MINISTERS MATTER

THE RIPPLE CENTRE - CALGARY

I have been in Calgary since Thursday with Pastor Kenn Gill of The Ripple Centre. They were celebrating their 2nd anniversary as an inner-city congregation and invited me to come and pour into them as a growing fellowship.

I was honoured to be part of this exciting weekend.

It is always wonderful to see people sharing life together around the eternal purposes and plans of Jesus for men and women.

I will post some of my talks over the next few days as I just arrived home and need some rest.

The topics covered justification by faith and the need for us to know what really happened at the cross of Jesus Christ and why that is important to us today to understand being 'not guilty'.

I also spoke on adoption and used examples from our family when Grace was chosen by Stephane and Kim to be part of their family. These talks were followed by assurance, abiding and values.

My role as an apostolic father is to affirm and walk alongside sons and daughters. It is crucial that leaders today walk with other leaders - every pastor needs a pastor.

I also bring an alignment in doctrinal areas to ensure the church is being built properly and people understand the fundamentals of the faith.

What the Lord did in people blew me away as story after story confirmed the word with signs following. I loved the 'open mic' times where I heard feedback on what people were really hearing as a result of what I was saying.

Tomorrow I will post Justification by Faith.

GODTV & LAKELAND 5

I thought these posts from Rory and Wendy Alec were valuable for the lessons they contain. What lessons could each of us learn from them? Barry

Cont'd from yesterday...

Remember: this was never about Todd Bentley. It was always about the Holy Spirit and the fact that God loved you and I.

It was GOD who touched our lives.

One thing, we felt impressed upon our hearts thirteen years ago when we first launched this ministry. That the Father will allow none of us - whether in ministry or as a viewer to hold idolatry in our hearts for any man.

For the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit alone are to receive our worship. We continue on the road to maturity. We continue our efforts to serve an end time spiritual army. We continue to try each day to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of the ONLY one who is worthy of ALL adoration. Of ALL HONOUR.
Of ALL WORSHIP.

Remember also, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Let’s turn our eyes toward Him and away from our trust in man.

He who sent His only begotten Son.

The Great Father of Compassion.

To Him alone we bow.

Personally we believe that the best is yet to come.

For our King and His Kingdom

Rory and Wendy Alec

GODTV & LAKELAND 4

I thought these posts from Rory and Wendy Alec were valuable for the lessons they contain. What lessons could each of us learn from them? Barry

Cont'd from yesterday...

One of our greatest grievings has been to see how many in the church backtracked to protect their own reputations. We have been truly refreshed by several close ministry friends with their uncompromising love of truth and lack of a man pleasing spirit that has arisen in the church in the light of the Lakeland aftermath. They have given us fresh courage when we grew weary.

So beloved friend –

Do we at GOD TV refute the Outpouring? NO.

We are presently planning to broadcast other offshoots of Lakeland in both the United Kingdom and America, including revival meetings in Dudley, England.

We have determined in our hearts to follow the Lord with all our might as courageously and as boldly as we can, to reject the pressures to bow to a man pleasing spirit but instead to humble ourselves under the Fathers leading.

For HE is our all in all.
He is our great desire.

Finally, dear friends, while we defend and rejoice in the many ten thousands that God lifted and healed, we also know that there were dear souls, sheep, who were scattered as a result of Todd’s personal choices. The Bible says that “hope deferred makes the heart sick” and this is the last thing GODTV would want to see happen. We are praying for any that stumbled and believing that the Lord will restore them to Himself.

GODTV & LAKELAND 3

I thought these posts from Rory and Wendy Alec were valuable for the lessons they contain. What lessons could each of us learn from them? Barry

Cont'd from yesterday...

It is difficult to understand the degree of spiritual battle that comes against a leader. We have learned we need to protect the move of God with greater prayer for leaders, including ourselves. The body of Christ is growing in greater transparency and accountability, and this too should be a subject of prayer.

Should all of us wait till we are as perfect and as watertight as can be and mature in every area - that of course, would be the safest course of action, but the truth is that most of us would be 90 years old!

The Lord who made us and knows that we are as dust and yet looks on us with His great mercies and compassions knows this and He the sovereign God of heaven and earth still chooses to take a GOD-risk on you and I every day of our lives.

That even under the most intense pressure that we would choose HIM.

That we would love HIM.

That in times of intense duress and temptation that we would follow HIM.

And let it be so - even more in all our lives, but beloved - let us not forget so many of those who walk in ministry across the earth today with such COURAGE and FERVOR and lay their lives down for HIS CAUSE at great cost to themselves - Todd and Shonnah sowed their lives to sow the seeds of revival and we believe became a supreme target of the enemy.

