How Do You See Yourself?

Once while attending a conference at a church in Florida, various slides were put up on the overhead screens including the one pictured here. I immediately thought of Proverbs 28:1, which says “...the righteous are bold as a lion.” Another verse in Proverbs (chapter 23 verse 7) says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”

How do you see yourself? Do you picture yourself as “more than a conqueror” (Romans 8:37) or like a grasshopper as the Israelites did outside the Promised Land? Too many Christians think of themselves as the latter. That’s why they don't receive all the blessings God has.for them.

Recently I saw a Facebook meme comparing one well-known TV pastor to the Apostle Paul calling himself “wretched” as if it’s wrong for Christians to make positive declarations over themselves. Joel 3:10 commands, “Let the weak say, ‘I am strong.’” Paul’s comment in Romans chapter 7 needs to be read in context. The apostle wrote about his fleshly struggles but then mentions the solution: “Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (verses 24-25). He goes on to say in Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”

Putting yourself down is not being humble. It degrades what God created you to be. Psalm 139:14 says, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.” I heard one minister define humility as “knowing who you are in Christ…and knowing who you are without Christ.”

So the next time you look in the mirror, don’t recite that “Wayne’s World” mantra, “We’re not worthy.” See yourself as the Lord sees you…as a winner!

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” - Philippians 4:13

Why I Stand with Rodney Howard-Browne

When preachers take a stand against religious tradition or government tyranny, there will be believers and nonbelievers that won’t like it. Such is the case with Rodney Howard-Browne, a South African-born revivalist who also pastors The River Church outside Tampa, Florida. Initially, Rodney became known for holy laughter manifestations at his meetings. While that still occasionally happens, the focus of Rodney’s ministry is seeing souls saved.

The first time I saw Rodney Howard-Browne was in Toronto in August 1996. God mightily touched me at those meetings. A few weeks later, Rodney started his church. I never got to visit there until 2002. In the meantime, I attended more Rodney Howard-Browne meetings at my home church in Minnesota and one in Pensacola, Florida. Contrary to popular belief, Rodney wasn’t part of the Brownsville Revival but did pray for Randy Clark, the minister God later used to spark the Toronto Blessing.

For almost two decades, I’ve made seasonal moves to Tampa and attended many services at The River plus went evangelizing with them a few times. In my opinion, this church is more committed to the Great Commission than any other I’ve been to. Every student at their Bible school is trained to be a soul-winner. Pastor Rodney is aiming to complete a 300-city tour before the end of the year. The purpose of this is to preach the gospel and equip believers to do the work of an evangelist.

Another thing I respect about Rodney Howard-Browne is his generosity. Every Sunday morning, his church sends out buses all over the Tampa Bay area to pick up people needing a ride. The River also provides free bags of groceries. After one Christmas Day service, Pastor Rodney fed the entire congregation a lamb dinner. Another free meal was offered the following week on New Years Day.

In recent years, Rodney has talked more about political matters during his services. At first, I wasn’t fond of listening to what sounded like conspiracy theories to me. Soon I realized God was using Rodney to warn Americans about our freedoms being lost if the wrong people are elected. Earlier this year, he gave me a copy of his latest book “Socialism Under the Microscope.”

During the current coronavirus pandemic, most pastors have gone to live streaming only. Rodney’s church had continued public gatherings but added the following precautions...

1) Enforced a six-foot distance between family groups in the auditorium as well as overflow rooms.
2) All the staff wore gloves.
3) Every person who entered the church received hand sanitizer.
4) In the farmer's market and coffee shop in the lobby, the six-foot distance was enforced with the floor specifically marked (even though farmer’s markets and produce stands are expressly exempted).
5) The church spent $100,000 on a hospital-grade air purification system that provided continuous infectious microbial reduction rated to kill microbes including those in the coronavirus family.

All this wasn’t good enough for Hillsborough County. This past Monday, Sheriff Chad Chronister issued a warrant for Rodney Howard-Browne’s arrest. This is the same sheriff who was honored on January 12th during a Law Enforcement Appreciation Day at The River (I was there for that service). Nevertheless, Rodney turned himself in and was released 30 minutes later after posting a $500 bond.

