This word is submitted by Carolyn Spears [cpryr@hotmail.com]

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                     A Word For Pastors
                   "Ruling And Reigning"

I have called you to rule and to reign! The seat of authority that I 
have given you is not one of complacency, but of great authority. You 
are yes under My authority, and as such, I expect you to rule and reign 
under the guidelines that I have given you. 

You ask what these guidelines are, and I say that they are in My Word. 
Like all in authority, you must know your sphere of authority. You must 
be identified "in and under Me," or they will not bow to that authority. 

Do not say "we are as grasshoppers in their sight!" Do you not understand 
that you are clothed in My Righteousness? You have been given authority 
to tread upon those things I have placed under your feet. I have not 
come to make you a "puppet authority," but one of true authority. 

Look to My word, and also to those who have come before; they were 
called to fight the battles and enemies that came before them. (They 
were not exempt from the battles.) As I called them to do so, I call 
you to do also. I am no respecter of persons! 

They battled yes, but not alone, as I was with them so I will be with 
you. The enemy would convince you that you are "but grasshoppers"-- but 
I would say to you that you are in authority over these circumstances,
and enemies to your destinies.  You are the head and not the tail, 
above and not beneath them, overcomers through the blood. This is 
forever established, unchangeable by anything or anyone who would try 
to tell you otherwise. 

The weapons that I have put at your disposal are mighty, spiritual 
weapons! You must know them; you must train yourselves and become 
skillful in them. Ask Me, and I will provide you all that you need to 
rule and reigns.

Remember that I expect you to actively rule and reign, and that 
includes the battles as well as the resting in Me. I have done all that 
is needed, now you take your position of authority, ruling and reigning 
in the territories I have given you (not someone else's territory). 

Look to Me daily for direction, aligning your will with Mine; for that
is where true authority comes from. In this, the enemies will fear and 
tremble, bowing to the authority over them. In this, the battles are 
waged and won for My Glory!