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<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;" align="center">"<font size="3"><b>TWO
ARE BETTER THAN ONE" MINISTRIES</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;" align="center"><font size="3"><b>Jim
& Marie Watt</b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;" align="center"><b><font size="3">Tel:
253.874.4265 -- Email: <a href="mailto:jmbetter@gmail.com">jmbetter@gmail.com</a></font></b></p>
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<a href="http://www.2rbetter.org/">www.2rbetter.org</a></font></b></p>
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<h2 style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;" align="center"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="4">2008.12.13
- Lee Grady</font></font></font></h2>
<h2 style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="4">20/20
Hindsight: What I Hope We Learned From the Lakeland Revival</font></font></font></h2>
<h2 style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><strong><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="4">by
Lee Grady </font></font></font></strong><strong><a href="http://www.themordecaiproject.com/">www.themordecaiproject.com</a></strong><strong><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="4">
</font></font></font></strong>
</h2>
<hr>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><em><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">Looking
back at what happened in Lakeland, I wonder if we can agree on what
went wrong.</font></font></font></em></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><img src="http://www.charismanow.com/assets/jleegrady_new.jpg" name="graphics1" align="left" border="0" height="146" width="137"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">It
has been four months since Canadian evangelist Todd Bentley fled the
scene of Florida's Lakeland Revival amid rumors of a moral failure.
When Bentley vanished in August, the crowds thinned, God TV stopped
broadcasting services, the meetings eventually shut down and
Bentley's worship leader took the popular music of the revival on
the road. </font></font></font>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">Meanwhile,
many people were left scratching their heads. Some were angry with
Bentley for leaving his wife. Some were confused because their faith
had been energized during the six-monthlong experience. Many
charismatic ministry leaders defended the revival, saying that it was
never supposed to focus on a man. Others blamed Bentley's critics
for the revival's demise. </font></font></font>
</p>
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<p style="border: medium none ; padding: 0in; margin-top: 0.01in;"><em><font color="#ffffff"><font size="3">"Ministers
of the gospel need both godly character and powerful anointing.
Why did we ever settle for the idea that we should have one
without the other."</font></font></em></p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#2d5a87"> </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">Late
last week the board of directors of Fresh Fire Ministries—which
Bentley resigned from in August—released a lengthy statement to
update its supporters on Bentley's condition. The letter confirmed
that (1) Bentley is "resolute in his intentions" to divorce his
wife, Shonnah—and that "he admits to being 100% responsible for
the divorce"; (2) his relationship with his former intern is
ongoing; (3) the evangelist drank inappropriately during the revival;
and (4) he has yet to enter into a clear system of accountability
with Christian leaders who have offered to help him.</font></font></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">The
six-page statement, which defended the impact of the Lakeland
Revival, did not excuse Bentley's behavior. "We believe there are
currently no biblical grounds for Todd to leave his wife and
children," the board members said. They added: "The nature of the
present relationship between Todd and his former staff member is that
of adultery."</font></font></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">Lakeland
was a painful chapter in the history of our movement, not just
because such a highly visible preacher made such embarrassing moral
choices but also because Christian leaders never agreed on what went
wrong or how it could have been avoided. Now that the accident scene
is in our rearview mirror, I wonder if we can agree on at least some
points. Here are some lessons I hope we have learned by now:</font></font></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><strong><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">Lesson
#1: Accountability. Accountability. Accountability.</font></font></font></strong><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">
I wish just saying the word over and over could impress the concept
in our minds. Leaders must live according to biblical standards.
