Showing posts with label Joseph. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Joseph. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Embedded Evil, Culture and Birthing - Morris Ruddick


Embedded Evil, Culture and Birthing -Morris Ruddick

 Jesus observed that the sons of this world are more shrewd with their own kind than the sons of Light. That shrewdness seems even more pronounced when darkness is leveraged within the culture.

Coincidentally, Jesus pointed to religious leaders, who should have known better, but instead were short-sighted in their grasp of reality, referring to them as blind-guides. Ones who missed the forest for the trees …. in prioritizing the leveraging of Light within the culture. Instead, they lowered the bar embracing the lures and delicacies that reduced their standard to that of the world’s system.

The stumbling block to leveraging Light; and the shrewdness in capitalizing on darkness is tied to the same factor: embedded evil. Embedded evil within the culture. It is the corruption not only hidden and dormant; but the acceptance of the overt that results from the age-old alliance of Babylon and Chaldea, the world’s system and the occult.

Yet, on record in scripture are heroes of faith whose leadership became a voice to the world. Ones who penetrated pagan cultures, with God’s people arising to reset the standard with the culture of the Kingdom into what it was designed to be.

From the foundations God laid out to Moses in the Torah; to David’s unique leadership in bringing unity within the diverse tribes of Israel; to strategies He gave to ones like Daniel, Jeremiah, the apostles and all who sought to walk in alignment with Him, the priorities needed and the ability to culturally overcome the evil lurking in the infrastructures of the link between the world’s system and the forces of darkness find power in the ability to be of one mind, with the Lord.

Countering the cultural shrewdness of the sons of the world, Paul imparted pivotal wisdom to the Philippians: “Let this mind be in you that also was in Christ Jesus.” Jesus had long prior rebuked Peter because of his short-sighted thinking: “You are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

The Standard to Process Reality
This distinctive thinking marks the foundation, being the distinguishing characteristic of the prophets and heroes of faith: the alignment of their mind-sets and priorities with God’s. Yet sadly, until recently in today’s world, those considered the masters in terms of being culture-shapers, most would agree as being voices from politics and the media.

However, since God has had a people, the defining factor between people of God and people of the world has been the influence in shaping the culture. The essence of Kingdom culture being that its uniqueness results from a cooperative effort between God and those known by His Name. The mandate of Jesus has a starting point of “You’ll be in the world, but not of the world.” Yet, the moral standard is not the goal, but a fruit of the cultural priorities being shaped by God. The religious practices of the people is not the goal but rather the means of becoming aligned with God’s thoughts and priorities. These are demarcation points from which “more” is required.

The cultural framework is what should establish the identity and standard embraced by a people. It is from the culture that the power to prosper and protect society holds residence. A culture with God at the center and the people praying, hearing and walking in the authority from hearing and obeying.

The Priorities and Power for Change
So it is, when the authority and prayers of God’s people amasses to dispel darkness and change begins, God’s power is released. Isaiah presciently discerned that with the release of His power, that Light will disperse long-term embedded evil. It is the momentum and movement we are witnessing underway around the earth today.
“Arise, shine for the Light has come and glory of the Lord has arisen upon you. For darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples, but the Lord will arise over you and His glory will be seen upon you.” Isaiah 60:1-2

Since May of this year and during the month of July I’ve been overseas, in Israel and Vietnam where I’ve spent significant time in years past imparting and investing my Kingdom message, the message of the influence of Joseph and Daniel and of God’s economy to foster change. Strategies of change.

Together with the momentum and movements underway across the globe, my reflections from these recent collaborations with key players in these key nations is that there is a groundswell of the birthing underway from on-High.

An advancing pregnancy leading to God’s people becoming increasingly united in prayer reflecting a Kingdom-impact at the cultural level.

The Unusual Impact at the Hands of a Remnant
From the times of Enoch, Noah and Abraham, the Lord has done remarkable things through the hands of a remnant. Unusual things to preserve and give relevance to Kingdom culture. Seeds sown to produce a movement within the culture.

