I love to see waterfalls

This year has brought some heavy rain in August. Consequently the waterfalls in Yorkshire have been most spectacular and impressive. I love to hear the water surging over the falls and down into the pools below. I have seen the mighty Niagara Falls a few times, and have been on the Maid of the Mist and behind the Niagara Falls twice. These were memorable and enjoyable experiences that I would not have wanted to miss. I wish everyone could see and experience the Niagara Falls at close quarters. It is something to see before you die. The photograph at the front of this blog shows Janet's Foss, in North Yorkshire. It is a very beautiful setting near Malham Gorge and Gordale Scar, which has lovely waterfalls.

Todd Bentley's Lakeland is called Fakeland

The ministry of Todd Bentley at Lakeland, Florida, has been called Fakeland by Christians who believe that this was not a work of God. A genuine work of the Holy Spirit will result in the conviction of sin, righteousness and judgment. There will be guidance into all truth. Jesus will be glorified. RT Kendall's recent assessment, in Ministry Today and in his website, is correct and shows mature Christian discernment. RT writes:

First, never once have I heard a clear message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ from the Lakeland platform – except when a guest speaker did it. Second, when people were being baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and ‘Bam – bam’, it both trivialized the Trinity and baptism itself. This is serious, serious trivializing. Third, if you were to ask how much a fear of God and conviction of sin emanated from these services – on a scale of 1 to 100 – I would say zero.

http://www.rtkendallministries.com/index.html



We should be concerned about the lack of biblical teaching, the weak presentation of the glorious Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and the weird antics on stage. It is really sad to hear of the marital problems that Todd is now having. Many are praying for restoration and reconciliation and for Todd to preach the true Gospel when he has opportunities. Todd clearly needs help. I hope he gets the right guidance.

A recent statement reveals further problems.

We wish to acknowledge, however, that since our last statement from the Fresh Fire Board of Directors, we have discovered new information revealing that Todd Bentley has entered into an unhealthy relationship on an emotional level with a female member of his staff. In light of this new information and in consultation with his leaders and advisors, Todd Bentley has agreed to step down from his position on the Board of Directors and to refrain from all public ministry for a season to receive counsel in his personal life. On behalf of the Fresh Fire leadership and the Board of Directors we wish to apologize to our friends and partners and to the larger body of Christ and to ask for your forgiveness. We are truly sorry for the pain many of you must feel and so regret that in the midst of great revival, the enemy has found a way into our camp. To those who have stood by us, we wish to thank you for what in many cases has been years of support. Thank you for your financial giving towards the vision of this ministry, and thank you especially for your prayers.

We may not agree with this ministry but our prayers are needed.

Concern about Todd Bentley's ministry

I have seen the You Tube videos and looked into the ministry of Todd Bentley. I have also followed discussions on Christian web forums. I am concerned about this ministry, and I would therefore recommend the books and You Tube videos by Andrew Strom on this controversial matter.

To view the Andrew Strom videos:
Pt. 1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-Y5R_raf6M
Pt. 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyW1UFzS2LY
Pt. 3 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaNiuRWHZrY
Pt. 4 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyqA7vr-4p8
Pt. 5 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fjRv1AcgiQ

These videos are challenging. Andrew Strom comes across as a sincere and sensible servant of the Lord who is concerned about genuine revival and biblical Christianity.

Bradwell Pilgrimage 5/7/08

On Saturday 5 July 2008 the weather was fine at Bradwell. It was a perfect day for the pilgrimage. Oh what a lovely Summer's day! The clouds were magnificent. I arrived later than usual and enjoyed a peaceful walk from Bradwell village to the ancient chapel by the sea and the site of the pilgrimage. I stopped for lunch at the pub en route (The Cricketers). I took many photographs and I have attached some of them to this blog. I hope that they will bring pleasure, and happy memories to those who attended the event.

Bradwell Pilgrimage 2008

This year the pilgrimage to Bradwell will take place on Saturday 5 July. It will start with an open air service outside St. Thomas's Church, Bradwell-on-Sea at 11 a.m. After this short service the pilgrims will walk two miles to the chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall. Many pilgrims will be taking picnic lunches but there will be refreshments available in the tent area. Some lunches could be provided at the Othona Community by advance booking arrangements (01621 776564).

Pilgrims are invited to wear something blue as water is the theme. There will be a variety of presentations and activities on this theme throughout the day. There will be a service of renewal of baptism on the beach.

The pilgrimage will conclude with an open air corporate act of worship at 3.45 p.m.

Please visit http://www.bradwellchapel.org/ for more information. Below there are three photographs from last year's pilgrimage. Please scroll down to see them.

Praying for Peniel Church

Prayer changes things. Some put answers to prayers down to coincidences, but more coincidences happen when I pray. God answers prayers. We may not fully understand how the mystery of providence works or how exactly God intervenes in human life and history. God moves in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform. Prayer is a mighty weapon and brings divine power to destroy strongholds and to extend the kingdom of God. The prayer of a righteous man is great in its effects. We can ask, seek and knock. God opens and closes doors. He guides and directs our paths.

Christians have been praying for Peniel Church, especially since the resignation and downfall of the infamous Michael Reid. Prayer meetings were prevented in his day. His ministry seemed to rely on public relations and advertising rather than on prayer. The fruit is now plain to see.

However, there is a new era at Peniel Church. It is hoped that fellowship in prayer will be on the new agenda and that there will be joy and freedom in Christ Jesus. The Christian life is to be celebrated, enjoyed not endured with a heavy heart. In the past folk were burdened and heavy laden, but now they can come to Jesus, whose yolk is easy and His burden is light. They can discover that the joy of the Lord is their strength. They need to be strong against the dangerous wolf that worried the sheep and allegedly fleeced the flock. They can stand with the armour of God. Praise God for those who are interceding and bringing their supplications to God for the future of Peniel Church and the defeat of the troublemakers.

I believe that there is more to be revealed concerning the bleak days of the former ministry. Financial irregularities and further moral failings will come to light. They are already coming to light, as I expected. I also expected a move to re-establish the old ministry and a fight to regain some level of leadership. But toothpaste is out of the tube. There is no going back. Much of the damage has been exposed and the wounds have been seen. It is therefore important that we pray for those who have suffered. There clearly needs to be accountability and responsible leadership. This was so patently lacking under the old regime.

I am glad that there are those who have been faithfully praying for Peniel over many years and continue to pray for peace, harmony, repentance and restoration of broken relationships. God is answering prayer. Blessed are the peacemakers.

West Wales

At last I have posted some pictures of Wales. I rejoice in the beauty of West Wales. I particularly love the coastal scenery and have spent many happy hours walking the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. One of my favourite walks is from St Bride's Haven to Broadhaven. The inns of Littlehaven have provided good food and drink. I love the beaches at Marloes, Broadhaven, Druidstone, Nolton and Newgale. They are outstandingly beautiful. Sunsets at Broadhaven have been memorable. The coastal scenery around St David's Head and views out to Ramsey Island (Ynys Dewi) are wonderful.

I have just visited West Wales and enjoyed walking along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path again. I have inserted photographs of some of my favourite places in West Wales. I hope you enjoy looking at the photographs of Pembrokeshire and Cardiganshire.

St David's Cathedral was built in a valley, so it was not seen from the sea by the Vikings and other invaders. It has been a centre for faith and culture for many years and a place of pilgrimage.