Some have criticized Pastor Rodney for “endangering” his congregation. I find this accusation ridiculous. Pastors cannot force people to attend their churches. Churchgoers come at their own volition. Rodney and his wife Adonica advised congregation members who were sick or fearful of the virus to stay home and watch services online.

Pastor Rodney has also been accused of being a lawbreaker. Many Americans have never taken an oath to defend the Constitution, which is the highest law of the land. Rodney and Adonica did that when they became naturalized citizens of the United States. The First Amendment clearly states our government has no right to prohibit the free exercise of one’s religion and to peaceably assemble.

Christians are to obey authorities except when it would cause them to violate God’s commandments. An example can be found in Acts chapter 5 when the apostles were commanded not to preach in the name of Jesus. Peter responded in verse 29, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” If Jesus, the Apostle Paul, John the Baptist, Esther, Daniel, and other prophets followed every man-made ordinance, none of them would have fulfilled their divine destinies.

I have questions for believers who have judged Rodney for not obeying the laws of the land. Would you have reported Jews in hiding to the Nazis had you lived under their regime during World War II? What if you reside in a Muslim or Communist-controlled nation where it’s against the law for Christians to have gatherings? This conflicts with Hebrews 10:25, “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Rodney Howard-Browne is not the only pastor who has been prosecuted for exercising his First Amendment rights. Last Sunday, a church service in Fort Lauderdale was shut down by four armed policemen. Another pastor in Louisiana was charged with misdemeanors for having services. The mayor of New York City has threatened fines and permanent closure against churches and synagogues (notice he didn’t mention mosques) who don’t practice social distancing. These could set precedents for politicians to come up with other excuses to close down churches. How many Christians are willing to put up with no public meetings if this continues beyond Easter?

Last Wednesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a 30-day stay-at-home order but classified religious services as Essential Activities (many politicians have labeled liquor stores, marijuana shops, and abortion providers “essential“). Hours later, Pastor Rodney announced a temporary cancelation of services to protect his congregation from death threats his church received and false arrests by authorities. The next day, the Hillsborough County Council reversed its stance and recognized churches as essential despite opposition from the mayor of Tampa who is openly gay.

Whether or not you agree with Rodney Howard-Browne’s ministry, all believers should be supportive of him and other preachers standing up for their Constitutional rights. It’s often been said, “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.”

I choose to stand with Pastor Rodney.

“And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.” - 1 Corinthians 12:26

Believing the Best

A few weeks ago, reports surfaced of immoral behavior involving Canadian-born evangelist Todd Bentley. Three of his former associates who I’m friends with on Facebook issued public warnings about him. Todd has denied most of these accusations. Meanwhile, a tribunal has been set up to investigate the charges. At the time of this writing, I’ve not heard of any legal action taken against Todd. 

Unless he is proven guilty, I’m choosing to believe the best about Todd Bentley (1 Corinthians 13:7). It was around 2002 when I started hearing about him. His name stood out to me because I had a junior high classmate also named Todd Bentley. 

The first time I heard evangelist Todd Bentley minister was at The River at Tampa Bay church in 2004. He wasn’t the scheduled speaker but Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne invited him to come up to the pulpit for a few minutes. Because he’s from Canada, I was surprised to hear Todd preach like an American Pentecostal.

Over the next two years, I listened to more messages by Todd Bentley. Cuts from his albums “Soaking in the Secret Place” and “Marinating” were played on my Internet station Signs & Wonders Radio. I also read his testimony book “Journey Into the Miraculous.” Admittedly, I was somewhat jealous of Todd’s rapid progression in ministry but respected his spiritual hunger and passion for the lost.

In 2007, I attended a Todd Bentley conference in London, Ontario. One night in a prayer line, Todd laid hands on me without looking me in the eye. I thought that was odd. Another time, I stood by his book table while he was talking with someone. I hoped to at least say “hello” to him but that didn’t happen.

A year later, a series of Todd Bentley meetings in Lakeland, Florida quickly erupted into a revival that lasted several months. I went there for a few days in May. During my first night at the revival, Todd offered to pray for all the missionaries. Just before I reached the platform, Todd sent his associates to pray for the rest of us waiting in line. That caused me to question if God didn’t want me having contact with Todd. Nevertheless, he laid hands on me again at an anointing service three nights later. We also became friends on Facebook.

