The Call To Be A Watchman

 

Our Divine Call from God can sometimes feel ominous! Yet, He has always promised us He will never leave us nor forsake us! He told this to Joshua as he led his people into the promise land. He is doing that for us too today. Listen and be encouraged!

Hope For The Generations Pilot (Intro)

 Welcome to our first podcast for Hope For the Generations. A simple introduction on who we are and the objective of this podcast. 

May God's Blessing fully enrapture you! 

Hope 4 The Generations New Website & New Podcast Sites

 Hope 4 The Generations  

 

We are thrilled to share with you about our new podcast: Hope 4 The Generations. With 33 years of hands-on experience in the ministry as evangelism/outreach pastors, children pastors, senior pastors and currently itinerate missionaries (to Africa) we want to give our support and love to all who are serving God on various assignments.

We want you to know: YOU ARE NOT ALONE! First and foremost God said; "He will never leave nor forsake us!" (Hebrews 13:5)  God is with us; He empowers, comforts and leads us.

He also has equipped us all with fellow brothers and sisters who are serving in the ministry to work together. Also to pray for one another, as we build one another up in the faith. 

We will be sharing here and on our podcasts words to ignite your heart to continue moving forward in the call God has placed upon your lives. 

Please read past blogs posted here; as we know they will help you understand the twists and turns of the ministry. Talk to us too! Share questions you might have, and if you have a personal need do not hesitate to tell us as we shall pray for you. Looking forward toward future interactions as we walk through these days of great challenges, yet amazing victories!  

In Him,

Brad & Daneille

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WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE FALSLY ACCUSED?

copyright(c)2019 Daneille Gray Snowden

2019 

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE FALSLY ACCUSED? 

I recently posted this on my story on Facebook and Instagram:

This is one of those 'hard-truths' faced in the ministry. Actually, even in life itself. 

How we handle this as leaders is the most significant next step we will take in this journey of serving others; as we are in service for our Lord. 

We could REACT,  and that is not always a bad thing, it's HOW WE REACT that we must ponder. 

Truthfully, when things are said about us and even to us that is not true; as the deliverer of this 'so-called' information is convinced it is definitely true...this cuts deep into our own souls.

I have seen pastors being told many things when these 'accusers' definitely did not have the correct information. 

Sometimes;  the Holy Spirit will lead us to just keep our mouths shut. At least for a time. 

Matthew 5:38-40  “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’  But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.  If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.

My husband and I have had to do this; even recently. Our hopes and prayers were that the individual would eventually see the truth, or would possibly allow the Lord to touch their hearts to see things in a godly/spiritual way. 

Time and time again we kept quiet. Did it hurt? Oh yes...deeply.

This is where we need to be aware of  hurts turning into spite and bitterness, remembering 'why' the Lord told us to "be quiet."

2 Chron. 20:17 "You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you,..."

Then, there are times the boldness of the Holy Spirit says; "Rise up and speak the truth (defending ourselves)!" Yet, seasoned with grace and much love. Ha! Is that ever a challenge to our human nature. But, He is faithful to equip us. Ya see; we are still dying to self and yet still standing up for who we are in Christ. 

Ex. 4:15 "You are to speak to him and put the words in his mouth; and I, even I, will be with your mouth and his mouth, and I will teach you what you are to do."

Isn't it interesting to walk this 'walk' in life?

It is so different than what this world would advise us to do.

Remember: His ways are far different than our ways! 

Although, our goal is to be like Jesus! "But He answered him not one word, so that

 the governor marveled greatly." Matt. 27:14

He was accused; and stood silent. 

I also think of Job, who as we read in the beginning of this book of wisdom, was known as the most righteous man on earth. 

Still, his closest of friends; ASSUMED THEY KNEW his thoughts and secret sins ...thus they knew why he was suffering so much.

They were accusing of him by what they assumed. They truly believed what they thought. {Still, they were so wrong!}

I cannot even begin to imagine the deep cut into Job's heart by this; especially after all the suffering he was walking through. 

You think times have changed, but they haven't.

Man is still man; pride is still pride and people will continue to say what they think without bridling their tongues.

So, as a leader...

First: know you are not alone. 

