Today I am
turning 65. It is a miracle. The doctors told my parents that I would never
grow up! But I did grow up against all odds. My parents wanted to call me
Emanuel (God with us) after my grandfather, but the priest refused to give me
that name while he was christening me at the Norwegian State Church. Instead I
was called Erling (earl – relative of the king), but in spite of being denied the name Emanuel, God
has really been with me.

I enjoy
celebrating birthdays.  The older I get,
the greater the miracle, and the more I thank God for the life he has given me.
I am still not old, but I am no longer a young man, humanly speaking. But in my
spirit I feel very young with a long and exciting life in front of me. I have
many unfulfilled prophecies over my life and I am still dreaming of doing great
exploits for God.

Next year I will publish a book called “I have a
dream!” People who read that book will
understand why I am excited to be alive in a time like this and begin to share
in God’s dream for his world. I am grateful to God for his faithfulness to me,
his protection and healing power through 65 years, but more than anything else I
am thankful for his promises to me. It is really great to be part of the
fulfilling of God’s eternal plan as I serve his purpose in my lifetime.