MORE ON LAKELAND REVIVAL
Sunday I shared about maturity and helping others by teaching what we have learned. Hebrews 5:11-14 shows us that maturity comes from rightly dividing the Word. Verse 14 encourages us to discern both good and evil by allowing the Word and our inner spirit to let us know when things are right or wrong spiritually. My spirit would not let me participate in the Lakeland Revival but I had nothing else to go by except discernment As things unfolded in the revival at Lakeland, Florida, many of the things that were being taught and were believed became red flags to me. Things like talking to Paul and Abraham in heaven, exalting of William Branham (a fallen evangelist of the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s), and self-promotion. Yet many people were truly getting saved and healed in Lakeland. God honors His Word and therefore the faith of the people brought about great works.
NOW THE GOOD NEWS. The revival has been taken over by the local pastor, Steve Strader and an apostolic team to oversee the work. They are calling the first revival Lakeland I. They have moved from the tent into the church sanctuary. People have packed out the church every night this week. The salvations and healings have continued but with purity and righteousness. They are calling this revival, Lakeland II. Praise God that this was exposed and corrected not destroyed.
We Charismatics need to quit believing that the anointing gives license to cover up sin. We need to stop “Swallow and Follow” and realize that revival comes from repentance. Thank God for awesome revivals that flow from holiness and purity.
Let me know what you think.
August 27, 2008 at 12:45 am
I love the point about “swallow and follow”. Right on
Heath
August 27, 2008 at 1:46 am
Amen! Sometimes I wonder if the discernment factor has been swallowed up in the ‘toleration’ movement so pervasive in our culture. To discern brings condemnation of ‘judging’ something. It takes a lot of maturity to discern, wait, and watch or step back.
May we all learn to discern quickly, act appropriately, and keep our hands clean. The world is growing more confusing and dark. It takes discernment to see what’s really there.
August 30, 2008 at 4:19 am
Power, money and sex are powerful drivers in the world today, in and outside the church I think as well. Although the older I get, the more important food becomes. Just like Isreal, we seem to be in search of a King to lead us, but end up with a Saul instead.
Being more like a duck vs a knight in shinning armour is a best option i am finding. Where we let fears, egos and vices slide off our backs –moving forward by a simple faith and leaning toward a small still voice of God. Not letting the giants force us to fall back into a smallnest of heart. Learning to walk by faith of the unseen and not fooled so much by what I perceive or reason. Sometimes feelings can be the most deceptive lie of all.
Most of all learn about forgiving others, our past, God and ourselves for imperfections, shortcomings and just plain sins; comfortable in our own skin, beliving in the goodness of God no matter what we step into — in life.
August 31, 2008 at 1:54 am
Bill, it is so good to hear from you. Early in life of ministry I was warned of falling through, power, sex or money. You are right, they should have added the fourth; food.
Thank God for restoration, forgiveness and maturing through mistakes.