Second; your God see's and hears what has been said and done to you. He has this as you keep it in His Hands.

Third; ask Him to lead your heart, then your lips as you speak  at a timely fashion in a loving way. Realizing even though this has been spoken about you; it's not about you. It's about the enemy distorting God's work. For you are His vessel, doing His Work.

Fourthly; Do not allow the hurt to sit in your soul. Pray, worship, get counsel from a spirit led, wise advisor. Surrender it and keep focused on your Lord Jesus...press on!

God is using you, or the enemy wouldn't be trying to intimidate you. 

Rise up my fellow warrior; and march on!

Repercussions & Blessings When Stepping Into Our God-Given Authority - In Christ

copyright(c) 2018 Daneille Gray Snowden

2018

Repercussions & Blessings When Stepping Into Our God-Given Authority - In Christ

"...because He was teaching them as one having [God-given] authority... Mark 1:22b

Repercussions means being driven back by a resisting body, an effect or result.

Blessings means benefit, a favor or gift bestowed by God, approval.

   Oddly enough, both happens when God's man or woman walks in the ORDAINED authority God has given them, which originally came upon his first church in the book of Acts.

"...But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you,  
 and ye shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." [Acts 1:8]

   In Mark 1:21 we see Jesus coming into the synagogue; stepping up as He began to teach. His anointed teaching was enriched with His power so much so that those who heard were simply...

AMAZED!

   Question was why?
The answer is:
HE SPOKE WITH (God-given) AUTHORITY!

This is at the BEGINNING of Jesus' ministry on earth. He starts out by STEPPING-UP to the place where He belonged!

HIS AUTHORITY IN GOD'S KINGDOM

Can you remember when you said: "yes" to your call? Then followed up with ministering in whatever capacity that may be? 

Recalling when you stepped behind a pulpit, or simply in front of people and shared the Word of God - teaching with AUTHORITY?

Think back....how did it feel when you opened your notes, full of teaching that you studied feverishly days before? The Words that God's Holy Spirit placed in your heart, and led you as you researched and jotted down notes upon notes. 

Do you remember you heart just pounding with excitement; knowing this is the answer for those you would be ministering to?

I do...I was so pumped (I still get that way)! 

And then the hour comes...we are in front of the crowds (in our own place like the synagogue) and we begin to share.

It's wonderful isn't it!!! Because you know that this word will indeed change lives.

WHAT'S NEXT AFTER THIS?

It is promised in the word of God that His word shall never returned void. [Is. 55:11]  We see it take fruit in lives, all in God's time as the soul surrenders their all to Him. 

I have witnessed powerful alter calls, seen many come to Christ, people healed in their bodies and hearts. 

I also have witnessed not one person respond to the message I shared. And we all know how discouraging that can be too. 

God has promised when we cast the BREAD into the water; it will return! Let's read a bit in

Eccl. 11

v.1 "Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days."

v.6 "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good."

WHAT HAPPENS- 
NEXT:
v.23  "Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out [terribly from the depths of his throat], ²⁴ saying, “What business do You have with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”

NOTE; WHEN THIS HAPPENED -

AFTER JESUS HAD STEPPED UP &

SPOKE WITH AUTHORITY THE 

WORD OF GOD!

Has this happened in your ministry? When you obediently taught God's Word, led an amazing 'out-reach', had a powerful service where many were changed greatly...

THEN a man, or woman cries out; with great accusations; questioning; 

"What business do you have with us?"

Questioning our:  CALL, ANOINTING, MOTIVES, CHARACTER, & AUTHORITY!

This tactic has an objective to cause us to question our calling! To even question God and His leading us as God's Ministers. 

Remember Satan at the Garden of Eden...the first tactic of Satan was to QUESTION God's directives for our lives. [Gen. 3:1]

Questioning breaks the WILL in a man's character; making us to take our Spiritual Eyes off the AUTHOR OF OUR FAITH!

And Satan uses vessels that are weak; to tare down God's Work. 

He will start by trying to tare us down!

If we are insecure after certain 'BEATINGS' in this method of demoralizing us even in front of others; we must get our FOCUS back.

That FOCUS IS:

1) WHO GOD IS.

2) WHO GOD IS IN US.