Even when faced with the embedded evil represented in the culture that overwhelmed his nephew Lot, what arose with Abraham was a righteous remnant aligned with God that set in motion the strategy …. providing the sufficiency for the Lord to turn the tide to actuate change.

This strategy of change was the Lord’s underlying instruction and seed to sow in Jeremiah’s obedience: “You are my battleaxe and weapon of war. Through you I will break nations in pieces. Through you I will destroy kingdoms and strongholds.” Then with his remnant doing their part, the Lord concluded His instruction with: “And I will repay Babylon and Chaldea.”

When the birthing of a movement within the culture takes root in manifesting, the dynamic foreseen by Isaiah of “arise, shine” is accompanied with His glory. It is then that embedded evil is subjected to being scattered and dispersed. It suggests the disruption of the “birth pangs” described by Jesus in Matthew 24.

Yet, the end-result is best understood as Daniel discerned and interpreted the dream of Nebuchadnezzar: a stone cut out without hands struck the image of worldly powers on its feet of iron and clay and broke them in pieces, decimating the foundational powers, with the wind dispersing them until the stone became a great mountain, filling the whole earth.

What Daniel foresaw was more than a cultural reshaping, but a momentous transformation of reality. It reflects the enormous potential residing in a movement, which so often is set in motion by a remnant.

While in Israel, I was honored to participate in a neighborhood prayer meeting; sensing the significance of its impact along with those of others who regularly gather to pray. These are those creating the groundswell; whose faith has been storming the gates and reaching for the birthing and change of such a movement within the soul of Israel.

It is not unlike the home-church movement that against all odds has reshaped the course of Vietnam to now have alliances with Israel and strong, influential believers ensconced in the highest levels of its national infrastructures.

Catching the Glimmers
There is indeed a momentum gaining in this process of birthing that is underway across the earth.

It is not without significance with these movements …. and the potential represented by the simplicity of obedience of believers in embracing their part in praying and reaching for more ….. that I’ve been drawn to better understand the gift of giving and its part in this equation.

Following this thread, I’ve been reminded of the models, the “shifts of resources” that have been used to undermine embedded evil and corruption at the cultural level. Models in which God used ones like Joseph the Patriarch to harness worldly resources to stave off the impact of judgment and tribulation and release redemption.

The birthing currently underway ties into the simplicity of agendas triggering a sovereign transfer of resources. It’s not unrelated to the timing in my reconnecting in Israel and Vietnam ….and their alliances, together with making deeper inroads in terms of alliances in sub-Saharan Afrika. In each case, these alignments represent a process that has been many years in taking root.

All toward the tapestry of alliances on a global-scale …. that knit righteous remnants with the persecuted and the oppressed in the movements and birthing in support of the restoration of Israel. Unusual but evident in this process is this dynamic of sowing, not unlike the time that God instructed Isaac to sow during a time of famine.

What has distinguished the Vietnamese since losing their freedom in 1975 … and the eventual scattering of darkness across the land has been their resilience in discerning the glimmers needed to reach for the Light. Amazing faith has been demonstrated in their over-arching resilience to continually reach higher; to pray for their leaders and for ones with very different cultural backgrounds; as believers in the North and South have united in their support of one another.

The deep darkness they faced after 1975 was not unlike that foreseen by Isaiah. Economically, it had a severe impact not only on the South, but the North, as evidenced in 70 percent of the boat people being those fleeing the North. Yet the purity of the prayers from village to village, as well as from high-levels in their society eventually resulted in a series of significant spiritual awakenings and persecution-related policy-changes enhancing the movement that is still underway.

While there has always been a deep love in drawing me to work with and keep returning to Vietnam, there’s something about the “reach” of these people who live on the cusp of miracles …..whose purpose in life is so tied to the Lord and His Kingdom, that it overshadows everything else. It taps the roots of building and restoration discerned by Isaiah (in chapter 58).

