Restless - A Word From the Lord

 

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PASTOR'S DEALING WITH THE LIES OF OTHERS

  copyright(c)2016 Daneille Gray Snowden

2016

Art by Rev. Paul F. Gray - Retired Pastor of over 50 years in the ministry.

PASTOR'S DEALING WITH THE LIES OF OTHERS

The first time I saw this banner my own father drew many years ago, my heart sunk into my stomach. My husband, Brad and I were just starting the Pastorate ministry. I had grown-up in a Pastor's home, and saw this ugly-hurt that afflicted my parents deeply.

Yet, their response to this type of attack, is why I even today, can continue doing what God called us to do. Droves of people leave churches, and pastors quit because of an ugly weapon called the 'TONGUE'.

Being we all are human, all kinds of emotions fill our bleeding hearts. It's how we entertain those emotions that is vital to healing and then achieve victory.

Sins of the flesh rise over and over again in every home all across the globe; including the House of God.  If one is battling a babbling tongue that strikes 'deep-pain' have a teachable/pliable heart. This would allow the Holy Spirit to contain the HEART...thus the tongue would be tamed.

Yet, this does not happen quite enough does it? My own husband [Pastor Brad Snowden] and also my father [Rev. Paul Gray]; taught me a long time ago (when dealing with those who do spread gossip/lies about us and our church), is that we must first and foremost pray for them. Thus, not say a word, until it is 'for-sure' COVERED by the Blood...in our own minds, spirit and hearts. Thus, our response - if there is one; will be that of the Spirit and not the flesh.

Secondly, when we do have to approach this matter - we do so tenderly and cautiously using the Wisdom from God's Word to guide us. Recall what our own Lord Jesus, when He said;

"But I say to you, do not resist an evil person [who insults you or violates your rights]; but whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other toward him also [simply ignore insignificant insults or trivial losses and do not bother to retaliate—maintain your dignity, your self-respect, your poise]." Matt. 5:38-40

Thirdly, in dealing with the injury as it happens: The 'episode' can be a few minutes, and sometimes years regardless ; there is an injury that inflicts, isn't there? It causes a deep wound that makes your heart sick. Here is a list the defines the infliction:

1) We call this the grieving of the Holy Spirit. It was never the Lord's Will for His Children to divide- but be One.

2) The Fruits of the Spirit were spoiled in this situation.

3) Grieving the loss of a brother/sister (spiritual) friendship-hurts.

4) There is nothing we can do about it. It happened, and we must come to realize that we cannot control what comes out of the mouth of others.

 I am a mother in many ways; I want to lovingly nurture and teach my 'children' to get along, forgive and move forward [meaning in the church]. BUT... it doesn't jive when the SIN OF FLESH, PRIDE, LIES & GOSSIP come forth.

A question by many pastors and their wives I get is; "What do we do about the constant lies that continue and even those who so choose to believe them?"

First of all, I don't have a perfect answer, because every situation is different. We must realize that it all does come from ONE PLACE (doesn't it)!

'LIES ARE FROM THE PIT OF HELL!'

"You are of your father the devil, and it is your will to practice the desires [which are characteristic] of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks what it natural to him, for he is a liar and the father of lies and half-truths." Jn. 8:44 

Thus, our approach should be viewed clearly as 'SPIRITUAL WARFARE' -- and we must fast and pray! It's important to ask  others to pray, even without giving details (so you don't fall prey to the gossip as well).  I guarantee that in an amazing way and perfect time --- your heart and spirit will be healed. I have faced this over and over again being in the ministry my entire life; Yet -

"I've never seen the righteous forsaken..." Ps. 37:25

By Artist Maureen Dean Order
here. [click her name]

Next, we have to surrender this into the Hands of our Lord, that is all the words, lies and even all the hurt. This can be happen in an instant, or require an all night prayer meeting (smile), and simply day-by-day. It has been all three for me. Once this hurt has healed me (although the junk may be still spreading around) - I then experience the warmth of God's Healing touch, and then my spirit is  lightened! 
It's true! I shake my head in bewilderment, knowing my own tendencies - and I truly feel God has it all. Thus, I am able to 'HOLD MY HEAD HIGH'; no matter what is said and done. PtL!