Throughout the summer of 2008, I watched more revival meetings on GodTV. I appreciated what God was doing through Todd Bentley but perceived not everything was okay in Lakeland. The revival soon cooled off when Todd’s marriage problems became public knowledge. Since I had gone through a divorce that year, I could relate to the flak Todd experienced. It’s sad when Christians judge others without knowing all the facts.

In 2009, I watched videos of Todd Bentley going through a restoration process with Rick Joyner of MorningStar Ministries. In one of them, Todd’s new wife Jessa explained how they came together while Todd was getting a divorce. Jessa clarified that no adultery occurred but got too emotionally involved with Todd before his divorce was finalized. It was also revealed Todd and his first wife Shonnah had marital difficulties before Jessa came into the picture.

In February 2010, the Lord led me to Charlotte, North Carolina to attend meetings at MorningStar. By this time Rick released Todd Bentley to do public ministry again. Just before one evening service, I got to meet with the Bentleys for a couple of minutes. Todd prayed a blessing over my ministry without me asking him to. Since a brief return to MorningStar later that year, I haven’t attended any of Todd’s meetings but often read his Facebook posts.

In response to the recent allegations, many Todd Bentley meetings were canceled and partners have withdrawn their support. A few Christians insist he should no longer be behind the pulpit. I disagree as long as Todd has repented of all wrongdoing. Romans 11:29 says, “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” Televangelist Jim Bakker had a moral failure and was divorced by his wife Tammy while behind bars. God still brought him back into ministry. Jim didn’t even want to go on TV again but was led to start a program he now hosts with his current wife Lori.

Friends of mine in Massachusetts are hosting a Todd Bentley meeting in their home next weekend. I pray that heaven’s purposes will be fulfilled there. No matter how many times someone may mess up, God will use anyone who humbles himself and is repentant.

“For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity.” - Proverbs 24:16

UPDATE: Dr. Michael L. Brown released two statements regarding a Leadership Panel that investigated Todd Bentley's recent actions. The statements were posted on Dr. Brown's Facebook pages in early January 2020. I encourage everyone interested in reading them to do so prayerfully.

Ready for Rebuke

Over twenty years ago I made the first of what would be many trips to the Brownsville Revival in Pensacola, Florida. My initial reaction wasn’t too favorable. Previously I hadn’t heard any sermons from Pastor John Kilpatrick or Evangelist Steve Hill and was taken aback by their in-your-face preaching styles. I would have preferred attending more renewal meetings in Toronto but the Lord kept sending me to Pensacola. Since then I have grown to appreciate the ministry that went forth from Brownsville Assembly of God. Their leadership’s passion for purity and holiness is greatly needed in our churches.

Once I posted on Facebook a link to a Steve Hill article warning against heretical teachings invading the church. A fellow minister responded to that with mocking comments. He wrote, “I always cringe when people/prophets/fruitcakes say they have a word of rebuke from the LAWd. He is the God of ALL ENCOURAGEMENT.” Ironically, I spent time with this minister in Pensacola the year before.

Yes, God wants to encourage His people. But Jesus Himself said in Revelation 3:19, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.” The dictionary defines rebuke as “express sharp disapproval or criticism of someone because of their behavior or actions.” Nobody likes to be rebuked. Yet it is sometimes necessary if we are to grow up spiritually. Proverbs 1:23 says, “Turn at my rebuke; surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.”

Because we live in the dispensation of grace, some Christians won’t give and/or receive correction. That’s why there are too many immature believers (and non-believers) sitting in church pews week after week. Hebrews 12:8 warns, “But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.” John Paul Jackson once said, “We are life long students of the ways of God; trouble starts when we think we have graduated.”

The Epistles contain many instructions to confront an erring believer…

“Those [elders] who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.” - 1 Timothy 5:20

“Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” - 2 Timothy 4:2

“This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith” - Titus 1:13

“Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.” - Titus 2:15

“My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him’ - Hebrews 12:5

“Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” - Hebrews 12:11

Keep in mind the Lord brought correction to five of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. So if you want to fulfill His plan for your life, don’t tune out godly correction when it comes. Instead of shunning and unfriending people who care enough to point out where you’re missing it, be ready for and receive rebukes spoken in love.

“Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, but he who regards a rebuke will be honored.” – Proverbs 13:18

The Watchtower’s “Kingdom of God” Examined

One thing I will commend Jehovah’s Witnesses for is their persistence in spreading their beliefs. Every Saturday morning, many of them go door to door in various neighborhoods. In recent years, I’ve seen JW’s standing by portable displays of their literature near libraries, stores, restaurants, bus stops, and on street corners. Unfortunately, the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society promote another gospel based on works (Galatians 1:6-9). Their teachings can put undiscerning followers into religious bondage, eventually resulting in them being lost for eternity.

Recently after I led a young man to the Lord at McDonald’s, a Jehovah’s Witness who overheard our conversation placed a brochure on my table as she was leaving. “What is the Kingdom of God” lists several Bible verses and then asks, “What will life be like under the rule of God’s Kingdom?” That question is answered by referring to two passages of Scripture…

“The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell in it forever.” - Psalm 37:29

“They shall build houses and inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. They shall not build and another inhabit; They shall not plant and another eat; For as the days of a tree, so shall be the days of My people, And My elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labor in vain, Nor bring forth children for trouble; For they shall be the descendants of the blessed of the Lord, And their offspring with them.” - Isaiah 65:21-23

I agree life on earth will be wonderful when the Lord sets up His millennial kingdom. However, this brochure doesn’t instruct a person how to become part of God’s kingdom. This is probably to lure potential converts into having home Bible studies based on Watchtower doctrine and attend Kingdom Hall meetings. Jesus said in John 3:3, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

This same brochure makes reference to Matthew 24:3, 7 and declares, “Jesus foretold that just before the Kingdom brings peace to the earth, our world would be plagued with wars, famines, and earthquakes…We see those very conditions today. So we can be confident that God’s Kingdom will soon bring an end to all such problems.” Jesus also said in Matthew 24:13, “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” I’ve never heard Jehovah’s Witnesses talk about how they plan to survive the seven-year tribulation period prior to Christ’s return. How will JW’s respond when the Antichrist pressures them to take the mark of the beast?

Thank God I’m already part of His kingdom…as a joint heir with Christ (Romans 8:17). My citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). While the earth is tribulating, I’ll be enjoying the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. An invitation is waiting for you as well if you haven’t already accepted it. All you need to do is receive the free gift of salvation.

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” - Mark 1:15

In Remembrance: Steve Hill (1954-2014)

This past Monday I initially woke up just after midnight. Unable to fall back to sleep, I went online for a couple of hours. Through Facebook friends, I found out a well-known preacher went home to be with the Lord hours before. Steve Hill, best remembered as the evangelist God used to spark the Brownsville Revival, died after a long battle with cancer. He was 60 years old.

Born in Ankara, Turkey to a military family but raised in Alabama, Steve Hill got caught up in a lifestyle of drugs, alcohol, and crime. On October 28, 1975, Steve’s life changed when a Lutheran minister stopped by his house. Steve got born again not by going through the Four Spiritual Laws, the Romans Road, or some other popular witnessing method. The minister simply encouraged Steve to repeatedly call on the name of Jesus and was instantly delivered from drug addiction. Romans 10:13 says, “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

A few weeks later, Steve was arrested due to unlawful activities prior to his conversion. He was eventually probated to Teen Challenge, which prepared him for the ministry. Steve later spent several years on the mission field planting churches and conducting evangelistic crusades in various countries. All of that came to a halt on Father’s Day 1995 when Steve was the guest speaker at Brownsville Assembly of God in Pensacola, Florida. The rest is revival history.

The first time I listened to Steve Hill was in October 1997 during my initial visit to the Brownsville Revival. I hadn’t yet heard any of Steve’s sermons and was taken aback by his in-your-face preaching style. Eventually, I grew to appreciate Steve’s boldness and passion for souls. He always compelled sinners to run for the altar. Steve often extended altar calls whenever he perceived someone had one final opportunity to get right with God.