Evidence of Movements Dispersing Embedded Evil
When the birthing of a movement within a culture sinks its roots, the result will be building and restoration. With it will come the dispersing of embedded evil. It is accompanied by the role of key game-changers, like Joseph and Daniel, ones with princely anointings.

In the short period of my most recent overseas visit, I witnessed unusual alliances that deeply penetrated bastions of embedded evil: rescue efforts from human trafficking; a Christian brand of the “Ronald McDonald’s House” program sending ripples of hope and prayer to families with kids needing critical surgeries; communities uniting to strengthen the faith of their youth; leaders putting their own safety at risk in standing against increases in persecution against high-profile leaders; generational legacies that are enhancing the movement; sensitive mentoring among leaders in need of fresh vision and restoration.

The Significance of Sowing in Bringing Change
As such movements gain momentum, there will come the intentional focus of an increase in sowing. The sowing of Light; the sowing of righteousness; the sowing of upright voices; the sowing that births agendas that foster positive cultural change …. sowing that yields building and restoration and the momentums of movements.

It is the level of sowing described by Amos (9:13) as being a time when the sower overtakes the reaper ….denoting a continuum in the process underway.

A time when unusual resources are made available to the righteous, especially those prepared with princely anointings for cultural-level, national alignments and shakings. For unlocking prisons of darkness, deep darkness as well as furthering the movements rather than fostering institutional hierarchies.

It embraces prophecies made by this ministry in the 90s that point to days in which great alliances harness resources providing refuge during times of turbulence. A time when those prepared with the GIFT of giving are released to do exploits considered supernatural and strategic.
Just as in the days of Joseph and Daniel, God will bring out mighty works at your hand. As you are led into the midst of the world, kings, rulers, leaders will be converted and humbled. You’ll work beside them and your counsel will be heeded for their good.”

______________________________

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Morris Ruddick has been a forerunner of the Joseph-calling and God’s economy message, being an international voice for the higher dimensions of spiritual game-changers and intercessors since the mid-90s. As founder of Global Initiatives Foundation, the Strategic Intercession Global Network [SIGN] and designer of the God’s Economy Entrepreneurial Equippers Program and the Jewish Business Secrets YouTube series, Mr. Ruddick’s messages equip leaders and economic community builders with strategy where God’s light is dim in diverse regions around the globe.

He is author of “The Joseph-Daniel Calling;” “Gods Economy, Israel and the Nations;” “The Heart of a King;” “Something More;” “Righteous Power in a Corrupt World;” “Leadership by Anointing;” and “Mantle of Fire,” which address the mobilization of business and governmental leaders with destinies to impact their communities. They are available in print and e-versions from www.Amazon.com, www.apple.com/ibooks and www.BarnesandNoble.com.

Global Initiatives Foundation (www.strategic-initiatives.org) is a tax-exempt 501 (c) 3 non-profit whose efforts mobilize economic community builders imparting influence and the blessings of God. Checks on US banks should be made out to Global Initiatives and mailed to 3838 South Wabash Street, Denver CO 80237 or by credit card at https://strategic-initiatives.org/donate/

2025 Copyright Morris Ruddick — info@strategic-initiatives.org

Since early 1996, the Strategic Intercession Global Network (SIGN) has mobilized prophetic intercessors and leaders committed to targeting strategic-level issues impacting the Body on a global basis. For more information go to https://strategic-initiatives.org

#EmbeddedEvil #Culture #Birthing #MorrisRuddick #Joseph #Daniel #Vietnam #Jesus #Kingdom #Noah #Abraham #Israel #Vietnamese

Friday, December 7, 2018

"Zoe's Christmas Dream" - "If You Just Believe", Antioch International Church



Published on Dec 7, 2018
"Zoe's Christmas Dream" - "If You Just Believe", Antioch International Church Dec. 7, 2018 Friday pm production Videos filmed and shared by Steve Martin - to give appreciation to and love for those we support, through Love For His People, Inc.