Then, there are the 'meetings'. Yes, unfortunately; the 'official' meeting of the dispute does come at least 50% or less of the time. I rather go to a dentist...I hate 'conflict'- don't you? Who likes it? Well, unfortunately there are ones who embellish it. [SAD] How do we this?
1) Witnesses...get witnesses; your church leadership. Godly people about 3 to 5. 
2) Openness...hide nothing.  
3) Your leadership over you. In our case, a presbyter. This is if it hasn't been resolved. This is RARE.
4) Leave the meeting with a peaceful salutation. No matter how it ends. 
5) Some do not let it go, they simply want their way. If their way does NOT happen at this meeting; they will want another meeting. [A tormenting spirit; that wants control.]  END IT!  You have done all you can on your part. 
* Prayer  *Openness  *Communication  *Bring witnesses in  *Leadership brought in.

YOU'RE DONE!

6) Move on - be an excellent example to the flock & your family by displaying God's Powerful Love.

I truly believe: "All things work together for good, to them that LOVE God, and to them Who are THE CALLED according to HIS purpose." Rom. 8:28

May the Lord bless, strengthen and continue to anoint you as you GO FORWARD-- ministering for Him.

If you need to talk, or prayer; just write me and I will be 'in-touch'!
~Daneille
   

PASTOR; DO YA GOT THAT 'SINKING-FEELING'?

 copyright(c)2015 Daneille Gray Snowden

2015 

PASTOR; DO YA GOT THAT 'SINKING-FEELING'?

link

I WANT TO ENCOURAGE PASTORS THAT YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

By Daneille Gray Snowden

The call of God upon a man or woman, (when answered) totally breaths another type of life and even character into their lives. God's Heart is captured within, causing great passion for a dying world to be shown a way of salvation. As we pastors grow in our call; by serving others and spending intimate time in communion with our Lord; this PASSION intensifies greatly.  So much so, it becomes greatly what we think and talk about ALL THE TIME; which then causes our feet to move and our hands to reach out.

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By serving others within this place, position, and opportunity is the mode that turns the wheels of our calling. We LOVE-to-LOVE others by teaching them the WAY of hope and life; this of course is by the Word of God being ministered weekly. We love to listen, be a shoulder for one's to cry on, and offer sound advice coupled with the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

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As the world changes all around; in individuals lives, our communities and such: the Lord is true to giving VISION' for the ministry God has brought them to. The scripture; "Without a vision, the people will perish." (Prov. 29:18) is the energy source to compel the called man and/or woman of God to propel themselves into the Presence of their God. Why? For it's God's Vision (not man's), and Call for the Work in the Harvest!

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Atlantic Ocean Road

As we dwell on this aspect, allow me to take you down a difficult roadway for many pastors today. They have this call, God's Heart-Beat pounding intensely within; yet their voices don't seem to be heard. God's Word is preached, prayer and fasting is being practiced, God is filling the minister with His blessed Spirit that gives great 'unction' to continue the work. Still, Pastor's telephone and visit, trying whatever avenue the Lord leads them to minister; and the response is not there. God's blessed presence is felt during the worship time in the service, the Pastor preaches (filled with love) with great affection and still; there is a deafening silence.

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Pastor, if you are there; you understand when church is over you feel an aching deep within your spirit. With a gentle smile, hugs around the necks of your parishioner's and kind words (plus quick counseling sessions); the doors are closed and locked and another service is over. Or is it? We all know and do believe God's Word doesn't return void, He is working on everyone's hearts and minds what was delivered that Sunday. It's not over inside the Pastor and even their entire family either. All week long, this is the day you anticipate to be used by the Lord for lives to be changed for His Glory. Yet another service, is over;  seemingly, it seems fruit is not multiplying.