During my second trip to Pensacola in January 1998, the Lord spoke to me about downsizing my personal belongings since I would be traveling more as a missionary. Later at the revival, I received a confirmation through this prophetic word spoken by Steve…

“The Lord would say to everyone in this place – live unsettled! Don’t sink too deep into the soil of this earth. Keep your head up and your feet moving…loose yourself of any ties that bind. If you don’t loose yourself – I’ll help loose you! Prepare the way in your own heart and then help prepare the way in others…I will return for a pilgrim people.” 

For the next three years, I attended many more Brownsville Revival meetings as the Lord directed me to make temporary moves to Pensacola. Steve Hill prayed over me numerous times although I never got to talk with him personally. I briefly chatted with his wife one time after finding out she is a North Dakota native like me (Jeri Hill was born in Williston).

While most of Steve Hill’s messages were very serious, he occasionally displayed a sense of humor. I was at Brownsville when Steve preached one message called “Just the Facts” wherein the beginning, the worship leader played the old “Dragnet” theme. Steve then announced, “This is the city...Pensacola, Florida. I carry a Bible.” He often made clever use of visual aids while preaching.

Steve Hill ministered up to four nights a week at the Brownsville Revival during its first five years. Then in 2000, Steve relocated to Dallas and resumed worldwide evangelism outreaches. He later started Heartland World Ministries Church. During the last few years of his life, Steve was weakened by skin cancer but continued preaching the gospel mostly through video plus writing books and numerous articles.

Steve’s death surprised me. I thought he had recovered from his illness after watching him on Sid Roth’s “It’s Supernatural” program last year. In addition, Christian singer Carman also went through a recent cancer scare but experienced miraculous healing. Instead of questioning why Steve didn’t get healed, let’s rejoice in the fact that he’s now in heaven and will be joined there by multitudes touched by his ministry. 

Let’s also take to heart this tribute written by Dr. Michael Brown, the former president of the Brownsville Revival School of Ministry...

“May Steve Hill now be like a seed planted in the ground that dies, only to bring forth much lasting fruit. And may there be a supernatural multiplication of Spirit-anointed, Jesus-centered, revival-carrying, sin-hating evangelists raised up in his name and sent out to America and the nations.”

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 

- 2 Timothy 4:7

A Lesbian Returns to the Lord

Of all the times I’ve gone out evangelizing, I’ve met very few people who admitted they were homosexual.  With more of them nowadays “coming out of the closet”, I’ve considered witnessing at gay pride events but haven’t done so yet.  One reason is I rather spend time talking with people who are receptive to the gospel.  I’ve had homosexuals contact me through the Internet that wouldn’t receive the truth of God’s word.  They simply wanted to defend their chosen lifestyles.

Still we should always be ready to minister to whomever the Lord puts across our path.  Last weekend I joined a Hispanic church in reaching out to the homeless at a park in Tampa, Florida.  While other people from this church gave away food and toiletries, I handed out tracts plus the gospel of John to those who didn’t have a Bible.  During this outreach I had a lengthy discussion with a backslidden lesbian.  “Latoya” (not her real name) had gotten saved when she was twelve years old.  Five years later Latoya’s then-boyfriend forced her to have sex with him.  That incident caused her to have negative feelings toward men. 

Fortunately Latoya was open to hearing what I had to say.  I briefly talked about how I had lived a promiscuous lifestyle before giving my life to the Lord nearly 23 years ago.  Then with a gentle tone in my voice, I read to Latoya 1 Corinthians 6:9-11...

“Do not be deceived.  Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.  And such were some of you.  But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.”

I pointed out that people addicted to any kind of fornication (whether heterosexual or homosexual) could be set free by the power of God.  After it appeared I gained Latoya’s trust, she agreed to let me pray for her.  First I spoke a blessing over Latoya and bound up the demonic spirits influencing her.  Then I asked Latoya if she was willing to recommit her life to the Lord.  She prayed with me to ask Jesus Christ back into her heart. 

A short time later, a friend of Latoya’s interrupted our conversation.  At that point, I felt a release to move on and minister to someone else.  Just like most of the other people I’ve led to the Lord, I likely won’t see Latoya again until we get to heaven.  Either way, I look forward to hearing how the Lord continued transforming her life.

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” - Philippians 1:6

Holy Fire?