Sunday, November 25, 2018

Kill It So It Can Live. Again. (Part 1 of 2) - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Kill It So It Can Live. Again. (Part 1 of 2)
Now Think On This
Steve Martin


“For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection…” (Romans 6:5, NKJV)


Life. Death. Burial. Resurrection.

As I read Don Moen’s new autobiography, “God Will Make A Way” (Thomas Nelson, 2018), I was struck by a paragraph in which he explains how typically the Lord works, when He gives us a vision for our life.


“There seems to be a pattern that the Lord often uses in our lives. He will birth a vision in us. Then there will be a point where we feel led to lay it down, even to the point of letting it die. Once we believe the vision is dead and gone, He will revive and restore it in us, often making our passion stronger than ever.” Don Moen

He reveals the vision. We start to see it happen. He asks us to kill it. (Or He does.) And then months, years or decades later He resurrects it.

It happened with Moses. So too with Joseph. Many of the prophets. And of course Jesus. Life. Death. Burial. Resurrection. Ever happen with you? If not yet, it will. If it is God from the beginning.

Personally, I can relate. Yes, indeed. I got it.

Music has always been a joy in my heart. Beginning with the period of time that I took basic chord guitar lessons on my cheap, Gibson starter guitar (rented, if I remember right) in 6th grade, going to the YMCA building in Waterloo, Iowa (thanks Dad and Mom for always driving me the 15 miles, waiting the half hour during the group lessons, and then taking me home every week!) Mrs. Fullilove, a rather robust, jolly black lady in her mid-40’s I think, taught me the G, C, D, and minor chords. I learned how to play “Red River Valley” and a few more during those months with her small group.

Then it was onto 7th grade, carrying my guitar, that I had bought with my Waterloo Courier paper route money, the one and half miles (yes, even in the snow at times in Cedar Falls, Iowa!) to the single man who taught me even more, with picking, songwriting and such. At $15/half hour, that was a stretch for me way back in 1962. Again, thank you Lord for my paper route!

A song I played at the 8th-grade talent show encouraged me to continue, singing Song of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel. Somewhat in high school and a small bit in college, I led worship at small Christian home groups. I regret I never learned bar chords though. I could never wrap my wrist far enough around the neck it seemed to master that essential part of playing more songs than I ever did.


After Laurie and I got married in 1977, we sang together in choirs and led worship many times in churches, with me strumming the guitar along with both of us singing lead vocals. By 2002 we also formed the “Steve Martin & the Raiders” band, wanting to hit the “secular” scene with Gospel praise and worship. My thought was to “Be as David did, and go out into the highways and the byways, “raiding” the lost souls for Jesus.” With Steve Martin being my actual name, I felt that would be a name catch too and get people’s attention to come to check us out. That lasted two years.

Finally, around 2011, we brought together Jew, black, white, Indian, male and female, to form the “Ahava Love Band” (“ahava” being love in Hebrew, so we had the real One New Man band – both Jew and Gentile!) Through 2013 we enjoyed the joys, struggles, and commitment it took to keep the band team together.

Steve & Laurie's music...over the years.
Then we quit it all. 

Right before a Saturday night Messianic Jew-led gathering, in August of 2013, in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Lord told me that this was it for the worship band. End of the road. Time to lay it all down. Bury the band.

And He was right. Right before the meeting started, the keyboard player/singer told me she was leaving because the band was “under our non-profit” Love For His People, Inc. ministry, a 501©3 tax-exempt organization, and thus essentially “controlled by the US government”. Because of that, she said she could no longer be a part of us. I said, “OK”, but even before then the Holy Spirit had told me that this was the end. So it didn’t crush me as I would normally have experienced.

And so for the next five years, neither Laurie or I sang again. My Takamine guitar had long before been laid down, but now even my tambourine, orange shaker, and “lead vocal” instrument was laid to rest. Laurie’s beautiful alto voice no longer sang publicly, except as part of the full church congregation worship during Sunday morning services. We had no plans to ever sing again – as a duet, band vocals, or as a worship team backup or lead singers.