Period. Bentley's board admitted in their statement that after the
Lakeland meetings went into full swing, Bentley developed troubling
behavior patterns. That would have been the right time for someone
with apostolic courage to demand that Bentley step down for a season
until he got his spiritual life in order. If we really want New
Testament miracles and New Testament impact, maybe we should embrace
New Testament discipline.</font></font></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><strong><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">Lesson
#2:</font></font></font></strong><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">
</font></font></font><strong><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">The
one-man show is over.</font></font></font></strong><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">
New Testament ministry is about teams, not hotshots. Paul shared the
workload with Barnabas, Phoebe, Clement, Priscilla, Aquilla and many
others. And he protested when people tried to make him out to be a
god. When will we learn that the superstar syndrome actually thwarts
genuine revival because it causes audiences to focus on man instead
of Jesus? </font></font></font>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">I
know there are those who insist that Bentley didn't want people to
notice him. But if that's true, why did he cover himself with
tattoos a few years ago, when he was in the ministry? I'm not a
stickler about tattoos, but in Bentley's case they definitely
should have been a red flag. Anyone who craves that much attention
needs counseling before they get on a stage.</font></font></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><strong><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">Lesson
#3: Chill out.</font></font></font></strong><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">
The Fresh Fire board, in last week's statement, admitted that one
of their biggest mistakes was allowing Bentley's meetings to go on
week after week without a break. Bentley tried to preach continually
without rest, and as a result he burned out. Most likely his staff
burned out too. No Sabbath, no time for family, no time to unwind. No
human being can keep such a schedule without imploding. </font></font></font>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">Isn't
this also true for the American church scene? Our rule has become,
"The show must go on." We are driven to keep the seats full and
the money coming in. The more we work, the more we grow—so we have
to work harder to maintain the growth and pay the bills. The pace
becomes more and more frantic until the engines fail and the wheels
fall off. Building God's way requires patience, pacing, regular
maintenance and plenty of downtime to receive His ongoing guidance
and grace.</font></font></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><strong><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">Lesson
#4: Character is more important than anointing.</font></font></font></strong><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">
Some revival groupies disagree with me on this. They're so
desperate for a display of miracles that they'll take a zap from
someone who has questionable morals or shoddy values. They don't
mind who lays hands on them as long as they are thrown to the floor
while the crowd cheers.</font></font></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">I
love revival too, and I've spent time on the floor soaking in God's
presence. I love the anointing. But please: Can you show me in the
Word of God that character is not required of leaders? The Bible says
imposters who work miracles will spend eternity in hell. Working
miracles does not win anyone brownie points with God. Ministers of
the gospel need both godly character and powerful anointing. Why did
we ever settle for the idea that we should have one without the
other?</font></font></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><strong><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">Lesson
#5: Lay hands on no man quickly.</font></font></font></strong><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">
Many of us are still grieving over the fact that a large number of
charismatic leaders stood on a stage in Lakeland in June and publicly
commissioned Bentley. Some praised him for his integrity and humility
while others prophesied about the nations he will evangelize and the
increased spiritual influence he will wield. Today those
proclamations (readily available on You Tube) seem hollow and
embarrassing.</font></font></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">Some
who stood on that stage insist that God told them to do a public
commissioning service. One recently hinted to me that it was a
mistake. I'll let them sort that out. Personally, it saddens me
that our movement has been tarnished by what appears to be a serious
lack of discernment. In the crazy world of independent
ministries—which already lack proper accountability—leaders
should take the time to investigate a preacher before commending him
on international television.</font></font></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><strong><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">Lesson
#6: You can't have revival without repentance.</font></font></font></strong><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">
The word "revival" is thrown around loosely these days. If a few
people fall on the floor, get goose bumps or see gold dust, we are
ready to christen it a revival and put it on television as soon as
possible. After all, if large crowds gather, it must be God!</font></font></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">I'm
tired of imitations. History shows that genuine revival is more than
a bunch of blessed bodies in a pile. We need more than angel
feathers, emotional euphoria and limp pep talks about getting high on
Jesus. We need the strong Word of God that convicts hearts, demands
repentance, slays sin and has the power to produce converts who will
withstand temptation. </font></font></font>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">With
Lakeland behind us, let's celebrate the testimonies that came out
of it, enjoy the songs we sang during it and pray for the restoration
of the man God used to start it. Then, let's learn from our
mistakes and press on to better things.</font></font></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="3"><u><b>NOTE:</b></u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="">:
A good friend of mine in the past, Ern Baxter, once said: "He who
learns the lessons of history, will not have to repeat past mistakes
in the future."</span></span></font></font></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="3"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="">I
most heartily agree with this word of wisdom.</span></span></font></font></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="3"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="">And
the article above by Lee Grady abundantly seconds the wisdom of this.
Carefully review his 6 lessons from the recent Lakeland, Florida
revival, and discerning persons will all acknowledge his wisdom also.</span></span></font></font></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.01in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Arial"><font size="3"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="">Jim
Watt</span></span></font></font></font></p>
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