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There are ministries where the Word falls on healthy soil and God multiplies the fruit that comes forth. These ministries are filled with intercessors. There is a loving unity that abides within the Body; where brothers and sisters in Christ are just that: a family. They find it difficult to say goodbye when it's time to part. Yet, many pastors (who are true & quite genuine in their love for God & people); are in a pastorship that see's little of what a healthy church has.

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2 Timothy 3:1-5               

"But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people."

 Difficult passage of scripture; yet we all KNOW truly that this is in all the world; those who are "lovers of self - more than lovers of God."  The FRUIT of this is destruction; "It is the most destructive influence upon interpersonal relationships imaginable. It eliminates concern for the other person’s welfare and sucks the life out of any meaningful communication. It is the first sin of the universe, when Adam and Eve chose themselves over God, and it tops the list of sins that God hates" [Dr. Dan Hayden]

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This self love has been the break down of the church. When we note that priorities are based on the factor of: 'me'; other's needs are neglected (including God's). How does this affect Pastors? Those who do not allow anger to fester, still do deal with intense frustration; who feel a gnawing eating within their hearts. To be frank; it is MISERABLE! God's LIFE GIVING SPIRIT; has led the Pastor (and his entire family) to a ministry to bring LIFE. But, it's just not being received!



Here is where the Pastor battles his own emotions of loss on what to do and how to reach out, thus that leans to sadness. Feeling bewildered, realizing God's Heart; a Pastor (who is earnest in his call), approaches each day of service only knowing one thing: BE FAITHFUL.  The difficulty lies, seeing one's self and their family in disarray. Worn, but knowing God well enough that He will take care of them. The Pastor asks God the question; "Do I continue...do I keep going on, year after year, with no fruit?" Saying to his / her Lord; "God, I want to love them with Your love...I NEED to be used of You to cultivate the harvest of souls. Help me, God: I feel as if I am slowly dying not being USED UP for You!"

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Slowly dying, ouch! Not spiritually, but ministerially and emotionally. Do pastors admit that to one

another? I think not! But, there are several ministries (churches) that are in this very 'state'. There are some pastors too, who are feeling (as they long to serve) that they are slowly sinking and their feet are just getting heavier. The support in prayer, affirmation, and finances (sometimes)  is just simply non existent.

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Seek out a friend, a godly man or woman who is truly in 'touch' with the leading of the Holy Spirit. This person may or may not be a fellow pastor, or minister but can also be one who is passionate about serving the Lord and others. Confide this to them, pour your heart out. Allow them to pray for you and be your confidant. We need this. I cannot tell you that you need to leave this ministry or stay. But, I can tell you; God see's your faithfulness to Him;

 "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister." Heb. 6:10

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Hold tightly to the fact your Lord has called you and He is faithful to His promises!



"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

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Please, grab this friend and do this. Try if you are able to get time for refreshing. At this period the Lord may give you amazing strength and guidance. There is nothing like time alone with our God and family.

"Refresh my heart in Christ." Philemon 1:20

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I know several aged ministers who have had those healthy, fruitful churches as well as those dry, unhealthy ones too. What encourages me as a Pastor (with my husband); is the GLOW on their faces (reminding me of Stephen when martyred by Paul) when they speak of ALL THE YEARS of ministry and how many (of their old parishioners) have come to them (even from those barren churches) and tell them how God used them (the aged Pastor) to turn their lives over to the Lord. And how, God blessed in that their families today are serving Jesus.  Ya see, we just don't know; only God knows. Hang on my friend, God is making a way. Meanwhile, draw strength from the WELL, being filled with His refreshing!

"To this end I labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me." Colossians 1:29

Read the words to Rend Collective's song, More Than Conquerors :

"When my hope and strength is gone
You're the one who calls me on
You are the life
You are the fight
That's in my soul

We are more than conquerors, through Christ
You have overcome this world, this life....

...Nothing is impossible
Every chain is breakable
With You, we are victorious
You are stronger than our hearts
You are greater than the dark
With You, we are victorious..."

My friend; God is greater than our hearts...He is stronger...WE ARE VICTORIOUS!