But…never say never if you walk with the Lord Jesus!!!


And so, this week of November 26, 2018, I shall continue this real, right now story in my next Now Think On This message. I am thrilled to share it with you!

Shalom and ahava (peace and love in Hebrew).

Now think on this,

Steve Martin
Founder/President
Love For His People, Inc.




P.S. Want an adventure walking the streets of Jerusalem? Come with me sometime! And in the meantime, watch my short videos that I recorded in October 2018 as I did that just that. Jerusalem October 2018 playlist

P.S.S. I hope you get my latest book, Adventures in Courage, just out this November. Paperback or Kindle versions. My 19th authored publication. (Yes, this is an advertisement!)
  
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Now Think On This #371 - in the year of our Lord 11.25.18 –Kill It So It Can Live. Again. – Part 1 of 2)”  Sunday, 4:10 pm

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

An Ancient Profession ✡ "Yosef Tended The Flocks With His Brothers" - Israel365

This, then, is the line of Yaakov: At seventeen years of age, Yosef tended the flocks with his brothers, as a helper to the sons of his father’s wives Bilha and Zilpa.

אֵלֶּה תֹּלְדוֹת יַעֲקֹב יוֹסֵף בֶּן־שְׁבַע־עֶשְׂרֵה שָׁנָה הָיָה רֹעֶה אֶת־אֶחָיו בַּצֹּאןוְהוּא נַעַר אֶת־בְּנֵי בִלְהָה וְאֶת־בְּנֵי זִלְפָּה

בראשית לז:ב
AY-leh tol-DOT ya-a-KOV yo-SAYF ben sh’-va es-RAY sha-NAH ha-YAH
ro-EH et e-KHAV ba-TZON v’-HU NA-ar et b’-NAY bil-HAH v’-et b’-NAY zil-PAH

Today's Israel Inspiration

This week's Torah Portion is Vayeishev. This action-packed portion tells the story of Joseph’s sale and early years in Egypt, before his rise to fame and fortune. It is no coincidence that so many biblical heroes are shepherds. The Sages point out that this simple profession is excellent spiritually, for two reasons. On one hand, the abundance of time for quiet reflection and meditation allows the shepherd to develop an intimate relationship with God. On the other hand, a shepherd who excels in his work acquires a deep sensitivity to the needs of each and every sheep in his flock. What Yosef learns as a young shepherd enables him to become a paradigm of leadership for all future generations in the service of God and the service of man. To learn more about the Bible and Biblical Hebrew from the comfort of your own home, please visit the Israel Institute of Biblical Studies.

The Meaning of the Jordan River in the Bible

Do you want to become a better reader of the Bible? Knowing the original meaning of biblical places is an unparalleled tool for understanding the Bible.

US Hebrew Charter Schools Immerse Non-Jewish Students in Holy Language

Two American public charter schools which focus on teaching modern Hebrew sent a diverse group of 32 middle school graduates to tour Israel this past month.

The Israel365 Calendar
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“And he lay down and slept under a broom-tree; and, behold, an angel touched him, and said unto him: ‘Arise and eat.’” (I Kings 19:5)

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Today's Israel Photo

A Jewish shepherd leads his flock through the hills near Shiloh, Israel.

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Dear Rabbi Tuly Weisz, it's really a heartwarming to receive news letter coming from you. I enjoyed reading them and it lights up my mind. We are from the Philippines and we always pray for Peace for the Land and People of Israel. Whose people chosen by Adonai to be His set apart people. Right now, we study Torah and we practiced them and obey them. We believed that this the Covenant of God with Israel, a Ketuvah to which Adonai express His Love to man. We are small Torah Community here and we are going to visit the Land of Israel before this year ends. I am so excited seeing the Promised Land. Dennis Harder
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