THIS WEEK:

* ACCUSATIONS!!!! = Whether we like it or not. . . . they will come. . . .

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ACCUSATIONS!!!!
By Shannon Parish

Don't be mistaken - accusations WILL come. There are always those who will cause division and strife in the Body of Christ by their words and actions. Oh, that it were that we could avoid such people - but they will always be with us. It is something that we as pastors and ministers need to be constantly aware of for several reasons.

As we live our lives in the famed "glass bowl" we are responsible for our actions and the words we speak. All of us have made mistakes or said things we wish we hadn't. Whether said in exaggeration, or just said in wrong timing causing misunderstanding - we are made constantly aware of the fact that the words we, as pastors speak, carry more weight than anything others may say. Whether it is fair or not doesn't matter - it is so.

Standing in a place of authority is a grave responsibility and one in which we will be held accountable for. Therefore - "it is best to listen much, speak little, and not become angry" when others bring accusations against us unjustly. (James 1:19 = another lesson in the class, "CHARACTER 101"!) Defending ourselves only sets our accusers up as judges and juries over us. "Vengeance is mine I will repay, saith the Lord." (Hebrews 10:34) This is where our trust in God comes to play and where our faith is tested, proven and grown.

It is in these places of persecution that we come to know the true meaning of "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31) Seasons of persecution come and go, and accusers come and go - and look, who remains? See who is still on His throne!

Each time one of these seasons come, I find myself gaining in not only character, but wisdom, faith and trust in God. God has never let me down. If I have not sinned, then who am I to fear? No longer do I panic and succumb to the enemies voice of doom and gloom. There have been too many seasons of that lie already - humpf! Brush it off! As my faith grows, I also see that my rightful authority in Christ grows, and I am no longer terrified to confront the enemy and set captives free. You see - the faces and voices may change - but it is the same enemy, and if I will but stop and REALLY listen to what is being said, I will more easily be able to separate the vessel from the lies within. You see, THEY are the captives. If we can't see the enemy for who and what he is - who will set those captives free? If we only see the faces of men, then how can we know and deal with the principalities and powers at work in our cities? We aren't wrestling against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12). . . . sometimes it is hard to remember that, isn't it?

Everyone wants to be loved and accepted. But our greatest love and acceptance comes from our Heavenly Father, and again, when we get a revelation of that - then there is no fear. Because we know that He is WITH us, not against us. Do not fear what man can do to you - fear God instead - we as believers have lost our fear of God, and because of that, have been stripped of our authority over Satan, because we no longer believe in a God greater than all. Satan is out to make God's Shepherd's infertile and impotent, he does that with lies and accusations which cause fear and discouragement. Discouragement is another way of saying "without courage". Separate the flesh and blood from the principalities and powers, and you will find your self more effective in waging war.

Check your own heart first, allow God to do deep surgery on your own soul - allow Him to ask you these questions; "Why did you doubt?" "Do you trust me?" "Did I not say?" "Why do you fear?" "Did you not know?" "Who do YOU say that I am?"

If your own heart does not condemn you, then you can approach the throne of God boldly (1 John 3:21) and ask what you will. One last thought - didn't Jesus have people call him Satan's brother? Did they not get angry at Him and try to kill Him by throwing Him off a cliff? Weren't there people who didn't like what He said and left Him, leaving Him with only twelve? What about Paul? He really ticked some people off, if you will remember - and he was stoned, left for dead, chased out of towns, falsely accused of things. . . and the list goes on. If you are pastoring and in persecution - heads up - you are in good company!

Read also: 1 Tim. 5:19-25 2 Peter 2:9-22 Jude 1:8-25

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You can build a throne with bayonets, but you can't sit on it for long.
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I've suffered a great many catastrophes in my life. Most of them never happened.
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Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns: I am thankful that thorns have roses.
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Healing Stillness
Psalms 46:10

Be Still And Know That I Am God

Be still my child...
and in that stillness
you will come to know
that I AM GOD.

Stop the rush of thoughts, ideas, tasks to be performed...
Lay all aside and be still before Me.
I will not compete with your thoughts.
You must choose Me;
for then and only then, will you know, and I know,
that I AM your GOD.

In My stillness there is peace.
In quietness I dwell.
In my presence is the fullness of your joy.
My presence will restore you.
It will renew and strengthen you.
Rest from the battle and I will make you strong for the next conflict.

When you know...
when all doubts, fears, and anxieties
bow their knee to My name
and are dissipated by My presence,
when you truly know who I AM, and what I AM,
you will never fear again.

All the resources of heaven stand ready to move
on behalf of those who trust Me,
who believe that what I have said in My Word is true.
Know this well.
There is no greater power on earth than I.
I AM GOD!

I love you deeply.
I care for your life.
I sent my most Precious Possession to earth
to live a life before you that would strengthen and encourage you.
He came that you might have My life force within you.
Then He bowed His life unto Me in humble submission
and allowed His Precious Blood to be extracted from Him
as settlement for all that you would ever do wrong.

I have done all for you that needs to be done
in order for you to live your life in the power of My Spirit.
I have forgiven you;
I indwell you; and all I need from you is agreement and consent.
Then My Power will flow from you
as it did from My First Born.
You will order the affairs of your adversary.
He has no dominion over you anymore.
My Glory will be manifest in your life!
~By Justaservn

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POT LUCK !

Recipes
CHICKEN PARMESAN
>From CWEIMER4

PREP TIME: 5 MINUTES
COOKING TIME: 30 MINUTES EXACTLY!! (This is one of those recipes that
tastes best if the chicken is just done so that it is still moist)

6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 2 lbs)
2 Tbsp butter
1/2 C grated parmesan cheese
1/4 C dry bread crumbs (the Italian flavored ones in store
are great...such as Progresso bread crumbs.
1 tsp each: dried oregano, and parsley flakes (optional)
1/4 tsp each: paprika, salt, and pepper

* Heat oven to 400 degrees.
* dip chicken in melted butter (I prefer milk and egg mixture)
* dip in dry mixture
* Cook in non-stick pan for 25-30 minutes
* makes 6 servings

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People with tact have less to retract.
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For your Exploring Pleasure,
click on these hyper links and find something new to investigate!

The Cyber Hymnal

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