On the June 23rd, Todd actually spoke openly and with great vulnerability of his and Shonnah’s previous marriage challenges and how they had faced those challenges and the Lord had begun His work. He did not try to hide their struggle but shared their ongoing journey.

As Rick Joyner so wisely put it –
"In marriage, I have learned there are those who admit they have been through times when they wondered if their marriage would make it, and then there are liars. Relationships are hard, and the closer they are, the harder they can be. I tell everyone that I give premarital counseling to that the Lord has ordained their marriage in order to kill both of them! That is true. It is also worth it! The greatest gift He gave to man was marriage and family. However, to have a marriage that is good, both will have to die to themselves. If either one does not make the commitment to lay down their life for their mate and their family, then what was meant to be heaven can be hell."

It is an ongoing walk - and we all are ongoing works. But the Lord said something to us some years ago - He said - When you hate sin because it HURTS ME - then it will lose its grip on you. When you hate sin because it displeases ME - its hold diminishes.

The Lord also shared with us that someone can be deceived in an AREA of sin but it does not necessarily mean that in every area of his or her life or ministry, they were walking in deception as some critics of the revival may lean to believe.

And who is to judge that the Lord does not hold the violent unleashing of criticism and faultfinding and tearing down and divisiveness of the heresy hunters, as severe a sin as separation in a marriage?

We will find out before the judgment seat in eternity.

GODTV & LAKELAND 2

I thought these posts from Rory and Wendy Alec were valuable for the lessons they contain. What lessons could each of us learn from them? Barry

Cont'd from yesterday...

We both kept a very close pulse on the revival since the start of its broadcast - we had first hand knowledge of the enormous criticism, persecution and reviling that Todd Bentley was receiving (often we were second contenders for it) but it was Todd Bentley and the Fresh Fire team who received the terrible weight of this.

Todd ministered each day as the revival continued but was consistently and unrelentingly criticized, maligned, persecuted - the attacks grew increasingly violent - and the heartbreaking thing was that so much of it came from the Church.

At the same time, Todd was facing a second wave of attack. This was from the covens, the warlocks - we heard firsthand concerning some of these assignments. The enemy had heard of the great honoring of the Lamb and was determined to destroy it - BY ANY MEANS POSSIBLE AND AT ANY COST.

And the cost was Todd Bentley.

Was it because Todd was vulnerable and certain areas of his life were not surrendered wholly? Yes – like so many of us - in all probability.

Was it because the character of Christ was not yet formed in him in the equivalent measure to his gifting? Yes - like so many of us - in all probability.

Could it be the case that there by the grace of God go YOU AND I… Yes - In all probability.

Some of the areas in our lives are watertight and have been honed and refined and polished by the Lord while still other areas in our lives are often still in desperate need of attention. We are an ongoing work and we work out our salvation with fear and trembling.

Well - all ministers who preach should ensure their lives are in order, you may be saying.

Yes - we and our board and our minister peers across the globe agree wholeheartedly.

And yet, beloved - unfortunately, THERE ARE TIMES when satan comes unawares and targets a vulnerable area whose weaknesses only become apparent under the most enormous and unrelenting pressure brought to bear.

GODTV & LAKELAND 1

I thought these posts from Rory and Wendy Alec were valuable for the lessons they contain. What lessons could each of us learn from them? Barry

Beloved GOD TV viewer,

In the light of many statements having been released about the LAKELAND OUTPOURING and concerning Todd Bentley’s marital situation, we sensed that the Lord has released us to write concerning this situation, so that you, our viewers would know our heart concerning this matter.

The first thing we feel led to do is to state unequivocally that in the same manner as the Lord instructed us to broadcast and serve TheCall gatherings with Lou Engle; to broadcast what was happening at the International House of Prayer with Mike Bickle; Rick Joyner and MorningStar; the Solemn assembly in San Francisco; BattleCry and Teen Mania with Ron Luce; Focus on the Family’s prayer event for America; the Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem; and hundreds of other anointed events over the past three years, we believe that the Lord instructed us to broadcast the Outpouring services at Lakeland with Todd Bentley.

It was not a mistake.
It was not by mistake.
We believe it was a clear instruction from the Lord.

Over the past twelve years, but especially since our launch in America, we have in obedience to the Lord searched through the earth for those events and anointings that the Lord has laid on our hearts – to amplify their message and anointing to the Body of Christ in this crucial endtime hour that we live in.

The Lakeland Outpouring with Todd Bentley was one of those events. We received over 45 000 e-mails many, many of these heart rending, powerful testimonies from viewers across the earth of their bodies or their families bodies healed, their lives transformed and their hearts revived.