This Saturday will be the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In response, a church in Gainesville, Florida is planning to burn copies of the Koran. Senior Pastor Terry Jones of Dove World Outreach Center has declared, "It is indeed a radical message but a very clear, radical message to Muslims, to Sharia law, that that is not welcome in America." This upcoming event has drawn protests from both Christians and Muslims. The city of Gainesville has refused to grant a burn permit to Dove World Outreach Center. Nevertheless, the church is going forward with its “International Burn A Koran Day.”

One might point out there is a Scriptural precedent for burning books that oppose God’s word. Acts chapter 19 describes a group of sorcerers in Ephesus who publicly renounced their faith in the occult…

18 And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds.

19 Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver.

20 So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.

Once I attended a church service on Halloween night where congregation members brought books, records, and other non-Christian materials to be burned. If an ex-Muslim carried his copy of the Koran to such a gathering, I would be supportive of his decision to burn it. Otherwise, that unused Koran could fall into the hands of someone who becomes deceived into following its false doctrine.

But as a fellow minister of the gospel, I do not support Dove World Outreach Center’s “International Burn A Koran Day.” Romans 12:21 says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Pastor Jones himself stated, “Most people who criticize are also the people who don’t do anything…If they do not like our method, then they should do something themselves.” He even suggested Christians going door-to-door distributing Christian literature about the love of Jesus. That’s certainly a better way to reach out to Muslims with the gospel. The Great Commission does not include burning books.

A century before the Nazis took control of Germany, Heinrich Heine (a German Jew who converted to Christianity) prophetically wrote, “Where books are burned, they will, in the end, burn people, too.” Rather than burning Korans, I advise the congregation of Dove World Outreach Center to focus on getting the word of God burning in people’s hearts.

“And they said to one another, ‘Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?’ - Luke 24:32

Witnessing to the Witnesses

This past week I’ve been staying at a friend’s place in rural Florida to fast and pray. Originally I figured I wouldn't be doing any witnessing here. God ended up bringing me people to witness to.

On Friday afternoon, I was sitting outside reading a Lou Engle book when a car pulled up. Two women emerged holding Bibles. When one of them asked if I wanted to do a “Bible study” with them, I knew they were Jehovah’s Witnesses. Before I continued talking to the women, I quickly went inside to grab my Bible. Then I took authority in the spiritual realm and asked the Holy Spirit to pour out His presence upon the grounds.

Immediately I asked the Jehovah’s Witnesses where they would spend eternity when their lives ended. As I expected, one of the women replied “on the earth” and tried to use John 17:3 to back up her belief. In response, I showed them John chapter 3 verses 3, 7, and 16-17 in my Bible. Later both of the women claimed to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. But when I asked them to confess, "Jesus is my Lord", neither of them would say that.

By this time my host and a friend of his showed up and the two women decided to leave. Since then, I’ve been praying for more laborers to cross the paths of these two Jehovah’s Witnesses and water the seeds planted in their hearts.

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God [all the while] was making it grow and [He] gave the increase.” - 1 Corinthians 3:6 (Amplified Bible)

Sonny’s Employee Receives the Son

This past weekend I took a trip to central Florida for a spiritual vacation. My friend Joe (who I’m staying with) had his father living with him temporarily but was driving him back home to Tampa. I decided to ride along.

Joe Sr. wanted to take his wife out to eat before his son, daughter-in-law Susie, and I headed back north. When Vicky got in the car, there was a brief discussion on where we were going to eat. Pizza was mentioned as a possibility and I was hoping we would have that for dinner. Although Vicky said it didn’t matter where we went, Susie insisted we go to Sonny’s Bar-B-Q because that is Vicky’s favorite restaurant. At first, I was somewhat disappointed as I usually avoid eating pork. But I reminded myself that God could be setting us up for a divine appointment.

While the five of us ate (I opted for the all-you-can-eat salad bar), we were served by a waitress named Andrea. Andrea told us she was new there and even revealed that her boyfriend had just stolen $40 from her purse. Near the end of our meal, I asked Andrea, “Did you know that God loves you and has an awesome plan for your life?”

