Lakeland Outpouring

In early May we traveled into Northern Maine to do a four-day Fam-Fest at a large church. When we arrived we found out that some of their congregation had recently gone down to Lakeland, Florida to see the “Revival” services being held by Todd Bentley. We personally knew several others from Maine that had gone down to experience what was being called the “Lakeland Outpouring”. Some had voiced their concerns about what they saw. The pastor at the church had asked us to share any insights with the congregation that Sunday morning regarding the “Outpouring”. We prayed and asked GOD for wisdom about what to say and how to say it. That morning after a time of worship and a puppet skit, I started my message by taking the congregation into what we see from Scripture. I cover this in more detail in the Addendum, but essentially I encouraged folks to search the scriptures and if a manifestation is not found in the Bible then perhaps it's wise to put it up on the shelf and not jump on board seeking the manifestation. We should be seeking the face of the FATHER and not the feathers, or the gold dust, etc. In recent years I've come to believe we should “test the spirits” by rebuking and asking questions later as suggested in 1 John 4:1...

My dear friends, don't believe everything you hear. Carefully weigh and examine what people tell you. Not everyone who talks about GOD comes from GOD. There are a lot of lying preachers loose in the world.

In the months to come we'd read some sad info about Mr. Bentley. Sadly it seems the flesh had more control than the Holy Spirit.

Some have said that genuine healing had occurred at the “Lakeland Outpouring”. To which I would say, when sincere people show up seeking the ONE True GOD, then HE will honor their prayers for help. I should know, because in my Mormon upbringing, at times at our youth gatherings we would see some powerful Holy Spirit manifestations and looking back I know GOD showed up!

In Luke 9:49-50 we see JESUS say this about people moving in faith...

John said to Jesus, "Master, we saw someone using Your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he isn't in our group." But Jesus said, "Don't stop him! Anyone who is not against you is for you."

JESUS said many times this about FAITH in Mark 9:23...

Everything is possible for them who believe!