indoctrinated into any particular denominational belief system that would create some sort of spiritual delusion

That's good.

She then said" God yelled at her to "GIVE IT TO ADAM!!!" This is the moment when she yelled at me "ADAM, TAKE THIS!!!" She was terrified when God raised his voice and she finally complied in terror.

This, I don't understand. This lady is supposedly having an arguement with God and throws something 'spiritual' at you and wants you to take it. Someone else tells you that it is a 'mantle of leadership.' You don't know me from a hole in the wall, but the whole things sounds off to me. 15 yrs ago?

And, what exactly is a 'mantle of leadership' anyway? This is not something we find in scripture. Yes, we do have the story of Elijah and Elisha but that was in the OT and I have seen the 'mantle' idea being used by the Apostolic Reformation crowd with illigitimate results.

Spiritual gifts? You betcha....that is legit. Are you a leader of some kind? Do you have experience with that? Have you been growing in Christ in a manner that suggest that a position of leadership is in the making?

God does not fling mantels of anything at people. We are not OT believers. We each have the Holy Spirit within and it is God who decides who gets what gift(s) and it is the Holy Spirit who develops those gifts within as we grow in knowledge and understanding according to the word...always and always and I do mean always, according to scripture.

Well that's it from me. I will add though, anybody telling me to catch something I can't see and don't know what it is? I ain't catching that thing no how no way.

 

[pinebeach]

May be a matter of time before things make sense and you walk into it.

You don't 'walk' into leadership. You grow and are tried like refined silver in the furnace if it is genuine. Yup.

 

[Billyd]

You don't 'walk' into leadership. You grow and are tried like refined silver in the furnace if it is genuine. Yup.

If God puts you in any leadership role, He will equip you for that role.

 

[pinebeach]

If God puts you in any leadership role, He will equip you for that role.

Pretty much what I said.

 

[Gideon300]

Nothing really came of it yet. May be a matter of time before things make sense and you walk into it. The Holy Spirit does not deposit gifts with the intention of ignoring or removing them.

The "mantle" incident was around 50 years ago. I was posted to a new base not long after and I left the Navy a few months later. So no, the "mantle" was meaningless.

I would like to have everything all worked out in a neat, systematic theological way. God does not do things my way.

I was with some ex Navy people on a Sunday morning. We met in a motel room as we were heading off in very different directions. One of the people was almost in tears because of a toothache. He and his brother had come by motorbike. They had a several hour trip home. It was a small town, no after hours dental help. The other brother said we should pray. In my heart, I said to myself, God does not heal teeth. The Lord said to me, "Yes I do" and I felt this great anointing come over me. I prayed as I'd never done before and the man sat up, completely healed. I've never had anything like it since. I would be delighted to have a ministry of putting dentists out of business. God has not seen fit to allow me to do that.

 

[Lozzie]

Amazing, I love hearing stuff like this. He is great and sometimes we just need to get out of his way. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Lozzie]

That's good.



This, I don't understand. This lady is supposedly having an arguement with God and throws something 'spiritual' at you and wants you to take it. Someone else tells you that it is a 'mantle of leadership.' You don't know me from a hole in the wall, but the whole things sounds off to me. 15 yrs ago?

And, what exactly is a 'mantle of leadership' anyway? This is not something we find in scripture. Yes, we do have the story of Elijah and Elisha but that was in the OT and I have seen the 'mantle' idea being used by the Apostolic Reformation crowd with illigitimate results.

Spiritual gifts? You betcha....that is legit. Are you a leader of some kind? Do you have experience with that? Have you been growing in Christ in a manner that suggest that a position of leadership is in the making?

God does not fling mantels of anything at people. We are not OT believers. We each have the Holy Spirit within and it is God who decides who gets what gift(s) and it is the Holy Spirit who develops those gifts within as we grow in knowledge and understanding according to the word...always and always and I do mean always, according to scripture.

Well that's it from me. I will add though, anybody telling me to catch something I can't see and don't know what it is? I ain't catching that thing no how no way.

Don't remember saying catch or throw. It was placed in my hands. I get what you're saying, I didn't have much of a grid for this at the time but God does definitely give gifts, special anointing, etc. all completely biblical in old and new testament scripture. I have been in leadership in some capacities for decades. I have also received interesting prophetic words from people in many instances throughout numerous churches and countries over the years. As with anything they are submitted to God and discernment and scripture is the reference for unpacking these things.

 

[pinebeach]

Don't remember saying catch or throw. It was placed in my hands. I get what you're saying, I didn't have much of a grid for this at the time but God does definitely give gifts, special anointing, etc. all completely biblical in old and new testament scripture. I have been in leadership in some capacities for decades. I have also received interesting prophetic words from people in many instances throughout numerous churches and countries over the years. As with anything they are submitted to God and discernment and scripture is the reference for unpacking these things.

Sorry. I somehow had the impression of her throwing it because of the emotions.

Yes of course God gives spiritual gifts and I said that in my post. I am not a cessationist at all but I am cautious; I have seen alot and not all of it good. If you would know all the 'prophetic words I have received, you might wonder why I am not world famous.
Seriously...that has happened. I am dubious of those also because I believe God speaks to a person first. I remember some that were so far off you knew somone was just making stuff up.

God has given me certain gifts...I don't talk about it here....but I am not a stranger to these things.

Anyway, I was already active in church when 'words' were spoken so it was not like a complete unknown factor even though some of what was said was bananas.

It is still totally up to you how you accept or not. I will always refuse someone telling me something if I don't know a thing about it. I encourage people to go after Jesus and stick to the word. God does give gifts but by His Spirit.

 

[markss]

Great advice. I have no doubt in my instance that this was God, the fear she felt was not from the enemy as much as it was fear of God in the midst of disobedience. Personally I try to act in obedience when he speaks the first time out of submission knowing His plan does not require my understanding, only my obedience. Very clear indications in the bible of the results of disobedience to God. Never good.

I've experienced that same fear of God when I was reluctant to do what He had told me. And when He became very emphatic, "This is what you are to do, and you will do it!" there was no room left to say "no".

I've experienced various encounters with God that were sometimes mysterious, sometimes incomprehensible. I've also experience spiritual deception, getting tangled up by if for a year's time. One thing I've learned is that where the word of God is there is power, and other voices do not have His power that performs His purpose.

Personally when these things happen that we don't understand, I prefer to set it aside and not draw any conclusions until such a time as that I know God is revealing it to me.

Much love!