Several Posts on Lakeland…

As you know if you read this blog I’m continuing to follow the Healing Outpouring in Lakeland, FL with Todd Bentley. I’m sure that many of you reading have formed opinions for or against what is going on – personally I’ve stated that I’m for what God is doing there but that I’m not expecting it to be perfect either.

I want to encourage you to be open to ‘new things’ – I was reading a post from a leader that I really respect but he took a shot at ‘gold dust, jewels’ etc. This hit home with me because I’ve had the opportunity to meet an amazing, God-loving couple who have had supernatural jewels given to them. we have had people in our church come out of time in the presence of God and had gold dust all over them (my Mom didn’t wash her shirt for several days ).

Do I completely get this? No. Do I need to? No. Now it would be wrong if someone got so focused on gold dust for example that they forgot about Jesus, winning souls, making disciples etc. but it is also wrong to write something off without meeting people who have experienced it, thoroughly researching it, spending time in prayer over it because it may be something new (to us) that God is doing! I can say from personal experience that I have seen these experiences (when handled with wisdom) be a benefit and blessing to people.

With Lakeland, if you have been there, talked with people who have been healed, heard the hearts of those involved and you have decided that it is not of God then I respect your opinion. If you have made a decision based on some rumors, and a couple youtube videos then I would humbly encourage you to not write it off and speak negatively about it. Is it ok to have concerns/reservations? Sure. But don’t pass judgement without thorough research and prayer. Maybe this is God and you need to be open to ’something new’.

Here are several posts regarding Lakeland:

• Pastor Barry Boucher posted some of his thoughts from his recent trip.
• Randy Bohlender  had an interesting perspective from his ‘pilgrimage’ with his 6 year old son.
• Charisma reported on some recent developments as well.