None of us have ever seen such significant fruit in all the years of broadcast.

Far more profound than that were the desperate cries for help. I (Wendy), would go through the live inbox and see the desperate cries from mothers, wives, sons and daughters, so many with TERMINALLY ILL husbands, wives, children, sometimes babies in arms – sensing HOPE in their situation that for so long had been without hope.

Just reading these prayer requests would bring one to tears –

We are often so cloistered from the agony of peoples day by day real life agonies - and their agonies were written there.

So much so - that we both sensed that would need the word of the Lord under the fear of God to stop these broadcasts with the life changing impact they were having in homes not only in the UK and America but all across the world. And the Glory of the Living God that was being imparted.

PETER J. DANIELS - LifeGOALS Conference 3/3

The Bible says, "Without a vision the people perish."

One of the most inspiring talks Peter gave, for me, was the one on dreaming. In essence he said the following thoughts, "Don’t turn off your internal dream machine. It is what makes us human. Take a day off and just dream. Bring a notebook, pen and allow your mind to soar. God created out of nothing and so can we. Not only do we have the capacity to dream but also to see those same dreams fulfilled.  Live the dream, work it, plan it, and do it. Lean on your dreams. Dreams are the birthplace of goals and goals are what give us direction and motivation."

Mission Statement - Goals

Define your goal. What do you want to accomplish?
Set out your strategy. How are you going to accomplish your goals?
Plan out your problems. We all have problems so have a contingency plan.
Build in reserves. Stay healthy. Get fit. Have money. You need a backup plan that has reserves.
Relate to time frames. Start at the goal line and back up step by step.
Create a master plan to get the job done. Life Goals. Urgency factor. Overall plan.
Do it now.

Get a dream.
Prioritize your dream.
Quantify your dream.

PETER J. DANIELS - LifeGOALS Conference 2/3

On a personal note, I have spent a considerable amount of private time with Peter Daniels and his wife Robina while he has ministered here in Ottawa. I have enjoyed every minute of it. They are a most delightful couple.

Peter is very kind, considerate and has an amazing respect and love for the local church and the authority of the pastor. Robina is his security and he takes great comfort in her presence by his side.

His love and support for the local church is unusual for a marketplace leader of his caliber. He is a very wealthy man who can do whatever he wants with his time, talent and treasure. He chooses to bless the church.

Twenty years ago both he and Robina knelt down to pray and ask God how He wanted to use them. They were directed to impart what they were learning in the business world to the church community and to do it at their own expense.

The weekend they spent with us in Ottawa, put them over 1000 churches that they have travelled to and poured their lives into.

I just want to say THANK YOU PETER AND ROBINA DANIELS, Ottawa will never be the same again. You have imparted your life, dreams, goals and modelled true servant-hood while amongst us.

God bless you as you continue your journey in Canada!

BIO

Peter J. Daniels, born 1932 in Melborne, Australia, is one of the world's most highly paid strategic planners and public speakers.

He is a strong Christian, an accomplished speaker, and a lover of excellence. He shares workable answers to the "meaning and purpose" of life. 

For a third of a century he has successfully studied, absorbed and experienced first hand the elusive field of business, and at times has worked with some of the most dynamic corporate and intellectual giants of the last century.

At times people have flown or travelled up to 1500 miles by road to hear him speak.

Many seek Peter to participate in their annual conventions, while politicians, pastors, bankers and universities call on him for council. 

For more than a decade, as the President and Founder of the World Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies, Peter Daniels has been touching the lives of millions of people, not only in the business community, but people from all walks of life, with life-changing guidance and sound, focused biblical leadership.

Peter Daniels came from a disadvantaged background and his early years were plagued by illiteracy and ignorance; yet he built a large business in real estate in Australia with South-East Asian connections, and has served on the international boards covering the four corners of the earth.

THE CHARISMATIC CIRCUS

I am of the opinion that what happened in what was called the Lakeland Outpouring has shone a light on a lot of stuff in the charismatic circus that must change.

While denominations have protocols to prevent strange things from happening, the charismatic world has no such protocols. Sadly, even the Orlando Statement went by the wayside.

Lakeland has given us yet another wake-up call and it will be fruitful for all of us in charismatic circles to agree upon established doctrine, biblical practices, Christ-like behaviour, spiritual warfare, fervent prayer and healthy leadership.

The councils of church history dealt with just such issues when controversy over what was happening needed correction and direction.

C. Peter Wagner's team has identified 24 areas of serious concern regarding Lakeland. When the dust settles and those points are made public, I believe we will learn much about ourselves as charismatics, our failures and where correction needs to be applied within and without the camp.