THAT IS MORE THAN ENOUGH TO BE RESTORED TO WHERE GOD HAS CALLED US!

Simple as that!

Remember what CHRIST said:

Matt. 28:18

"And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." 

Luke 10:19

"Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you."

THE SON OF GOD APPLIED WHO HE WAS!

Mark 1:25-28

"Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet (muzzled, silenced), and come out of him!” ²⁶ The unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions, and screeching with a loud voice, came out of him. ²⁷ They were all so amazed that they debated and questioned each other, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits (demons), and they obey Him.” ²⁸ Immediately the news about Him spread everywhere throughout the district surrounding Galilee."

Where are you at right now in your ministry, regarding either the repercussions and or the blessings as you obediently walk in the authority given in God's Word? 

   - Are you being 'QUESTIONED'?  Suffering an attack emotionally and spiritually?

  - Look at this Word here; see with the eyes that are illuminated by the Spirit (Jn. 14:26).

KNOW THAT YOU ARE INDEED CALLED-OUT BY HIM (You are His)!

1 Tim 1:11-12

 "For which I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day."

WALKING WOUNDED

copyright(c)2016 Daneille Gray Snowden

2016

WALKING  WOUNDED

Imagine this, you get injured and have an open wound that possibly sliced some nerves and ligaments.

Yet, you are just too busy to properly get it fixed which would entail; stitching, repairs, antibiotics and most importantly: time to heal (including therapy).

 As time goes by the outer wound heals after fighting off pain plus possible infection. Yet,  if not attended too; a torn ligament for example, can result in weakness in the muscles. Eventually, it could even affect and injure the muscles and tendons trying to compensate for the weakness of the 'un-healed' injury.

Recently, the Lord took me to this particular issue of un-healed wounds. He showed me how it's up to us if we are truly healed within. He gives us a 'REMEDY' to follow.

--------------

"He lets me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still and quiet waters.
He refreshes and restores my soul (life);..."

Ps. 23:2,3a 

Photo by Tabitha Carin Snowden

This is a remedy to a wounded heart! It's the 'time' to heal; a therapy that 'STILLS' us enough to HEAL, plus be strengthen. Our culture measures success on 'staying-busy'; if you are not you are regarded as lazy, basically wasting your time. Instead of listening to the leading of God's Word; we bid to the craziness of a spinning world as we chase after each crisis and daily activities.

Let's take a look at what the  'GREEN PASTURES' & 'STILL WATERS' are:

He leads by His tender guidance - [He leads, less I wander.]

"He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young."

Isaiah 40:11

This brings sustenance, providing rest, and enjoying tranquility, peace, and safety; in the green pastures.

Photo by Tabitha Carin Snowden

*TENDER GRASS was the 'first-shoots' that were tender enough to not only walk on, but also to lay upon. Plus, it was the most nutritious grass to feast for the shepherd's weary sheep. 

The green pastures; "literally means, in grassy homesteads - " the richer, oasis-like spots, where a homestead would be fixed in a barren tract of land." THE BEST!

Think about this for a moment; this takes time and then using that restful, time to be fed, strengthened and restored to completeness.

*STILL WATERS:

Photo by Tabitha Carin Snowden

"Waters of rests, or refreshments: quiet and gentle waters, running in small and shallow channels, which are opposed to great rivers, that frighten sheep with their great noise, and expose them to be carried away by their swift and violent streams, while they are drinking at them." [Commentary- Bible Hub]

Where do we go for healing? Is it somewhere like this? Peaceful, quiet, nourishing???
Think about it; seriously -- as ministers and even Christians where do we go? Do we watch a movie?
Play games, or go work even more?

This is the place the shepherd: 

https://equipherlife.com/2011/06/23/the-shepherds-oil/

-Counts His sheep.
-Inspects them.
-Pours healing oils and ointments on their wounds.
-Makes sure they are eating and drinking.
-He comforts them all.
Many times shepherds were known to sing to their sheep, which caused them to feel safe and calm. He would prod with His staff those who needed to be moved out of danger and into a closer place with Him.

Oh, we sheep can be quite stubborn and more so, those of us who have been deeply wounded think we can 'keep going!'  NOT SO! Remember the scenario stated above!