Sadly, Andrea replied that she never heard that before. She later told us her grandmother was a Jehovah’s Witness. Andrea heard things from her grandmother that turned her away from Christianity. Nevertheless, Andrea had thoughts of finding a church but didn’t know where to look. I led Andrea in the prayer of salvation. Joe Jr. and I then mentioned local churches we were familiar with that she could visit.

Before the five of us left Sonny’s, Andrea came back to our table twice to thank us for praying with her. I’m glad we didn’t go out for pizza after all.

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD.”

- Psalm 37:23

Lessons Learned From Lakeland

By now many of you have seen (and perhaps attended) the Florida Healing Outpouring meetings in Lakeland. What began on April 2nd as five days of meetings at Ignited Church by Canadian evangelist Todd Bentley quickly exploded into a worldwide revival thanks to GodTV and the Internet. I was in Lakeland for six days in May and then watched more meetings via GodTV this past summer.

In mid-August, it was announced that Todd Bentley was stepping down from public ministry due to failures in his personal life including a breakdown of his marriage. Many ministers have since made public statements regarding Todd and the Florida Outpouring. Until now, I didn’t plan on making my own comments mainly because I do not know Todd personally (although he added me as a Facebook friend). But then a couple of weeks ago, an incident came up that made me decide otherwise.

One Saturday morning I attended a men’s breakfast at a church in Virginia. After eating and a time of worship, the pastor preached on the importance of accountability. Near the end of his sermon, he talked about the errors made by Todd Bentley. I became grieved in my spirit when the pastor criticized Todd’s youth (what about 1 Timothy 4:12?) and the “lack of proof” that miracles happened through this revival. A fellow missionary who came to the breakfast with me attended meetings in Lakeland for 2½ months and had witnessed numerous miracles himself. He and I decided to walk out before this men’s breakfast was over.

While my friend and I waited in the parking lot for our ride home (our driver stayed for the rest of the meeting), I got into a discussion with one of the church’s security personnel. When I told him why I felt some of his pastor’s comments were out of line, he suggested I send the pastor an email.

The pastor replied to my email by saying, "The view I spoke from on Saturday morning was a leadership view - the view you speak from today is a lay person's view from the pew." (I didn’t tell him in advance that I was an evangelist.) He also mentioned he has many contacts in Lakeland and shared “behind-the-scenes” stuff with me. Although I respect this pastor’s intent to protect his congregation, I felt some of his comments were a bit condescending.

Certainly, I do not condone the sins Todd Bentley has committed. But I believe fellow ministers need to respond to him in a more Christ-like manner. Galatians 6:1 says, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” I recall how Jimmy Swaggart took it upon himself to expose fellow televangelists for immorality and later fell into the same sin. As Jesus said in Matthew 7:1-2, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Getting back to Todd Bentley, I will admit there were a couple of things that concerned me before his resignation from public ministry…

1) In the early days of the revival Todd was doing meetings seven nights a week. Later Todd took nights off to do meetings in other cities. God’s commandment to “remember the Sabbath” applies to ministers as well.

2) Todd Bentley got his tattoos after he went into the ministry. Some Christians may argue tattoos can be used as witnessing tools. I know one man who had a “666” tattooed on his hand before he got saved and later had it redesigned to look like “777”. On the other hand, I've heard testimonies of tattoos supernaturally erased! Personally I don’t think it’s a good Christian witness to get tattoos especially since Leviticus 19:28 forbade God’s people from doing so. One valid point the pastor in Virginia made was that kids were inspired by Todd’s appearance to get tattoos against their parent’s wishes. Doesn’t this amount to rebellion?

I still look at Todd Bentley as a man of God for Romans 11:29 says, “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” Let’s not forgot the multitudes of people who traveled from various nations to Lakeland and were changed as a result of the Florida Outpouring meetings. Let’s not forgot all the salvations, healings, and miracles that manifested through Todd and his Fresh Fire associates. Let’s not forget that God uses imperfect people to carry out His perfect plans. If God can use a donkey, He can use anybody willing to submit their lives to Him.

I invite you to join me to continue praying for Todd and his family. Ministers who are considered forerunners and willing to go outside man-made religious boxes are prone to attacks from the enemy. It’s sad that those attacks often come from fellow Christians. We need to stop shooting our own wounded.

“Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.” - Romans 2:1