June 28 at Lakeland

What an encouraging meeting.

Todd said he had a letter from a man that had been healed of terminal cancer.  What is interesting is that this healing resulted from Todd’s courage in striking the man in the stomach while praying for him!   Apparently this man was extremely grateful that he had been kneed in the stomach!

Todd spoke movingly about Jesus’ command that we make sure that noone is offended by us, even if we have done no wrong, if while standing before the altar with our gift we realize someone else might be stumbling over us.  He encouraged everyone to apologize to anyone that felt offended, because if something we have done is causing someone else to stumble, we need to help them get free.  It is not a matter of clearing our own name or conscience if we have done no wrong – it is a matter of compassion to set the other person free.

This revival is a multi-faceted event that is touching so many in so many different ways. 

June 27: Shock and Awe at Lakeland

Tonight we saw the most dramatic and undeniable miracles we have yet seen in this remarkable revival.  Todd Bentley’s team is gathering overwhelming documentation of the miraculous.  Lumps were disappearing during the meeting, and other testimonies along with medical verification were presented.

Perhaps most touching was a young boy with spina bifida who received strength in his legs and could walk as he never had before. 

The thrilling and breathtaking story of a boy who had been raised from the dead at the swimming poll at a Howard Johnson’s motel only a day or two before absolutely stunned the crowd and served as a powerful challenge to any lingering doubt and skepticism about this event.

It was also wonderful to watch a man who had just been released from prison receive a healing and accept Christ right up on the platform while talking to Todd.  This is what the gospel is all about. 

Let’s look at what Jesus said:

“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles had occurred in Tyre and Sidon which occurred in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. Nevertheless I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You will descend to Hades; for if the miracles had occurred in Sodom which occurred in you, it would have remained to this day. Nevertheless I say to you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for you.”

Obviously, Jesus was saying that miracles will lead people to repent who would not otherwise do it!  And that those who see miracles and do not repent face greater judgment. 

It is also obvious that the people of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum found a way to deny what they saw with their own eyes!!

These truths are both terrifying and encouraging as they apply to the Lakeland revival.

I am wondering how I need to promote and develop these gifts within myself, knowing that the Lord has clearly stated that more people will be inspired to turn to Christ as a result of miracles.  If miracles and healing are not to be my gifts, I need to learn how I can be a effective servant to their emerging expression within others.

May we all be filled with genuine fear and awe and repentance.

June 26 at Lakeland

Tonight Todd Bentley was reading medical documentation of miracles and explaining how they process healing testimonies.  They have a doctor on their staff now to look at the medical reports.   They may have the most thorough and responsible approach to verifying miracles of any healing ministry ever.  What a blessing!

June 25 at Lakeland

Tonight Todd shared the first 15 of 30 reasons why God heals.

I liked #11:  Because He is risen!

Do you really believe that He is risen?  Do you know that the same Spirit that raised Him from the dead could dwell in you?  I hope He does already.

Todd Bentley, Man of Character

I find it amazing that Todd Bentley has accomplished so much and is so universally respected and admired by people that know him.   What an amazing leader, and he does it without being the least bit pompous.   Truly a man after God’s heart!

In fact, I am going out tomorrow and getting a tattoo on my neck.  Something tasteful!

Well, not really.  But God bless you, Todd, you have my love and support, even if I am not going to get a tattoo. 

Sharing his heart

I especially enjoyed it when Todd shared his heart a night or two ago about his own “dark night of the soul”.  How he had to face all his own demons, the problems in his upbringing, his own heart, his marriage.  He presents himself as a fallible, weak, and broken person who pushes ahead by faith.  Simple faith, simple clothing, simple words.  Not with words of man’s wisdom, but with power.

Not perfect, maybe not even close.  But definitely my kind of guy.  God bless you, Todd B!!