My daughter had broke her leg as she was spending the night at a friends house. She had been jumping on a little trampoline and 'SNAP!' But, she continued to play on it because she didn't want to go home. She wanted to stay and have fun with her friend...EVEN THOUGH SHE WAS IN PAIN!
Of course the next day; after being home for several hours she showed me her leg which was purple and swollen. She kept jumping on a broken leg; causing even more injury.

Can we just listen to our SHEPHERD; to the One Who made us ...

"For he knoweth our frame;..."

Ps. 103:14

I love that old worship chorus: "Let's take time, to wait upon the Lord. Let's take time to listen to His Voice. Unless the Lord builds the House, we labor in vain; so let's take time to wait upon the Lord."

I have said it and I know just about everyone else has too; "I DON'T HAVE TIME TO WAIT, TO REST AND LAY BESIDE THE STILL WATERS."

YET...we are the same folks who grumble and complain, or cry over our wounded hearts and needs.

It reminds me of a typical individual who longs to loose weight, and learns about the 'how-to' the do's and don'ts; but still doesn't make the efforts to follow it. Then complains about not feeling good and being over-weight.  [I know, I've done that! 😉]

Look at Psalms 23:1 

"The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide and to shield me],
I shall not want."

 Then verse 2b :

"HE LEADS ME..."

The Lord kinda gave me HIS FATHERLY TONE; when I wanted to declare I have not had the time or place to be HEALED (and strengthened). "I have limited time, income and resources"; I told Him.

"Then dear one; YOU ARE NOT ALLOWING ME TO LEAD YOU!"  He replied.

OUCH!

What we are telling God, is I rather just go on with my un-healed wounds, and even cause more instability in my life than to trust YOU FATHER, to take me to those 'still-quiet places'; for healing.

'The place of TIME and even space; where He can take HIS TIME in HIS PRESENCE to operate on our inner being.'
~Daneille Snowden

We clearly see, written by one of the wisest men ever to live that TIME for every purpose is DESIGNED by our ALL-MIGHTY / ALL-KNOWING God! [Ecclesiastes 3:1-8] Verse 3b says:

"...a time to heal;..."

Yet, we still won't 'BE STILL' enough to HEAL! Hear the Lord crying out to His children; FOLLOW ME,  and wherever I take you, I will CARE for you. Even when we need to rest beside the still waters and have healing balm applied to our hearts: trust God with everything else. Life is not going to end there; it's just a period of time set aside for healing and restoration.

Remember, every TIME has it's PURPOSE. Let's not miss out on the purpose the Shepherd has for LEADING US beside the still waters, and tender pastures. Oh His Words will speak VOLUMES to our souls; His anointing oil will cleanse and mend our hearts, His Spirit will infuse His sweetness causing us to sing and dance again!

Take time, if you know you've been wounded and never took out the proper time and place to be healed; ask the Lord to lead. Allow Him to open your ears to hear and feet prepped, ready to go wherever He leads.

~Daneille

WHERE HE LEADS ME 

By E. W. Blandy

"Where He leads me I will follow,

Where He leads me I will follow,

Where He leads me I will follow,

I’ll go with Him, with Him all the way."

MINISTER RESOURCE PLACES TO BE REFRESHED & RESTORED LINK:

http://enrichmentjournal.ag.org/retreats.pdf  -- This link will take you to several links located all across the U.S. For evangelical pastors across the denominational table. Check it out!

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2 OF OUR FAVORITES: Camp Victory 
ADDRESS: 363 Victory Circle, Samson, AL 36477  PHONE: 334-898-7948  FAX: 334-898-7947 EMAIL: office@campvictoryal.org  WEBSITE: www.campvictoryal.org  CONTACT: Bill Richoux 
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Beside Still Waters 
ADDRESS: Taylor Family Foundation, Inc., 1111 9th Ave W, Suite E, Bradenton, FL 34205 TOLL FREE: 877-608-0999 PHONE:   941-744-1977 FAX: 941-744-1973 email: tffkathie@verizon.net WEB:www.beside-stillwaters.org Beside Still Waters Blog  http://besidestillwaters.wordpress.com/ CONTACT: Katherine Kittsmiller