Until then I will reserve judgment.

Relationships will require that these issues change and not be swept under the carpet or side-stepped. Eventual public exposure of what went wrong will demand change in leaders and followers.

Things of the Spirit require sound biblical understanding because God is not going to violate His Word. I have confidence that in growing up spiritually I will learn new applications of truth not new truth. I also know that in our use of spiritual gifts, like prophecy, we prophesy in part. We do not see clearly but through a glass darkly.

Prophecy is at best a step of faith that is subject to review as it unfolds. If it is wrong then we need to own up to that. If it is premature we need to wait for other parts to be added. If it's just us it will amount to nothing and we will look like fools. If it is deceptive or false then that too will come to light.

We must also deal with immaturity in the Body of Christ at all levels including leadership and walk together. We need others to help us with our blind spots. That is why it is called a body not a single member. How many blind spots were exposed at Lakeland?

Correction and discipline need to be an integral part of our charismatic life. I have chosen to live out of Philippians 2 which says, "So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

I live my Christian life in relationship with others - faults and all. They have to live with me - faults and all. It is how we are treating each other in this situation that is exposing how harsh, judgmental, and quick to walk away from one another we are. We charismatics have always done that, seems we take great delight in shooting our wounded. Where have the Good Samaritans gone?

I choose to love others and keep the lines of communication open so I can have an influence on them and they on me when correction is needed.

PETER J. DANIELS - LifeGOALS Conference 1/3

We just finished our first of six meetings with Peter. He is with us in Ottawa until Monday evening. He only comes once to a city, so this is your opportunity - seize it.

If you live near Ottawa and are reading this blog, may I encourage you to attend the remaining sessions. Sunday 9 & 10:45 am; 6 pm with Dr. Pat Francis; Monday 10am to Noon; Luncheon at Noon - ticket required; and then at 7 pm for the final talk.

In all my years of ministry, I have never sat under someone like this. The authority, wisdom and humour is life-changing. He is 75 years young, full of energy, vitality and one of the 400 richest men in the world.

His topic this morning was 'Success Attitudes That Motivate Us To Win' which focused us on the need to renew our minds with God's Word, and to live out of Philippians 2 in humility and action like Jesus did in accomplishing the will of the Father in His life. True success is knowing and doing God's will in and for your life.

In my eyes, he is successful because he has been a faithful husband of 55 years to the same woman, Robina; successful as a father of three grown children who are all serving the Lord; and successful as a grandfather of eight grandchildren who have followed in the footsteps of their parents and grandparents in knowing and serving Jesus.

Peter is a success at home on purpose. The key - his relationship to Jesus Christ and understanding that his first priority and ministry is to his family, otherwise the scriptures say you are worse than an unbeliever if you do not provide for them.

With his home in order, he was released to follow the call of God on his life in the business world. From a bricklayer and stonemason with no formal education, poor, from a disadvantaged background, he has proven Matthew 6:33 which says, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

God has added influence with power to his life in the marketplace. He flies around the world, at this own expense, to bless local churches. I am honoured that he is with us at Lifecentre.

He has a goal to see how much money he can sow into the kingdom during his lifetime. As one who owns own bullion bank, I can just imagine the blessing he has been and continues to be to thousands of local churches and ministries all over the globe.

Sunday morning in our two services he will speak two different messages. One on the life of Joshua - Leadership Under Fire; and the other on the life Caleb - the Mountain Climber. I will blog on them late Sunday evening.

Thank you Lord for generous, gracious and God-fearing men like Peter Daniels who bring honour to the business world by living with integrity, commitment, faithfulness and leadership. Thank you for practical men who love the local church and seek to bless not curse it.

BIO

Peter J. Daniels, born 1932 in Melborne, Australia, is one of the world's most highly paid strategic planners and public speakers.

He is a strong Christian, an accomplished speaker, and a lover of excellence. He shares workable answers to the "meaning and purpose" of life. 

For a third of a century he has successfully studied, absorbed and experienced first hand the elusive field of business, and at times has worked with some of the most dynamic corporate and intellectual giants of the last century.

At times people have flown or travelled up to 1500 miles by road to hear him speak.

Many seek Peter to participate in their annual conventions, while politicians, pastors, bankers and universities call on him for council. 

For more than a decade, as the President and Founder of the World Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies, Peter Daniels has been touching the lives of millions of people, not only in the business community, but people from all walks of life, with life-changing guidance and sound, focused biblical leadership.

Peter Daniels came from a disadvantaged background and his early years were plagued by illiteracy and ignorance; yet he built a large business in real estate in Australia with South-East Asian connections, and has served on the international boards covering the four corners of the earth.