[revival-fire] Learn to discern

******* REVIVAL FIRE!!! *******    

LEARN TO DISCERN

by Maureen Bravo 08-21-08

 

Where, oh, where is our discernment? And when we discern something is “out of order”, do we dare to express our thoughts about it? If we sense that others might be hurt by something that is taking place, are we bold enough to speak up, to alert the Body to deal with the problem?  And finally, are we prepared for the attacks that will come against us for speaking out about what we have discerned and calling for the Body to realign with God?   

 

I have read many of the statements issued recently by individuals and ministries associated with the Todd Bentley meetings in Lakeland over the past few months. Accountability and responsibility about what transpired seem to be missing, while defensiveness and denial have taken center stage. Some have tried to excuse or distance themselves from the “situation”, while others “passed the buck”, and still others offered thoughts about how to make “palatable” that which has been shown to be “inedible” spiritually.  The picture of “a dog returning to its vomit” is repulsive to most of us, but aren’t we doing the same thing if we fail to deal responsibly with sin and error?     

 

For generations, due to a misinterpretation of the scripture about “not touching God’s anointed”, we have allowed individuals who are “out of alignment” and misrepresenting the character and attributes of Jesus Christ to “minister” and “teach” without fear of reprisal. This has resulted in many being led astray while others have become disillusioned, disheartened and wounded in what should have been a “safe place”…the “house of God”!

 

In response to reports of a great “healing outpouring” taking place in Lakeland, people began to flood in to the meetings, hoping to “experience” whatever was happening there. Some watched the nightly gatherings on God TV while others viewed it through the internet; still others stayed home, having no leading to go at all.

 

Some had a fear of expressing what they felt (discerned) about the things that were being “shared” by Todd and others who were allowed onto the stage.  Though some things didn’t “sit right” with them, most of them were effectively silenced by that fear! Some reported that they went to Lakeland because “inquiring minds want to know” and they didn’t want to be left out of something that might be a move of God.  Others who had an initial hesitancy to go but “overrode” it, went and were sorry they did. Some reported that they had acquiesced to “peer pressure”, and after being there once or twice, left and did not return again. Some reported going, and leaving in the middle of the evening!

 

Many were seeking something of God but discerned nothing of darkness. They showed up night after night, singing, shouting, hoping it would prove to be what they had been “waiting for”. The call went forth: “COME AND GET IT”… (and be sure to spread the word to others about it.)  When certain things were questionable, off the wall, even offensive, they defended Todd and resisted anyone who was not “gung ho” or dared to think it “might not be of God”. The “signs, wonders and miracles” that lured them in were leading many, like sheep, to the slaughter.         

 

Isaiah 60 tells us that darkness covers the earth and thick clouds cover (the minds of) the people, but upon us His LIGHT is shining. So where are the Children of the LIGHT?  Unfortunately, too many Christians have been seduced and led into darkness; sadder yet, they are not even aware of it.  Victims of our own vanity, we stubbornly defend our choices and maintain our positions…no matter what evidence is presented to us!  Remember the story of the Emperor’s New Clothes, and how he was willing to buy into and believe the lies the con men told him?  They promised him something that would set him apart and make him different from everyone else…and everyone who wanted to be “seen” as smart played along, even when they knew it was an illusion!   

 

Isn’t God “the same…yesterday, today and tomorrow”?  Whatever happened to LOVING TRUTH…and radiating the JOY that resulted from knowing Him?  Instead of serving the KING of KINGS…too many are drowning in pride, blind to the truth, and betrayed by swollen egos!  Isn’t it time to realign?

 

In order to realign, we need a revelation of TRUTH, so  we can wake up, stand up, throw off this present darkness… and learn to discern…both individually and corporately.  We live in a world full of lost and hurting people, who are precious to the King and who belong in His Kingdom!  They are yearning to “see the true Children of the LIGHT revealed”, waiting to hear us “speak the truth in love”, anticipating the moment they can “taste and see the goodness of the Lord”!  They are longing to fill their emptiness with the REAL THING…an authentic, loving relationship with their heavenly Father, won for them through the sacrifice of His precious Son, Jesus, and empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. 

 

To succeed in this “warfare of love”, we must learn to discern and then act upon what is revealed to us, in order to complete our mission!  We have a sacred trust. We are “on assignment” – sent to show them the Way, teach them the Truth, share His Life, and bring them into His Presence so they, too, can worship before His throne. Then, God Himself will shepherd them, and He will deal with those who abuse or use His children!  Selah!    

 

 

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